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Update: Statement by Supervisor Fulton Brock

November 11, 2010 By 3 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 11, 2010
CONTACT: Jason Rose, 480.423.1414

MARICOPA COUNTY SUPERVISOR FULTON BROCK TO END MARRIAGE

–STATEMENT–

PHOENIX, ARIZONA. NOVEMBER 11, 2010.

“I have filed paperwork to end my marriage of 28 years.”

-Maricopa County Supervisor Fulton Brock

PREVIOUS STATEMENT BY FULTON BROCK

October 27, 2010

“My life and that of my family’s was upended last night. Police officers arrested my wife of twenty-eight years and the mother of our three children. She was informed that she was being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year old. Even with this statement I am not sure how to express what such a shocking emotional punch to your heart and family feels like. I am stunned. My children are flabbergasted. You think you know someone after 28 years and I need answers as much as police officers do. I want so much to believe these allegations are not true, but if they are, I am appalled and crushed. I am a religious man. I ask all to pray for our family and those involved so that justice may best be served.”

-30-

Filed Under: Family, Press Release

Maricopa County Attorney-Elect Bill Montgomery Names Executive Management Team

November 10, 2010 By 4 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jerry Cobb 602.478.0002 jercobb@gmail.com

(PHOENIX, AZ) November 10, 2010 – Newly elected Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery today announced the selection of the first five members of his Executive Management Team to handle key functions and responsibilities of the County Attorney’s office under his administration.  Members of the team, which includes the Chief Deputy County Attorney, will actively manage essential office operations, including state and local government relations, legislative affairs, law enforcement liaison duties, and communications.

“I have chosen five outstanding individuals who will bring a high level of experience and integrity to the important job of serving as the chief advocate for the citizens and elected officials of Maricopa County,” Montgomery said.  “These appointments underscore my firm commitment to continue the process of restoring public trust and confidence in the County Attorney’s office with a focus on professionalism and service to the people of Maricopa County,” he added.

To oversee intergovernmental relations, Montgomery has selected veteran litigator Douglas L. Irish.  A former managing partner for the firm of Lewis and Roca, Irish brings four decades of civil trial, appeal, and litigation management experience in seven states to his position.  Recognized for his work in complex litigation, mediation and arbitration, he was named one of the Best Lawyers in America in Alternative Dispute Resolution by his peers in 2010.  He will focus initial efforts on working with the Board of Supervisors and Maricopa County Administration to achieve the reintegration of the Civil Division and represent the County Attorney in a variety of activities in relations with the Board of Supervisors and other governmental jurisdictions.

Daniel B. Seiden, an associate with the law firm of Gallagher and Kennedy, has been chosen by Montgomery to oversee policy issues and legislative affairs.   Seiden has experience working with legislation and public policy in Texas, California and Arizona.  He will work closely with the County Attorney in developing criminal justice policy to ensure that the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office works in partnership with local, county, and state officials to fight crime, honor the rights of victims of crime, and protect and strengthen our community.

Montgomery’s choice to handle internal and external communications is Jerry Cobb, a managing partner of Actual Media LLC and award-winning former journalist for CNBC with more than twenty-five years of experience in media, marketing and public relations.  Cobb will be responsible for planning and directing communications strategy and public information programs, and serving as the primary spokesperson for the County Attorney with the media, government agencies, and citizen groups.  He will also oversee the creation of key communications materials including press releases, articles, speeches, videos and online content.

Deputy County Attorney Keith D. Manning has been selected by Montgomery to serve as Law Enforcement Liaison and Executive Division Chief, where he will oversee and coordinate relations with some 34 state and local law enforcement agencies and federal authorities.  A highly experienced prosecutor and former supervisor within the Office, Manning will be responsible for administrative duties in the Executive Division in addition to managing the investigation and review of incidents of law enforcement use of force.  He also serves as the Chair of the Officer Integrity Database Committee.

