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Rep. Jeff Flake: So Just How Broke Are We?

July 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 25, 2011
CONTACT: Genevieve Frye Rozansky

So Just How Broke Are We?

Washington, D.C. – Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, today illustrated the size and scope of the growing national debt.

This morning, National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell announced an end to the four-and-a-half-month lockout after the players’ association and the NFL came to a compromise on a 10-year collective bargaining agreement.

The U.S. is so broke that even with the NFL’s $9.3 billion in annual revenue, it would take 1,548 years of turning it over to the U.S. Treasury before the debt would be eradicated.

“With this amount of debt, we need a lockout on federal spending,” said Flake.

Along with Senators McCain and Rubio, Congressman Flake introduced H.R. 634, the Debt Buy-Down Act, which allows taxpayers to designate up to 10 percent of their federal income tax liability to reduce the national debt. The bill then requires Congress to reduce federal spending by that amount. More information on the Debt Buy-Down Act can be found here.

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Filed Under: Debt, Elected Officials, Federal Budget, Federal Government, Spending Tagged With: ,

NFIB Endorses Senate President Russell Pearce for Election—Again!

July 25, 2011 By 3 Comments

Small-business association standing up for lawmaker who has stood up for its members

PHOENIX, Ariz., July 25, 2011 — In a less petty political world, no association should have to issue a news released endorsing a candidate for the state legislature in a July of an odd-numbered year, but in doing so today Arizona’s leading small-business group wanted to make an early, emphatic and unqualified endorsement of Senate President Russell Pearce for election, once again, to his 18th Legislative District seat.

“We’re making our endorsement of Russell Pearce early to register small business’ strong support for one of Arizona’s most pro-small business lawmakers as he faces a needless November 8th special election to represent a constituency who overwhelmingly voted for him nine months ago just as they have in five prior elections,” said Farrell Quinlan, Arizona state director for the National Federation of Independent Business.

“Small business is rallying to stand up for the man who has stood up for small business for more than a decade.  His recall is a shameful abuse of the election process and a wasteful distraction from the Legislature’s important work of helping Arizona’s private sector create jobs again.  Nothing in Russell Pearce’s actions since the last election warrants this recall election.  The next regular election would have been the appropriate time for his political opponents to try a seventh time to defeat him.

“With apologies to noted political philosopher Dennis Green, District 18 voters will say ‘Russell Pearce is who we thought he was!’ and re-elect him handily on November 8th,” Quinlan quipped.

In the May release of NFIB’s 2011 legislative Voting Record, Pearce posted a 100-percent, pro-small-business voting tally on 15 issues vital to Main Street, mom-and-pop businesses repeating his perfect voting record on small business’ legislative agenda from 2009-2010.

The formal endorsement of Pearce was made by the NFIB/Arizona SAFE Trust, the political action arm of the association. More information can be found on President Pearce’s website at www.russellpearce.com.

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NFIB is Arizona’s and the nation’s leading small business advocacy association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Endorsements, Press Release, Small Business Tagged With: ,

In the Hands of Congressional Leaders

July 24, 2011 By 12 Comments

So this is what it has come down to.

Mitchell, Reid, Boehner and Pelosi sitting around a table discussing how to solve our economic/debt ceiling crisis. From what Politico is reporting, President Obama has actually “taken a step back from negotiations and allowed House and Senate leaders to try to find a way out of the debt-ceiling debacle. After congressional leaders told Obama at the White House Saturday morning they would attempt to stave off the crisis before Asian markets open Sunday evening…”

So my question is: Do you trust them?

If not who would you rather see sitting around this table dealing with this crisis?

Or, are you just sitting around yourself waiting for football season to start?

Filed Under: Debt, Elected Officials, Federal Budget, Federal Government, Legislation Tagged With: ,

Rerun: Anti-tax activist, A.J. LaFaro, to lead District 17 Republicans

July 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Arizona Republic ran the following article on July 23, 2011. Strangely, it does not appear anywhere on the Arizona Republic or azcentral websites. We thought it was worthy to reprint.  (Credit to Dianna M. Náñez)

The Maricopa County Republican Committee has elected A.J. LaFaro, a Tempe resident who led the fight against raising the city’s property-tax rate, as Legislative District 17 GOP chairman.

The district covers most of Tempe and part of south Scottsdale.

LaFaro said he was inspired to become more involved in politics after a months-long, but unsuccessful, battle against the rate increase.

Last Month, the Tempe City Council unanimously approved raising Tempe’s property-tax rate to $1.79 from $1.40 per $100 of assessed valuation.

