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AZGOP Chairman: Legislative Process Must Performed Legitimately

June 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment

AZGOP

PHOENIX – Robert Graham, Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, issued the following statement regarding this week’s activity at the Arizona Legislature:

“I serve as the elected Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, with over a million voters strong in our state. 

“I also stand with those hundreds of thousands of taxpayers who voted for Republican candidates, knowing that Republicans support fiscal responsibility. I understand that everyone is under a lot of pressure here today. Many of you have not slept in a few days. We all agree there’s a lot at stake. However, I cannot overstate how disappointed I am with the parliamentary maneuvers that have played out over the past few days. Last year, our Republican legislative majority elected a Senate President and Speaker of the House empowering them to provide leadership consistent with the Republican Party platform. Vested in them is a constitutional responsibility to originate and craft a budget for the legislature to send the Executive branch. To their credit, they have worked long and hard to that end for over 100 days. 

“I now call on all Republican legislators to restore the legitimate process that respects the authority that was given to the duly elected Republican House and Senate leadership. Let’s also make sure that, as we close out the First Regular Session of the 51st Legislature, we support the remaining conservative core pieces of legislation and amendments that define the contrast between our party and that of the left. I understand that each member of the legislature comes from a different district with different constituencies. But I also want to be very clear that each and every Republican who ran for office did so representing our party. As Republicans, we should stand united in the cause of promoting limited government, respect for life, defense of our Constitution, strict adherence to transparent governance and full support of legitimate parliamentary procedures that allow our leadership to do the job they were elected to do.”

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Elected Officials, Government, Political Parties, Political Science, State Government Tagged With: , , ,

Arizona Republican Party Raises $225,000 Saluting Arizona’s Republican Lawmakers

April 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Arizona Republican Party

PHOENIX – Arizona Republican Party Chairman Robert Graham today thanked the nearly 400 attendees at last night’s GOP Legislative Salute that raised $225,000 for the State Party. Keynote speaker Frank Luntz urged those in attendance to remember that the GOP’s strength comes from our authentic commitment to protecting taxpayers, our long-term approach to challenges, and our insistence on holding our government leaders accountable.

“What made this event so successful is the combination of our supporters working together, uniting behind our common goals, and sharing in our plans for victory in 2014,” said Robert Graham, Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party. “We’ve proven in the short time since the last election that we’re newly energized, we’re committed to the mission of our Republican platform, and last night was a true demonstration there are tremendous resources now available to help us win.”

Governor Brewer spoke to the audience and received a standing ovation, and she thanked Chairman Graham for his leadership. Governor Gregory Mendoza of the Gila River Indian Community presented the AZGOP’s Lifetime Achievement Award to U.S. Senator Jon Kyl. Kyl retired early this year after a lifetime of service to the GOP, our state, and our country. The event featured a special tribute in honor of Speaker of the House Andy Tobin and Senate President Andy Biggs which can be viewed here.

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The Arizona Republican Party also released the following video as part of the salute:

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Christmas Message from Chairman Tom Morrissey

December 21, 2012 by 1 Comment

Arizona Republican Party

Friends,

On behalf of the million-strong voters in the Arizona Republican Party, I heartily wish you a Merry Christmas.

As we reflect on the meaning of the holiday season, I can’t help but think about our good fortune as Americans, and especially as Arizonans.

Our party’s strength in Arizona is tremendous and growing, and in so many ways Arizona is leading the nation with our conservative principles and our proven success in winning elections.

We have you, the supporters of our Republican candidates, to thank.

I ask that you especially thank our Almighty God for the great many blessings we all share.

Sincerely,

Tom Morrissey

Chairman, Arizona Republican Party

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Culture, Elected Officials, Holiday, Political Parties, Press Release Tagged With: , , ,

Chairman Tom Morrissey Declines to Seek Second Term as AZGOP Chairman

December 19, 2012 by 9 Comments
Arizona Republican Party
Pending Knee Surgery and Lengthy Recovery Preclude Active Leadership Role
 
PHOENIX – Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey today announced he will not seek a second term as Chairman due to upcoming knee surgeries that will likely require a lengthy recovery period.  His term will end when the party’s State Committee meets January 26th and elects the Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer.
“My tenure as Chairman has been a fulfilling one for me, and I wish my current health circumstances did not prevent me from continuing to serve the party in the near term.  Once my recovery is complete, I expect to be fully involved in continuing to help our conservative candidates for office,” Morrissey said.  “I am proud of the numerous things the Party accomplished under my leadership: we erased our debt, and for the first time in Arizona’s history our Party holds all our statewide offices and majorities in the Legislature.  We had success on so many fronts throughout this great state because we worked hard to uphold our conservative principles and get our candidates elected.”
 
