Lawmakers expected to pass budget Tuesday, then tackle Brewer’s personnel agenda
The Republican-led Legislature plans to approve an $8.6 billion spending plan for the state on Tuesday, shortly after Gov. Jan Brewer and GOP leaders sealed a budget agreement last week.
Republicans file 2 lawsuits challenging redistricting maps
Republican critics of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission will file two lawsuits that seek to force the redrawing of the commission’s approved legislative and congressional districts.
Pearce would consider accepting state reimbursement for recall
Former Senate President Russell Pearce says he would consider accepting a $260,000 reimbursement from the state for the expenses of his recall election if his allies in the Legislature are successful in securing the money for him.
Republican budget talks moving again
Gov. Jan Brewer and legislative leaders resumed talks on the budget Thursday, three days after the governor told them to stop sending her bills until they get the state’s spending plan completed.
The meeting seemed to reaffirm the two sides’ commitment to negotiate the state budget within the Republican Party. The meeting came as some GOP lawmakers considered the possibility of join[...]
Brewer places moratorium on bills until budget done
Talks on the budget may be on the verge of breaking down, as Gov. Jan Brewer today told Republican legislative leaders that she will not sign any more bills until the budget is done.
Republican lawmakers and Brewer have been at loggerheads over a budget deal all session. The governor called for increased spending in education and some social programs, but Republicans have said she wan[...]
Quayle tops Schweikert in CD6 fundraising
Ben Quayle topped fellow first-term Congressman David Schweikert in their first campaign finance reports of the year, but the candidates’ overall fundraising is still nearly even when it comes to money that can be spent in the Republican primary for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District.
Senate OKs bill to allow employers to deny contraception coverage; but deal in works
Persuaded by a promise to substantially narrow the legislation, the Senate today passed a measure to allow employers with religious objections to not pay for their workers’ contraception coverage.
Justice Department approves congressional redistricting plan
The U.S. Department of Justice today announced it has approved Arizona’s proposed congressional redistricting plan, despite a last minute appeal by some Republicans who said minority voting rights could have been strengthened.
McCain to Santorum: Time for ‘graceful exit’
WASHINGTON a�� Sen. John McCain says Rick Santorum should recognize "it's time for a graceful exit" from the Republican presidential campaign in the wake of Mitt Romney's sweep of primaries in Wisconsin, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Shooter to move to new LD13
Sen. Don Shooter, a Yuma Republican, will be moving to a neighboring legislative district to avoid running for reelection in a Democratic-leaning area.
Arizona House rejects immediate ouster of Patterson
The Arizona House has refused to immediately expel Rep. Daniel Patterson over allegations of inappropriate behavior toward other lawmakers but agreed to speed up the pending ethics case against the newly turned independent from Tucson.
Crandall plans Senate campaign after all – will run in neighboring district
Sen. Rich Crandall, a Republican from Mesa, will be seeking reelection to the Senate after all.