LaFaro said he hopes to inspire other District 17 Republicans to support GOP candidates who are fiscally conservative.

“We look for strong conservative Republicans who sincerely believe in the Republican ideals in regards to smaller government, lower taxes, lower fees,” he said. “And even individuals who may label or register themselves Republican … make poor public-policy decisions in their career.”

He added, “In my opinion, (Mayor) Hugh Hallman and (Councilwoman) Onnie Shekerjian … made a poor public-policy decision (voting for the rate hike).”

Council members have said they supported the rate increase because Tempe is required to provide sufficient funding to pay for existing debt.

Hallman and Shekerjian also have said that policy Tempe recently approved, which would protect against residents having to pay higher taxes, should property valuations increase, was essential to their support of the rate change.

LaFaro said Republicans’ frustration with their municipal, state and national-level representatives will bring them to the polls next year.

He bashed District 17 legislators David Schapira, Ed Ableser and Ben Arredondo, calling them “progressive socialist Democrats,” and singled out Arredondo for violating the public’s trust when he accepted gifts from the Fiesta Bowl.

Arredondo was a registered Republican until last year when he registered as a Democrat to run for a House seat.

Filed Under: City Government, Media, Political Parties, Spending, Taxation Tagged With: , , ,

Educational Seminar on The Constitution with Shane Krauser

July 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment


Arizona Mainstream Project

Presents

 Constitution I: How To Argue The Constitution And Win Every Time

Shane Krauser is the Director of the American Academy of Constitutional Education, an adjunct professor of constitutional and criminal law, the Chief Instructor of K-Force Vanguard (a firearms training institute), and a practicing attorney in the Phoenix area. Shane has spoken all over the State of Arizona at various venues on a number of constitutional issues. He has spoken at political rallies, addressed large audiences at the Tea Party’s national summit, guided expert panels with various political figures, appeared on the radio, and educated audiences of all sizes and demographics. He brings a wealth of knowledge to any forum, and that knowledge will inspire you. His experiences will captivate you.

 Part 1: (4 Hours)

“Does it Feel Good to be King?” Rights, privileges, and principles of sovereignty and why we are a republic and not a democracy.

“To Try Men’s Souls.” Historical influences overview and the structure and outlay of the Constitution.

Part 2: (4 Hours)

“Who Wins: Public Safety or Individual Rights?” The various amendments and their protections.

“How to Argue the Constitution and Win Every Time:” Debating constitutional issues by eliminating emotion, arguing facts, and understanding the Constitution.

 

Date: Saturday, July 23 and July 30 (8 hour course divided into two 4-hour sessions)
Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm 
Location: Franciscan Renewal Center, The Saint Barbara Room
Address: 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale

Refreshments will be served

Cost: $40 per person or $70 per couple

THERE ARE ONLY A FEW MORE SEATS LEFT

CALL HONEY AT 808-283-3661 IF INTERESTED IN ATTENDING

 

Filed Under: Advertising, Constitutional Law, Education Tagged With: , , , , ,

Our Role in Government

July 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Friends -

I had the opportunity to sit down with a television crew from Truth in Action Ministries (formerly Coral Ridge Ministries) several weeks ago to discuss the importance of Christians engaging in public policy.

The piece aired this week and includes interviews with theologian and Phoenix Seminary professor Dr. Wayne Grudem, Senator Nancy Barto (LD-7), and Senator Steve Yarbrough (LD-21).

Click here to view the segment.

In His Service,

Cathi Herrod, President
Center for Arizona Policy

P.S. This week 16 CAP-supported bills went into effect. If you haven’t had a chance to see the short video sharing how these bills will have a positive impact on you and your family, watch it online now .

Filed Under: Culture, Family, Legislation, Religion Tagged With: , , , ,

Arizona Freedom Festival Tuesday with Joe the Plumber

July 22, 2011 By 4 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, July 22, 2011

Arizona Republican Party kicks off the 2012 campaign season 
Barbecue dinner, music, a surprise special guest and presentations by Arizona legislators

Join Our Mailing List
Filed Under: Elected Officials, Political Parties, Special Event

Independent Redistricting Commission Snubs Mohave County

July 21, 2011 By 2 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2011
CONTACT:  Mike Philipsen

(STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX) – The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission hasn’t even had its first public hearing, and already the Commission is creating controversy over the way the hearings are handled. Sen. Ron Gould of Lake Havasu City discovered today the Commission may send only one of its five members to the sole IRC hearing in Mohave County. Previous meetings in Phoenix and Tucson have been attended by all five members.

