Diversionary candidates something of a tradition in Arizona

Arizona has a long history of colorful characters who have been accused of conspiring to defeat their foes by running diversionary candidates.

Lawmakers say the darndest things

Arizona lawmakers finished one of the fastest sessions in recent memory this April, but still found time for behavior that amazes, amuses and sometimes embarrasses the state’s legislative body.

Bill expanding scope of state trespassing laws revived

A bill expanding the scope of Arizona’s trespassing laws is drawing comparison to efforts in 2010 to make illegal immigrants’ presence in Arizona a violation of state law as a part of SB1070.

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.

Immigration rights group makes point by delivering toilet to Seel’s office

The pro-immigration rights group that spearheaded the successful recall and ouster of conservative icon Russell Pearce almost three years ago is going after one of his allies in the Legislature – with a toilet.

AZ GOP lawmakers want state to pay for SB1070 supporters’ legal fees

Republican leaders in both chambers of the Arizona Legislature are pushing legislation to pay for the legal fees of current and former lawmakers whose memos and letters have been subpoenaed by opponents of SB 1070.

Surgeon to challenge Worsley in Senate primary

An orthopedic surgeon from the East Valley is poised to challenge Sen. Bob Worsley, R-Mesa, in next year’s Republican primary.

Bigger stakes, smaller crowds

As the national immigration debate rages, enthusiasm in Arizona fades.

Rally kicks off Medicaid referendum drive

The push to refer Gov. Jan Brewer’s Medicaid expansion plan to the ballot began in earnest as opponents of the bill rallied at the Capitol before fanning out across the Valley to collect signatures.

Problems surface over Arizona’s 2007 employer sanction immigration law

The immigration debate in Arizona reached a boiling point in 2007 when the state passed a groundbreaking law targeting those often blamed with fueling the nation's border woes: Employers who hire immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.

Recall bill soundly defeated in Senate

A bill to overhaul the recall election process in Arizona to protect Sheriff Joe Arpaio and other elected officials was defeated today in the state Senate. HB2282 failed by a 10-18 vote. It would have created a primary and general election process in the event an elected official is recalled, as opposed to the current non-partisan, winner-take-all election.