There has been a lot of talk during the past few weeks about independent expenditure committees and their impacts. Specifically, there has been a lot of discussion about the direction and effectiveness of the Senate Republican Victory Fund.

The fact of the matter is there are two types of independent expenditures: IEs for “impact” and IEs for “appearance.” Think of it as work horses versus show ponies.

The letter “Pierce used Victory Fund in failed effort to retain presidency” by political consultant Constantin Querard published in the Jan. 25 edition of the Arizona Capitol Times was both sadly misinformed and bemusing.

As 2012 comes to a close, some Arizona politicos have reached new heights of prominence and power. Others saw once-promising careers hit the wall.

Jeff Flake and Kyrsten Sinema gained influence and stature in the nation’s capital, while Andy Biggs reached the pinnacle of power in the Arizona Senate.

Meanwhile, former Senate President Russell Pearce and his successor, Sen. Steve Pierce, fell from grace, while a slew of Republican candidates once again failed in their bids to reach the halls of Congress.

Outside groups dug deep into their war chests and poured millions of dollars into state Senate races, splurging in amounts unmatched in Arizona history and inundating voters with attack ads.

Incoming Senate President Andy Biggs, a conservative Republican from Gilbert, promised to be inclusive and immediately refrained from weighing in on some of the biggest issues facing Arizona without first consulting his caucus.

A Senate leader today vigorously defended Sen. Frank Antenori from allegations he asked a Republican committee, through Senate President Steve Pierce, to spend money on his race.

After hours of heated discussion, the Maricopa County Republican Committee passed a resolution Thursday night opposing the continued leadership of the current Arizona Senate President and House Speaker.

Outside campaign groups have ramped up their electioneering activity this month, spending roughly $246,000 to help elect or defeat state Senate candidates.

A well-funded independent expenditure group launched what is likely to be the first of numerous attacks targeting three Democratic candidates in hotly-contested state Senate races.

An independent expenditure committee associated with Senate President Steve Pierce will be in a strong position to defend Republican seats, having raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, mostly from business interests, in the last few weeks.