“I guess the rules are different outside of Maricopa and Pima counties. In the IRC’s mind, the full Commission doesn’t need to hear the concerns of Mohave County residents. One member is just fine. That’s an insult,” says Sen. Gould.

The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 26 at 6 p.m. at Bullhead City Council Chambers.

“You’ll have people coming from all over the county to Bullhead City for this meeting. These people care about the process. It’s a real slap in their faces,” says Sen. Gould.

The IRC is also now the target of a probe by Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne, over accusations of violations of open meeting laws and procurement laws.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Elected Officials, Press Release, State Government, Voter Registration Tagged With: , , ,

Big First Day for Border Fence Donation Website

July 21, 2011 By 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2011
CONTACT: Mike Philipsen

People from all 50 states offer financial support 

(State Capitol, Phoenix) – The totals are in from the first day of donations to help build a fence along the Arizona-Mexico border. More than $58,000 poured in to www.buildtheborderfence.com from 1,265 donors in just the first 24 hours.

“The Federal Government has made it abundantly clear that it has no interest in addressing the invasion of drug cartels, violent gangs, illegal aliens and terrorists along the border. The U.S. wants this problem addressed, and this is one way we’re doing it,” says Sen. Steve Smith, a Republican from Maricopa. Smith sponsored SB 1406, legislation that established a website for the purpose of raising private money to help build a border fence.

The border remains porous, and Arizona is taking one step toward true border security. From California to Texas, the southern border is approximately 2,000 miles, and only roughly 685 miles is fenced. The remaining 1300+ miles of the border have no fencing at all.

All the funds raised at www.buildtheborderfence.com are held in a trust fund account in the Arizona State Treasurer’s Office. The Joint Border Security Advisory Committee, established in the bill, will oversee the project.

Every state in the union was represented on the first day of donations, and that does not surprise Sen. Smith.

“We have always said with illegal immigration, ‘what happens in Arizona doesn’t stay in Arizona’. This is a crisis for the nation, and it is gratifying to know that all 50 states agree,” says Sen. Smith.

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Filed Under: Border, Elected Officials, Illegal Aliens, Illegal Immigration, National Security, Press Release, State Government, Terrorism Tagged With: , , ,

Arizona GOP Chairman Morrissey Applauds AG Horne Investigation into IRC Process

July 21, 2011 By 3 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2011
CONTACT: Thayer Verschoor

Phoenix, AZ – Chairman Tom Morrissey speaks on the investigation into the IRC by the Attorney General Phoenix – “I applaud the action taken today by Attorney General Horne to investigate the actions of the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) for their outlandish action to award a contract to Strategic Telemetry for mapping consultant services. The unprecedented action by the IRC flies in the face of our state laws on many counts.

History clearly demonstrates the undeniable fact that this company is neither independent nor non-partisan. Since this process will determine the electoral lines for the next ten years, the voters of this state MUST be assured that the redistricting process is fair and balanced. In addition, there are two other firms that submitted proposals to provide the expertise for the mapping services – including the company that provided that service ten years ago with no missteps and an Arizona company with a wide-ranging expertise in Arizona communities of interest. The price tag for the proposals from these two companies, COMBINED was about the same as the proposal inappropriately approved by the IRC. Arizona taxpayers expect – no, DEMAND, better judgment from this commission.

If the Independent Redistricting Commission cannot take the first step in this process in a legal and ethical manner, Arizonans across the political spectrum will have no faith in the final redistricting plan. Republicans, Independents, Democrats and Libertarians deserve better, and I strongly support the actions of the Attorney General to protect all the citizens of our great state.”

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Filed Under: Political Parties, Press Release Tagged With: , , , ,

Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne Authorizes Probe into Independent Redistricting Commission

July 21, 2011 By 3 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2011
CONTACT: Amy Rezzonico

PHOENIX (Thursday, July 21, 2011) — Attorney General Tom Horne has authorized his office to conduct an initial investigation of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission based on reports that raise questions about the Commission’s compliance with Arizona’s Open Meeting Law and procurement laws when it recently entered into a contract with Strategic Telemetry to provide mapping consultant services.

“I need to emphasize very clearly that this is an initial investigation that will attempt to determine if any violations actually occurred,” Horne said. “I am concerned about reports that have raised questions about some of the procedural actions taken by the commission, and I am committed to finding out whether those concerns warrant any further investigation. If this initial investigation finds that laws have been violated, we will proceed accordingly.”

