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Rep Giffords requests campaign funds for home security upgrade… in Texas

August 19, 2011 By 20 Comments

The Hill is reporting that Arizona’s Congressman Gabrielle Giffords has requested that she be granted a waiver by the Federal Elections Commission to use donor money to upgrade her home security in Texas.

Excuse me but doesn’t Gabrielle Giffords represent the citizens of Arizona’s eight congressional district?

And why would an elected official who is already being compensated by the taxpayers not use their salary to pay for such an expense rather than tapping into donor campaign funds?

According to the report the estimated cost of the security upgrade is $2,209.

Giffords’ request is not exclusive. Apparently, Republican Lee Terry of Nebraska also requested and received permission to upgrade his home security but he lives and serves in the State of Nebraska.

Southern Arizona constituents should be asking two questions:

  1. Why not use regular congressional salary funds for the upgrade?
  2. Does the use of donor campaign money on a Texas property evade the issue of taxpayer dollars being used on a non-Arizona property?
Perhaps given the politically correct climate surrounding Giffords’ horrific situation this is making a mountain out of a molehill? Seeking intense rehabilitation in Texas where her husband resides was certainly her medical decision but Southern Arizona constituents are starting to question whether its in everyone’s best interest if Giffords continues to serve.
Filed Under: Elected Officials, Guest Opinion Tagged With: ,

VICTORY FOR ARIZONA’S WOMEN: PLANNED PARENTHOOD ENDS ABORTION SERVICES AT SEVEN ARIZONA LOCATIONS

August 18, 2011 By 18 Comments

Victory for Arizona’s Women: Planned Parenthood Ends Abortion Services at Seven Arizona Locations

Statement from Center for Arizona Policy President Cathi Herrod

PHOENIX – “Planned Parenthood has chosen to end their services rather than raise the standard of care they provide women to be at the same level as all other medical care in the state. For years, life advocates at the legislature have been saying that Arizona women deserve better than the substandard care Planned Parenthood provides.

The fact that Planned Parenthood can’t find doctors to work at their clinics is telling. Caring healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, don’t want to be a part of an industry that harms women and takes the lives of preborn children.

Thanks to the many pregnancy care centers throughout our state, women in rural Arizona will be able to find the support they need from loving individuals.”

For more information, visit www.azpolicy.org or contact Aaron Baer, 602.424.2525.

 

Center for Arizona Policy promotes and defends the foundational values of life,

marriage and family, and religious liberty.

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Filed Under: Family, Health Care, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , , ,

Western Free Press: Sandra Day O’Connor Addresses Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission

August 18, 2011 By 5 Comments

Sandra Day O’Connor is a former Justice of the United States Supreme Court and is the first woman to have ever served on our highest court. Nominated by President Ronald Reagan, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the America, by President Barack Obama.

On August 17, at the Phoenix City Council Chambers, Justice O’Connor addressed the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission and Western Free Press was there. Hear her remarks in the video attached to this post.

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Western Free Press is dedicated to generating public dialogue on Arizona’s most important issues and figures.

Filed Under: Government Tagged With: , , ,

Will History Rhyme for Barack Obama in 2012?

August 17, 2011 By 6 Comments

I am really starting to get a sense that we may see a repeat of this historic event as we continue into the 2012 Presidential race.

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Let’s face it. President Obama has failed.

His public policy agenda was completely mis-prioritized with Obamacare. He can no longer pursue Keynesian economics to fix the economy. He has run out of leftist options, he’s losing leftist support and he’s running out of time.

Many are now arguing that President Obama does not know what to do.

As his legacy falls apart, Democrats are starting to panic and quietly call for someone like Hillary to prepare. (After all, Democrats love to tout the Bill Clinton economy.) Even the DraftHillary.com site is active.

And with the economy getting ready to possibly triple-dip, the list of Republican candidates is growing.

Every high profile Republican leader is probably having their adviser whisper in their ear, “this may be your only chance to run.” And why wouldn’t they buy into that political prompting? Now Congressman Paul Ryan, Governor Chris Christie and others are seriously considering. Governor Perry was a “no-go” up until a few months ago and now he’s pedal-to-the-metal in the race.