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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Political Parties, Press Release Tagged With: , ,

Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey Reaffirms Support for Congressman David Schweikert

December 4, 2012 by 2 Comments

Arizona Republican Party

PHOENIX – Tom Morrissey, Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, today issued a statement in support of Congressman David Schweikert after party leadership in Washington, D.C. removed Schweikert from his position on the House Financial Services Committee.

“Congressman Schweikert is not only a principled conservative but he is exceptionally qualified to continue his service on the Financial Services Committee.  In these particularly pressing times it is essential that our party use every available ounce of talent, experience and fiscal responsibility to lead our nation back into prosperity, and we are counting on every one of Arizona’s representatives in Congress to do just that.”

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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Conservatives, Elected Officials, Federal Budget, Federal Government, Press Release Tagged With: , , , ,

Grassroots Level of Arizona Republican Party Reminds Legislative Leadership of GOP Priorities

November 6, 2012 by 29 Comments

Arizona Republican Party

Legislative Leadership Elections on November 7th Must Reflect Republican Values

PHOENIX – Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey issued the following statement after leaders of the Maricopa, Pinal, Gila and Navajo County Republican party committees recently passed resolutions reminding Republican officeholders to elect leaders who support key Republican principles.

“While our recent efforts statewide have been focused entirely on electing Republicans to office, it is readily apparent that the grassroots level of our Republican Party also strongly desires to ensure that our legislators, once elected, also choose leaders who will uphold Republican principles. As Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, I understand and am giving voice to the sentiments expressed by our county committees. Our Republican legislators should consider the significant contribution that Republicans at the grassroots level make to our party in tomorrow’s leadership elections. The grassroots of our party — including thousands of precinct committeemen, volunteers, and donors — are the core strength of our organization. For us to be successful as a whole all of our members must remain dedicated to upholding our platform, maintaining our integrity, and recognizing the expressed desires of the people we represent. We, who are entrusted with public office, must never lose sight of the fact that we serve those who elected us, and not vice versa.”

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

Day 14 of Kyrsten Sinema’s Refusal to Release List of Murderers She Defended

October 24, 2012 by 5 Comments

Arizona Republican Party

Sinema Not Yet Responding to Letter of Inquiry into Her List of Clients

PHOENIX – With just two weeks until election day, Kirsten Sinema’s campaign is still refusing to release the list of murderers she claimed to defend.

Kyrsten Sinema, running for Congress in Arizona’s Ninth District, once proudly boasted about her work as a “criminal defense attorney who represents murderers.” (Shawn Macomber, “The Marginalized Mainstream,” The American Spectator, June 14, 2006)

Today marks Day 14 of her receipt of a hand-delivered letter from Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey asking her to release her client list, including the murderers she claimed to represent. No response has been received.

“If you run for Congress, you shouldn’t be running from your past.” said Tom Morrissey, Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party which is headquartered in Arizona’s Ninth Congressional District. “Sinema is trying to erase her past and pretend she’s someone else, and we think voters simply want to know more about the deeds she’s done than she’s willing to reveal.”

Below is the letter Morrissey sent to Ms. Sinema asking her to stop hiding her client list.

October 9, 2012

Ms. Kyrsten Sinema
123 E Baseline Rd. D-202
Tempe, AZ 85283

Dear Kyrsten:

As the former Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal for Arizona, I strongly believe it is important for the people of Arizona and this Congressional district to know whom you stand with.

In a 2006 interview with American Spectator magazine, and while a member of the Arizona Legislature, you proudly boasted that you were a “criminal defense attorney who represents murderers.”

Your voting record is also troubling.

In 2009, you were one of five state representatives to vote against a bill (SB 1253) that adds drive by shooting to the list of specified felonies that are subject to the felony murder classification. This measure was passed in bipartisan fashion 50-5.

In 2007, you were the Prime Sponsor of HB 2278, a bill to end the death penalty for murderers and rapists. Luckily your bill wasn’t passed.

In light of your pronouncements of support for murderers I ask you to immediately release your entire client list of any murderers you have represented or currently represent.

