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Capitol Quotes: March 18, 2011
“My first impression is, ‘Wow.’” — Rep. Bob Robson, R-Chandler, reacting to the Senate’s budget proposal.
Immigration on the agenda
On the heels of saying he expects the Senate to vote on a budget as soon as tomorrow, Senate President Russell Pearce yesterday added three controversial immigration bills to the docket for today’s caucus discussions, signaling the bills may soon be debated by the entire body.
Pearce issues memo on Senate ban
Two weeks.
That’s how long a person will be banned from setting foot in the Senate building after causing a disruption in the chamber, according to a memo sent today by Senate President Russell Pearce to his fellow senators.
Senate passes adoption bill, tax credit program for film productions
On a day of heavy lifting, senators debated and approved more than two dozen bills that deal with a wide array of subjects, from the film tax credits to preference in adoption.
Bundgaard stays on as Majority Leader
Scott Bundgaard remains majority leader of the Arizona Senate after a closed caucus of Republicans met amid controversy over his involvement in an alleged domestic violence incident.
Meanwhile, Sen. Ron Gould, the Ethics Committee chairman, is still mulling the mechanics of a potential Ethics Committee hearing into the incident.
Gould kicks Bundgaard ‘old school’
Gould had harsh words for Bundgaard today as he called for the senator to step down from his leadership post.
Senate passes bill creating tea party license plate
A bill advancing in the Arizona Legislature would give Tea Party supporters their own license plate but without taxpayers-provided startup costs that supporters wanted.
Women in Public Policy
Which veteran lawmaker is tone-deaf? Which one would pass out campaign yo-yos if she could? One even says she eats dessert first if it is available “just in case something happens” that would prevent her from enjoying it later. The 50th Legislature, which started in January, features 31 women lawmakers, which is an increase of three over the 49th Legislature’s total of 28. While this grou[...]
Napolitano nixes Senate bid
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is saying no to those who want her to run for the Senate.
Deluge of political maneuvering sure to follow Kyl’s leaving
The retirement of U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl will likely set off a chain reaction, as Republicans and Democrats position themselves to run for the open seat.
Most political observers believe U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake, a Republican from Mesa, will soon announce he is running to replace Kyl. Other potential GOP candidates include U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, former U.S. Rep. John Shadegg and the entire slate [...]
Kyl won’t run for re-election in 2012
U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, a Republican who has represented Arizona in either the U.S. House or U.S. Senate since 1987, this morning announced he will not seek re-election to a fourth term and will retire when his current term ends in 2012.
Senate confirms gubernatorial appointees, passes several bills
On a day of heavy lifting, Arizona senators hunkered down to confirm gubernatorial appointees and pass more than a dozen bills dealing with such diverse topics as road behavior, immigration and taxes.
