Parraz power: GOP’s favorite liberal nemesis is here to stay
In the three years since the ouster of conservative icon Russell Pearce from the state Senate, the conversation on illegal immigration has shifted. More Republicans now embrace the idea of extending citizenship to undocumented immigrants who were brought to America as children, and some public colleges even offer in-state tuition rates to those children.
Bigger stakes, smaller crowds
As the national immigration debate rages, enthusiasm in Arizona fades.
Russell Pearce stood on the Senate lawn last Saturday, reciting the same anti-illegal immigration rhetoric that boosted him to national fame in 2010 with the passage of his SB1070. This time, the crowd around Pearce had become much smaller.Arpaio critic’s suit over 2008 arrest dismissed
A lawsuit by a critic of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio over the critic's disorderly conduct and trespassing arrest in 2008 was dismissed on the day the trial was to start.
Latino groups condemn 2 early-voting bills; plan legal action to stop them
Faith Mendoza is a 17-year-old honor student from Chandler who spent hundreds of hours through the 2012 election walking the streets, registering voters and then picking up early ballots from people who otherwise might not have voted.
By most accounts, she is a model citizen. But if SB1003 passes through the Legislature in its present form and is signed by the governor, continuing her volun[...]
Lawmakers push election overhaul — target early voting, contributions, signature gathering
Maricopa County elections officials don’t want to see a repeat of 2012.
After Election Day, the county had a record number of provisional ballots. For two weeks afterward, they counted votes, including thousands of provisional ballots caused by people who had received early ballots in the mail but chose to vote in person on Election Day instead.
Joe Arpaio foes launch recall effort
Members of the coalition that recalled former Senate President Russell Pearce are setting their sights on a bigger prize – Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Organizers of a recall campaign against the long-serving sheriff filed paperwork for their recall committee, Respect Arizona, with county election officials today.
Wild West moments of 2012
While the mood at the state Capitol this past year might be best described as riotous, 2012 — the Chinese Year of the Dragon — was marked with fewer gaffes, catfights and over-the-top name calling among Arizona’s political elite.
A lesson in victimology
If Thomas intended to make a coherent case for himself after his disbarment yesterday, his effort today was marred during a bizarre press conference in which he said Arizona has turned into Mexico and compared himself to Gandhi, MLK and a Nobel laureate. He held the event near the Wells Fargo building downtown – the site of Arpaio’s office – but was overshadowed at times by those who had gat[...]
Don’t tell Randy Parraz
At this month’s Arizona Republican Party mandatory meeting, state committeemen will have the chance to return Pearce to an elected post.
That should go over well
Gallardo told our reporter that legislators can bring two guests for the opening day of session in the House chamber, where Brewer will give her state address. So he’s bringing a familiar figure – activist Randy Parraz.
No recalls yet, but Brewer and Arpaio put on notice by anti-Pearce group
Though the historic effort to recall former Sen. Russell Pearce ended with his ouster, those behind the campaign aren’t going to stop there.
The group that spearheaded the recall election of Pearce will be putting pressure on two other eminent Republican politicians: Gov. Jan Brewer and Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Capitol Quotes: Nov. 11, 2011
This week's most outstanding quips, jibes and utterances.