Chuck Gray releases new video
October 25, 2011 By 1 Comment
Chuck Gray in running for Congress to represent the East Valley area. He has held several meet and greet events in the area. Here is a video from his most recent event. If you have not been able to attend one of his events, this video gives a clear picture of the candidate and the issues that are important to him.
Democrats Launch Arizona Attack Ad on Mitt Romney
October 25, 2011 By 5 Comments
Here is a sample of a video interview used to create a campaign ad. In a day and age when every political appearance is assumed to be video taped, candidates should assume that anything they say will be spliced, diced and spun to benefit their opponent. In this specific case, the Las Vegas Journal Review recently conducted an interview with Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. In the interview, they asked Romney what his proposal would be to solve the housing and foreclosure crisis. Once the clip went live, Democrats seized the opportunity to spin a campaign ad out of an abbreviated version of the clip. Watch both the ad and the unedited full version of the clip and see how Democrats take a statement out of context and use it against the candidate.
And here is the full video response:
You be the judge.
Rep. Flake Supports the Southeast Arizona Land Transfer Jobs Bill
October 25, 2011 By 5 Comments
Congressman Flake speaks in support of legislation to allow for the development of a new copper mine in Superior, Arizona which will create thousands of jobs.
Greg Stanton campaign supplying more content to outside group
October 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 25, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato
Stanton and union allies will go to any length to stop reform
PHOENIX – Career-politician Greg Stanton says he has no connection with Phoenix Citizens United and Educate Phoenix, groups running ads smearing Wes Gullett that have been called “lies” by the Arizona Republic editorial page and labeled “false” by the Republic Fact Checkers.
But for the second time, these groups are using materials supplied by the Stanton campaign in their desperate attempt to stop reform at City Hall.
A new ad (attached) on the airwaves includes video footage taped by a Stanton staffer, Chase Williams, at a Gullett event from September.
Williams obtained the footage used in the group’s latest ad at a September 10th Gullett meet and greet at the Pomegranate Café in Ahwatukee. Williams is pictured in this photo taping the event. Previously, these groups have used false information from Stanton press releases after they were removed from Stanton’s Web site for lies.
“Greg Stanton and the unions will clearly go to any length to protect the status quo, their $3.7 million taxpayer subsidies and stand in the way of reform,” Gullett said. “Greg Stanton has called for transparency – well, now it’s time for Greg Stanton to be transparent about his coordination with these two groups that are lying to Phoenix voters.”
On October 15, a Stanton spokesman told the Republic “there isn’t any connection between the political-action committee and the campaign.”
Then why is a staffer providing footage to the group?
In addition to Greg Stanton’s lie, the group’s lies have been repeatedly knocked down by the Arizona Republic.
On October 20, the Republic editorial board wrote: “There just is no other way to say it… the ad lies.”
The Republic Fact Check graded the content of the ad “False” with zero stars.
And in today’s Republic, columnist Laurie Roberts writes: “Phoenix Citizens United – whoever that is — has teamed up with Educate Phoenix – whatever that is — to basically lie to you in hopes of scuttling Wes Gullett’s bid to be mayor.”