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Filed Under: Elected Officials, Press Release, Voter Registration Tagged With: , ,

Rep. David Schweikert on Dodd-Frank One-Year Anniversary

July 21, 2011 By 2 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2011
CONTACT: Rachel Semmel

Rep. David Schweikert on Dodd-Frank One-Year Anniversary: “This Administration has regulated us to higher unemployment”

Washington, D.C. – Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), a member of the House Financial Services Committee and Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government-Sponsored Enterprises, made the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform bill:

“We haven’t needed a full year to realize how devastating Dodd-Frank has been on job creation and market stability. 

“For a bill that is 2,300 pages long and contains more than 400 regulations and mandates, it sure has not lived up to its promises of economic growth and certainty. These 400-plus overreaching regulations are led by one single unelected, unaccountable regulator who runs a massive new federal bureaucracy in the name of ‘consumer protection.’ 

“By the time the second anniversary of Dodd-Frank would roll around, this bill will have cost more than $1.25 billion in the hiring of thousands of new bureaucrats. This symbolizes everything that is wrong with Washington. 

“If Dodd-Frank has taught us anything, it is this: we don’t need more czars, we need more competition. We don’t need more bureaucrats, we need free markets and fewer regulations. We don’t need empty promises, we need economic certainty. 

“I, along with my Republican colleagues in the Financial Services Committee, are dedicating our resources to rolling back these oppressive regulations and working to create more certainty in the markets. 

“When Washington picks winners and losers, no one wins.” 

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Filed Under: Constitutional Law, Economics, Elected Officials, Federal Government, Jobs/Labor, Legislation, Press Release, Regulations Tagged With: , ,

TUSD Board Member Michael Hicks Recinds Support for Board’s Appeal to Superintendent Huppenthal’s Findings

July 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

For Immediate Release

From: Michael Hicks
Lisa Ruth, Spokesperson
520-615-4052

Tucson Unified School Board members were misinformed and misled by district officials

TUSD Governing Board member Michael Hicks regrets and rescinds his support for TUSD’s appeal of Arizona ’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Huppenthal’s finding that the district is in violation of multiple state laws.

Mr. Hicks feels that district officials misrepresented the intent of the district’s appeal. Board members were told that the appeal was intended to lead to a better understanding of Huppenthal’s finding, when in fact the appeal challenged not only the constitutionality of the finding, but denied those parts of the finding that the district knew to be true.

Lisa Ruth stated, “Michael Hicks was led to believe that by voting in favor of the appeal, Huppenthal’s findings would be explored further. Had he known the outcome, he would have voted against the appeal and regrets his original position. Through the course of the last month, Mr. Hicks has met with more parents, children and educators regarding the Ethnic Studies program. These individuals have come forward to express their continued concerns about the course and curriculum. This information also leaves Mr. Hicks with concern for the children who have been exposed to the program and the implications for the community.”

Michael Hicks believes that in light of revelations by staff and statements made by parents and children involved in the program, and the entire investigation conducted by Superintendent Huppenthal that the entire program must come to an immediate end. Electives are not an acceptable alternative in current form, and staff and curriculum must be reevaluated in their entirety.

Michael Hicks is disappointed that Superintendent Pedicone has elevated the formerly unassociated and unofficial Mexican American Advisory Board to a Superintendent Committee. Members of that organization may not have put the interest of the district’s students ahead of their own political and economic interests.

Contact: Michael Hicks spokesperson Lisa Ruth 520-615-4052

 Arizona Mainstream Project

Presents

A Panel Discussion: The Mexican-American “Raza” Controversial Ethnic Studies Program in the Tucson Unified School District

ON THE PANEL

  • Attorney General Tom Horne
  • CD7 Candidate Gabriela Saucedo Mercer
  • Founder of TU4SD Lorretta Hunnicutt
  • President of ALRA Rey Torres
  • Public Relations Director for State Superintendent John Huppenthal Andy LaFevere
  • Educator John Ward

 Date: Saturday, September 10th, 2011
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 PM
Location: Phoenix Airport Marriot Hotel
Address: 1101 North 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ

Refreshments will be served

Cost: $15 per person

THIS EVENT WILL BE STREAMED LIVE FROM OUR WEBSITE

RSVP

For addtional information and questions send email to: info@arizonamainstreamproject.org or call 480-659-4232

 

 

Filed Under: Education, Press Release Tagged With: , , ,

Video: Introducing Spenditol Congress’ Answer to Everything

July 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This video is brought to you by Concerned Women for America. The video can be found at Spenditol’s website.