Montgomery has chosen Mark C. Faull to serve as Chief Deputy County Attorney, responsible for the overall direction and management of office administration and operations.  Faull brings nearly thirty years of law enforcement and public policy experience to his position, including more than a decade in senior positions within the County Attorney’s office.  He will plan and implement Office-wide policies and programs, oversee day-to-day activities, and provide recommendations on a broad range of high-level legislative, budgetary, personnel and operational issues.

“Under my direction, the Executive Team has begun to work immediately with the current administration of the County Attorney’s office for a smooth and orderly transition, albeit an abbreviated one given the Special Election,” Montgomery remarked.  “I am confident my team will establish a professional, collaborative relationship with other government entities, civic and business leaders, and the citizens of Maricopa County to build the best public law firm in the country,” he added.

In addition to his Executive Management Team selections, Montgomery also announced a revitalized professional mentoring program spearheaded by Judge James H. Keppel, who recently rejoined the Office as part of the Board-appointed interim administration.  A respected judge and prosecutor, Judge Keppel has committed to help Montgomery fulfill his promise of creating a system of continuous professional improvement for prosecutors.

Each of the appointments announced today is subject to processing and final approval by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, County Government, Crime and Punishment

Lawmakers need to halt spending of local tax dollars to influence elections

November 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

by Christina Kohn
Goldwater Institute

As overtaxed Arizonans struggle to pay their bills, local governments are campaigning on the taxpayer’s dime. The latest incident comes from Apache County, which spent more than $7,000 of the public’s money advertising election bond issues in newspapers and on the radio.

In theory, Arizona law prohibits using public resources to influence elections. Cities, counties and school districts are allowed to inform voters about what is on the ballot; but they shouldn’t use public money to lobby for passage of ballot measures.

In reality, these laws currently provide little protection for taxpayers. Unless the Attorney General’s Office gets involved, the statutes are virtually unenforceable against cities and counties. While school district officials are personally liable if they misuse public money, the law says nothing about possible penalties for city and county officials.

Arizona courts have been unwilling to hold local governments accountable unless their election ads “unambiguously” tell voters to vote for or against something on the ballot. Local governments have treated this as a blank check to fund ads that focus heavily on their arguments to vote for a ballot measure, and basically ignore any good reasons to vote against it.

The Goldwater Institute has urged public officials to stop campaigning with public money. But urging only goes so far. It’s time for state legislators to close the loopholes by passing clear, enforceable laws that require complete neutrality when spending taxpayer dollars on elections.

Christina Kohn is a staff attorney with the Goldwater Institute.

Learn More:

Goldwater Institute: School districts use public money to influence Arizona elections

White Mountain Independent: Citizens group goes to court to stop bond election

Arizona Republic: School projects to be built with $118M bond doubted

Filed Under: Campaign Finance, Campaigns & Elections, City Government, County Government, Spending

Victory on Nov. 2 requires lawmakers to outsmart budget trap

November 9, 2010 By 2 Comments

by Matthew Ladner, Ph.D. and Byron Schlomach, Ph.D.
Goldwater Institute

In the opening scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones overcomes a series of dangerous obstacles to grab a golden idol from an ancient temple. Suspecting a trap, Jones carefully replaces the idol with a bag of sand and smiles with satisfaction for a job skillfully done. Then, all Hell breaks loose, Indiana Jones is lucky to escape with his life, and his rival steals the idol.

Indy’s plight reminds us of the situation confronting Governor Jan Brewer and the Republican super-majority in the state Legislature after being elected by resounding margins on Nov. 2. They have just lifted the idol off the pedestal in triumph; now, the trap has been sprung.

This chart comes from the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and shows the state’s spending compared with revenue. Arizona is spending far more than we’re bringing in, and we have been for years. Last year Arizona overspent by 56 percent – spending $9.7 billion but only bringing in $6.2 billion from permanent taxes and fees.