###
Politics on the Rocks Networking Event with Presidential Candidate Governor Gary Johnson
October 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
 |
||||
 |
|
Governor Johnson, who has been referred to as the ‘most fiscally conservative Governor’ in the country, was the Republican Governor of New Mexico from 1994-2003. A successful businessman before running for office in 1994, Governor Johnson started a door-to-door handyman business to help pay his way through college. Twenty years later, he had grown the firm into one of the largest construction companies in New Mexico with over 1,000 employees. Not surprisingly, Governor Johnson brings a distinctly business-like mentality to governing, believing that decisions should be made based on cost-benefit analysis rather than strict ideology. Johnson is best known for his veto record, which includes over 750 vetoes during his time in office, more than all other governors combined and his use of the veto pen has since earned him the nickname “Governor Veto.” He cut taxes 14 times while never raising them. Wen he left office, New Mexico was one of only four states in the country with a balanced budget. Term-limited, Johnson retired from public office in 2003. An avid skier, adventurer, and bicyclist, he has currently reached four of the highest peaks on all seven continents, including Mt. Everest in 2009. After becoming increasingly concerned with the country’s out-of-control national debt and precarious financial situation, the Governor formed the OUR America Initiative, a 501c(4) non-profit that promotes fiscal responsibility, civil liberties, and rational public policy. He traveled to more than 30 states and spoke to over 150 conservative and libertarian groups during his time as Honorary Chairman. He has two grown children – a daughter Seah and a son Erik – and currently resides in a house he built himself in Taos, New Mexico. For more information on Presidential Candidate Governor Gary Johnson 
Our charity of the month for October is “Packages from Home”. Their sole purpose is to provide food, personal care, and recreational items to deployed American troops, at no cost to them. Since March 2005 they have averaged 1,000 to 1,500 packages a month being shipped to our heroes. Their goal is to ship many more. They collect donated items from generous patriotic citizens who live all across America. These items include non-perishable food, personal toiletries, and recreational items like games, books, music CDs and movie DVDs. If you feel inclined to participate in this charity, please bring these types of goods to the event. They will then be given to the charity to be shipped to American Troops. For more information on Packages from Home, 
Imagine a world without secret voting
October 25, 2011 By 16 Comments
by Taylor Earl
Goldwater Institute
Imagine you live in a world where all your votes are public knowledge – no voter privacy, no voting booths, and no mail-in ballots. What if you could be approached in public and asked to cast your vote on the spot?
As an illustration, imagine visiting a hospital to check on a friend. Outside, you see two large groups protesting – pro life and pro choice. With no other way in, you put your head down, and walk discreetly toward the main entrance.
You let out a sigh as two shoes start moving your way. A booming voice rings out, “Do you know how you’re going to vote on ballot initiative 99?” You look up and see an intense face, a pin advocating the position you disagree with, and reinforcements closing in: “This initiative will have huge impacts on abortion rights, you know.”
You shift uncomfortably but try to stand up straight and respond. “Yes, I do know how I will vote.” Another volunteer hands you a card. “No time like the present. Go ahead, vote right now. We’ll watch.” Your gulp is audible.
Clearly this is uncomfortable and not what many of us would want – the potential for intimidation is obvious. But if the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under President Obama gets its way, this is exactly what the workplace could look like for millions of workers.
Last year, Arizonans overwhelmingly passed a constitutional amendment that told workers “if your company is deciding whether or not to unionize, you have a constitutional right to cast your vote in secret.” But now, the NLRB is trying to strike down the amendment through a federal lawsuit. If they succeed, a union sympathizer would be permitted to accost a fellow employee and watch as the employee votes on whether or not to unionize.
But the Goldwater Institute is fighting back, defending the amendment in court. We’re hopeful that this effort to protect workers’ right to a secret ballot – already duplicated in five states, with more to follow this year – will prevail.
Taylor Earl is an attorney for the Goldwater Institute’s Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation.
Learn More:
Goldwater Institute: National Labor Relations Board v. State of Arizona (Save Our Secret Ballot case)
Goldwater Institute: Defending the right to a secret ballot and Arizona’s constitution
Huffington Post: Obama’s War on the Secret Ballot (co-authored by the Goldwater Institute’s Clint Bolick)
Rep. Schweikert to Host Jobs Fair in Scottsdale on Friday
October 25, 2011 By 2 Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 25, 2011
CONTACT: Rachel Semmel
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ) will host a job fair at Scottsdale Community College this Friday. A copy of the event flyer is attached and can be found here.
The upcoming job fair will be held on Friday, October 28th from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Scottsdale Community College is located off the 101 and Chaparral Road. Parking will be available. Local businesses will be on hand to meet with job seekers. No registration necessary for job seekers.
From 10 a.m. to noon, attendees will be invited to stop by workshops dedicated to teaching effective job searching skills, resume writing, and interviewing techniques. Participants are encouraged to use these workshops to prepare to meet with representatives from each business at the event.
“The national unemployment rate remains stagnantly high and tens of thousands of Arizonans continue to struggle to find work. The only way to get Arizona and our economy moving again is to get Washington out of the way.
