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PAChyderm Coalition Publishes 1st Weekly Legislator Evaluation for this Session

February 24, 2012 By 5 Comments

Here is the general information provided about the evaluation:

We have been working with Republican legislators to refine the bill weights. The have had private access to our proposed weights prior to our publication of them.

The number of bills being tracked is 173 plus 37 bills that have strike all amendments.

There are a lot of legislators with high scores including many representatives who have +100% ratings!

Although we are well into the session, there are still many floor votes as well as committee votes to come. The scores currently are still heavily influenced by bill sponsorships compared to floor and committee votes, but, as more votes are taken, they will have an increasing impact on the scores as the session continues.

We have tightened up the categorization we apply to the scores. Reagan Republican and RINO have stayed the same, the Bipartisan Republican score range has expanded, and the other categories have higher score values with narrower ranges.

Click here to see the complete evaluation.


Filed Under: Conservatives, Elected Officials, Legislation, State Budget, State Economy, State Government, States Rights, Taxation, Uncategorized, Voters Guide Tagged With: , ,

3 Republican legislators vote to continue corporate subsidies to newspapers

February 17, 2012 By 12 Comments
Cross-posted from IC Arizona
by Rachel Alexander

I couldn’t believe what I watched yesterday. Three Republican legislators – who all hold themselves out as conservatives – voted in a committee hearing to continue granting print newspapers an exclusive monopoly on public notices. Reps Carl Seel, Jeff Dial, and Terri Proud all voted against HB 2403, which would have brought us into the modern era and permitted public notices to be posted on the internet instead of print newspapers, including on government websites, saving taxpayers lots of money and increasing transparency. Websites like Sonoran Alliance and my IC Arizona would be able to post public notices at a  more competitive cost.

I wrote an article fully explaining the depths of this problem here. I received this email today about it: “I work for a newspaper and you’re 100 percent right … but I can’t say anything. Not only does the public pay to put notices in the paper, the law requires purchasing the paper to get the notices. They get you coming and going.”

It may not be too late to revive this bill. Please contact the three Republican legislators who voted against it and express your disappointment. Kudos to the Republican legislators who supported it, Sen. Andy Biggs, Rep. David Stevens and Rep. Justin Pierce.

Carl Seel – cseel@azleg.gov 926-3018
Jeff Dial – jdial@azleg.gov 926-5550
Terri Proud – tproud@azleg.gov 926-3398

Filed Under: Blogs, Conservatives, Elected Officials, Entitlements, Government, Journalism, Spending, State Budget, Taxation

Establishment Republicans: Are Fish Aware of the Water They Swim In?

February 7, 2012 By 36 Comments

Troy Senik of the Center for Individual Freedom (CFIF) has written a fine piece on the growing “fissure” within the Republican Party that has lain largely dormant for years — namely the “divide” that separates Conservatives and Establishment Republicans.

Conservatives, represented mostly by those in the Tea Party Movement, are largely responsible for the Republican Party re-capture of the House of Representatives in 2010.  The Establishment folks sort of know that and sometimes mutter a few grudging words of acknowledgment, but they are loathe to raise the subject or deal with it in any serious way.  Nor do the Establishment types see themselves as any kind of “faction” within the party.  To them, they are the party.

Take for example the nominally conservative Jeb Bush, who seems to scoff at the notion of a party “establishment”.  Says Jeb:

I don’t know what the Republican establishment is. I haven’t learned the secret handshake, and I don’t know where to go for a membership card.

Should we be surprised at Jeb Bush for his seeming blind spot? After all, are fish aware of the water they swim in?

Senik defines the Establishment types as:

… long-time denizens of Washington or other loci of power. They are institutionalized elected officials, money men, party leaders, or grandees of business, consultancies or advocacy groups. And they are often made suspect by the duration of their power, a trait that gives pause to Conservatives who believe that a dedication to limited government entails a devotion to not assimilating to the ways of the Beltway.