Even though we’ve heard a great deal about budget reductions that have been made, last year’s spending was still higher than at the top of the housing bubble in mid-2007. The yawning gap between spending and tax collections has been filled with every imaginable source of one-time revenues: federal bailouts, mortgaged state buildings, delayed payments to schools, and raids on various specialty funds.

Arizona’s majority party stands in electoral triumph, but a brutally honest and frank discussion about Arizona’s dire budget situation must begin right away. Arizona needs deep spending reductions, structural reform to government, and strong leadership. Otherwise, unlike Indiana Jones, policymakers in power will be crushed by the rolling stone of the budget trap.

Dr. Matthew Ladner is vice president of research for the Goldwater Institute. Dr. Byron Schlomach is director of the Goldwater Institute’s Center for Economic Prosperity.

Learn More:

Goldwater Institute: Budget Reduction Opportunities

Goldwater Institute: A Fresh Start for Arizona: Proposals for Closing a Billion-Dollar Budget Gap

Goldwater Institute: Saving with Systemic Change

Goldwater Institute: Put Arizona on a Real Budget: New Spending Limit Can Restore State’s Fiscal Health

Joint Legislative Budget Committee: Revenue and Budget Update

Filed Under: Spending, State Budget, State Economy, State Government

Andrew Thomas opens private civil law firm

November 8, 2010 By 18 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

Monday, November 8, 2010

Practice will encompass most kinds of civil law

A lawyer conservatives can trust

Andrew Thomas is ready to fight for you. In addition to his well-known experience as Maricopa County Attorney, Andrew has experience as a civil lawyer. During his almost twenty years of experience as an attorney in Arizona, Andrew has successfully handled personal injury cases, provided legal advice to individuals and small businesses, and worked with those needing legal help in a variety of ways.
If you have a legal problem or issue, or if you need somebody to defend your legal rights, please contact Andrew Thomas to set up a meeting. Andrew tries to meet personally with all potential clients if possible. He will stand with you during your time of need.

The Andrew Thomas Law Office offers legal services in the following areas:

  • Accidents/Personal Injury
  • Business and Corporations
  • Commercial Litigation for Small, Medium and Large Companies
  • Contracts and Leases
  • Contract and Lease Disputes
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Employment Law
  • Family Law
  • General Legal Advice for Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations
  • Government Law
  • Personal Injury and Wrongful Death
  • Public Relations Law
  • Real Estate
  • Wills and Estate Planning

The Andrew Thomas Law Office also handles other legal matters. Please contact us with any questions about your specific legal needs.

AndrewThomasLaw.com

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

Governor Chris Christie Coming to Arizona

November 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Time is running out to see New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on his visit to Arizona during the Goldwater Institute Annual Dinner on Nov. 18. Governor Christie is one of the most popular Republicans in the country because of his efforts to balance New Jersey’s budget without tax increases and to reform the K-12 education system to improve school quality and hold teachers accountable. Many are wondering if he will run for president in 2012 (despite his public protests to contrary).

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The dinner will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Phoenician on Camelback Road with regular business dress attire.

Tickets are $175 each for members of the Goldwater Institute. Nonmembers can join the Goldwater Institute for $50 and get two tickets at the $175 price. That’s a savings of $225!

For more information and to register, visit http://goldwaterinstitute.org/event/5123.

Filed Under: Special Event

Hermanson to Run for Chairman of Arizona Republican Party

November 8, 2010 By 39 Comments

Pinal County GOP Chairman calls for party unity to stop Barack Obama and re-elect Senator Kyl

CASA GRANDE, AZ – Marty Hermanson, Chairman of the Pinal County Republican Party, today announced his bid for Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party.

“I’m running for Chair because I believe that I can best unite the Republican Party,” Hermanson said.  “To stop Barack Obama, re-elect Senator Kyl, and build on our successes this year, we will need to be totally united.”

