You are here: Home / 2012 / January / Archives for 11th

Pro Abortion Mob, Pro-Lifers Square Off at Arizona State Capitol

January 11, 2012 By 3 Comments
YouTube Preview Image

Watch as a mother of two small children takes a stand for the sanctity of life in the rose garden at the Arizona State Capitol on opening day. As a mob of pro-abortion activists chant her down, she is joined by other pro-life women and supporters who also stand courageous against the pro-abortion zealots. As you will see from their signs, several of these same pro-life women actually underwent abortions and have now come to regret their decisions. The lesson to be learned here is that pro-abortion activists chant themselves into a trance of blind support but pro-life women through the sacred bond of mother and child, have found the truth and compassion through their real life decisions.

Filed Under: Protests, Sanctity of Life

Phil Lovas Announces Run for State Representative

January 11, 2012 By 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Phil Lovas

Peoria–Phil Lovas today announced that he will run for state representative in the new Legislative District 22, which covers parts of Peoria, Glendale, Sun City West, and Surprise.

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery and Phoenix City Council member Sal DiCiccio have enthusiastically endorsed Lovas.

“Phil Lovas is a committed conservative, and we need more people with successful business experience in the Arizona legislature. Phil has common-sense solutions and will work to shrink the size of state government and remove unnecessary burdens to job creation. He knows and understands what kind of environment is needed to attract and create good jobs to our state,” said DiCiccio.

Montgomery agreed, “I have no doubt that Phil’s business experience and expertise, combined with his principled leadership, will promote economic growth in Arizona.”

Lovas, who works in the hospitality sector developing hotels throughout the western U.S., plans to focus on job creation: “It’s my goal to make Arizona the number one place in America to do business. We must continue to cut taxes, abolish unnecessary regulations, and make it easier for businesses to open and flourish.”

Lovas also plans to fight to make Arizona government more fiscally responsible. “As a representative, I won’t ask taxpayers to make sacrifices their government is unwilling to make. Tough spending cuts will be necessary in the years ahead, and if we’re going to ask the public to sacrifice, then elected officials must set the example. For this reason, as a member of the legislature, I will refuse to take a pension,” promised Lovas. ”By reducing spending, fighting against overreaching government intrusion in our lives, and preserving the conservative values that have made this country the greatest in the world, we can put Arizona on the road to economic success and ensure that our children have the same opportunities that we have had,” Lovas said.

Lovas and his wife Corinne live in Peoria with their three children.

###

 

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections Tagged With:

LD-4 Republicans to meet, nominate three individuals for appointment to vacated State Senate seat

January 11, 2012 By 4 Comments

From the MCRC Briefs:

State GOP Headquarters has set Monday, Jan. 16 as the date that the LD4 precinct committeemen will elect three nominees to be submitted to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for selection to fill the senate vacancy left by the sudden resignation of Sen. Scott Bundgaard during last week’s senate ethics hearing. The election will be held in conjunction with the regularly scheduled LD4 meeting at the Union Hills Country Club, 9845 W. Union Hills Drive, Sun City. More details will be forth coming. Election Contact: Phil Mason at Republican Party headquarters (See ARS 41-1202. Vacancy in legislature; precinct committeemen; appointment; definition at http://law.onecle.com/arizona/state-government/41-1202.html for procedure details.

Two-term LD4 State Representative Judy Burges is seeking appointment to the LD4 senate seat that was vacated Friday when Sen. Scott Bundgaard resigned during the middle of an ethics hearing. Burges, elected in 2004, is currently serving her last year in the AZ House. Although not yet officially announced, she planned to run for the senate at the end of her term as a Representative. She currently serves as Chairman of the Government Committee that hears more bills than any other committee in the House of Representatives. As a legislator Burges has received “Champion of the Taxpayer” recognition, twice named “Legislator of the Year”, has been honored by the Goldwater Institute, the Pachyderm Coalition, Arizona Liberty Project, National Federation of Independent Business, Taxpayers for Prosperity; and has been named a ‘Friend of the Family’ every year since taking office. She has served on numerous legislative and district committees. Her husband Robert is a past chairman of LD4 Republicans and is currently a GOP state committeeman.