So don’t be surprised if  we see some dramatic changes in the course of the 2012 Presidential race similar to what happened in March of 1968. Just remember, history doesn’t repeat itself, it simply rhymes.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections Tagged With: , ,

Broad Coalition of Support for Peggy Neely

August 17, 2011 By 10 Comments

For Immediate Release: August 17, 2011
Contact: Paul Bentz

Neely for Mayor continues to build governing coalition

PHOENIX – Since her announcement, Peggy Neely has put together a broad coalition of endorsements including Governor Jan Brewer, Former Mayor Skip Rimsza, Councilmember Michael Johnson, Councilmember Sal DiCiccio, Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox, Former US Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, Mayors from across the Valley, and many others.

These endorsements represent a wide spectrum of support and including some who haven’t always seen eye to eye. However, one thing they all agree on is Peggy Neely – which reiterates her ability to bring all sides together to support a common cause.

Neely’s endorsements include:

  • Governor Jan Brewer
  • Former Mayor Skip Rimsza
  • Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck
  • Carefree Mayor David Schwan
  • Cave Creek Mayor Vince Francia
  • North Richland Hills, Texas Mayor Oscar Trevino
  • Surprise Mayor Lyn Truitt
  • Councilmember Michael Johnson
  • Councilmember Sal DiCiccio
  • Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox
  • Former US Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters
  • Former Arizona Republican Party Chairman Randy Pullen

Support for Neely ranges from her support of true reform to her commitment to the community. Many focused on her track record of supporting quality jobs and creating an environment to attract employers.

“I have admired Peggy Neely’s record of job creation and her devotion to government reform,” stated Governor Brewer. “With the passage of Arizona’s economic competitiveness package and the creation of the Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona needs experienced leaders who are dedicated to public-private partnerships and job creation. Peggy fits that bill and has my full support. I look forward to working with her on Arizona’s comeback.”

“From the beginning Peggy and I have worked closely together to bring jobs and business to the City,” said Councilmember Michael Johnson, “She is a dedicated public servant who puts the residents of Phoenix first every day.”

“I am proud of my track record of bringing people together to build consensus and find solutions,” said Neely, “Phoenix has been a well-run city and a place we can all be proud of, but it is time to do more. I am looking forward to working with them to build a coalition dedicated to improving our city.”

Former Mayor Skip Rimsza concluded, “Peggy Neely is proving she can bring people together to find solutions. She is building a strong coalition for the City of Phoenix dedicated to serving the taxpayers.”

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

Antenori files exploratory for Congress

August 17, 2011 By 14 Comments

State Senator Frank Antenori (LD-30) has filed an exploratory committee for AZ-08, according to the Morning Digest from Daily Kos. A search of the IRS site confirmed that Senator Antenori did file form 8871 dated August 15th. Filing an exploratory committee avoids problems with Arizona’s resign to run law and does not require the candidate to specify a district number.

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections

Ron Paul, The 13th floor

August 17, 2011 By 8 Comments

This was too funny but true to pass up posting! Hopefully, my Ron Paul friends will feel some comedic justice.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Media, Personalities, Political Parties Tagged With:

Women of Courage: Works by Conservative Artist Lisa Ruth

August 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Arizona Mainstream Project – AnyStreet AZ – Winning With Women

PRESENTS

This event is FREE to the public

Appetizers will be served and there will be a cash bar

Complimentary glass of wine to the first 25 guests

RSVP on facebook or at honey@arizonamainstreamproject.org

 

Filed Under: Advertising, Arts, Conservatives, Culture, Special Event Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Keeping an eye on the political enemy – Arizona Democrats

August 16, 2011 By 7 Comments

You will rarely ever see us give the Democrats “ink” on the pages of Sonoran Alliance but I thought it might be a good lesson to show how Arizona Democrats are using talking points handed down by the DNC to raise money and dramatically adjust their messaging. Here is their latest message from their fear-spreading leader. You will see how Democrats are going to make the Tea Party the enemy in 2012:

  1. Associate Republicans in Congress to the Tea Party
  2. Make the Tea Party Movement look unreasonable
  3. Make the Tea Party Movement appear obsessed with frivolous obsessions
  4. Associate the Tea Party with Russell Pearce
  5. Make Russell Pearce the new bogeyman
  6. Present Arizona children as victims of Republican policy via education, health care
  7. Refer to congressional Republicans as hostage takers and extremists
Once they whip up their supporters into a frenzy based on lies, they go for the exploitation of their dollars. Sadly there supporters are too ignorant to discern fact from democrat fiction. This ought to make your blood boil, especially if you belong to a Tea Party.
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Friend– 

Next year’s election is already shaping up to be an incredible opportunity for Democrats. 

