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Town of Gilbert bans home Bible studies

March 13, 2010 By 12 Comments

This dramatically caught my eye especially since my church, Central Christian Church, strongly encourages its members to conduct small group meetings. Say this isn’t so and that the Town of Gilbert will quickly abandon this policy if it is so. Thank GOD, literally, that we have the Alliance Defense Fund based right here in Arizona!

The city of Gilbert, Ariz., has ordered a group of seven adults to stop gathering for Bible studies in a private home because such meetings are forbidden by the city’s zoning codes.

The issue was brought to a head when city officials wrote a letter to a pastor and his wife informing them they had 10 days to quit having the meetings in their private home.

Pastor Joe Sutherland had been told in a letter from code compliance officer Steve Wallace that the people were not allowed to meet in a home for church activities under the city’s Land Development Code.

(Read the full article at World Net Daily)

Filed Under: City Government, Culture, Religion

CWA Endorses Pamela Gorman in CD-3

March 13, 2010 By 7 Comments

Pamela Gorman

For Immediate Release: Saturday, March 13, 2010

PHOENIX, Ariz. (March 9, 2010) … Pamela Gorman, candidate for Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District, has received the endorsement of the 500,000-member Concerned Women Political Action Committee based on her proven conservative leadership.

“On the issue of life, the traditional family and fiscal conservatism, Pamela Gorman’s record in the House of Representatives has been exemplary,” said Penny Nance, CEO of Concerned Women PAC. “Concerned Women Political Action Committee endorses Pamela Gorman for Congress because of her strong leadership in the state legislature. I am convinced Pamela will be a strong principled leader in the U.S. Congress.”

As a former state senator, Gorman took the lead in stopping one of the largest tax increases in Arizona history and worked to pass one of the largest tax cuts. She has opposed wasteful spending in both parties and is a committed defender of right-to-life values and the second amendment which earned her an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association.

The Anthem resident and mother of a teenaged son, Gorman is seeking the congressional seat currently held by John Shadegg who is retiring at the end of his term. “Receiving this important endorsement from one of the premier national organizations promoting Conservative candidates is a huge honor. But, to receive it in a crowded primary like mine, says a lot more,” she said. “I am grateful for the endorsement and humbled by their confidence in the work I will do when I get to Washington.”

Concerned Women PAC, established in 2002 by Founder and Chairman Beverly LaHaye, is affiliated with Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization with more than 500,000 grassroots members nationwide.

For more information on Gorman, visit www.gorman2010.com

Filed Under: Culture, Endorsements, Press Release

NYT Pumps it Up for Vernon Parker!

March 13, 2010 By 8 Comments

The New York Times ran a recent article that sounded remarkably similar to one I posted after conducting an interview with paradise Vernon Parker last summer. The good guys over at Exurban League picked up on the story and plugged NYT’s article. In the crowded primary race in CD-3, I still remain committed to Pamela Gorman but there are plenty of other excellent candidates including Parker. Here’s an excerpt from the NYT article and a paragraph I wrote last year:

A childhood lived among drug users and multigenerational public housing residents formed his vision, and a chance meeting with Lee Atwater, who was a Republican strategist, his politics. “I know people who’ve been so dependent on the government that they still find themselves in a trap — and that is the trust fund they have handed down to their children,” said Mr. Parker, whose he-can’t-be-50 face smiles warmly. – New York Times (3/10/2010)

But prior to his election to Town Council, not many people know that Vernon has a compelling life story. Parker was raised in a gang and drug-infested neighborhood in Long Beach California where many of his peers never made it out of high school or ended up dead or in a lifestyle of trouble. Young Vernon Parker was able to avoid that typical path but it wasn’t without a lot of sacrifice and determination. After graduating from the same high school portrayed in the movie Freedom Writers, Parker went on to college at California State Long Beach and ultimately, to law school at Georgetown University. That’s where he also met his wife, Lisa. – Sonoran Alliance (8/26/2009).


Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Media

THEY’RE OBSESSED

March 12, 2010 By 25 Comments

A few days ago I posted a piece (CELEBRATION, ANYONE?) that featured the following paragraph:

“Black History Month reminds me of that portion of an application form that asks for the race of the applicant; race is not supposed to matter but everyone knows that it does—especially to Liberal policy-makers and administrators. Despite the Civil War, a civil rights movement, several acts of congress, amendments to the constitution and ongoing preferential treatment Liberals are still convinced that new and institutionalized racism is the cure for past racism. They must believe that new injuries cure old injuries.”