LD4 Precinct Committeeman and past Second Vice Chairman Eric Spencer is seeking the senate seat vacated by Sen. Scott Bundgaard. Spencer, currently an attorney with Snell & Wilmer, was a Captain in the US Army (Infantry), served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad in 2005-06 earning the Bronze Star. He earned Oak Leaf Clusters for Commendations and Achievement, a Parachutist Badge, a Combat Infantry Badge, Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbons, and other awards and decorations too numerous to list. The US Army Airborne School graduate has degrees from the University of California (Magna Cum Laude), a Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law and a Master Degree from Harvard University. He has attended three Republican National Conventions and served as Chair and Vice-Chair of the U of A College Republicans. He and his wife have a son.

Other LD4 Senate replacement candidate information will be provided as Briefs receives their resumes. Reports that Tony Bouie and Joy Graniger and Jerry Overton have tossed their hats into their ring have been confirmed by LD4 officials.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Conservatives, Political Parties, Political Science Tagged With:

Statement of Superintendent Huppenthal on TUSD Governing Board’s Decision to Immediately Suspend Their Mexican American Studies Program

January 11, 2012 By 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 11, 2012
CONTACT: Andrew LeFevre

Statement of Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal on the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board’s Decision to Immediately Suspend Their Mexican American Studies Program

Phoenix, AZ, January 11, 2012 – Today, Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal released the following statement regarding the action by the Tucson Unified School District’s (TUSD) governing board to immediately suspend their Mexican American Studies Program:

“Last night, by a 4-1 vote, the governing board of the Tucson Unified School District resolved that ‘All Mexican-American Studies (MAS) courses and teaching activities, regardless of funding source, shall be suspended immediately.’

I am very encouraged by the swift and decisive action taken by the members of the governing board last night to address the issues that I raised in my final ruling on January 6, 2012 of the district being in violation of A.R.S. § 15-112.

I am currently reviewing the official resolution that was adopted by the governing board and, upon consultation with TUSD representatives, will make a determination on appropriate method to verify their compliance with A.R.S. § 15-112.

I look forward to working with Superintendent Pedicone and other TUSD leadership to find ways to improve their schools and to provide a quality education for all TUSD.”

###

Filed Under: Education, Elected Officials, Government Reform, Judicial, Press Release, Race Relations Tagged With: ,

Upcoming Events: 2012 Arizona School Choice Week

January 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Filed Under: 2nd Amendment, Education, Special Event Tagged With:

Matt Salmon’s Former Campaign Manager Endorses Kirk Adams for Congress

January 11, 2012 By 11 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 11, 2012
CONTACT: Chad Heywood

Mesa, AZ – Kirk Adams for Congress received the endorsement of Chris Bowen today. Mr. Bowen is a businessman, entrepreneur, and former campaign manager to numerous Arizona campaigns. Explaining his support for Adams, Bowen said:

“I was Matt Salmon’s campaign manager when he first ran for Congress in 1994. I was his primary campaign manager when he ran for Governor in 2002. However, for me, the future of our country outweighs personal ties of the past. I know Matt Salmon and I know Kirk Adams. There is no question that Kirk is the right guy to send to Congress at this time.

I remember Kirk when he was a grassroots activist leading a tax revolt in Mesa. As Speaker of the House, Kirk was an extraordinary leader on fiscal and social issues. Kirk is a bright, successful businessman who knows how to get government off our backs. We need a proven, fresh leader with real-world experience whose agenda is a better America; not a better connection.”

Kirk Adams expressed his appreciation for Mr. Bowen’s endorsement, “It means a lot to receive the endorsement of Chris Bowen. Chris has been around politics as an observer, and as a highly skilled professional. His experience in government, politics, and in business give him unique insights into what is happening in our nation right now. I am grateful for his support.”

Adams is a husband, father, and small businessman. After joining the state House in 2006, he became so frustrated by the unwillingness and inability of Republicans in the Legislature to stand up for their conservative principles that he launched a long-shot campaign to oust the veteran Speaker of the House. Adams shocked the Republican establishment and political class, winning the Speakership at only 35 years of age.

Adams turned the tide in the House and put Arizona back on the path to fiscal responsibility with an aggressive agenda of reform, courageously taking on some of the most challenging issues in Arizona.

Adams, a lifelong East Valley resident, lives in Mesa with his wife JaNae and their five children.