“What Marty has accomplished in Pinal County is nothing short of remarkable,” said Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, who “enthusiastically and fully” supports Hermanson’s candidacy.  “He’s a superb leader, an excellent organizer, and a great fundraiser.  I know he can do for the state what he’s done for Republicans here.”

In the past year, Hermanson has grown the party from 94 precinct committeemen to 294, and swept offices from Congress to Clerk of the Superior Court to Constable.  For the first time ever, Pinal County has an all-Republican legislative delegation.  Congressional District 7 nominee Ruth McClung carried the Pinal section of her district by a 22 point margin, District 8 nominee Jesse Kelly by 17 points, and District 1 Congressman-elect Paul Gosar by 7.

Hermanson begins the campaign with additional support from Timothy Lee, Treasurer of the Arizona Republican Party, and fellow county chairs Clark Dierks of Coconino, Jeff Loyd of Gila, and Becky Nutt of Greenlee.

More details and announcements are forthcoming.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Political Parties, Press Release

Tea for Two on TV-12

November 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Be sure to tune in to TV-12′s Sunday Square-Off tomorrow at 8 AM as newly-elected Tea Party Republican State Representative, Michelle Ugenti and I discuss what to expect from the Arizona Legislature. Here is the video of our appearance discussing the impact of the Tea Party.

Filed Under: Legislation, Media, Spending, State Government, Taxation

Thank You Ruth McClung

November 5, 2010 By 18 Comments

Last year in June, I was very excited to introduce our readers to a young lady named Ruth McClung. In April, I had met this bright-eyed brilliant physicist at a town hall I had organized as part of the Tea Party movement. She wasn’t even an announced candidate at the time and given my propensity to help young conservatives, I encouraged her and exhorted her to be bold in what she would be setting out to accomplish. Over the months as I watched her campaign continue to gain momentum, I met with her and her family on occasion helping out in any way I could. I could see she was no ordinary candidate but rather someone who was genuinely concerned and humble to take on the call to public office. Anyone could see that she was going to go the distance and run her race well.

Tonight, I and thousands of others are heartbroken to learn that Ruth’s race for the US Congress is over. After several days of counting ballots, the numbers have not worked out in her favor. I know many people are saddened while others are angry but we have to accept that we cannot win every battle.

Tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people here in Arizona and across the country rallied behind this incredible young woman who proved that nothing was insurmountable. And while she did not win by the number of votes cast at the ballot box, she won in the huge number of hearts of people across the state and country. I know her opponent cannot say the same thing about his race

I have been very blessed to know Ruth McClung and her family, Michael, Gini and Tom. They are the most honest, sincere and wonderful people I have met in political circles. I am sure there are many people like myself who would say the same about Ruth and her family.

As I commented on her Facebook page earlier, “Ruth, you have blessed the people of CD-7 more than you will ever know. Thank you for giving the citizens of your district the best choice in a candidate they have ever known. You deserve huge credit for giving one of the biggest liberals in the US Congress the run of his life! I especially appreciate the huge sacrifice you and your family made in this endeavor. We thank you and wish you success in whatever you take on next. You will always have an “army” of loyal supporters standing behind you.”

Thank you Ruth!

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections

Wes Gullett in the Phoenix Mayoral Hunt?

November 5, 2010 By 14 Comments

With the 2010 General Election almost behind us, Sonoran Alliance is beginning to hear names surface for the upcoming City of Phoenix mayoral campaign. One of those names is Wes Gullett, the former right-hand man of Senator John McCain. As of today, no paperwork has been filed with the City of Phoenix. FYI: Gullet’s bio is available online but we’ll post it here:

Wes Gullett is a founding partner in the firm FirstStrategic, Communications & Public Affairs. He works primarily on strategic planning projects and representing businesses engaged in public policy efforts.

He has directed and worked on numerous public policy projects at FirstStrategic, including successful efforts passing Propositions 203 and 100. Gullett’s main focus is on providing corporate leaders with strategic communications advice so that they can accomplish their objectives.