The Census Bureau provides for us another example of the “Liberal policy-makers and administrators” that I wrote about in that paragraph. Question #8 of the 2010 census form asks: “Is Person 1 of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?” If the answer is ‘yes’ there are several boxes for you choose from that identify the specific type of “Hispanic” that you are. Among the selections are “Mexican”, “Mexican Am.”, “Chicano” (Does anyone know which country “Chicanos” come from?), “Puerto Rican” and “Cuban”. By the way, can someone explain to me what the difference is between a “Mexican” and a “Mexican Am.”?

If you answer ‘no’ to question #8 question #9 then, allows you to declare what race you are. A few of the options include “White”, “Black”, “African Am.”, “Negro”, “American Indian”, “Chinese”, “Japanese”, “Filipino”, “Vietnamese” etc. Apparently none of these groups was special enough to merit a whole question just about them—they had to be lumped in with the “White” people. Let the healing begin!

The concept of being judged not be the color your skin but by the content of your character was a fundamental component of the Civil Rights movement that I once supported but, it is not a component of modern Liberal philosophy. Liberals are obsessed with race and skin color. I wouldn’t mind their obsession if they quietly kept it to themselves but, they keep forcing it on the rest of us. They’re not interested in simple equal protection of the law for all people. Instead, they want to engage in social engineering by redistributing wealth and bestowing rewards and preferences on some groups based upon their victim status and voting value to Liberal politicians.

If Liberals were really ‘liberal’ in the true meaning of the word they’d quit asking the rest of us intrusive and insulting questions that keep the nation racially divided. Leave us alone!

Filed Under: Culture, Demographics, Government, Illegal Immigration, Liberals, Political Correctness, Privacy, Race Relations, Uncategorized

Speaker Kirk Adams’ Statement On Recent ABOR Actions

March 12, 2010 By 4 Comments

For Immediate Release: Friday, March 12, 2010

The following statement is attributed to Speaker Kirk Adams on recent Arizona Board of Regents actions:

“Over the last two days, the Board of Regents has tackled difficult issues regarding the future financial position of our public universities and the impacts of their decisions on our students, their parents, and faculty. Our state’s financial troubles, coupled with increased demand and higher costs, require the Board to seek fiscal alternatives that will hopefully protect the quality and integrity of our public universities. Their continued leadership will ensure that our public universities do not eliminate valuable public services that not only move our economy forward but allow our citizenry access to a better life while still seeking efficiencies in the system.

Today, the Board of Regents directed the University Presidents to develop an implementation plan to reduce state supported salaries by 2.75 percent by May 2010. This gesture of solidarity and recognition that other state employees are losing pay and will be furloughed in the next three years demonstrates that the Regents are aware that everyone must contribute to the difficult solutions that we have made as we resolve Arizona’s worst fiscal crisis ever.

I encourage the Regents in their efforts to analyze universities’ operating budgets for cost efficiencies and look forward to working with the Board of Regents, President Crow, President Haegar and President Shelton as we pursue higher education reform. Last year, I supported the Regents, “Arizona Productivity Improvement Imperative” and am extremely proud of Arizona’s $1.5 million grant from the Lumina Foundation. In my letter of support, I stated that economic development depends in great part on innovation and access to a skilled and prepared workforce. I believe that our higher education system can meet that challenge through a student centered system that produces more degrees at a lower cost and a finance model that optimizes productivity.

Now that the FY2011 budget is near to completion, the Legislature must focus its attention on economic recovery and job creation. HB2250 will create the groundwork toward a strong and diversified Arizona economy. To that end, we must also partner with an equally strong higher education system — one that recruits and trains the talent necessary to meet workforce demands. Next month, I will visit each of our three universities and meet with institutional and business leaders to develop a strategy to combine our respective resources toward the common goal – a long-term, sustainable and prosperous economy.”