These include, of course, the very same Republicans who were present when the House and Senate voted for entitlement programs that any competent accountant could have shown to be impossible to pay for — ever.  With their “old friends across the aisle” (a favorite John McCain phrase), they have effectively signed our children and grandchildren into debt bondage. Did they try to warn us?  Did they try to stop the growth of these programs?  Shame on them.  Recently, they had a chance to make at least a show of repentance by voting for term limits.  Alas, even that token gesture was too much for Senators like McCain and Jon Kyl.  They voted against term limits.  Double shame on them.

Senik concludes with the following observations and a call to Conservatives to prepare for a long-term struggle with the Establishment as well as the Democrats.

The establishment had its turn at the wheel over the last decade and the conservative movement reaped a whirlwind as a result. Federal spending and deficits increased; regulation proliferated; entitlements expanded; embarrassing pork projects passed through Congress as part of a gentleman’s agreement in which both parties agreed to gorge their special interest benefactors; bailouts were given to the financial and automotive industries, and, in the end, the Republican Party was rebuked at the ballot box.

Conservatives should not delude themselves into thinking this is a passing trend. Over the past century, only three men – Calvin Coolidge, Barry Goldwater, and Ronald Reagan – were able to beat back establishment pretensions and earn the party’s presidential nomination. As of this writing, it looks unlikely that a similarly situated candidate will earn the nomination in 2012.

Many Tea Partiers and their sympathists will undoubtedly interpret this as a source of grief. But their demoralization is premature. A short-term focus on beating the establishment has not yielded fruit. That calls not for sorrow, but for a long-term focus on replacing it outright.

To that last line, I can only add amen.

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Conservatives, Political Parties Tagged With:

Arizona 2012 Project opens new offices

February 2, 2012 By 13 Comments

A m e r i c a n  P o s t – G a z e t t e

Distributed by C O M M O N  S E N S E , in Arizona
Wednesday,February 2, 2012

The Arizona 2012 Project opened new offices at 3375 E. Shea Boulevard this week to an overflow attendance.  The comfortable meeting facilities include a huge meeting area with seating for more than eighty persons that can be quickly converted to work space for volunteers. Included in the floor plan is ample room for campaign training sessions to come.  A formal Open House is planned for later in the month.

Later, speaking for the Arizona 2012 Project, Chairman Ron Ludders reacted to Maricopa County Supervisor Fulton Brock’s withdrawal from the race to re-election saying, “We have been encouraging Councilman Brock to make a decision to take some personal time away from the political grind.  Unburdened from having to scrape together a campaign in the face of growing grassroots political pressure, Fulton will be able to focus on his more immediate personal needs. We wish him every success.”

Asked about that pressure, Ludders reminded, “It is obvious that Conservatives in general and the Tea Party movement in particular have awakened.  We’re no longer content with simply voting for the lesser of two evils and are learning how to use our numbers to affect policy, legislation, and candidate selection.  Look at the last two G.O.P. mandatory meetings in Phoenix.  At the county meeting, the ‘Tea Party’ slate won with a first ballot victory boasting vote margins of almost 3 to 1 over the entrenched ruling class Republicans.  The state meeting echoed growing Tea power by handily electing Chairman Morrissey’s slate while rejecting that ticket’s Third Vice-Chairman candidate, John Rhodes, who is known for his antipathy toward the Tea Party movement.”

Continuing his comments, Ludders informed, “The Arizona 2012 Project is becoming known as ‘The Tea Party A-Team’ because we recruit serious people who want to get deep into the political weeds as activists and advocates.  That effort is paying off with a new legion of dedicated Conservatives working more closely with their legislators both publicly and behind the scenes.”

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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Conservatives, Press Release

OBAMACARE: A Panel Discussion at the Goldwater Institute

February 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

A Panel Discussion: OBAMACARE

Phoenix, AZ – On Wednesday, February 8, 2012, Arizona Mainstream Project (AMP) will bring to the public a panel discussion on Obamacare.  Speaking on this panel will be Goldwater Institute’s Senior Attorney Diane Cohen and Director – Center for Economic Prosperity Byron Schlomach, Dr. Jeff Singer, and former AZ Congressman John Shadegg.  550 KFYI Talk Host Terry Gilberg will be the moderator for the discussion.

