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Senate split leaves little room for error
Unlike the supermajority Senate Republicans enjoyed under the leadership of Russell Pearce and Steve Pierce in 2011 and 2012, Senate President Andy Biggs has been forced to work with the chamber’s slimmest majority in years, leaving little room for error on the Senate floor.
Brewer faces tough decisions on how to expand Medicaid
More than six weeks after Gov. Jan Brewer surprised fellow Republicans by announcing her plan to push for Medicaid expansion, the proposal has yet to be formally introduced in the Legislature.
Arizona braces for federal budget cuts
Across the state, Arizonans are bracing for federal spending cuts that will take effect Friday barring compromise between President Barack Obama and the House Republican leadership over a plan to reduce the national debt.
House committee passes bill to ban gun owner databases
The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would expand the state’s law prohibiting cities from keeping databases of gun-related transactions to include firearm ownership as well.
Republicans unlikely to negotiate budget with Democrats
While Democrats gained seats following last year’s elections, Republicans are still likely to craft the state budget on their own rather than directly negotiate with the minority.
Arizona’s delegation splits on ‘fiscal cliff’ vote
Arizona's U.S. House delegation split along party lines late Tuesday night as the House passed the so-called "fiscal cliff" agreement.
Pearce says District 25 dispute is over cheating
Former Senate President Russell Pearce said the dispute over organizational elections in Legislative District 25 is over cheating, not a power struggle between political factions as it has been portrayed in a federal lawsuit.
Pearce, a precinct committeeman in the heavily conservative Mesa district, said the lawsuit, filed Dec. 24 in U.S. District Court in Phoenix, is an attempt to cover [...]
Lewis leaving Senate, but legacy of civil dialogue and compromise remains
When the year is over, departing Sen. Jerry Lewis, a Republican from Mesa, will have served half a term, a fraction of a senator’s typical length of stay at the state Capitol.
Arpaio backs AZGOP Chairman Morrissey
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says that Tom Morrissey deserves a second term as Arizona Republican Party chairman when party activists meet in January to decide whether to keep Morrissey as their leader or replace him.
Dems hoping Brewer will reach out on health care issues
If Gov. Jan Brewer pushes for a state-run health insurance exchange or Medicaid expansion next session, there is little doubt that she’ll need more than just Republican votes.
Hispanic electorate expanded, but still didn’t reach potential
For those who want to see more of Arizona’s Hispanic community participate in the political process, 2012 provided both a reason to celebrate and an impetus for continued effort.
Senate announces new committee assignments
Incoming Republican leaders have completed the reorganization of Senate committees following last week’s elections. As expected, the Senate will have fewer committees, but the core panels that serve as gatekeepers of the thousands of ideas lawmakers grapple with each year have been retained.
