Election law opponents move toward a referendum
Critics of the state’s new election law today filed papers to create a political committee that will challenge the legislation through a referendum.
Arizona appeal of voter ruling would go to panel with no members
Arizona has taken the U.S. Supreme Court’s advice to sidestep its ruling against the state, but there’s a catch. In doing so, it would be appealing to an effectively non-existent federal commission.
Bill would allow Bennett to choose prosecutor in Horne case
Despite a judge’s ruling, Secretary of State Ken Bennett may still be able to sidestep Attorney General Tom Horne in the campaign finance case against the AG and a top staffer.
Will Medicaid matter in 2014? Potential candidates for governor offer their thoughts
The intraparty battle raging in Republican circles over Gov. Jan Brewer’s Medicaid expansion plan has not yet extended into the race to succeed her.
Judge questions MCAO case against Horne; ruling expected on Thursday
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge expressed skepticism over the county attorney’s authority to pursue alleged campaign finance violations by Attorney General Tom Horne, putting the future of the case in question as the state’s top law enforcement officer and a key aide prepare to fight the charges in court.
Election bills face further problems in conference committee
Lawmakers attempted to push through a set of bogged-down election bills in a comprehensive 43-page amendment in conference committee Wednesday afternoon, but the committee was called off minutes after the amendment began circulating at the Capitol.
New contribution limits could be game-changer for campaigns
Campaign cash may come pouring into some of Arizona’s top races next year thanks to a new law allowing candidates to raise far more money.
Critics say the bill will flood campaigns with more money and influence-buying, and that it may be the final nail in the coffin of Arizona’s voter-approved Clean Elections system.
Definition of lobbyist hard to pin down
Even the question of who is a lobbyist is debatable, thanks to wide-ranging exemptions in the laws governing who is required to register as a lobbyist. Those exemptions cover everyone from John Q. Public to, arguably, one of the state’s most powerful public policy groups: The Goldwater Institute.
Lobbying records reveals loopholes, reporting gaps and errors
Almost daily, Arizona politicians face an army of lobbyists who are ready to spend money on dinners, drinks, parties and travel, aimed at currying favor and eventually bending the public... […]
Recall petition filed against Kavanagh
Republican state Rep. John Kavanagh of Fountain Hills is the third public official in the state facing a possible recall campaign, as opponents filed a recall petition against him today citing “attacks on students, LGBTQ individuals and attempts to thwart legitimate recall efforts.”
Carmona won’t run for Arizona governor in 2014
Richard Carmona says he won't be running for Arizona governor in 2014.