Each panel member will share their personal expertise and direct involvement with uncovering the facts about The Affordable Care Act and how it has begun and will continue to negatively impact the lives of ALL Americans.  You will gain a better understanding of this law and how it applies to your access to health care, the current legal battles, and how you can help stop this anti-American and socialistic agenda.

Diane Cohen:

The Affordable Care Act mandated states to establish insurance exchanges by 2014 or have exchanges set up by HHS. These exchanges are nothing more than invitation-only clubs where only government sanctioned insurers can play. They must meet all the federally mandated medical coverages/benefits specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. In an effort to preserve some sovereignty, states, even some who opposed the federal healthcare law, including Arizona, are rushing to get federal money to set up these exchanges. Diane Cohen, Senior Attorney, of the Goldwater Institute will refute this notion.  Ms. Cohen has testified before Congress on the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). She will explain what effect this fifteen-member board of political appointees will have in our future.

Dr. Byron Schlomach:

Byron will discuss how government is at the root of our problems in health care, making it the problem, not the solution. He will show you how our income tax system plays a major role in determining what our health care system looks like and how it operates.

Dr. Jeff Singer:

Dr. Singer will discuss the ways in which “Obamacare” will affect the patient doctor relationship, the relationship of the doctor with the state, the relationship of the patient with the state, the loss of personal autonomy, and the ultimate decrease in quality and rationing of heath care that will inevitably result from “Obamacare.”

John Shadegg:

President Obama promised that the cost of health care would go down and it hasn’t. A recent HHS press release acknowledged that premiums have gone up by as much as 12.8% in the last year after the rates were reviewed by state bureaucrats under the provisions of Obamacare. Obama has also promised that if you liked your health care plan, you could keep it. Yet, we now know that Obamacare mandates will not allow anyone to keep the plan they had. As the nation’s economy struggles, Obamacare increases taxes by 800 billion dollars and crushes jobs. Learn how free market solutions will reform health care in ways that promotes quality and reduces costs for all Americans.

Date: Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Location:  Goldwater Institute Auditorium
Address: 500 E. Coronado Road, Phoenix,  AZ

Time: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm (doors open at 5:30)

Light snacks and beverages will be served

Cost:  $10.00 per person

To reserve your seat we encourage you to RSVP and purchase tickets in advance

Go to: http://www.arizonamainstreamproject.org/#q=Seminars-18

or send payment to:

Arizona Mainstream Project
15029 N. Thompson Peak Parkway
Suite B-111 Box 589
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

This panel discussion will be STREAMED LIVE from AMP’s website.

A “Live Stream” button will be available on our homepage www.ArizonaMainstreamProject.org on the day of the event.  Follow the instructions to access the live video stream.

Contact: Honey Marques, Executive Director, at 808-283-3661 or honey@arizonamainstreamproject.org

Arizona Mainstream Project is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charitable grassroots organization whose mission is to attract, educate, and mobilize the people of Arizona around America’s founding principles and leadership. AMP believes in the principles of a constitutionally limited government, free markets, fiscal responsibility, and individual liberty to promote the common good and prosperity for the people of Arizona.

Filed Under: Advertising, Conservatives, Federal Government, Government Reform, Health Care, Legislation, Press Release, Regulations, Special Event, States Rights, Taxation, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Al Melvin, Steve Smith, Adam Kwasman form Conservative Team in Newly Formed LD-11

January 30, 2012 By 4 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2012

Conservative Team Emerges for GOP in New LD11

~ Smith’s move to the State House paves way for united GOP slate ~ 

Central Arizona – After careful consideration, conservative State Senator Steve Smith announced that he would be running as a candidate for the State House in 2012, thwarting an attempt by the liberal Arizona Redistricting Commission to force him into a primary with fellow conservative State Senator Al Melvin. Smith and Adam Kwasman, a financial consultant, will be candidates for the two House seats while Al Melvin will run for re-election to the State Senate.

In 2010, Smith shocked the political establishment with his stunning victory over longtime incumbent Rebecca Rios, whose family had held the seat for nearly 30 years. He joined Melvin in the State Senate where they worked together to pass a balanced budget free of the gimmicks and borrowing that had plagued Arizona for years. They also worked to pass a Jobs Bills to encourage job growth by cutting state spending and providing needed tax relief for businesses. Their hard work has been rewarded as Arizona is now projected to have a budget surplus of more than $600 Million in 2012.

