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Andy Biggs wins bid for Senate president
Incoming Senate President Andy Biggs, a conservative Republican from Gilbert, promised to be inclusive and immediately refrained from weighing in on some of the biggest issues facing Arizona without first consulting his caucus.
Senate Republicans preparing to choose leaders
Republican senators who prevailed in yesterday’s elections caucus will meet this afternoon in Phoenix to elect their next set of leaders.
Senate leader defends Antenori
A Senate leader today vigorously defended Sen. Frank Antenori from allegations he asked a Republican committee, through Senate President Steve Pierce, to spend money on his race.
Maricopa Republicans vote to oppose top legislative leaders
After hours of heated discussion, the Maricopa County Republican Committee passed a resolution Thursday night opposing the continued leadership of the current Arizona Senate President and House Speaker.
Unions target moderate Republicans, strategy considered risky
With less than a week to go before Nov. 6, the spending by outside groups against five Republican candidates alone is already unprecedented in state history: nearly $800,000.
Biggs to challenge Pierce for Senate’s top post
Senate Majority Leader Andy Biggs confirmed yesterday he will challenge Senate President Steve Pierce’s hold on leadership when Republicans convene after the elections next month.
Lewis proposes ‘real time’ gift reporting for lobbyists, lawmakers
Sen. Jerry Lewis, the Mesa Republican who ran on a platform of transparency and lobbying reform during the recall election last year, today unveiled a proposal to tighten the reporting requirements for legislators and lobbyists and make it easier for the public to find out how the two groups interact.
Lewis said the proposal has the backing of Senate President Steve Pierce and Maricopa[...]
Hospitals get active
Health care industry leaders are coalescing behind McComish, Lewis, Crandall, Worsley and Pierce. And it’s all tied to the race for Senate president, one Capitol railbird told our reporter. The source said health care industry leaders in August attended a joint fundraiser in Phoenix for the candidates.
Pierce gaining more votes for Senate president
Two Republican senators yesterday pledged to support Sen. Steve Pierce’s bid to remain as Senate leader, joining four others who earlier said they’ll vote for him or are expected to back the sitting president.
Pierce’s Victory Fund spends against Fillmore
A committee whose goal is to return a robust GOP majority to the state Senate has taken sides in a Republican primary, spending money to help Sen. Rich Crandall, R-Mesa, beat Rep. John Fillmore, R-Apache Junction.
The Republican Victory Fund recently sent out a mailer touting Crandall’s record, including his vote to pass SB1070.
As expected, Fillmore is dismayed by the commit[...]
Arizona health insurance exchange hangs in balance
By upholding the federal health care law, the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for states to establish their own health insurance exchanges — web portals where individuals and small businesses can purchase health plans.
Medicaid expansion appears unlikely after Supreme Court ruling
If the feds can’t force Arizona to move forward with the massive Medicaid expansion, it’s a near certainty the Republican-led Legislature won’t do it for them. Though the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the core of President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, it ruled that the federal government couldn’t force states to expand health care for the poor by threatening to take away other Medi[...]