“I am committed to finding real solutions that create jobs, and hope this job fair is one positive step to helping the people of Arizona’s 5th District do just that. This event will provide great opportunities to match local businesses in need of qualified workers and those individuals who are looking for work. I look forward to seeing you there,” said Rep. Schweikert.
JOB FAIR:
When: Friday, October 28, 2011
Where: Scottsdale Community College, Turquoise Room
Address: 9000 E. Chaparral Road, Scottsdale, 85256
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Workshops will be held in the Peridot Room:
10:00 – 10:30 am: Interviewing Skills with consultant Denise Meridith
11:00 – 12:00 pm: Resume Building with Kimberly Hall of Goodwill.
The job fair will begin after the workshops at noon in the Turquoise Room.
*UPDATED* BUSINESSES PARTICIPATING IN JOB FAIR
Aerotek Staffing Solutions
Terra Firma Surfaces
Taser International
Express Scripts
Cintas
Office Max
Goodwill
Goodrich
Vanguard
Mayo Clinic
General Dynamics
Sapphire Technology Group, Inc.
Certification Partners
Scottsdale Healthcare
CDW
Starbucks Coffee Company
Technology Staffing Solution
Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc.
Farm Bureau Financial Services
GoDaddy
Direct Alliance
Springboard Healthcare
Corporate Job Bank
Coca-Cola
International Cruise & Excursions
Aerospace Contact LLC
Village Health Clubs & Spas
A-1 Careers
Davita Dialysis
WageWorks
Nesco Resource
Scottsdale Community College
SecureLink
Kohls
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A
Charles Schwab
Safeway
Grand Canyon University
Circle K
Maricopa County Human Services
CVS Pharmacy
Isos Technology
Southwest Kidney
UPS
Customs and Border Protection
Synergy Capital Associates
NOTE: These companies prefer online applications prior to the event:
Starbucks: www.starbucks.com/careers
GoDaddy: www.godaddy.com/jobs
Springboard, Inc.: www.springboardstaffing.com
Davita Dialysis: http://careers.davita.com
Village Health Clubs and Spas: www.villageclubs.com
Kohls: www.kohlscareers.com
Charles Schwab: http://www.aboutschwab.com/careers/jobs
Safeway: www.safeway.com/careers
Isos Technology: http://jobs.isostech.com
Vanguard: www.vanguard.com/careers
Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc.: www.lesliespool.com/careers
AZ Family TV-3 Interviews Sheriff Paul Babeu on Possible Congressional Run
October 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu has announced the formation of an exploratory committee for Congressional District 4.
Sheriff Paul Babeu opens Congressional exploratory committee
October 24, 2011 By 8 Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 24, 2011
CONTACT: Chris DeRose
“The real deficit in Washington is one of leadership,” says Sheriff
San Tan Valley — Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu today announced the formation of an exploratory committee for the United States Congress, District 4.
“I believe the real deficit in Washington is one of leadership,” Babeu explained. “Almost three years after the 800 billion dollar stimulus disaster, nearly one in ten Americans is unemployed. In some of our communities, that number is more than double. Meanwhile we have a 14 trillion dollar national debt, with budgets in the red as far as the eye can see.
Arizona is ground zero in the fight against drug and human smuggling. Rather than secure our border and enforce the law, what did we see from our Federal government? Signs in my county warning Americans to stay away, because the cartels were in control; a lawsuit against the people of Arizona; a declaration that the border is more secure than ever. Meanwhile, 400,000 people unlawfully enter our state every year, tens of thousands with criminal records, some from nations that sponsor terrorism.
Now we find that our own Federal government in operation Fast and Furious put 2,000 guns in the hands of the most dangerous criminals in North America. These guns have been found at the murder scene of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, and hundreds of crime scenes in Mexico.
It’s clear that Washington is broken. To fix it we’ll need leaders unafraid to make tough decisions, leaders more worried about the next generation than the next election.
I believe it may be time for a new Sheriff in Washington.”
The new committee will allow Sheriff Babeu to travel the district and measure support for a full-fledged Congressional run. A final decision is planned for early in the New Year.