Most sincerely,

/s/

Tom Morrissey
Chairman
Arizona Republican Party

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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Crime and Punishment, Ethics, Press Release Tagged With: , , , , ,

“Voter Groups” Actually Fronting Liberal Agenda

October 18, 2012 by 10 Comments

Arizona Republican Party

“League of Conservation Voters” Not Objective – More Interested in Supporting Democrats than Cutting Gas Prices and Creating Jobs

PHOENIX – With voter interest in the election peaking less than three weeks before election day, Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey is reminding the Arizona electorate of yet another example of a biased special interest group purporting to “inform” voters.

The League of Conservations Voters based in Washington, DC was founded by environmentalists in the late 1960’s — but today the group apparently does little more than simply oppose Republicans like Jeff Flake.  Significantly, the group also opposes the expansion of the Keystone Pipeline, a new section of oil pipeline that would not only create jobs but increase fuel supply and address the high price of gasoline.  Congressional Republicans like Jeff Flake have repeatedly pushed for the expansion, only to be blocked by the Obama Administration.
 
“Groups like the League of Conservation Voters are at the core of the liberal scene in Washington DC,” said Tom Morrissey, Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party.  “They play politics with our fuel supply and our efforts to create jobs and wrongly try to smear good Republicans, like Jeff Flake, who are working hard to build the infrastructure we need to address our nation’s energy needs.”

BACKGROUND….
League of Conservation Voters Rejects Pipeline Solution  

League Of Conservation Voters: “The Keystone XL Pipeline Is Simply Not In Our National Interest And Should Ultimately Be Rejected.” “The U.S. State Department has announced it will delay making a final decision on the tar sands Keystone XL pipeline pending a new environmental review. This is a big win for our environment and our democracy. We strongly applaud the Obama administration’s prudent delay of this dangerous pipeline, which would increase global warming pollution. The Keystone XL pipeline is simply not in our national interest and should ultimately be rejected.” (Mike Palamuso, “A Big Win For Our Environment,” League Of Conservation Voters’ Blog, www.lcv.org, Posted 11/11/11)
In November, LCV Protested Against The Pipeline Outside The White House. “This Sunday afternoon League of Conservation Voters along with dozens of other organizations and thousands of other environmentally-minded citizens are going to surround the White House in an unprecedented grassroots day of action to Stop the Keystone XL Tar Sands Pipeline.” (Mike Palamuso, “Sunday Keystone XL Tar Sands Protest Outside The White House,” League Of Conservation Voters’ Blog, www.lcv.org, Posted 11/4/11)

But Pipeline Solution Would Supply More Oil, Jobs
“‘While some folks around this town are still waiting for marching orders from anti-job groups like the League of Conservation Voters, I’ll keep working with anyone I can to get the government out of the way of thousands of new private-sector jobs,’ Rehberg said.” (State Bureau, Billings Gazette, “Rehberg co-sponsors bill to OK Keystone XL Pipeline” 2/9/2012)
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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Liberals, Political Parties, Political Science, Press Release, Special Interests Tagged With:

Kyrsten Sinema Says No Death Penalty: Her Bill Would Spare the “Baseline Killer”

October 11, 2012 by 3 Comments

Arizona Republican Party

PHOENIX – Kyrsten Sinema continues to resist calls for the release of her client list from her time as a criminal defense attorney as evidence continues to mount that her positions on crime and punishment are far outside the mainstream.

Sinema in 2007 introduced legislation to repeal the death penalty in Arizona. (48th Legislature, HB 2278, death penalty; repeal; natural life.)

Had Sinema’s bill become law cop-killers and violent sexual predators would no longer be subject to capital punishment. Under Sinema’s legislation, notorious Arizona criminals such as “Serial Shooter” Dale Hausner and “Baseline Killer” Mark Goudeau would have their lives spared, while their victims and their families would be left without justice.

“Once again, Kyrsten Sinema’s legislative record demonstrates just how extreme her positions on crime and punishment are,” said Tom Morrissey, Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party. “Arizona families deserve someone who will fight to keep us safe, not carry water for violent killers.” 

While Gallup polling indicates that over 60 percent of Americans support the death penalty for a person convicted of murder, Sinema in her legislative bios touted her membership on the advisory board for the Arizona Death Penalty Forum, an organization that advocates for an end to capital punishment.

“Sinema is so far out of the mainstream on issues of justice that even a committed anti-death penalty Massachusetts liberal like John Kerry doesn’t agree with her,” concluded Morrissey.

Former Democrat presidential candidate John Kerry said in 2002 that he would support the death penalty for terrorists after previously supporting exempting terrorists from capital punishment.