Gullett served as Deputy Campaign Manager for McCain 2000 during John McCain’s campaign for the Republican Presidential Nomination. His principal duties were overseeing www.mccain2000.com, the pioneering effort to bring web technology and web applications to a major political campaign. This Internet program was heralded as the first serious effort to bring Presidential politics to the Internet. Time, Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report as well as the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and the San Jose Mercury News reported on the spectacular success of the McCain Internet Campaign. Gullett also served as the co-leader of the McCain 2008 Arizona Campaign Leadership team.

In addition to working on political campaigns, Gullett has worked in the consulting world for the past 12 years. He was a partner in the Phoenix public affairs firm of HighGround, Inc. Prior to his current venture, Wes Gullett formed Integrated Web Strategy, LLC, a company that provides Internet consulting services for business, organizations and political campaigns.

Gullett has extensive experience in government. He was Chief of Staff for Arizona Governor Fife Symington from July 1993 to April 1996. In addition he served as Administrative Assistant to U.S. Senator John McCain. He also served as Senator McCain’s 1992 Campaign Manager. Gullett’s tenure with McCain was seven years and included Administrative Assistant, Community Relations Director and Northern Arizona/Maricopa County Field Director for McCain for Senate (1986).

Gullett served three years on Capitol Hill working for the U.S. Senate Republican Conference (1983-86). At the Conference, Gullett served as senior media producer. As the senior producer, Gullett oversaw the daily production of several radio and television programs.

Gullett is a native of Ottumwa, Iowa and attended The University of Iowa. He and his wife, former Arizona Representative Deb Gullett, have three children – Kelly, Katie and Nikki – and reside in Phoenix.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Personalities

Russell Pearce – Senate President Elect

November 4, 2010 By 37 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, November 4, 2010
Friends,

As you know, I have served in the Legislature for 10 years, 8 of those years as Appropriations Chairman, making the tough decisions with our limited dollars and promoting strong fiscal accountability in the process.  I served as Chief Deputy for America’s most famous Sheriff, Joe Arpaio, which is the 4th largest Sheriff’s office in the nation. I was the Director of Arizona’s MVD, and I also served as a Judge. In every one of those positions I have been vigilant in service to our citizens, in reducing cost, improving efficiencies, requiring accountability and operating with transparency.  I promise to be as committed and vigilant, while serving as the Senate President.
In the past I have chosen not to run for leadership, as I have given priority to our state budget, to stop out of control spending, to enforce the rule of law, secure our borders, stop abuse of private property rights, school choice for Parents, the 2nd Amendment, to stop government discrimination by eliminating Affirmative Action in government hiring, promotions, contracting and education, etc.  However, I recognize things have changed with the significant turnover in the Senate, and I was approached by several of our members, to consider this leadership position. Today I am humbled by my fellow Republicans decision to put their trust in me as the Senate President.  I promise I will be vigilant in the promotion of the core values that our Founding Fathers so long ago sacrificed and committed their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor for this Republic.

Leadership, practiced at its best, is the art and science of calling to the hearts and minds of others. It is engaging others in an enterprise of sound strategic focus, where they can experience a sense of ownership, of making a difference, of being valued and adding value.

Last Tuesday’s election we saw America stand up and say “NO. We do not like the direction we are headed and want to change course”. We all know this as the Tea Party movement, that I am proud to be a member of. A movement of like minded, freedom loving “can do” American’s made their voice heard at the polls. It was a tough battle, and we had a lot of great victories, but we are certainly not out of the woods as our recession continues, our businesses and our families are over taxed and over regulated and demands on our tax dollars continues to increase.  In 2010 we passed some tremendous legislation that has made Arizona a national leader. We have passed legislation to enforce the laws of the land, improve school choice, protect mothers and their babies, restore our lost 2nd Amendment rights, Healthcare Freedom Act to protect your choice in healthcare, elimination of Affirmative Action and much more.  Thanks to my follow colleagues in both the House of Representatives and the Senate we are a national model as to what states can do;  we passed SB1070, Freedom to Carry Act SB1108, put on the ballot Healthcare Freedom Act, Proposition 107 to eliminate government discrimination and the Marriage Amendment. We also made much needed reduction in spending and have begun the long process of restoring fiscal sanity to our great state.