Paul Babeu is America’s Sheriff of the Year, as voted by his colleagues in the National Sheriff’s Association. As Sheriff, he reduced his budget by 10% while decreasing response times to emergencies by 50%. As a police officer, he was awarded two medals for saving lives, and served as President of the Chandler Law Enforcement Association. A retired Major in the United States Army National Guard, he commanded Task Force Yuma, which reduced illegal border crossings by 94%, and served a tour of duty in Iraq.
–30–
Promoting the Propaganda
October 21, 2011 By
Promoting the Propaganda
The spin is in full effect surrounding Arizona’s new law establishing a marital preference in adoption. From the time the CAP-supported SB 1188 was introduced, opponents have gone out of their way to distort the intention and effect of the bill – and the media has happily gone along with their story line.
SB 1188 is based on a simple principle: children deserve the opportunity to have a married mom and dad. Study after study shows that the best environment for a child is an intact home with a married mom and dad. SB 1188 requires that marital status is considered in adoption placements and establishes a preference for children to be adopted by a married man and woman when all other relevant factors are equal.
For months, there have been news stories and blog posts from our opponents – especially the homosexual lobby – saying this bill will decrease adoptions by discouraging single parents to adopt.
Let me be clear: the implementation of Arizona’s new law does not prohibit single individuals from adopting or becoming a foster parent. The new law does not mean that any child should be left in the state foster care system waiting for a married mom and dad when a single individual qualifies as an adoptive parent. CAP Communications Director Aaron Baer discusses a recent misleading story on the Foundations blog.
Positive Trend Towards Abstinence
A recent study from the Center for Disease Control reports a steady increase in teenagers abstaining from sex over the last 22 years.
In 2006-2010, about 57% of never-married female teenagers, and about 58% of never-married male teenagers, ages 15-19 years, have never had sex. For younger teens, ages 15-17 years, 73% of girls and 72% of boys have not had sex.
Abstinence until marriage remains a critical issue for our culture. For example, eight in 10 abortions are performed on unmarried women and four of 10 children are born to unwed mothers.
Strong Marriages and Economies
Everyone has their theories about the factors behind the current economic crisis in America. Many, however, refuse to consider the severe impact the breakdown of the family contributes to the nation’s economic woes.
Strong families are at the center of a strong economy and nation. The data backs this up. Dr. Brad Wilcox, director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, has conducted in-depth studies on the important role families play in our society.
In a recent editorial, Dr. Wilcox wrote “children are more likely to acquire the human and social capital they need to thrive in the modern economy when they are raised in an intact, married family. In the U.S., for instance, children are more likely to graduate from high school, complete college and be gainfully employed as young adults if they were raised in an intact, married family.”
What does this mean for public policy? It means lawmakers should only support legislation that promotes marriages and strong families. State and federal laws should not attack or weaken marriage or the traditional family.
Only a Week Left to Get Your Ticket
The Faith in Action Tour is just a week away, and we’ve already sold 1,300 tickets! Not only will Dr. Del Tackett speak live at this special event, but attendees will have the opportunity to meet with more than 30 local community service organizations, including Phoenix Rescue Mission, Arms of Love Foster Care, ArizonaServes, Crisis Pregnancy Centers of Phoenix, and Streetlight Phoenix. Still time to get your tickets – click here to order yours before we’re sold out!
Where is the outrage over Fast and Furious?
October 20, 2011 By 59 Comments
By: Rep. David Schweikert
It seems that despite the magnitude of the Fast and Furious scandal, there isn’t much outrage.
Arizonans don’t need me to tell them that Fast and Furious is a big story. This scandal started in our backyard — in the ATF’s Phoenix office — and was administered by a U.S. attorney appointed by President Obama.
Every step of this operation seems riddled with incompetence and dishonesty.
High-ranking U.S. officials used taxpayer money — stimulus money no less — to buy guns and ship them to Mexico. The administration claims these firearms were shipped to Mexico in an attempt to destabilize Mexican drug cartels.
A further investigation will help us determine if, in fact, the administration’s real agenda was indeed promoting gun control.
Not only did this incompetence sink the operation, it strengthened the cartels and destabilized Mexican security forces on the border.