 

###

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

Rep. Kimberly Yee Announces Campaign for State Senate

January 11, 2012 By 4 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 11, 2012
CONTACT: Kimberly Yee

January 11, 2012 – Phoenix, AZ – State Representative Kimberly Yee (R-District 10) announced today that she will run for the State Senate seat in her current legislative district representing Northwest Phoenix and Glendale. The Senate seat will be vacated at the end of this term by retiring State Senator Linda Gray (R-District 10) who has represented the district since 1997. Yee was joined by Gray today as she officially filed for the Senate seat.

“Kimberly is a dynamic leader with valued principles. She has done an extraordinary job serving our district as a state representative and former district chairman. She will bring to the Senate compassion for our constituents, extensive policy experience, and a unique understanding of the position. It is my privilege to endorse Rep. Kimberly Yee for our district’s Senate seat,” Gray said.

Yee issued the following statement:

“It has been a special honor to serve the residents of District 10 at the Legislature because this is the same neighborhood where I was born and raised—the same district I know and love.” 

“Senator Gray has been a hardworking and devoted public servant for our district, and over the past 15 years, she has been to me a mentor and friend. It is a special blessing to have her here by my side as I announce my campaign for the position she has served with the highest of integrity in a body for which I have the deepest respect. I also want to thank my seatmate Rep. Jim Weiers for his dedicated service and for the many years of leadership he brought to the State as our former Speaker of the House.” 

“I am running for this Senate seat because I believe it is important to have an honest voice at the Legislature held by someone with strong, conservative principles who knows the value of working across the aisle to develop the best public policy for the people of Arizona,” Yee said.

Yee was appointed to the Arizona House of Representatives in August of 2010 and was later elected to the same seat representing the 10th Legislative District, becoming the state’s first Asian American woman to serve as a member of the Legislature in Arizona history.

Prior to elective office, Yee was the Republican Chairman of District 10. She was Director of Communications and Government Affairs for Arizona State Treasurer Dean Martin. She also served as Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and as policy analyst for education under Governor Pete Wilson in California. Yee also served the Arizona State Senate for five years as a senior research analyst for the Senate Committee on Education.

Yee holds bachelor’s degrees in English and political science from Pepperdine University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Arizona State University.

In her first year in office, Yee received the following awards: Representative of the Year Award by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, the Leaders of the Year in Public Policy Award by the Arizona Capitol Times, the Freedom of Information Award by the Arizona Newspapers Association, and the Tech Ten Legislator Award for her work on technology by the Arizona Technology Council.

 

# # #

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

Ron Gould Announces Candidacy for Congress

January 11, 2012 By 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 11, 2012
CONTACT: Chris Baker

Rural Arizona Deserves a Conservative Leader

(Lake Havasu City, AZ) Conservative State Senator Ron Gould announced his candidacy for Congress today after a brief exploratory committee.

“After talking to residents of Arizona’s Fourth Congressional District during my exploratory phase, one thing has become clear,” said Gould. “They want a strong conservative as their next Congressman who understands rural Arizona and the issues facing it.

“Unlike my announced opponents, I am a long time resident of CD 4 and I am proud to have spent the last 7 years representing Mohave, La Paz, and Coconino Counties in the Legislature.”

During his time in the Arizona State Senate, Gould has been recognized as the top Senator for all 7 years of his tenure by the Goldwater Institute, Arizona’s leading free-market conservative think-tank. Gould also has the highest lifetime score from the Arizona chapter of Americans for Prosperity of any State Senator currently serving.

“I have spent the last 7 years in the State Senate doing exactly what I promised to do when first elected,” continued Gould. “I have led the fight against higher taxes, I have stood firm against big government and higher spending even when doing so required me to oppose my own party, and I have consistently stood up and fought for the small businesses that provide the large majority of jobs in this district.

“This district wants a Congressman who is willing to stand up and do what’s right. Unlike some in this race, I won’t vote to increase the debt ceiling and I won’t seek out wasteful stimulus money that is nothing but an egregious waste of taxpayer dollars.”

Senator Ron Gould and his wife Janice live in Lake Havasu City Arizona. They are the parents of three grown children and the proud grandparents of two grandchildren.