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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Crime and Punishment, Legislation, Press Release Tagged With: , ,

Chairman Tom Morrissey Calls on Kyrsten Sinema to Stop Hiding Her Client List: “It Shouldn’t Be a Secret”

October 9, 2012 by 4 Comments

Arizona Republican Party

“It Shouldn’t Be a Secret”

Kyrsten Sinema Calls Herself a “Criminal Defense Attorney Who Represents Murderers”

PHOENIX – Tom Morrissey, Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party and retired Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona, today called on Democrat Kyrsten Sinema to release the names of all of the murderers she has worked for.

In a 2006 interview, Kyrsten Sinema boasted about her work as a “criminal defense attorney who represents murderers.” (Shawn Macomber, “The Marginalized Mainstream,” The American Spectator, June 14, 2006)

“Today I call on Kyrsten Sinema to fully release her client list of murderers, because who she stands with shouldn’t be a secret,” said Morrissey.

Below is a letter Morrissey sent to Ms. Sinema asking her to stop hiding her client list.

October 9, 2012

Ms. Kyrsten Sinema
123 E Baseline Rd. D-202
Tempe, AZ 85283

Dear Kyrsten:

As the former Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal for Arizona, I strongly believe it is important for the people of Arizona and this Congressional district to know whom you stand with.

In a 2006 interview with American Spectator magazine, and while a member of the Arizona Legislature, you proudly boasted that you were a “criminal defense attorney who represents murderers.”

Your voting record is also troubling.

In 2009, you were one of five state representatives to vote against a bill (SB 1253) that adds drive by shooting to the list of specified felonies that are subject to the felony murder classification. This measure was passed in bipartisan fashion 50-5.

In 2007, you were the Prime Sponsor of HB 2278, a bill to end the death penalty for murderers and rapists. Luckily your bill wasn’t passed.

In light of your pronouncements of support for murderers I ask you to immediately release your entire client list of any murderers you have represented or currently represent.

Most sincerely,

/s/

Tom Morrissey
Chairman
Arizona Republican Party

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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Crime and Punishment, Press Release Tagged With: , ,

Richard Carmona Ran Debt Up To $46 Million At The Pima County Health System

October 5, 2012 by 10 Comments

Arizona Republican Party

After Driving The Pima County Health System Deeper Into Debt Carmona Was Forced To Resign

PHOENIX – As Arizonans continue to learn why the only Democrat that was personally recruited to run for elected office by President Barack Obama was Richard Carmona, today it’s been revealed that like his recruiter – who has added over $6 trillion to the national debt – Mr. Carmona, while he was the head of the Pima County Health System, ran its debt up to $46 million.

Even though he was only there for a year, under Carmona’s watch the Pima County Health System saw their debt increase by 28 percent and he was forced to resign.

As the Associated Press reports:

“The Pima County Healthcare system’s debt has jumped 28 percent in the last year and is expected to top $46 million by the end of the fiscal year in June. … [Richard Carmona] the embattled head of the Pima Healthcare system offered his resignation on the eve of a board of supervisors meeting at which he might have been fired.” (“Pima County’s Health Care Debt Growing,” The Associated Press, 4/28/99)

“Just like his recruiter President Barack Obama, Richard Carmona knows how to drive an organization like the Pima County Health System deeper into debt,” said Arizona Republican Party spokesman Tim Sifert. “Given Carmona’s big spending ways, it’s clear that if he gets back to Washington he’ll just be a reliable vote for President Obama’s agenda of more spending and higher taxes.”

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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, County Government, Elected Officials, Liberals, Press Release Tagged With: , ,

D.C. Liberals Put Their Money Behind Richard Carmona, The Handpicked Candidate Of President Obama

October 1, 2012 by 30 Comments

Arizona Republican Party

Liberals In Washington Are Trying To Prop Up Richard Carmona’s Campaign

PHOENIX –  When President Obama phoned Richard Carmona just over a year ago to get him to run for the U.S. Senate, it was just the first of many attempts by liberal Democrats in Washington, D.C., to spread their influence onto Arizona’s voters.  Today we learned that the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) is spending more than a half-million dollars on television advertising trying to help Richard Carmona run away from his connection to Mr. Obama.

Additionally, not only does this money ensure that Carmona will try to protect the Democrats’ majority in the U.S. Senate – by voting for Harry Reid as the Senate Majority Leader – but it’s another reminder that he’ll be a reliable vote for President Obama’s tax-and-spend agenda.

