Shope eyes smaller districts for state representatives

Rep. T.J. Shope wants to cut Arizona’s massive House of Representatives districts in half.

The first-term lawmaker hasn’t completed his plans yet, but is strongly leaning toward a proposal that would split the House districts in half. Rather than have each legislative district elect two House members at large, Shope’s plan would create two separate House districts that would be contained within each Senate district.

State Rep. Adam Kwasman is announcing his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the 1st Congressional District seat now held by Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick.

A New Mexico-based college that recently cut its ties with a foundation led by state Rep. Catherine Miranda to enroll undocumented immigrants would get nearly $1 million a year under a Senate spending plan.