New polls every week show that Americans are tired of the Tea Party Congress and its inability to lead. 

I’m confident we can win critical races throughout the state – but not without a fight. 

Last year was bruising — here in Arizona and all over America. 

The truth is, last year we were playing defense when we should have been on the offense. 

This election is going to be different – we have nothing to be scared of. The Russell Pearce Republicans are stuffing more kids in each classroom and kicking kids off healthcare. They’ve wasted time on Tea Party license plates and hunting for President Obama’s birth certificate, but haven’t lifted a finger to help create jobs. 

Believe it or not, the Tea Party Congress in Washington is even worse. These politicans held our economy hostage in order to advance their extreme agenda. 

We know most Arizonans are with us on the issues, but we can’t win without a strong grassroots organization to support our candidates. 

As chair, I’ve seen the incredible work that our dedicated volunteers, field organizers and country organizations do. 

We are now working together like never before to fund voter registration drives, candidate trainings and vote-by-mail programs. 

But you and I know these programs are expensive. I need your help to fund the early work that will allow us to win next year. 

The Arizona Democratic Party has launched a monthly giving program, DEM-AZ. This exclusive group of supporters is directly funding our grassroots organization. Every dime that we raise through this program is invested right back into voter registration, training volunteers and contacting voters on the phone and at their door. 

DEM-AZ members have committed to donate $20 per month to make sure Democrats have the organization we need to reelect President Obama, win a U.S. Senate race, take back critical House seats, and make historic gains at the state Legislature. 

Timing is critical on this – we can fight hard next year, but if we don’t build the organization we need now, we aren’t going to be able to get past the finish line. Having strong county organizations, well-trained volunteers and more voters is critical to our success. 

We’ve set an ambitious goal of signing up 50 new members to DEM-AZ this month. I hope we can count on you to be one of those new members. 

Click here to sign up and become one of the DEM-AZ members who have committed to building the organization we need to win in 2012. 

Thank you for your continued help and support. 

Andrei Cherny,
Chair, Arizona Democratic Party

Filed Under: Political Parties Tagged With: , ,

Yet another bogus complaint against Arpaio dismissed

August 16, 2011 By 5 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

Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Are you counting? Another groundless complaint against Sheriff Arpaio goes nowhere
Arizona Republic eating crow over and over again
Feds found no crimes in Arpaio’s handling of inmate cash
Associated Press
http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2011/08/16/feds-found-no-crimes-in-arpaios-handling-of-inmate-cash/PHOENIX – Prosecutors say they found no state or federal criminal violations in the travel spending and handling of inmates’ cash by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s office.

Dennis Burke, the U.S. Attorney for Arizona, told a county official in a letter Monday that the cash that inmates have in their possession when they are arrested was mostly accounted for and that there was no evidence of embezzlement.

But Burke said prosecutors believe that the sheriff’s office’s handling of inmate cash between 2006 and 2008 was questionable and suggested that Arpaio’s office may have violated its financial duties as a manager of money.

Jack MacIntyre, deputy chief for Arpaio, said Monday’s letter is another instance where prosecutors have cleared the sheriff’s office. In June, federal prosecutors said they wouldn’t be prosecuting sheriff’s officials over extradition spending.

MacIntyre said Burke couldn’t resist taking unfair swipes at Arpaio’s office in the letter when he should have merely announced his decision not to prosecute sheriff’s officials. “You may not like how someone balances their checkbook, but that’s not the duty of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” MacIntyre said.

Federal prosecutors have conducted a grand jury investigation of Arpaio on abuse of power allegations since at least early 2010.