“We’re just now getting a better understanding of why Democrat Richard Carmona answered ‘yes’ to President Obama’s call for him to run for office,” said Arizona Republican Party spokesman Tim Sifert.  “This money serves as a notice that Richard Carmona will be a reliable vote for President Obama and Senate Democrat Leader Harry Reid’s liberal agenda.”

BACKGROUND …

President Barack Obama & Senate Democrat Leader Harry Reid Personally Recruited Richard Carmona

President Obama phones Richard Carmona 

  • “On September 23, President Obama called Richard Carmona to encourage him to run,” said one Democratic strategist.  (Alexander Burns, Obama courts Ariz. Senate candidate, may contest state ‘heavily’, Politico, 10/06/11)
  • Carmona is one of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee’s favorite candidates and was personally courted by President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to get into the race.  (David Catanese, Bivens clears the way for Carmona, Politico, 3/27/2012)
  • Obama personally called Carmona and asked him to run, and Carmona told The Hill in February that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and other top Democrats were also among those who reached out to court him. (Josh Lederman, Democrat Bivens drops out of Arizona Senate primary, clearing way for Carmona, The Hill, 3/27/2012)

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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaign Finance, Campaigns & Elections, Liberals, Political Ad, Press Release Tagged With: , ,

Dr. Richard Carmona Wanted Tobacco Banned, Yet Invested Up To $90,000 In Big Tobacco

October 1, 2012 by 3 Comments

Arizona Republican Party

Carmona’s Hypocrisy Proves Once Again That Arizonans Can’t Trust Him

PHOENIX – Arizonans continue to realize that Richard Carmona can’t be trusted, because while he led the crusade against the use of tobacco, a new report reveals that he actually owned up to $90,000 in tobacco companies.

During his time as the Surgeon General, Carmona made it very clear that he opposed the use of tobacco products and second-hand smoke.  Additionally, Carmona said that he would view his tenure a success if he was able to persuade one student or one mother not to smoke.

Yet after he left that post, Carmona proceeded to purchase up to $90,000 of stock with Philip Morris and Altria.  Additionally, as President Obama personally recruited him to run for office, he continued to hold onto these stocks because he shared this information on his personal disclosure form.

As the Arizona Republic reports:

“Richard Carmona, the former U.S. surgeon general who is now running for the U.S. Senate in Arizona, until recently owned mutual funds containing stocks in the tobacco giants Altria Group and Philip Morris International. … According to his financial-disclosure report, Carmona’s holdings in Altria Group and Philip Morris International were worth between $6,006 and $90,000.  Cigarette packs carry a surgeon general’s warning about health risks.  Carmona was an outspoken critic of tobacco during his 2002 to 2006 tenure as President George W. Bush’s surgeon general. In 2006, he issued a major report detailing the health consequences of involuntary exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke.  In 2003, Carmona told a congressional committee that he saw ‘no need for any tobacco products in society.’”  (Dan Nowicki, Carmona deals with mutual-funds issue, Arizona Republic, 9/28/12)

“As Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona led the crusade against the dangerous effects of smoking, yet when he left that post he proceeded to purchase up to $90,000 of stock in tobacco related companies,” said Arizona Republican Party spokesman Tim Sifert.  “It’s just another reminder that Mr. Carmona is a phony politician who can’t be trusted.”