Filed Under: Education, Press Release, State Budget

Gila County Precinct Committeeman Straw Poll Results of Incumbent Republicans

March 12, 2010 By 35 Comments

For Immediate Release: Friday, March 12, 2010

This past Saturday the results of a Republican, incumbent-focused straw poll commissioned by Chairman Jeff Loyd of Gila County were announced at the county committeeman meeting. The straw poll garnered over 55% response rate from the elected and appointed precinct committeeman of the Republican party in Gila County. This poll was commissioned by Chairman Loyd to “keep a finger on the pulse” of the county and get a feel for the majority of Republican leanings thus far in the election cycle. While the results may not surprise you, they are nonetheless telling of the overall feeling of the grassroots activists and faithful army of the party. Chairman Loyd stated, “The results of this poll must be considered by all of our Republican candidates interested in gaining the support of the pc’s and activists in Gila County. Taking it a step further, being endorsed by a certain incumbent listed (or not listed) in this poll may be detrimental to your campaign in Gila County. Wisely use and understand these results.”

The incumbent offices polled were: Federal Senate, Governor, State Senate. Due to the fact that Republicans do not hold the CD1 seat, that office was not polled.

The poll consisted of the three incumbent names for the offices listed above with the instructions to assign a number (from the chart below) next to each name corresponding to how the committeeman voter felt about that elected official and the job they were doing.

1. Absolutely satisfied, make sure he/she is re-elected.
2. O.K., some of the time.
3. Disappointed more often than not.
4. Really bad. I hope there will be a better candidate to vote for.

Results:

Senator John McCain received 51% – “Really bad. I hope there will be a better candidate to vote for.”
Governor Jan Brewer received 48% – “Really bad. I hope there will be a better candidate to vote for.”
State Senator Sylvia Allen received 94% – “Absolutely satisfied, make sure he/she is re-elected.”

If you do not like these results then you should become a precinct committeeman and voice your opinion in polls like these. To get more information about becoming active in the Republican party and joining the ranks of P.C.’s in Gila County, contact 2nd Vice Chairman Bruce Wales at (928) 478-8822 or Chairman Loyd at (623) 332-2922.

Filed Under: Political Parties, Polls, Press Release

Bowers Camp Tries to Intimidate Jaraczewski’s Daughter

March 12, 2010 By 10 Comments

Joe Jaraczewski

For Immediate Release: Friday, March 12, 2010

Bowers Camp Tries to Intimidate Jaraczewski’s Daughter

Friday, March 12, 2010

This past weekend the votejoeforreform.com campaign was in high spirits at the annual Cattleman’s Weekend in Chino Valley. Candidate Joe said, “This is one of the big reasons why I love Arizona; the tradition of ranching represents the heart and soul of our district. Unfortunately, this way of life is being destroyed by radical environmental policies from Washington. In the next congress these ranchers will need an ally to fight for their way of life.”

It came as a shock when Joe learned, Nelson Pierce, campaign manager for Rusty Bowers, chose not to approach Joe, but rather his 16 year old daughter, Mikayla, a junior at Mingus Union High School, who was passing out “Vote Joe” flyers. He only approached his daughter after a campaign staffer left her alone.

Candidate Jaraczewski stated, “I am outraged that a leading member of the Bowers campaign would be as cowardly as to approach my teenage daughter and tell her he is ‘looking forward to a fight…’ Joe added, “This is especially disturbing from a campaign who only fights to convince people that the ‘State of Maricopa’ is within Congressional District-1. Mr. Bowers needs to take his big city intimidation brand of politics back home to Mesa.” The Candidate added, “I demand a public apology from the Bowers campaign for their actions in harassing my teenage daughter. If the Bowers campaign wants to pick a fight, they should start with me!”

Joe is running a homegrown campaign and is only concerned with seeking the endorsement of the free citizens of Congressional District One.

For more information and to join Joe’s Army go to www.votejoeforreform.com.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Press Release

DeeDee Blase’s one-woman “Somos Republicans” does not represent AZ Republican Hispanics

March 12, 2010 By 69 Comments

A m e r i c a n P o s t – G a z e t t e

Distributed by C O M M O N S E N S E , in Arizona

Friday, March 12, 2010


Attack on JD Hayworth was cheap shot

DeeDee Blase, a radical illegal immigrant activist, has issued a press release denouncing JD Hayworth, claiming to speak for Arizona’s Republican Hispanics. She does not. There is already an Arizona Latino Republican Association. Apparently they are not radical enough for her, so she went out and formed her own organization, composed of herself. Its primary purpose appears to be to bash other Republicans like Sheriff Arpaio who disagree with her open borders position.