You know where my heart is. You know it is with this great Republic of ours and its citizens. We are the greatest country in the world because of freedom loving people like you, the freedom loving people of America. I will continue to fight everyday to protect your freedoms from government encroachment. It is America’s commitment to that freedom, personal responsibility and moral government that make us strong. Not more government. I want to make sure everyone knows, we, in the Senate, will govern from the bottom up, not from the top down.  Declaration of Independence, “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed … But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security …  that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. – And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”  I consider this to be the Tea Party Senate and we intend to take back America one state at a time.

For God, Family and the Republic, Stay free, stay safe and never surrender … God Bless America.
In Liberty,

Russell Pearce

Tea Party Senate President-Elect
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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Political Parties

Debunking myth of the ‘runaway’ convention

November 4, 2010 By 25 Comments

by Nick Dranias
Goldwater Institute

Article V of the U.S. Constitution gives a supermajority of state legislatures the power to call a convention to restrain an overreaching federal government through targeted constitutional amendments. There is no reason to worry about a “runaway” convention because three-fourths of the states—38 states—would have to ratify whatever amendment might be proposed. Moreover, nothing in the nation’s history justifies fear of a “runaway” convention.

It is a myth that the U.S. Constitution was born of a “runaway” convention. The truth is the Convention of 1787 had an incredibly broad mandate from Congress—to establish “in these states a firm national government . . . [and] render the federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of Government and the preservation of the Union.” In proposing the Constitution to amend the Articles of Confederation, the 1787 convention stayed well within the congressional call, as well as within the commissions of most delegates.

Although the Articles required unanimous ratification for alterations to it, and the Constitution only required ratification by nine states, the Constitution was only binding on those states that ratified it. While not every state in the Confederation initially ratified the Constitution, all of them ultimately did. In the end, the Constitution displaced the Articles of Confederation on the very terms prescribed by the Articles.

Today, the Goldwater Institute will release a new study that shows the states and Congress understood for decades after ratification that Article V provided an orderly way to make additional changes to the Constitution that would enhance its basic protection of freedom. If states choose to exercise their ultimate authority over the federal government through the Article V amendment process, history shows a “runway” convention just won’t happen.

Nick Dranias holds the Clarence J. and Katherine P. Duncan Chair for Constitutional Government and is director of the Joseph and Dorothy Donnelly Moller Center for Constitutional Government at the Goldwater Institute.

Learn More:

Goldwater Institute: Amending the Constitution by Convention: A Complete View of the Founders’ Plan

Yale Law School: Report of Proceedings in Congress, February 21, 1787

Restoringfreedom.org: A powerful idea whose time has come

Restoringfreedom.org: Model Legislation

Filed Under: Constitutional Law, Federal Budget, Spending, State Government, States Rights

CD 5 Voters axe Harry

November 4, 2010 By 11 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
Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Con(gress)man Harry retired at last

Voters give boot to CD5 hack
 Harry Mitchell spent only a third of the time in Congress that JD Hayworth did, and even that was too much.He wasn’t even one-third the Congressman his predecessor was, but the damage Harry, Pelosi, and Obama have inflicted on America will have the grandchildren, and probably even the great-grandchildren of Tempe’s “kindly grandpa” shackled in economic bondage, unless the GOP can follow up last night’s historic sweep by electing a new President in 2012.