BACKGROUND …

As Surgeon General, Richard Carmona Was Strongly Against The Use Of Tobacco

  • “Cigarettes, Snuff And Other Forms Of Tobacco Should Be Banned, Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona Told Congress Yesterday.” (Kristen B. Mitchell, “Ban All Tobacco, Official Suggests,”Richmond Times-Dispatch, 6/4/03)
  •  “‘I See No Need For Any Tobacco Products In Society,’ Carmona Said In His First Appearance Before A House Panel Since His Confirmation Last Summer.” (Kristen B. Mitchell, “Ban All Tobacco, Official Suggests,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, 6/4/03)
  • “Carmona Is Believed To Be The First Surgeon General To Call For An Outright Ban Of Tobacco.” (Kirsten B. Mitchell and Kevin Begos, “Tobacco-Ban Plan Draws Regional Fire,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, 6/5/03)
  •  “Quietly Leaving His Post As Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona Said He Would Judge Himself Successful If He Had Persuaded One Student To Make Good Health Choices Or One Mother To Stop Smoking.” (Kevin Freking, “Surgeon General Carmona Leaves Post,” The Associated Press, 8/1/06)
  •   “Carmona’s Report Condemning Secondhand Smoke Was A Hallmark Of His Tenure As The Nation’s 17th Surgeon General.” (Kevin Freking, “Surgeon General Carmona Leaves Post,” The Associated Press, 8/1/06)
Yet After He Left, Carmona Purchased Up To $90,000 In Philip Morris & Altria
  • “Richard Carmona, the former U.S. surgeon general who is now running for the U.S. Senate in Arizona, until recently owned mutual funds containing stocks in the tobacco giants Altria Group and Philip Morris International. … According to his financial-disclosure report, Carmona’s holdings in Altria Group and Philip Morris International were worth between $6,006 and $90,000.  Cigarette packs carry a surgeon general’s warning about health risks.  Carmona was an outspoken critic of tobacco during his 2002 to 2006 tenure as President George W. Bush’s surgeon general. In 2006, he issued a major report detailing the health consequences of involuntary exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke.  In 2003, Carmona told a congressional committee that he saw ‘no need for any tobacco products in society.’” (Dan Nowicki, Carmona deals with mutual-funds issue, Arizona Republic, 9/28/12)
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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Liberals, Press Release, Special Interests Tagged With: , ,

Richard Carmona Visits DC for Anniversary of Obama’s Phone Call Recruiting Him to Run

September 21, 2012 by 15 Comments

Arizona Republican Party

Arizona Republican Party Sends Bouquet to Carmona to Celebrate Important Anniversary

Obama Phones Carmona

PHOENIX – What a difference a year makes!  Just one year ago — September 23, 2011 — Richard Carmona received a phone call from President Obama who encouraged the Tucson resident to run as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate.  Carmona responded enthusiastically, and for the past year has busily embraced the liberal agenda of the Obama Administration on every issue from taxes, healthcare, abortion, to the redistribution of wealth — all while collecting campaign checks from liberal interest groups and Senate Democrats like Harry Reid, Al Franken and Chuck Schumer.

In recognition of the anniversary of Obama’s call recruiting Carmona, the Arizona Republican Party sent a bouquet of carnations to Carmona’s campaign office in Phoenix.  Carnations are the traditional symbol of the first anniversary of an important event.

“While Arizona is suffering from devastating unemployment and higher taxes from Obama’s healthcare plan, Richard Carmona is jet-setting around Washington, DC, and rubbing elbows with wealthy liberals who are only going to make things worse,” said Arizona Republican Party spokesman Tim Sifert.  “President Obama and his liberal cohorts have failed this country once already and Richard Carmona is part of their plan to do it again.”

BACKGROUND…

Richard Carmona Is The Handpicked Candidate Of President Barack Obama 

“On September 23, President Obama called Richard Carmona to encourage him to run,” said one Democratic strategist.  (Alexander Burns, Obama courts Ariz. Senate candidate, may contest state ‘heavily’, Politico, 10/06/11)

Carmona is one of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee’s favorite candidates and was personally courted by President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to get into the race.  (David Catanese, Bivens clears the way for Carmona, Politico, 3/27/2012)

And Has Taken Money From Numerous Liberals Like Harry Reid, Chuck Schumer and Al Franken  

  • Harry Reid’s Searchlight PAC Has Given Democrat Richard Carmona $10,000. (Center For Responsive Politics, www.opensecrets.org, Accessed 5/30/12)
  • Al Franken’s Midwest Values PAC Has Given Democrat Richard Carmona $10,000.(Center For Responsive Politics, www.opensecrets.org, Accessed 5/30/12)
  • Chuck Schumer’s Impact PAC Has Given Democrat Richard Carmona $10,000. (Center For Responsive Politics, www.opensecrets.org, Accessed 5/30/12)

President Obama Promised The Stimulus Would ‘Create Or Save’ 3.5 Million Jobs 

ASSOCIATED PRESS:  The Obama administration is defending its claim that the $787 billion economic stimulus plan will save or create 3.5 million jobs before 2011 even while conceding that unemployment will likely continue to rise beyond its earlier predictions.  (Stimulus plan will create or save 3.5 million jobs, White House says, Associated Press, 05/11/09)

Poverty and Unemployment Now Lasting Hallmarks of Obama Administration

  • In 2011, the official overall poverty rate was 15.0 percent. There were 46.2 million people in poverty in the U.S. (“Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2011″United States Census Bureau, Figure 4 and Table 3)
  • National unemployment rate for August 2011 is 8.1% (News Release, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 9/7/2012)
  • Household income nationally in 2011 was 8.1% lower than in 2007 (“Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2011″ United States Census Bureau, Figure 1 and Table A-1)

