LUCHA emerges as key PAC in Arizona progressive movement
Fourteen of the 15 legislative and county candidates who received endorsements and varying degrees of financial support from activist group LUCHA emerged victorious in last week’s primaries, a figure progressives say is evidence of the organization’s growing influence in Democratic circles.
Incumbents kill union ploy to shape Democratic caucus
When Democratic primary voters rebuked a series of challengers to progressive incumbents and their allies on August 4, they weighed in on the identity crisis of a long-suffering party finally approaching the precipice of success.
David Garcia’s call to reform ICE politically risky in Arizona
David Garcia’s recent calls to overhaul the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency may have been a step too far, and the resistance he has received could be a sign that unapologetic progressivism won’t play well in Arizona this election cycle.
Behind the Ballot: Big left turn
David Garcia says he's the same candidate he's always been, but political observers have seen him take a big left turn and embrace a more progressive message than ever before.
Lobbyists take leap of faith to open progressive firm in red state
No one is required to work for anyone, and lobbyists are no exception. But no firm in Arizona is as blunt about the process of vetting clients as Creosote Partners, launched this week by lobbyists Marilyn Rodriguez and Sam Richard.
Will Gaona: ACLU lobbyist walking the walk in GOP-controlled Capitol
Will Gaona, a five-session veteran at the Capitol, is in his third year with the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, often fighting uphill battles at the Capitol for progressive causes not often embraced by a predominantly Republican Legislature.
Wrap up with Rebecca Rios
In her first year as House Democratic leader, Rebecca Rios, D-Phoenix, a longtime lawmaker, was hopeful that her caucus could take a rare vote in favor of a GOP-backed budget. But when the budget didn’t go far enough toward investing in Arizona’s teachers, House Democrats held true to their beliefs and their prom-ises, and voted against the budget package.