YouTube Preview Image

More at Western Free Press.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections Tagged With: ,

Gabe Zimmerman honored at Nation’s Capitol

July 20, 2011 By 2 Comments

From Politico, Written by Seung Min Kim…

Lawmakers and family members gathered Wednesday in the Capitol to honor a Hill staffer who died in a January shooting that left six people dead and 13 wounded, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

Gabe Zimmerman, 30, was Giffords’s director of community outreach and was staffing a “Congress on Your Corner” when the gunman opened-fire in a grocery store parking lot on Jan. 8. He is the first congressional staffer murdered while on duty. His supporters hope a room in the Capitol will be renamed in his honor.

On Wednesday during an emotional ceremony, the lawmakers and his family members remembered Zimmerman as a tireless staffer committed to public service.

“It’s not his death, but his work and his ideals that should be recognized,” Zimmerman’s mother, Emily Nottingham, said.

“He tried to use his talents selflessly with the dedication to making positive change,” added his brother, Ben, his voice breaking multiple times as Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) stood behind him, wiping her eyes.

Wasserman Schultz – a close friend of Giffords – and Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) will introduce a resolution that would rename a room in the Capitol Visitors Center in Zimmerman’s honor. The Florida Democrat said they plan to attach it to the legislative branch funding bill that will head to the House floor later this week.

Zimmerman “was perfectly suited for the job,” Wasserman Schultz said. “That’s because Gabe loved people … he had a way about him that invited conversation.

This Republican-led House has shunned ceremonial resolutions, but Wasserman Schultz said she had spoken several times with House leadership on how to memorialize Zimmerman and said Speaker John Boehner has been “incredibly supportive.”

Other lawmakers on Wednesday recognized not only Zimmerman, but other Hill staffers as well.

“Gabe and the other staff members … they’re the ones that make the engines run,” said Rep. Ben Quayle (R-Ariz.). “And they’re the ones that never get the credit.”

Filed Under: Memorial Tagged With:

Good News! 16 CAP-Supported Bills Become Law

July 20, 2011 By 1 Comment

Today is a great day for everyone who calls Arizona home.

It’s been 90 days since the end of the 2011 legislative session, which means 16 Center for Arizona Policy (CAP)-supported bills take effect today. That’s 101 CAP-supported bills enacted into law since 1995!

These new laws make significant progress towards advancing the foundational values of life, marriage and family, and religious liberty in our state.

Victories like these never come without hard work, the support and prayers of people across Arizona, and the Lord’s blessing. Today would also be impossible if it wasn’t for the amazing 2010 elections, in which a two-thirds majority of pro-life, pro-family leaders were elected to the state House, Senate, and the governor’s office.

I’d like to share with you a very special message from two legislators who stand on the front lines every day at the state Capitol with CAP to promote and defend foundational principles.

YouTube Preview Image

In His Hands,


 

Cathi Herrod
President, Center for Arizona Policy

Filed Under: Legislation, Marriage, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , , , , ,

Jennifer Wright Garners Hayworth Endorsement, Tea Party Support in Phoenix Mayor’s Race

July 20, 2011 By 4 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2011
CONTACT: info@wright4mayor.com

 

Wright garners Hayworth endorsement and Tea Party Support for Phoenix Mayor’s Race

PHOENIX, AZ (July 20) – Mayoral candidate Jennifer Wright is pleased to announce the endorsement of former U.S. Congressman J.D. Hayworth and the support of Arizona Freedom Alliance , a group comprised of 26 Tea Party organizations.

“Jennifer is a good friend who has worked hard on conservative causes for the past decade. In her bid for Mayor of Phoenix, Jennifer is selflessly taking on entrenched political interests to restore conservative values to city governance,” said Hayworth.

“With the hard work and generous support of fiscal conservative Arizona citizens, we can and will set this city on the right path,” Wright said.

Campaigning on a platform of creating jobs, reducing city bureaucracy and eliminating sanctuary cities for illegal aliens, Wright has been hailed as the only true conservative in the race for Phoenix mayor.

“I am not a traditional political insider who owes friends political favors,” she said. “I will do what needs to be done to turn Phoenix around and do what the people, not the politicians, want done.”

Hayworth’s endorsement and the support from Arizona Freedom Alliance adds to the growing list of Wright supporters which already included Arizona State Senator Russell Pearce and Arizona State Senator Linda Gray.

A lawyer, economist, mother and activist with the Tea Party, Wright is seen by many as the most likely candidate to challenge the field of long-time politicians running for the office of mayor.

Help elect Wright as the next Mayor of Phoenix by making a donation of $10, $25, $100 or more TODAY !

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Endorsements, Press Release Tagged With: , ,
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