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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaign Finance, Campaigns & Elections, Liberals, Press Release Tagged With: , , ,

Obama’s Economy, Healthcare Law Still Hammering Away at Arizona, Hispanics

September 20, 2012 by 3 Comments

Healthcare Law Penalizes Uninsured, Hispanics Twice As Likely to Lack Health Insurance

PHOENIX – When President Obama’s healthcare law goes into full effect in 2014, millions of Americans who don’t have health insurance will be forced to pay an average penalty of $1,200.  As seen in a new report from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office released yesterday,  government officials are still measuring the impact of the healthcare law passed more than two years ago, and the news is not good.

Arizona will be especially hard-hit by Obama’s healthcare law, because not only is the unemployment rate among Hispanics already up to 10.2% — more than two points higher than the national average — the uninsured rate among Hispanics is 30%, nearly twice the national average of 16%.  Arizona’s Hispanic population is about 30% of Arizona’s 6.5 million residents.

As the Associated Press reports:

“Nearly 6 million Americans — significantly more than first estimated— will face a tax penalty under President Barack Obama’s health overhaul for not getting insurance, congressional analysts said Wednesday. Most would be in the middle class.  The new estimate amounts to an inconvenient fact for the administration, a reminder of what critics see as broken promises.  The numbers from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office are 50 percent higher than a previous projection by the same office in 2010, shortly after the law passed.  The earlier estimate found 4 million people would be affected in 2016, when the penalty is fully in effect.” (Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press, 9/19/2012)

“President Obama and Democrats like Richard “Rubberstamp” Carmona that support this new healthcare law are ignoring Arizona’s residents, especially Hispanics,” said Arizona Republican Party spokesman Tim Sifert.  “Every day we hear bad news about either the economy or healthcare, but today it’s both — and the only good news is that we have the opportunity to stop Obama and Carmona and put Mitt Romney in the White House and Jeff Flake in the U.S. Senate.”

BACKGROUND…

Health Insurance and Hispanics

  • Uninsured rate national average among all groups is 15.7% (“Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2011″ United States Census Bureau, Table 7)
  • Uninsured rate among Hispanics is 30.1%, or 15.8 million people (“Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2011″ United States Census Bureau, Table 7)

Obama’s Healthcare Penalizes Uninsured

After accounting for those who will not be subject to the penalty tax, CBO and JCT now estimate that about 6 million people will pay a penalty because they are uninsured in 2016 (a figure that includes uninsured dependents who have the penalty paid on their behalf) and that total collections will be about $7 billion in 2016 and average about $8 billion per year over the 2017–2022 period. Those estimates differ from projections that CBO and JCT made in April 2010: About two million more uninsured people are now projected to pay the penalty each year, and collections are now expected to be about $3 billion more per year.  (“Payments of Penalties for Being Uninsured Under the Affordable Care Act,” Congressional Budget Office, 9/19/12)

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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Economics, Entitlements, Federal Budget, Health Care, Latinos, Press Release Tagged With: , , ,

Democrat Richard Carmona Supported ObamaCare

August 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Obama & Carmona’s Healthcare Law Raises Taxes, Kills Jobs and Hurts Arizonans

PHOENIX – After securing the Democrat nomination for U.S. Senate – thanks to the fact that he was personally recruited by President Obama – Arizonans are realizing that Richard Carmona was a fierce support of ObamaCare.

President Obama and Richard Carmona’s healthcare law cut $700 billion from Medicare, raised taxes on families and small business owners by over $500 billion and forced every Arizonan to purchase health insurance.

“As Arizonans get to know Democrat Richard Carmona, they’ll quickly realize that he supported President Obama’s healthcare law that cut Medicare and raised taxes on Arizonans,” said Arizona Republican Party spokesman Tim Sifert. “With nearly 250,000 unemployed Arizonans we need a Senator, like Jeff Flake, who is focused on creating jobs, instead of one like Carmona whose first priority is to defend ObamaCare.”

BACKGROUND….