The investigation is secret, but a top county official has said that he told the grand jurors that Arpaio used his law enforcement powers to try to intimidate county employees in a dispute between the sheriff’s office and county officials. No charges have been filed from the federal investigation.

County officials have also sent federal prosecutors their finding that Arpaio’s office misspent $99.5 million over eight years. The money came from a sales tax dedicated to running jails and a fund for running the commissary that sells household items to inmates. There has been no word from prosecutors about whether that spending was criminal.

Burke’s letter Monday focused on only travel spending and the handling of inmate cash.

Burke said in his letter to County Manager David Smith that Arpaio’s office may have mismanaged inmates’ cash between 2006 and 2008 when it appears it didn’t consistently deposit inmate cash and instead refunded prisoners with whatever cash was on hand.

The prosecutor said the sheriff’s office changed its policy after it failed to have enough money on hand during several occasions where it had to repay departing inmates. The policy now is to deposit inmates’ cash into a bank account.

County officials had also raised concerns about whether the sheriff’s office violated county travel policies and had excessive travel spending.

Burke noted that county officials had said Arpaio’s office had a history of failing to comply with county travel rules, but didn’t allege any violation of law.

“We have found no evidence to lead us to believe, at this time, that individuals at (the sheriff’s office) were using county travel funds solely for personal use without any law enforcement purpose,” Burke wrote.
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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, County Government, Crime and Punishment, Ethics, Government, Illegal Immigration

Lobbyist Reform Needed Now More Than Ever

August 16, 2011 By 5 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 16, 2011
CONTACT: Paul Bentz

“Lobbyist Gullett continues to put special interests before public interest.” 

PHOENIX – Boycotts. Casino gaming. Union interests. Lobbyist Wes Gullett has made a career as a political insider – taking taxpayer funded contracts from public institutions, donating thousands to democrats who opposed SB1070, working on behalf of organized labor, and ballot measures to increase taxes. Last night at the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Debate, Gullett once again stated that he would keep interest in his lobbying firm if elected Mayor.

“Today, more than ever, special interest groups are trying to buy influence through lobbyists and insiders working behind closed doors,” said Former Mayor Skip Rimsza, “And the best way to cure this problem is with a healthy dose of sunshine and openness. We need real reform at City Hall.”

Peggy Neely announced the comprehensive charter review as part of her real reforms for the City of Phoenix. The goal is to comprehensively review the charter and modernize it to reflect the realities of today and the prospects and opportunities for tomorrow. These reforms should focus on accountability, wisdom, accessibility, representation and ethics (A.W.A.R.E.) and focusing on opening up City Hall to a greater degree of public scrutiny and fostering a more open and transparent dialogue among elected and appointed leaders. Phoenix residents should have the opportunity to be more aware of what is going on in their community.

“We need more transparency in government. We don’t even know who Mr. Gullett’s clients are. How could the taxpayers ever trust he was serving them instead of himself?” questioned Peggy Neely, “Lobbyist reform is needed now more than ever and that is why it is part of the AWARE program.”

Two of the proposed AWARE reforms include:

• Lobbyist reform: Lobbyist registrations should be posted online in a searchable database by lobbyist and by client. The database should also include increased financial reporting requirements – for example, gifts and meals for commission members should be reported just as they are for elected officials.

• Strengthen the conflict of interest policy: Develop a stronger and clearer conflict of interest policy statement that will clearly point out the minimum requirements any elected official and those appointed by the elected body are to abide by. I would also include those who serve on boards and commissions. There should be no loophole, ambiguity or general lack of clarity that all of us who serve the will of the people should be expected to follow. In addition, there should be strong monetary sanctions and the risk of removal from the position imposed on anyone found to be guilty of violating the public trust in their capacity as public servants.

“We need real reform – voters are looking for a leader who will stand up for them and do the right thing,” concluded Neely, “I have a track record of making the hard choices and standing by my word. Mr. Gullett has already proven that his self-interest trumps the public interest.”

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Debt Tagged With: ,

Arizona IRC ED Denies Budget Recommendation

August 16, 2011 By 2 Comments

It was at the Independent Redistricting Commission hearing that SaddleBrooke resident Vince Leach rose to speak before the Commission. Leach spoke to the cover-ups and legal battles in which the Commission is currently engaged (as reported by numerous news media). Leach urged the Commission to be transparent and focus on the real issue: redistricting.