In other words, under this then-secret program, thousands of guns were shipped over our borders and placed directly into the hands of criminals. Sadly, these guns can be traced to over 200 murders, including that of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry and high-ranking Mexican officials.
Some have tried to say that Fast and Furious is simply a case of an overreaching federal government dropping the ball or botching an operation — that it was planned to do something different, that weapons were lost and that officials miscommunicated or were ill-informed.
However, as more evidence has come to light, it has become clear that this operation was not botched. The administration fully intended for guns to end up in the hands of Mexican criminals.
As an Arizonan watching this unfold in my backyard, I can also assure you this is more than feds dropping the ball. People are dying. American tax dollars are arming criminals and it seems the administration is trying to cover it up.
This is egregious.
Almost as egregious, is the fact that the mainstream media has largely seemed to ignore this scandal. Where is the media’s understanding of the scale of this operation? Where is the outrage for not only the actions of President Obama and Eric Holder, but for their inconsistent stories? Where is the outrage for the use of American tax dollars for criminal activity? Where is the outrage for the more than 200 lives lost?
There is a growing voice in the House, mine one of the strongest among them, that believes we need a special prosecutor to hold Eric Holder and the Justice Department accountable. We must put the facts together and properly lay them out on a timeline.
Let’s face it. If it turns out that our attorney general misled the House Oversight Committee in May, the honorable thing for him to do is tender his resignation.
However, the honorable thing for President Obama to do right now is to stop playing politics and come clean on what his Justice Department knew and when they knew it. Incompetence and dishonesty that cost lives cannot and will not be tolerated.
The truth of this operation must come out just as fast and furiously as it was withheld from us.
The main duty of our government is to protect her citizens. However, here in my backyard, taxpayer-funded weapons have taken lives. I do not know what else needs to be said for America to start listening.
Congressman David Schweikert represents Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District.
Republic knocks down “lies” from Stanton and his supporters
October 20, 2011 By 1 Comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato
Gullett says ad should be removed
PHOENIX – The Arizona Republic today completely knocked-down statements made by career-politician Greg Stanton, and now by an independent group supporting him. The Republic went so far as to call the claims “lies.”
Wes Gullett is calling on the ad to be removed and for Stanton to stop deceiving the public.
The statements, used in a television ad paid for by an independent group supporting Stanton, originated in press releases and public statements made by Stanton. And they are repeated in a mail piece being paid for by Stanton himself.
“There just is no other way to say it: In asserting that Gullett lobbied the Phoenix council for a $100 million tax to benefit the arts, the ad lies. It also contends Gullett voted on the Phoenix Planning and Zoning Commission on behalf of a client, yet another lie,” the Republic wrote.
The editorial continues: “As The Republic’s Lynh Bui reported earlier this month, however, the Stanton campaign in August issued news releases alleging some of the same claims asserted in the TV ads funded by Phoenix Citizens United.”
“These outrageous claims have now been repeatedly knocked-down by independent journalists,” said Wes Gullett. “It’s time for Greg Stanton and his allies to stop deceiving the public and stick to the facts. Intentionally lying to the voters is not a good sign of how someone will operate as Mayor.”
###
More East Valley Leaders Stand with Salmon
October 20, 2011 By 1 Comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2011
Mesa and Chandler City Councilmembers Tout Salmon’s Record and Experience
EAST VALLEY – Former Congressman and candidate for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District Matt Salmon announced today that his campaign received the endorsements from three more East Valley leaders. Salmon’s campaign announced the following endorsements:
Christopher Glover – Mesa Councilmember
Rick Heumann – Chandler Councilmember
Jack Sellers – Chandler Councilmember
Mesa Councilmember Christopher Glover stated, “Congressman Salmon is exactly the type of conservative patriot we need in Washington during these challenging times. He has experience dealing with the most pressing issues at the state and federal levels and you can always count on him to do what he says he is going to do. I am proud to be a part of his team.”
“Matt Salmon showed his courage and principles during his previous time in Congress and I know he will take these same qualities to Washington when he returns,” said Chandler Councilmember Rick Heumann, “Matt will help get the budget back in order – not just shift the burden, and I have full confidence in his ability to lead and accomplish great things for the East Valley and Arizona communities.”