###

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

It’s the Same Old Song

January 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Jonathan Butcher, Goldwater Institute

In 1965, The Four Tops released a follow-up to their hit single, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” with a number called “It’s the Same Old Song.” It was, actually, nearly the same song as “Can’t Help Myself,” admits singer Abdul “Duke” Fakir, as he and songwriter Lamont Dozier were in a rush to produce something and “reversed [‘Can’t Help Myself’] with the same chord changes” to write “Same Old Song.”

In Arizona, we’re hearing the same old song about more money for education, now in the form of continuing the “temporary” 1 percent sales tax.

The Arizona Education Network says, “Studies show Arizona continually lags among the bottom of all states in terms of public education funding and academic performance,” as though speaking of money and student achievement in the same breath will somehow link them together.

As history shows, increases in education funding do not lead to higher levels of student achievement. In fact, education funding has been on the rise for decades with nothing to show for all that additional money.

Between 1985 and 2007, federal school spending increased 138 percent, and per-pupil expenditures around the country have more than doubled since 1970, says Stanford University’s Eric Hanushek.

In Arizona, reading scores for 4th graders on the Nation’s Report Card have changed little in the last decade, despite a 47 percent increase in total spending per pupil between 2000 and 2009. Interestingly, even when funding ticked down 4 percent between 2009 and 2010, not only does that make but a small dent in the earlier increases but scores did not change. Suggestions that Arizona’s low achievement levels are a result of funding levels ignore these findings.

Lawmakers should follow Gov. Jan Brewer’s lead and mark Arizona as the nation’s leader in education reform, as the East Valley Tribune reported last week, and keep the state committed to sound fiscal practices and a balanced budget.

Jonathan Butcher is education director for the Goldwater Institute.

Learn more:

East Valley Tribune: Brewer wants to revamp public education funding, expand private school options

Rolling Stone: The Four Tops Turn Fifty

Arizona Education Network: Arizona Voters Support Sales Tax Continuation to Fund Public Education

National School Choice Week

Arizona Auditor General: Arizona School District Spending

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Education, State Budget, State Economy, State Government, Taxation

Travis Grantham Announces Campaign for Congress in Congressional District 9

January 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 11, 2012
CONTACT: Evan Kozlow

Tempe – Today, Arizona Air National Guard Captain and local business owner, Travis Grantham announced his campaign for congress in Arizona’s 9th Congressional District.

“Americans are hurting right now and the course our elected leaders have set is making matters worse. All across our district, job losses, crushing taxes, and skyrocketing healthcare and tuition costs are putting all of our futures at risk. Unfortunately, President Obama and many of those in Congress are spending this country into insolvency. They simply do not understand that the more they raise our taxes, and the bigger they grow the federal government, the harder they make it for all Americans to succeed. Their policies are failing and we the people are paying the price. We must stop this administration from crushing small businesses and destroying the economic opportunities of all Arizonans. We need to protect the right, not just of the residents of this district, but of all Americans to pursue the American Dream. 

As a 3rd generation Arizonan, a husband and father, a small business owner, and an officer in the Arizona Air National Guard, I am very concerned that future generations are not going to have the chance to grow up in the same Arizona that that I had the privilege of growing up in. That is why I have made the decision to run for Congress in Arizona’s 9th Congressional District. 

It is time for our government to confront the predicament it has put us in; the United States is facing an unprecedented economic crisis that can no longer be ignored. This administration and the Congress simply cannot be allowed to kick the can down the road any longer. 

We have a national debt of over 15 trillion dollars yet the politicians in Washington still can’t stop spending. Our businesses are shrinking due to excessive regulation and over taxation. Soon we will be burdened with a disastrous and unaffordable socialized healthcare system forced on the country by an out of control Congress and Administration. President Obama has alienated our allies and encouraged our adversaries throughout the Middle East and around the world. All while refusing to secure our borders and enforce the existing immigration laws of this nation. 

Whether it is on economic issues, education, energy policy, border security, or foreign policy, the people of Arizona’s 9th Congressional District deserve to be represented by someone who has the integrity to stand on principle in the face of relentless pressure and opposition and do what is right for all Americans. That is the kind of leadership we need in Congress. That is the kind of leadership I pledge to provide. 

Over the course of this campaign I will work hard to earn the vote of the citizens of Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix. I am grateful for this opportunity, and humbled by the potential to represent Arizona’s 9th Congressional District in our nation’s capital.” 

For more information please visit www.GranthamforCongress.com.

###

 

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