If you look at her press release closely, you’ll see there is no one listed on it, only “Communications” and info@somosrepublicans.com. Her website doesn’t list any officers on the “About Us” page. http://somosrepublicans.com/about It is telling that no Republican Hispanics other than DeeDee are willing to be officially associated with this organization.

Her arguments against Hayworth are pretty bad. She dislikes ALIPAC, the immigration group that endorsed him, claiming they support something called “Operation Wetback.” But if you click on her link, it goes to a bulletin board on ALIPAC’s website where anyone can post comments. Someone posting a comment on their website about President Hoover’s roundup of illegal immigrants is not the same as ALIPAC endorsing the effort.

DeeDee, that’s fine you’re supporting John McCain over JD Hayworth, you’ve been very vocal about your support of McCain in the past, and we’re now hearing that you may be working on the McCain campaign as a paid staffer. Did you mention that connection in your press release? Just don’t pretend to represent more than yourself, or other Republican Hispanics. You’re a one-woman show and just because the Arizona Republic gives you plenty of coverage because you bash other Republicans doesn’t entitle you to speak for other Republican Hispanics. Who elected you?

Read her press release here – http://somosrepublicans.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Arizona-Hispanic-Republicans-Reject-JD-Hayworth.pdf
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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Illegal Immigration, Race Relations

Brian Miller: Giffords Suddenly Gets Ethical

March 11, 2010 By 6 Comments

Brian Miller

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 11, 2010

Congresswoman Giffords Suddenly Gets Ethical

Today, Gabrielle Giffords voted for a resolution calling for the House Ethics Committee to investigate House Democratic leaders and their handling of ethical allegations concerning former Rep. Eric Massa (D., N.Y.).

The attention has been on Congresswoman Giffords since the RNC began an early ad campaign against her in the 8th district. Maybe Giffords believes that if she votes for this ethics investigation we, the voters, will forget about her other un-ethical votes.

Giffords voted not to reprimand Congressman Murtha who threatened to use his power as a committee chairman to kill spending in the district of a fellow congressman (Roll Call 402, May 22, 2007). This is a violation of the very house rules that the Democratic leadership put into place when they took power in early 2007.

Giffords voted to block a resolution to remove Charlie Rangel from his chair on the Ways and Means committee. (Roll Call 759, Oct. 7, 2009). Rangel has hidden considerable sums in gifts and earnings from the IRS. The committee that he was formerly a member of has jurisdiction of the US tax code.

As part of the Democratic Caucus, Giffords voted to approve William Jefferson’s appointment to the Homeland Security Committee. Congressman Jefferson became famous when the FBI found $90,000 “cold cash” in his freezer. He was found guilty of fraud, soliciting bribes, racketeering, money laundering and obstruction of justice.

Brian Miller, candidate for U.S. Congress, said, “when I began my campaign against Ms. Giffords, I also started a PAC called the Freshmen 50. One of our platform items is ‘enforce congressional ethics’ because it’s going to take at least 50 of us to combat the culture of corruption in Washington D.C. We need to remind Congresswoman Giffords that ethics isn’t just an election year campaign slogan.”

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Ethics, Press Release

Speaker Kirk Adams on the Budget

March 11, 2010 By 8 Comments

For Immediate Release: March 11, 2010

The following statement is attributed to Speaker Adams and President Burns:

“Today, our legislative leadership came together to produce viable solutions to Arizona’s tremendous budget problems. The road to this point hasn’t been easy. We’ve had to make decisions that were tough and we know that not everyone will be happy with the difficult choices we’ve made.

The most necessary choices, however, are not always the most popular. But, needless to say, our goal was never popularity. Our job was to right size Arizona’s budget, and we are.

At the end of the day, the hard decisions made by those of us who were willing to take the political risk will help Arizona get back on the path toward a balanced budget.

That’s more than we can say for our Democratic counterparts, who, despite repeated invitations to join the discussion by submitting their own budget solutions, never stepped up to the plate.

Instead of choosing to do the hard and gritty work of creating their own budget, they chose to play politics. And, with that choice, they effectively marginalized themselves and play no part in solving the largest deficit in state history.

These kinds of political games do not demonstrate the kind of leadership that Arizonans deserve.”

