Budget and immigration, an inseparable diptych?

Senate President Russell Pearce, Arizona’s most prominent anti-illegal immigration firebrand, has always argued that illegal immigration and the state’s budget woes are inseparable. But the two issues may have formed a diptych in ways that many, including Pearce, probably did not anticipate.

Bundgaard is out, Biggs is in

Sen. Andy Biggs, an eloquent speaker and conservative legislator from Gilbert, emerged as the new majority leader following a closed-door meeting this afternoon.

Building, buying & selling: Contractors, sellers, regulators and unions vie (hope) for positives in 2011

From homebuilders to Realtors, representatives of the recession-ravaged construction and real estate industries are doggedly pursuing dual legislative goals.

They’re determined to block legislation that they say would further sink their struggling businesses while supporting measures that might give them a financial boost. Several bills are under consideration that would make it easie[...]

Pearce points to Constitution for power to oust activists

In banning some immigration activists from setting foot in the Senate building, Senate President Russell Pearce insists he has the backing of the state Constitution, which says each legislative chamber will determine its own rules and procedures.

Pearce restricts press conferences inside Senate

Arguing that the move would make it easier to secure the chamber, Senate President Russell Pearce on Tuesday issued a memo saying press conferences that are open to the public will no longer be allowed inside the Arizona Senate building.

Raucous week for Arizona immigration law hearing

Six people have been arrested at the state Senate and at least two people barred from returning during a raucous week surrounding illegal-immigration legislation.

Pearce drops “omnibus” immigration bill

Although he calls it a mere “clean-up bill,” Senate President Russell Pearce is pushing legislation to tighten immigration laws by denying illegal immigrants access to public benefits, from operating or titling vehicles to enrolling in community colleges.

2011 ‘jobs bill’: Dead then, a deal now

In 2010, a jobs bill passed the House and died, but its resurrection shows how Arizona politics gets done in 2011.

PLUS: Jobs bil[...]