Leach mentioned to the Commissioners that the Commission’s budget, for the ten year cycle, is $10 million as recommended by the Department of Administration and reported by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC). Leach was concerned that the last Commission cycle budget was $6 million but had to be increased to $9.5 million due to lawsuits filed against the Commission’s redistricting. Would this year’s budget also see a 58% increase, to $15.8 million, due to lawsuits filed against Commission decisions and backroom machinations?

After concluding his remarks, Leach returned to his seat in the “overflow” room. Before he could sit down, Ray Bladine, Executive Director of the Commission, confronted Leach, accusing him of providing false numbers. Leach provided a copy of the JLBC report, verifying the Department of Administration ten year $10.2 million budget recommendation.

Bladine, in spite of having seen the JLBC report, countered that the numbers were false. He accused Leach of presenting misleading material, which Leach denied. Bladine then stated, “Now I know what I am dealing with,” or words to that effect. When Leach asked Bladine to explain his comment, Bladine refused, repeating, “Now I know what I am dealing with.”

Bladine then placed his hand against Leach’s shoulder not once but twice. Leach told Bladine to take his hand off Leach’s shoulder, his voice loud enough to draw attention and witnesses to the confrontation.

Bladine was interviewed regarding the incident. He denied any confrontation with Mr. Leach but admitted putting his hand against Leach’s shoulder. Bladine further stated that this year’s budget appropriation was $3.5 million. He neither acknowledged that Leach was discussing the 10 year cycle not just a single fiscal year nor admitted that the Department of Administration had made a budget recommendation for $10 million.

It seems unusual that an Executive Director of the IRC would not know that the Department of Administration had recommended a budget of $10.2 million budget for the ten year redistricting cycle. This is public information.

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Ethics, Public Relations Tagged With: , ,

Arizona Republican Party to Co-Sponsor Fundraising Event with Congressman Trent Franks

August 16, 2011 By 4 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 16, 2011
CONTACT: communications@azgop.org

Event: Fundraiser to re-elect Congressman Trent Franks and ensure Republican Victories in 2012.

When: Friday, August 26, 2011
5:30 PM – VIP Reception
6:15 – 8:00 PM – Dinner & Event

Where: Sun City West Foundation
14465 R.H. Johnson Boulevard
Sun City West, AZ 85375 (Map)

Cost: $40 – Dinner & Event
$100 – VIP Reception
$250 – Host Committee

RSVP: Teresa Martinez
(602) 957-7770
tmartinez@azgop.org
Also, visit our website at www.AZGOP.org

 

 

 

Paid for by the Franks GOP Committee, a joint fundraising committee on behalf of the Committee to Re Elect Trent Franks for Congress, and the Arizona Republican Party. ® Copyright 2011 Arizona Republican Party

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaign Finance, Campaigns & Elections, Conservatives, Elected Officials, Political Parties, Press Release Tagged With: , , ,

Are Phoenix City Hall & the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce trying to illegally influence an election?

August 16, 2011 By 2 Comments

Coming to a city near you… Unions, lobbyists, special interests controlling election outcomes.

Out of six ballot-qualified candidates in the Phoenix Mayoral election, two women candidates were excluded from a debate held at a City of Phoenix owned facility on August 15. The debate was hosted by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (@PhxChamber). One of the candidates excluded, Jennifer Wright is polling at the top of the field. So why would a frontrunner be excluded?

A reasonable person would conclude that this is the same good ol’ boys politics often used by incumbents, unions and special interests to control elections.

In response to this unacceptable and alleged illegal interference with the election process, the 2012 Project, a grassroots organization, hand delivered a notice of violation (ARS 9-500.14) to both the City of Phoenix Mayor and City Manager.

Ron Ludders and Lee Earle, leaders of the Arizona 2012 Project, also requested that either the two excluded candidates ( Anna Brennan and Jennifer Wright) be allowed to participate, or that the debate be cancelled in the name of fairness.