Filed Under: Press Release, State Budget Tagged With:

Top Dem: Ignore Hayworth at your own risk

March 11, 2010 By 10 Comments

By Yellow Sheet Report

Published: March 10, 2010 at 12:07 pm

The primary campaign explanation to the McCain/Kyl statement against Governor Brewer’s sales tax increase was also backed by Democrat consultant Bob Grossfeld, who said John McCain acted to keep from being “boxed in” by J.D. Hayworth. “This had nothing to do with the governor, who is collateral damage, but everything to do with Hayworth,” he said. Grossfeld declined to offer his opinion on the proposal, but said Hayworth has proven his abilities to fight hard political campaign battles. Grossfeld, who consulted Democrat Steve Owens on two unsuccessful campaigns against Hayworth in the 1990s, said the following: “I’ve been through too many campaigns where people have underestimated John David Hayworth. You do so at your own peril.”

To read more on this item plus all the stories in the March 9 Yellow Sheet Report, go to www.yellowsheetreport.com (Yellow Sheet Subscription Required).

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, State Budget, Taxation

Shadegg Hosts Emergency Health Care Town Hall

March 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Congressman John ShadeggFor Immediate Release: Thursday, March 11, 2010

Congressman Shadegg Hosts Emergency Health Care Town Hall on Saturday to Hear Concerns

We are anticipating the vote in Congress on health care reform next week. I’m hoping that you will join me in an Emergency Health Care Town Hall on Saturday, March 13, 2010, at Scottsdale Christian Academy to voice your concerns before I head back to Washington to vote.

As you know, national health care reform has prompted intense debates in the U.S. Congress as well as at many kitchen tables around the country. As we continue to discuss the future of health care in America, I encourage everyone to voice their thoughts on the legislation under consideration.

I would like to hear your recommendations on how we can improve health care in America. Your input will play a vital role as I consider each and every provision in this legislation. This will very likely be my last chance to hear from you on health care reform!

Please share this invitation widely with family, friends, and anyone who may be interested in attending my Emergency Health Care Town Hall on Saturday. I would be honored if you would join me.

Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Scottsdale Christian Academy
14400 N. Tatum Blvd
Phoenix, AZ 85032

If you have any questions, or if you require special assistance, please contact (602) 263-5300 so that proper accommodations can be made.

Please visit http://johnshadegg.house.gov/ for updates.

Filed Under: Health Care, Press Release

Rural School District Seeks to Silence Parents with Lawsuit

March 11, 2010 By 1 Comment

Goldwater Institute
News Release

PHOENIX—A rural school district in Yavapai County, Arizona, has gone to court to stop four taxpayers from seeking any public records from the district, from suing the district and from filing complaints about the district with state oversight agencies. The Goldwater Institute has agreed to represent the four women and today requested that the Yavapai County Superior Court dismiss the case.

“Is every parent going to be afraid now to request records about their children, which they are entitled to see?” said Barbara Rejon, one of the defendants. “Are taxpayers no longer going to be allowed to see records about how a school district spends money? If the school district can do this, it’s going to shut everyone down. No one is going to be able to ask questions or anything.”

The Congress Elementary School District is located in southwest Yavapai County near Wickenburg. In January 2010, the school district filed a court motion for a preliminary injunction against Ms. Rejon, Jean Warren, Renee Behl-Hoge and Cyndi Regis. The district claims the four women have been harassing local officials with repeated requests for information about school district operations.

Goldwater Institute Investigative Reporter Mark Flatten wrote Wednesday about the lawsuit and the efforts of these four women to hold the district accountable for complying with state law. Most of the time, the women have requested basic public records such as minutes and agendas for school board meetings. Such documents are widely recognized as protected by Arizona’s public records law and should be available for review upon request by anyone. Behl-Hoge, Regis and Rejon also have sought school records about their own children, as parents are guaranteed access to such records under both state and federal laws.

Mr. Flatten found the Congress school district has a history of violating these laws, as documented by the state attorney general and the state ombudsman.

Shortly after learning about the district’s lawsuit, the Goldwater Institute Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation offered to represent the four women.

“The district is acting like a classic schoolyard bully,” said Clint Bolick, Goldwater Institute director of litigation. “We will take whatever action is necessary to protect our clients’ rights and to deter other government officials from even thinking about taking such outrageous actions to silence citizens.”
 
