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Archives for January 2009

Chewie thanks Phoenix New Times

January 31, 2009 by 1 Comment

Thanks to the efforts of the Phoenix New Times, a policy of prohibiting Bible Studies at the Dept. of Revenue state cafeteria has now been reversed. New Times also got it confirmed that the Dept. of Economic Security cafeteria would not ban them either, which is helpful considering it is the larger cafeteria with marginally better food. Thanks for the extra work guys, didn’t mean to confuse the two and give you extra work.

We’ll leave it to our readers to decide whether some Christians who wanted to hold a Bible Study were lying, or whether it was the DOR employees who would get in trouble if they admitted denying them.

We got what we wanted, to permit Bible Studies, and the Alliance Defense Fund is probably also grateful to the New Times since they won’t need to get involved. Maybe the New Times might like to attend Bible Study after all that effort helping it? Might do them some good.

Filed Under: Constitutional Law, Government, Religion, State Government

Governor Brewer on State Budget Crisis

January 31, 2009 by 7 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 31, 2009

Statement by Governor Jan Brewer

Phoenix – “I want to thank the leadership and members of the Arizona Legislature for their hard work and diligence in promptly addressing one of the most difficult budget challenges in the history of the State of Arizona. They have answered the call, and they have done the people’s business.

“Make no mistake – the seeds of this significant budget crisis have been sown for many years, and thus the solutions are neither easy nor painless. In just over 5 years, spending in the state budget increased from approximately $6 billion to $10 billion. Last year, with most economic indicators suggesting significant economic downturn, a new state budget was built on the false hope of increasing state revenues. More shockingly, new discretionary spending was approved without realistic funding and the state’s rainy day fund was drained. This insatiable appetite for spending has left us with enormous challenges and few options.

“This is not a Republican or Democrat problem, it is a problem that all of us must confront with vigor and regardless of partisan affiliation. Additional fixes are very likely to be required for the fiscal year 2009 budget, and even more difficult decisions remain as we confront the realities of a $3.4 billion deficit for fiscal year 2010.

“We will be back working very hard next week to confront the adversity and to place our great State of Arizona back on the path to prosperity.”

Filed Under: Press Release, State Budget

Pullen Wins Race For RNC Treasurer

January 30, 2009 by 24 Comments

Arizona State GOP Chairman Randy Pullen has been elected as the new Treasurer of the Republican National Committee.  This will give Pullen a seat on the RNC’s Executive Board, working alongside new RNC Chairman Michael Steele.  The increased visibility for Pullen and his involvement in national fundraising is also expected to be a boon to the Arizona State Party.  Congratulations to Chairman Pullen!

Filed Under: Political Parties, Uncategorized

Congratulations Michael Steele!

January 30, 2009 by 17 Comments

Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor, Michael Steele has captured the Republican National Committee Chairmanship.

It took six ballots but the first African-American Republican candidate won in a stunning turn of events when current Chairman Mike Duncan withdrew from the race throwing several committments to South Carolina candidate Katon Dawson. The final ballot resulted in Steele winning the race with 91 votes to Dawson’s 77.

Capping his victory speech, Steele said, “It’s time for something completely different, and we’re gonna bring it to them. Get ready baby. It’s time to turn it on.”

Congratulations to Republican National Committee Chairman, Michael Steele!

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Political Parties

PR: Brewer Appoints Interim Department of Corrections Director

January 30, 2009 by Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2009

GOVERNOR BREWER NAMES CORRECTIONS INTERIM DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR

PHOENIX – Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today named Charles L. Ryan as Interim Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections and named Charles Flanagan as his Interim Deputy. Both appointments are effective today.

Charles L. Ryan has thirty years of experience in the field of corrections, having served most recently as a corrections consultant on the national and international levels. He has also served as Assistant Program Manager for the Department of Justice, as Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, as a prison warden and as a prison administrator. He possesses in-depth, hands-on institutional skills developed at entry-level, supervisory, administrative and executive level positions from minimum to super-maximum security.

Mr. Ryan has extensive experience in the development of correctional institution policy including the formulation of the inmate classification system, the staffing and activation of various prison complexes and the development of budgetary requirements all presented to the executive and legislative branches of government. He has also been instrumental in developing operational processes designed to enhance inmate accountability and safer prisons and detention facilities. He has executive experience in human resources and inmate management processes at an agency employing over 10,000 personnel and the custody and control of more than 31,000 inmates.

Charles Flanagan has extensive and diverse experience in correctional leadership, academic/work-based education leadership and correctional industries administration. He has over 23 years of professional correctional experience, having been promoted from officer through warden and Assistant Division Director, with fourteen years of experience in executive positions and an additional five years experience in supervisory and senior security positions. Prior to his appointment by Governor Brewer, Mr. Flanagan served as Director of the Correctional Education Division of Cochise Community College in Arizona, as well as program co-chair of the college’s Administration of Justice Studies program.