In the meantime, Mitchell’s defeat is especially fitting for such a legislative mediocrity. Nancy Pelosi  propped him up through his first term by granting  him a subcommittee chairmanship, with which he promptly did nothing, except to proclaim what a great friend of veterans he was. Moreover, he was a “one trick pony” in Washington, offering nothing of substance other than symbolically donating his pay raises to charity which rang hollow because he was receiving a Tempe Union School District pension, a City of Tempe pension, a state of Arizona pension, and Social Security in addition to a generous Congressional salary!!!
In fact, when you total it all up, Representative and Mrs. Mitchell have been clearing close to $250k a year for their “public service”, when you add in Mrs. Mitchell’s teacher pension and social security.

What must be galling to “Grandpa Harry” is that he will miss out on the big kahuna, the Congressional Pension!!!  A Congressman is not fully vested in the pension until he serves six years, and even though it’s not the “golden parachute” of internet exaggerations, it was changed to  be a “normal” federal worker’s plan back in the early ’80′s, so it’s still very good. What makes it better is that Harry won’t get it! Frankly, de does not deserve it, considering how he ignored the will of the people during his tenure.

However, since he’s well past 65, he will get congressional healthcare for the rest of his days, which is just one more reason why his successor and the new GOP majority must stop Obamacare, so that the “deceptive Grandpa” won’t leave his grandkids and ours-on socialized medicine!
  
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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Government, Liberals, Press Release

BREAKING! Naco Poll Workers NOT checking ID!

November 2, 2010 By 3 Comments

We are receiving word that poll workers in Naco, Arizona are not checking voters for proper identification. This is a border town located in CD-8 and LD-25.

Anyone in Naco, please be on the lookout for improper voter activities.

Cochise County Sheriff, Larry Dever has been alerted.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections

“Election Protection” Liberal Front Group refusing to leave polling places!

November 2, 2010 By 2 Comments

BREAKING! Liberal front group “Election Protection” is now refusing to leave polling places in Pima County!

According to Arizona law, “Election Protection” attorneys are not allowed inside any polling places unless they have a written poll watcher authorization form-letter signed by the chairman of one of the political parties.

We are receiving reports that “Election Protection” individuals are walking into polling places without the proper authorization. If any “Election Protection” individuals show up at your polling place without the proper authorization, please talk to the inspector/marshall and remind them to check their credentials and remove them if necessary.

You can also call (877) 908-0194 and also report the incident.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections

Watch Out for “Election Protection” Liberal Front Group

November 2, 2010 By 5 Comments

Reports are coming in from Pima County that a group called “Election Protection” stormed several polling places this morning and during the intrusion, handed out pens to voters. On the pens, are printed a phone number to report election intimidation.

That group is affiliated with an organization here in Arizona called “Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.” One of the “partners” of this group, Linda Brown, actually wrote an op-ed for the Arizona Republic in September in which she wrote,

Last month, a federal judge in Phoenix upheld a 2004 law requiring proof of citizenship and ID for registering and voting, something that has depressed registration and participation for tens of thousands since the law’s inception.

This backward step for democracy in Arizona will remain in force and will likely prevent qualified and eligible Americans from exercising their constitutional right to vote in November. (The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund filed an appeal Tuesday with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.)

As we all know, the 9th Circuit Court recently overturned the federal court decision upholding the identification requirement in Arizona’s 2004 citizen-enacted law. (The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law was part of the suit as reported on their website.)

On its website, Election Protection includes its partner listing. Here are a few of those names:

  • National Council of La Raza
  • LULAC
  • Democracia USA
  • ACLU
  • NAACP LDF
  • Human Rights Campaign
  • National Education Association
  • Progressive Future
  • SEIU
  • Sierra Club

As you can see from the complete list, there is NOT ONE conservative organization listed. Several are even dependent on federal tax dollars.