If the Congress school district’s lawsuit is successful, it could inspire other governments in Arizona to pursue legal action against taxpayers that request information. Mr. Flatten quoted assistant state ombudsman Liz Hill as saying many other government agencies have discussed filing similar lawsuits to curtail the number of requests they receive for public records.

To learn more about this lawsuit, Congress School District v. Warren, click here, or to read Mr. Flatten’s investigation click here. The Goldwater Institute is an independent government watchdog supported by people who are committed to expanding free enterprise and liberty.
 
To get Goldwater Institute news and information direct to your cell phone click here.

Filed Under: Constitutional Law, Education, Government, Press Release

Dept. of Justice agrees to take over racketeering case against Supervisors and Judges

March 11, 2010 By 31 Comments

A m e r i c a n P o s t – G a z e t t e

Distributed by C O M M O N S E N S E , in Arizona

Thursday, March 11, 2010

mcso
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio today announced that the Department of Justice Office of Public Integrity in Washington, D.C. has agreed to review allegations of corruption involving the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and judicial officials and others. Investigative files containing evidence of misconduct have been forwarded to federal officials.

RICO complaints previously filed by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office were formally withdrawn at noon today so as not to duplicate or hinder the Department of Justice review or any additional investigation necessary.

Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Chief of Staff for the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice Robert N. Driscoll, representing Sheriff Arpaio as a plaintiff in the federal RICO action, conferred with members of the Department of Justice Office of Public Integrity relating to the allegations of corruption set forth in the RICO complaint. Federal officials have agreed to undertake a review of the Sheriff’s investigative files. The Sheriff’s Office has transferred all criminal files involving public corruption of elected and appointed officials to the Department of Justice.

Upon learning of the Department of Justice Office of Public Integrity’s willingness to review the allegations, Sheriff Arpaio and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office have determined that these matters should be handled by a federal agency focused specifically on public corruption of elected and public officials so as to ensure adequate resources to review the evidence gathered.

“As a former long-term employee of the federal government and the Department of Justice I have great confidence that the Office of Public Integrity will do a comprehensive and thorough review of the evidence we have provided and will reach a just and fair result,” said Sheriff Arpaio.

The Sheriff’s Office Arpaio says, will work in concert with the Office of Public Integrity and provide any support necessary.

“It should be apparent to any fair-minded person that our willingness to turn over the evidence we have gathered to this division of the Department of Justice underscores the confidence we have in the integrity of these investigations,” added Arpaio.
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Filed Under: Uncategorized

Chris Salvino: How Will Mitchell Vote? (Poll)

March 11, 2010 By 2 Comments

Dr. Chris Salvino

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 11, 2010

How Will Mitchell Vote? He Won’t Tell, but now Arizonans Can Guess in Online Poll

Tempe, AZ – Today, Dr. Chris Salvino released the details of a new online poll affording Congressman Mitchell’s constituents an opportunity to guess at how Mitchell will vote on the upcoming votes for ObamaCare.

“Harry doesn’t listen, or doesn’t seem to care. He voted to cut Medicare. He voted to raise taxes. Thousands of Arizonans have protested outside his office. Even former advisor to President Clinton, Dick Morris, warned Mitchell to vote no. But Mitchell is mum. In fact Mitchell hasn’t offered one public statement regarding healthcare this year. He can hide all he wants, but in the end we will know how he votes on ObamaCare. Until that time I am letting Arizonans guess as to how Mitchell will end up voting,” said Dr. Chris Salvino.

The voting options were based upon the likely voting scenario as outlined by Senator Jon Kyl and Congressman Eric Cantor in a recent strategy memo. To read the whole memo you can click here. Essentially it points out that the House of Representatives will be forced to take at least three votes on the unpopular legislation and further reports that Congressman Mitchell may be one of the “House Democrats who originally voted YES, but may now be on the fence.” It’s kind of like voting for it before voting against it..

So far Rep. Mitchell has voted in favor of:

Increased health spending (according to CMS, bends cost curve up, not down)

Nearly $500 billion in Medicare cuts

Over $500 billion in tax increases

Health insurance premium hikes

$1 trillion bill that relies on double counting and gimmicks

Cornhusker Kickback

Louisiana Purchase

Carve-outs for Florida seniors only

Tax on health care plans (JCT says will lead to increased health care costs for consumers)

Targeted tax on small construction firms suffering from record employment losses

Below are the voting options for the online poll. To cast a vote click here.