Filed Under: Crime and Punishment, Press Release, State Government

Republican Whips Wants Your Input

January 30, 2009 by 6 Comments
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January 30, 2009 – Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) today announced the launch of http://republicanwhip.house.gov/jobs, a new website outlining the House Republican Economic Recovery Plan. The website details the smarter, simpler stimulus plan proposed by House Republicans that will create twice the jobs at half the price of the economic package that Democrats forced through the House despite bipartisan opposition.

Franks stated, “American families and job creating small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges, which is why House Republicans have proposed an Economic Recovery Plan that will actually create jobs for the people of the Arizona’s Second Congressional District. We believe that the focus of any stimulus package must be on helping working families and small businesses. I hope my constituents will visit this website and learn more about the House Republican Economic Recovery Plan.”

House Republicans are committed to an open and transparent exchange of ideas to find the best solutions to get the U.S. economy back on track. The House Republican Economic Recovery Plan contains the constructive, common-sense ideas that should be included in any stimulus legislation.

“The House Republican plan is smart, simple, and stimulative at have the price of the Democratic Majority’s proposal. It is laser focused on helping working families and small businesses while protecting, preserving and creating jobs. Our goal is to get America back on track without saddling future generations with trillions in debt or higher taxes. Let me say it again – the House Republican plan has no waste, just jobs,” said House Republican Whip Eric Cantor, leader of the House Republican Stimulus Working Group that crafted the recovery plan.

The House Republican Economic Recovery Plan

Immediate Tax Relief for Working Families: Rather than a refundable credit based on payroll taxes, House Republicans propose reducing the lowest individual tax rates from 15% to 10% and from 10% to 5%. As a result every taxpaying-family in America will see an immediate increase in their income with an average benefit of $500 in tax relief from the drop in the 10% bracket and $1,200 for the drop in the 15% bracket. A married couple filing jointly could save up to $3,200 a year in taxes.

Real Help for America’s Small Businesses: Small businesses (those employing less than 500 individuals) employ about half of all Americans, yet they can be subject to tax rates that siphon away one-third or more of their income. House Republicans propose to allow small business to take a tax deduction equal to 20% of their income. This will immediately free up funds for small businesses to retain and hire new employees.

No Tax Increases to Pay for Spending: The stimulus proposal pending in Congress includes record levels of government spending that will substantially increase the current deficit. House Republicans are concerned that this level of spending will result in new tax increases on American working families. House Republicans are insisting that any stimulus package include a provision precluding any tax increases now or in the future to pay for this new spending. House Republicans believe that any stimulus spending should be paid for by reducing other government spending, not raising taxes.

Assistance for the Unemployed: Incredibly, the Federal Government actually imposes income taxes on an individual receiving unemployment benefits. House Republicans propose to make unemployment benefits tax free so that those individuals between jobs can focus on providing for their families. The plan would also extend unemployment benefits for a full year.

Stabilizing Home Values: The real-estate market is paralyzed as potential buyers wait on the sidelines waiting for prices to fall even further. This is becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. In order to encourage responsible buyers to enter the market and stabilize prices, House Republicans propose a home-buyers credit of $7,500 for those buyers who can make a minimum down-payment of 5%.

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Congressman Franks is serving his fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, and is a member of the Committee on Armed Services, Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Military Readiness Subcommittee, Committee on the Judiciary, Constitution Subcommittee, and is Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.

Filed Under: Federal Budget, Press Release, Spending

AIA to Governor Brewer: Rescind Napolitano Union Boss Payoff Order

January 30, 2009 by 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2009

ARIZONANS IN ACTION BEGINS PETITION DRIVE DEMANDING BREWER RESCIND NAPOLITANO “UNION BOSS PAYOFF” ORDER

“Governor Brewer now has the responsibility and the obligation to the taxpayers of Arizona to immediately repeal this payoff to the unions. By rescinding this order, Governor Brewer will restore honor and integrity to the office of governor, protect the rights of state workers, and preserve the voice of the taxpayers.” — Nathan Nascimento, Executive Director of Arizonans In Action.

Phoenix, AZ – Arizonans In Action (AIA) Executive Director Nathan Nascimento today announced an online petition demanding that Governor Brewer rescind the Napolitano executive order awarding public employees “meet and confer” privileges with government agencies.

Nascimento called the order “nothing more than a political pay-off by Napolitano to union bosses.” He added, “It’s pay to play at its worst — all on the running tab of the taxpayer.”

In a study released earlier this month, Nascimento revealed a 10-year summary of public employee union contributions to the Arizona Democratic Party. The study showed that union contributions rose from under $75,000 to more than $1 million over the past decade, with most of the increase coming after Governor Janet Napolitano took office.

“Napolitano’s move was simply a ‘pay to play’ reward to the special interests and unions for their loyalty to the Democratic Party during her tenure as governor. They paid in, she paid out. It’s that simple. Arizonans will not stand by and watch their public employees sold to the highest bidder,” said Nascimento.