At a press conference outside City Hall , Ron Ludders said, “Three of the four candidates that are running have been a part of city hall….this is an obvious exclusion of anyone that’s a newcomer in the political field.”

The Phoenix City Attorney , Gary Verburg, also released the following statement in response to the 2012 Project’s letter and notice of violation just moments before the scheduled debate:

“Assistant City Manager, Ed Zuercher, has asked me to respond to your letter dated August 15, 2011. The City of Phoenix Convention Center, of which Symphony Hall is a part of, operates as an enterprise leasing space to tenants who are interested in conducting events at the facility. The City has standard rental rates which are charged for the use of the facilities. With respect to the use of Symphony Hall, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce has entered into a lease agreement to utilize Symphony Hall and is paying the standard rate for such use. No City resources are being utilized to sponsor or host the event. As the tenant, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce exercises the control and use of the premises during the event. As such, your concerns regarding the participants invited to the event should be addressed by the Chamber.”

Verbur’s statement glaringly fails to address the fact that the City of Phoenix is an active voting member and participant in the arrangement allowing the Phoenix Chamber to host the debate and would neither recuse or exonerate itself from the alleged violation of ARS 9-500.14.

Is this the new form of  ’voter suppression’ by unions and special interests that has taken control of city governance – silencing a candidate that is polling well? Just ask the four candidates who participated at the debate August 15th who all have union ties and are beholden to special interest groups.

If you you agree to unsustainable union salaries and pensions paid for by the the 2% tax on food, and the endless water bill increases, then vote for one of the four “city-chamber chosen” candidates who participated in the August 15th debate. But if you want an end to the ‘business as usual’ tax-and-spend career politicians, look to Jennifer Wright, who knows that Government does not create jobs, and promises to create a business-friendly environment which will create jobs in Phoenix.

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Filed Under: City Government, Debates, Guest Opinion, Media Tagged With: , , ,

Governor Jan Brewer Endorses Peggy Neely for Mayor of Phoenix

August 15, 2011 By 9 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 15, 2011
CONTACT: Paul Bentz

“Arizona needs experienced leaders like Neely who are dedicated to job creation”

PHOENIX – Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today announced her enthusiastic endorsement of Peggy Neely as the next Mayor of Phoenix.

“I have admired Peggy Neely’s record of job creation and her devotion to government reform,” stated Governor Brewer. “With the passage of Arizona’s economic competitiveness package and the creation of the Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona needs experienced leaders who are dedicated to public-private partnerships and job creation.

“Peggy fits that bill and has my full support. I look forward to working with her on Arizona’s comeback.”

Former Phoenix City Councilwoman Neely said, “I am extremely honored by our Governor’s support. Governor Brewer has been a model for making hard decisions and standing by them. I will work hand-in-hand with her administration to make Phoenix and Arizona number one in job creation.”

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Filed Under: City Government, Elected Officials, Endorsements, Press Release Tagged With: , ,

Rep. Flake: So Just How Broke Are We?

August 15, 2011 By 4 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 15, 2011
CONTACT: Genevieve Frye Rozansky

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

New “Two and a Half Men” star Ashton Kutcher is sporting a completely decked-out trailer for the set of the show. According to People.com, the trailer has seven 60-inch TVs, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and more than 1,000 square feet. And it costs about $2 million to buy.

The U.S. is so broke that based on the $2 million price tag of Kutcher’s super-deluxe trailer, our national debt of $14.4 trillion could buy a trailer with 43.2 million 60-inch TVs, 14.4 million bathrooms, 7.2 million kitchens, and 7.2 billion square feet – roughly the size of approximately 125,000 football fields, or about 258 miles wide.

“If we don’t start eliminating our national debt, it’ll be ‘That 70s Show’ all over again when it comes to the economy,” 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, Press Release, Spending, Taxation Tagged With: , ,

Governor Rick Perry Enters the Race for President

August 13, 2011 By 9 Comments

Here is the announcement speech of Governor Rick Perry who announced today his intention to seek the presidency of the United States.

Video streaming by Ustream

That noise you’re hearing is the sound of oxygen being sucked out of the room of all the other presidential candidates.

This race just got a whole lot more interesting!

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Media, Press Release Tagged With: ,
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