Option 1 Yes, Yes, Yes

Option 2 Yes, No, No

Option 3 Yes, No, Yes

Option 4 Yes, Yes, No

Tie Breaker: Will Mitchell again claim he is just “moving the process forward” at any point during the voting process? Yes or No

Dr. Chris Salvino is seeking the Republican nomination for Congress from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District. He is currently a trauma surgeon working at Banner Good Samaritan in Phoenix and is a retired Lt. Colonel and F-16 flight surgeon.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Press Release

Bradley Beauchamp Announces “Funding Fathers” Campaign

March 11, 2010 By 1 Comment

Bradley Beauchamp

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 11, 2010

The Bradley Beauchamp for Congress Campaign announced Monday the launch of a grassroots fundraising campaign aimed at getting the citizens of Arizona’s First Congressional District engaged in the political process.

“234 years ago, our nation was born out of good people willing to give up everything for a chance at freedom. Today, our freedoms are in jeopardy, not from foreign tyranny, but from policies and lawmakers overstepping the boundaries of the Constitution,” said Beauchamp, announcing the campaign. “Our campaign is not just about defeating Ann Kirkpatrick in 2010. It is about restoring the rights and freedoms afforded to all citizens in our great nation and earning the trust of the American people. Our Constitution was formed by the Founding Fathers and their great efforts. I will defend freedom, defend the Constitution, and Defend the American Dream; and I will do it with the efforts of the ‘Funding Fathers’ who give what they can for our campaign.”

YouTube Preview Image

“Funding Fathers” will be a grassroots fundraising campaign. In these tough times, the citizens of CD-1 are especially hard hit. Therefore, the “Funding Fathers” campaign will acknowledge all who are willing to give whatever they can to the campaign. All contributions, big and small, go a long way in helping Bradley rebuild our country and restore our freedoms.

“Enough is enough,” Beauchamp continued, “Our Founding Fathers knew they had to take a stand and did so. Through “Funding Fathers”, we are acknowledging the thousands of people willing to take a stand with us to defend freedom, defend the Constitution, and defend the American Dream.”

Bradley Beauchamp was born and raised in Arizona. He worked his way up from washing dishes in a café and laboring in a turquoise mine to becoming a schoolteacher, successful attorney and most importantly, a defender of the Constitution.

Filed Under: Advertising, Campaign Finance, Campaigns & Elections, Press Release

So What Does A Lawyer Do In The Military?

March 11, 2010 By 1 Comment

Justice of the Peace Gerald WilliamsBy: Judge Gerald A. Williams

North Valley Justice of the Peace

Many people know that I am also in the United States Air Force Reserve and that I perform my Reserve duty at Luke Air Force Base. Some people view military duty as some type of paid vacation because I’m temporarily away from my regular civilian job. Others confuse it with the National Guard. However, few people outside of the military understand what military lawyers do.

The short answer is that military attorneys, called judge advocates or JAGs, do more than wills and courts-martial. Although there are attorney client and privacy issues, I can tell you generally some of the projects I recently had something to do with.

While there was recently a tragic incident involving a stolen vehicle, a security incident and a law enforcement officer involved shooting at Luke AFB, most of the day-to-day operations of lawyers do not involve things that necessarily make the evening news. For example, I recently authored a labor law brief concerning actions taken against civilian employees. The Air Force had won the arbitration; but the union was essentially appealing the decision.

People with a military ID card are also entitled to free legal advice on personal civil legal matters. I was able to help a dependent wife, whose husband is deployed to Afghanistan, file a lawsuit. She had purchased a significant consumer product from a California company and had received neither the product nor a requested refund.

If I say something about Luke AFB, it almost always triggers a question about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The Air Force recently held a series of public scoping meetings in Maricopa County because Luke AFB is one of the locations being considered for F-35A training aircraft. Those meetings are required under federal environmental laws. Next, a draft environmental impact statement will be prepared and that will be followed by public hearings.

I genuinely enjoy my military service and have done things as varied as serving as a medical law consultant to a regional medical center to defending an officer accused of a friendly fire event over Northern Iraq. As long as I can be useful, I will continue to serve.

Judge Gerald Williams is the presiding justice of the peace for the Northwest Regional Court Center. His column appears monthly in The Foothills Focus.

Filed Under: Guest Opinion, Judicial, Military
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