He continued, “Not only did she allow for unions to get a foothold in state government and become a drain on the taxpayers, Napolitano circumvented the legislature and betrayed the taxpayers who have already spoken on this issue through their legislators.”

Arizonans In Action, in response, started the online petition to Governor Jan Brewer demanding that she rescind the Napolitano order.

“Governor Brewer now has the responsibility and the obligation to the taxpayers of Arizona to immediately repeal this payoff to the unions. By rescinding this order, Governor Brewer will restore honor and integrity to the office of governor, protect the rights of state workers, and preserve the voice of the taxpayers,” said Nascimento.

The petition can be found on the Arizonans In Action website. Arizonans In Action indicated that the responses will be delivered to Governor Brewer’s office.

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Arizonans In Action is a 501c4 organization focused on the principles of limited government, protecting private property rights, government accountability and transparency, and true education reform.

Filed Under: Jobs/Labor, State Government

Rejected! NBC Says “No” to Pro-Life Super Bowl Ad

January 30, 2009 by 5 Comments
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Why am I not surprised that the paranoid-of-controversy big wigs over at NBC have rejected the incredible pro-life ad created by CatholicVote.com? Apparently the ad involves “political advocacy or issues.” At the same time, NBC rejected an ad by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) because it depicted “a level of sexuality exceeding our standards.” Yet PETA is probably one of the most controversial advocacy organizations today. Remember when PETA compared the killing of chickens to the Holocaust?

While we would agree with NBC’s assessment that the PETA ad is clearly sexually explicit, we’re surprised that they said nothing about the ad being “political advocacy or issues.”

The big question is whether one can honestly criticize the beautiful ad put together by CatholicVote.com. It is a positive and inspiring ad that criticizes no one and affirms a comittment to perserverence and overcoming odds.

I’m just waiting for the folks over at NBC to bleep out Kurt Warner’s victory speech.

Filed Under: Sanctity of Life, Sports

Correction: DOR, Not DES

January 30, 2009 by 2 Comments

Earlier this week one of our writers, “Chewie”, posted on an incident regarding a possible violation of religious freedom at one of the State-run cafeterias.

In that post, it was reported that when “a group of employees tried to hold a Bible Study at a table off in a corner of the cafeteria, they were told it was prohibited.” The post also reported that the incident took place in the Department of Economic Security. In fact the story was even picked up by The Phoenix New Times which also looked into the incident and reported on their findings. Their post included a statement by DES spokeswoman Liz Barker-Alvarez who stated that, “there is no problem to look into.” In fact, that DES statement is correct. The incident did not occur at the DES cafeteria.

Sonoran Alliance has instead confirmed that the incident actually occurred at the cafeteria located at the Department of Revenue.

Sonoran Alliance will also confirm other details once we have more information.

Filed Under: Religion, State Government

Gov. Blagojevich Offered Job By AZ’s PR Heavyweight

January 29, 2009 by 2 Comments

We got a good laugh over this one… Next time, I’m going to charge him for advertising like this!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2009

MOVE OVER ARPAIO – THERE MAY BE A NEW PR SHERIFF IN TOWN
Local PR Firm Extends Job Offer to Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich

SCOTTSDALE, AZ, JAN. 27, 2009 – Rod Blagojevich is a wanted man. Wanted by the media, wanted by the law, and now, wanted by Arizona’s top PR firm. In an unprecedented move, Scottsdale-based Rose & Allyn Public Relations is extending a job offer, through the media, to Illinois’ most infamous politician and alleged senate seat salesman.

What makes him perfect for the job? Is it the unfortunate coif? His recognition of the value of press above all else, including court dates, trials and deadlines? His pure, unadulterated, shameless self-promotion? His ability to thread the political needle with his savvy selection of Roland Burris to the US Senate?

We think so.

“Rarely do we see an individual with the combination of such brazen confidence coupled with the ability to fascinate the media and public,” said company President Jason Rose. “We thought friend and client Sheriff Joe Arpaio was the greatest political pitchman of our time. No more. So we want Rod to know there’s a home for him here in Arizona, at Rose & Allyn.”

After all, Arizona has long been a respite for the famous and infamous. Think Mike Tyson, Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, and Gary Condit, among others.

Salary is negotiable, but in the event Blagojevich doesn’t pan out, Rose is not willing to sell the seat to the highest bidder.

Since 1996, Rose & Allyn Public Relations has been the top PR firm in Arizona, representing more than 230 companies, characters and causes. For more information, visit www.RoseandAllynpr.com or call 480 423 1414.

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Paid for by one aggressive, creative, public relations firm who admires the same in others, even though we disagree with antics concerning US Senate seat appointments. Please note that we broke this story on our Facebook page, and via Twitter. Are you following us? You should be.

Filed Under: Press Release, Public Relations
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