Chandler Councilmember Jack Sellers added, “As a long-time businessman in the East Valley, I trust in Matt Salmon’s proven record of fighting for balanced budgets and working to create a business-friendly climate. As our congressman, Matt will be a great partner to businesses in Arizona and advocate for polices that will get our local companies hiring again. I look forward to returning Matt to Washington.”
Former Congressman Salmon stated, “I am grateful for the growing support I continue to receive from our municipal leaders in the East Valley. They understand firsthand the local issues that affect their communities on an everyday basis, and I am eager to help them face these challenges and assist them in whatever way I can in Congress.”
Councilmembers Glover, Heumann and Sellers join East Valley mayors Gail Barney (Queen Creek), Hugh Hallman (Tempe) and John Insalaco (Apache Junction), Mesa Vice-Mayor Scott Somers, and Mesa Councilmembers Dave Richins and Dennis Kavanaugh in supporting Matt Salmon for Congress.
###
Congressman Trent Franks Endorses Eric Frederick for Phoenix City Council
October 20, 2011 By 2 Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 18, 2011
CONTACT: Eric Frederick
PHOENIX – Last night, October 17th, Arizona Congressman Trent Franks endorsed Eric Frederick at the Arizona Republican Legislative District 4 Monthly meeting. Eric Frederick is running for Phoenix City Council against incumbent Vice Mayor and Councilwoman Thelda Williams.
Congressman Franks said, “Eric Frederick’s private sector experience sets him apart and will be a priceless asset in office. Phoenix desperately needs a leader like Eric that is willing to reform the way the city does business. His values and strong business knowledge will allow him to fight for the residents of Phoenix.”
Eric Frederick responded to the endorsement by saying, “I am honored to have Congressman Franks’ endorsement. Congressman Franks has seen the way politics as usual is in Washington and how devastating it can be. I am glad he believes I am the leader that can take on Thelda Williams and her Phoenix insider friends.”
Congressman Franks serves Arizona’s second congressional district. He was first elected in 2002 and has served since then.
###
Pension reform or bust
October 20, 2011 By 2 Comments
by Byron Schlomach
Goldwater Institute
After a devastating series of prize-winning articles by Craig Harris in the Arizona Republic, the legislature took a first step to reform the state’s pensions systems last session. The changes – more tweaks than full-scale reforms – limited some of the worst abuses.
Public employees have to contribute more to their own retirements now and double-dipping (being on the payroll while also drawing a pension) has been limited. The real reform – eliminating pensions and moving to a 401(k) benefit with new employees – remains to be accomplished.
Shifting public employees into 401(k)s has become an issue in the Phoenix mayor’s race, as well as for the state.
At both levels, it is often claimed that giving new employees 401(k)s costs taxpayers more in the short run. But if that’s true, it is an admission that the current system is unsustainable and underfunded and we’re all being ushered down a primrose path to eventual financial ruin. After all, a properly funded pension system should not be a Ponzi scheme, ever dependent on new members in order to stay afloat. Instead contributions by current members, at any given time, should be sufficient to cover future pensions.
Think pension-induced financial ruin can’t happen? Then read the article “California and Bust” from the last issue of Vanity Fair magazine. The Golden State illustrates the risk of pension systems. They become larded with new benefits by politicians anxious to please voting public employees during good times. Then they become difficult to sustain during bad times.
Our state pension systems are in a sad state even with banner rates of return last year, and beneficial assumptions make them appear to be in better shape than they actually are. Job one for reform is doing the same favor for taxpayers that corporations did for stockholders years ago: put new government employees on 401(k) retirement benefits.
Dr. Byron Schlomach is the director of the Goldwater Institute’s Center for Economic Prosperity.
Learn More:
Goldwater Institute: Defusing the Pension Bomb: Making Retirement Plans Solvent for All Public Workers
Goldwater Institute: $50 Billion Tidal Wave: How Unfunded Pensions Could Overwhelm Arizona Taxpayers
Arizona Republic: Phoenix mayoral election 2011: Pension reform
NewsHouse: Arizona Republic political reporter receives first Toner Prize
Vanity Fair: California and Bust