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Best quotes – 2012 legislative session
Our reporters catch lawmakers during their happy, upset, frustrated and humorous moments . . .
As new Senate president, rancher Pierce deftly stepped through political minefields
Senate President Steve Pierce, a rancher from Prescott, has a habit of walking into difficult situations.
He did it once three years ago, when he became the de facto majority whip, and he did it again last year, when he vied for the position and became Senate president after Russell Pearce was ousted in a special recall election in November.
Russell Pearce gone but not forgotten by legislative allies
A phantom of sorts lurked in the Senate last session.
Divas weren’t held captive in a cellar. Chandeliers weren’t damaged. But ousted Senate President Russell Pearce’s presence was felt in the chamber that he once ran.
GOP lawmakers approve $8.6B spending plan (updated)
Republican leaders quickly consolidated support behind an $8.6 billion budget plan and gave it final approval today, less than a week after finally reaching a deal with Gov. Jan Brewer.
The spending plan is a product of a session-long negotiation between Brewer and legislative leaders, and the give-and-take between the two sides is palpable throughout the budget document.
Pearce allies: Cut him $250K check for recall costs
Former Senate President Russell Pearce is facing a wealthy opponent in this year’s elections, but his campaign could receive a six-figure windfall from the state treasury if some Republican lawmakers have their way.
House passes narrowed-down contraception bill
State representatives today passed a scaled-back bill that would allow religious-based employers to deny contraception coverage to their workers.
The amended bill, HB2625, passed the Arizona House by a vote of 36-21, and will need to go back to the Senate for final approval there. If approved there, it will be delivered to Gov. Jan Brewer for either a signature or a veto.
GOP leaders heeding Brewer’s veto warning
After Gov. Jan Brewer yesterday told GOP legislative leaders that she will veto any bills that land on her desk before a budget is completed, the warning is being heeded in the Senate. “I am not sending any bills to her today,” said Senate President Steve Pierce. “She asked not to. So we’re going to try and help her out and work with her.”
Compromise cooking on contraception bill
Legislators are advancing a compromise to scale back a controversial bill on health plan coverage for contraception.
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.
Klein explores run for House in LD1
Sen. Lori Klein, a Republican from Anthem, is exploring a run in a new, mostly north-central Arizona district that she has been drawn into.
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.
Lawmakers: Members bringing guns to Capitol over Patterson concerns
Some lawmakers have begun bringing firearms to the state Capitol, citing a growing fear of Rep. Daniel Patterson, whose alleged hostile outbursts and erratic behavior were detailed in an investigative report on Monday.