Interestingly enough this same liberal “voter protection” group is working closely with another front organization here in Arizona called Mi Familia Vota. On their website, the Board of Directors lists individuals who are affiliated with the above organizations:

  • Cuc Vu, President/CEO Chief Diversity Officer, the Human Rights Campaign
  • Eliseo Medina, Treasurer International Executive Vice President, the Service Employees International Union

Mi Familia Vota‘s State Director, Francisco Heredia, recently sent a letter to the Arizona Republican Party claiming that the GOP was trying to suppress the Latino vote.  The truth is that there have been significant statistical problems discovered in Yuma County in which between 20-40% of early ballots and registrations have been rejected. Such groups have had paid workers in the field signing up up “voters” as quickly as possible, nevermind any citizen or voter eligibility issues. Paid workers are notoriously affiliated with SEIU, ACORN and other “community organizer” entities and have an inherent incentive to register anyone who has a pulse.

One other fact about Francisco Heredia. Not too many realize that he is the brother of Luis Heredia, the current Executive Director of the Arizona Democratic Party.

ACTION ITEM: If you observe any unusual activity at your polling place or suspect any violations of voting protocol, please call the Arizona Republican Legal Team at (877) 908-0194. You can also email photos to Matt Roberts at mroberts@azgop.org.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Voter Registration

How to Vote on Arizona Judges

November 2, 2010 By 1 Comment

Due to popular demand, we are posting the recommendations on judges who appear on the ballot this election cycle. If anyone wants to contribute to the information here, please leave comments. This is courtesy of AZJudgesReview.blogspot.com.

Judges this site gave top reviews to (generally conservative):

Court of Appeals:

  • Dan Barker
  • Philip Hall
  • Jon Thompson

Maricopa County Superior Court:

  • Brian Ishikawa
  • Peter Reinstein
  • Eileen Willett

Judges this site gave moderate reviews to (generally moderates, lean conservative):

Supreme Court:

  • Rebecca Berch

Court of Appeals:

  • John Gemmill*
  • Sheldon Weisberg

Maricopa County Superior Court:

  • Mark Aceto
  • Roger Brodman
  • Norman Davis***
  • Alfred Fenzel
  • George Foster
  • Pendleton Gaines
  • Brian Hauser
  • Jean Hoag
  • Carey Hyatt
  • Michael Jones
  • Kenneth Mangum
  • Karen O’Connor
  • Maria Del Mar Verdin

Judges this site gave negative reviews to (generally slightly left-leaning)

Court of Appeals:

  • Michael Brown
  • Pat Irvine
  • Lawrence Winthrop

Maricopa County Superior Court:

  • Arthur Anderson
  • Janet Barton
  • Emmet Ronan
  • David Talamante

Judges this site gave very poor reviews to (generally very liberal):

Maricopa County Superior Court:

  • Aimee Anderson**
  • Edward Bassett
  • Dawn Bergin
  • William Brotherton
  • Roger Budoff
  • Edward Burke
  • Harriett Chavez
  • Gary Donahoe
  • Sally Duncan (we’re told she’s listed as Sally Schneider on the ballot)
  • Dean Fink
  • Richard Gama**
  • Larry Grant
  • Warren Granville
  • Hugh Hegyi
  • Joseph Heilman
  • Bethany Hicks
  • Joseph Kreamer
  • Raymond Lee
  • Daniel Martin
  • Rosa Mroz
  • Sam Myers
  • Benjamin Norris
  • Susanna Pineda**
  • Douglas Rayes
  • John Rea
  • Samuel Thumma
  • Randall Warner
  • Joseph Welty

*A reputable source tells us the reason why Judge Gemmill’s decisions fall into the moderate, not conservative category, are because of his libertarian persuasion.

**One reputable prosecutor who practices regularly in front of Superior Court judges disagrees that Judges Aimee Anderson, Richard Gama and Susanna Pineda are liberal. Anderson and Pineda were both Napolitano appointees.

***We apologize, we had this incorrectly listed as Glenn Davis, but it is actually Norman Davis who is up for retention.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Voters Guide
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