Democrat Richard Carmona Supports ObamaCare

“Carmona served as the 17th surgeon general of the United States under President George W. Bush. Last year, he participated in series of health care town halls that the congresswoman held in Tucson, Sierra Vista and Green Valley. ‘The issue facing our country is how do we get the best care for the most people at the least cost,’ Carmona said. ‘We spend more for health care than any other nation on Earth, but the metrics of our results don’t reflect that. We need to move toward a health care system, not the sick care system that we have today. This legislation moves us closer to that. This bill is not perfect. But these are complex issues and we must move forward. And then I hope we can sit down with level heads and make it even better for the benefit of the American people.’” (“U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Announces Support For Historic Health Insurance Reform Legislation,” Congresswoman Giffords Press Release, 3/20/10)

Which Cuts Medicare, Raises Taxes & Kill Jobs

A Top Obama Campaign Adviser Lauded “The $700 Billion Cuts In Medicare That The President Achieved” Through Obamacare. CUTTER: “You know I heard Mitt Romney deride the $700 billion cuts in Medicare that the president achieved through health care reform.” (CBS’s Face The Nation, 8/12/12)

In All, Obama Pays For His Government Takeover Of Health Care With $810.8 Billion In Job-Killing Taxes On Small Businesses, Investments And Innovation.(“Updated Estimates For The Insurance Coverage Provisions Of The Affordable Care Act,” Congressional Budget Office, 3/12; “Estimated Revenue Effects Of A Proposal To Repeal Certain Tax Provisions Contained In The ‘Affordable Care Act,’” Joint Committee On Taxation, 6/15/12)

 

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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Health Care, Jobs/Labor, Press Release Tagged With: , , ,

Carmona Steps Up Praise for ObamaCare, Gutting of Medicare

August 24, 2012 by 4 Comments

Carmona Wants to End Debate, Ignore Cost to Taxpayers, and Just Do it Obama’s Way

PHOENIX – Richard Carmona, a Tucson Democrat recruited last year to run for the U.S. Senate by President Barack Obama, yesterday reiterated his strong support for ObamaCare and said he was “disgusted” by those still debating the fairness of this new program and the harm it would cause to seniors. ObamaCare, also called the Affordable Care Act, is expected to drain more than $700 billion from Medicare to pay for much of Obama’s program. Republicans in the U.S. House have repeatedly voted to repeal ObamaCare, but the Democrats who narrowly control the Senate will not allow a vote to take place.

“President Obama recruited Richard Carmona to run for the Senate because ObamaCare is just one of the items on their liberal agenda they need to keep Republicans from having input on,” said Arizona Republican Party spokesman Tim Sifert. “Obama doesn’t want his Democrats to lose control of the Senate, so he’s stepped heavily into Arizona politics trying to shore up liberal candidates like Richard Carmona who are pledged to support him.”

BACKGROUND …

Carmona “disgusted” by Debate

“…said the public should be as “disgusted” as he is at how politicized the debate has become.” (Bruce Christian, “Senate Candidate” Echo Magazine, August 2012)

But Without Debate and Action Medicare is Going Bankrupt

Changes Made To Medicare Under ObamaCare Are “Not Viable In The Long Range”

“Further, while the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended, makes important changes to the Medicare program and substantially improves its financial outlook, there is a strong likelihood that certain of these changes will not be viable in the long range.” (2010 Annual Report Of The Boards Of Trustees Of The Federal Hospital Insurance And Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Funds)

Medicare Trustees: Trust Fund To Be Exhausted In 2024

The Annual Report From The Medicare Trustees Reports That The Medicare Trust Fund Will Go Bankrupt Five Years Earlier Than Previously Predicted: “However, the HI trust fund is now estimated to be exhausted in 2024, 5 years earlier than was shown in last year’s report, and the fund is not adequately financed over the next 10 years. HI taxable earnings in 2010 were lower than previously estimated, and the rate of growth in these earnings is projected to accelerate and to exceed last year’s growth assumptions in 2011-2019. HI expenditures in 2010 were close to the previous estimate, but the projected level grows more rapidly than shown in last year’s report because of the projected faster growth in earnings. HI expenditures have exceeded income annually since 2008 and are projected to continue doing so through the short-range period until the fund becomes exhausted in 2024. In 2010, $32.3 billion in trust fund assets were redeemed to cover the shortfall of income relative to expenditures.” (2011 Annual Report Of The Boards Of Trustees Of The Federal Hospital Insurance And Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Funds)

Carmona Wants His Way Regardless of Cost

“I don’t care what we call it or how we get there, as long as we can come up with a something that ensures that everyone has access to healthcare; that’s the humane thing to do.” (Bruce Christian, “Senate Candidate” Echo Magazine, August 2012)

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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Entitlements, Federal Budget, Health Care, Legislation, Press Release Tagged With: , , , , ,
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