Kwasman is well known for his role in helping to elect conservative Republicans, and his campaign has already received the support of prominent Republicans like U.S. Congressman Trent Franks, Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne.

In discussing their newly formed campaign team Senator Melvin said “Steve and I have worked together very well in the Senate and I think that everyone appreciates him putting the district and the whole Republican Party first. The Redistricting Commission has tried very hard to pit Republican versus Republican and they failed in the new LD11.”

Smith said “In light of the fact that Senator Melvin is now the senior Senator in our new district, I feel that it is my responsibility to do whatever it takes to try and keep both of our conservative voices in the Legislature. I am also looking forward to serving with Adam Kwasman. He is an outstanding conservative candidate and he will make an excellent addition to the State Legislature.”

Kwasman agreed with Melvin’s statement and added “It is a privilege to be on the same team as these two conservative champions. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from the Legislature, the private sector, and the military, and I look forward to working with them to protect the taxpayers, attract more jobs, and keep Arizona’s economic recovery on track.”

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

Arizona 2012 Tea Party Endorses Bill Montgomery

January 28, 2012 By 6 Comments

A m e r i c a n P o s t – G a z e t t e

Distributed by C O M M O N S E N S E , in Arizona
Saturday, January 28, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Arizona 2012 Project Unanimously Endorses the Candidacy of Bill Montgomery for Maricopa County Attorney, through its Political Action Committee, “Saving Arizonas Future.”

Phoenix, AZ – Jan. 24, 2012 – Officers and the Steering Committee of The Arizona 2012 Project voted yesterday to wholeheartely support the efforts of current Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery and to endorse his candidacy for re-election.

Mr. Montgomery exemplifies the dedication to the Law and to the citizens of Maricopa county that the position demands. We find his actions to be consistent with the principles enunciated in our Federal and State Constitutions and trust him to continue as our County Attorney.

Contact:

Ron Ludders

lemonsplash1@gmail.com

602.677.1496
 
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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Conservatives, County Government, Press Release

Battle at the Arizona State Capitol: A Tale of Two Press Conferences

January 26, 2012 By 1 Comment

Here is exclusive video footage of two different press conferences that occurred at the Arizona State Capitol on Monday, January 23, 2012.

First, coverage of Arizona Democrats making their best but feeble effort to repeal Arizona’s SB 1070:

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Second, coverage of Arizona Republicans standing firm and united for Arizona’s southern border security and SB 1070.

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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Border, Conservatives, Elected Officials, Illegal Aliens, Illegal Immigration, Legislation, Political Parties, State Government Tagged With: , , , , ,

President’s Rhetoric Doesn’t Match His Actions

January 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By: J. Charles Coughlin

The closing remarks of the President’s State of the Union address the other night were moving. He spoke of the teamwork necessary to accomplish incredibly difficult and complex missions. He spoke of members of a team having each other’s backs. He said that the way in which those members of our armed forces conducted themselves spoke exactly to the way in which elected officials should conduct the public’s business – selflessly serving the public good.

Unfortunately, our President words don’t match his deeds. On far too many occasions as it relates to his administration’s relationship towards Arizona, this President has let us down, time and again.

Rather than respond thoughtfully to the public outrage over illegal immigration, he played the race card, implying that “people could get arrested for going out for Ice cream.” Rather than owning the debacle that has become the Fast & Furious gun walking fiasco, his Justice Department is laying the blame at the feet of Arizonans – both Democrat and Republican who know full well that the program was fully authorized at the highest levels of the Justice Department. When the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas blew up, Janet Reno had the class to own it. This Justice Department hasn’t met a problem it can’t deny.

Don’t forget that Holder didn’t even read the 1070 legislation before commenting on it. They sued the state without so much as considering how to work with us and continue to fail to understand the root problem of the immigration crisis to begin with: Mexico. Rather than deal with the problem, they continue to play politics.

American reaction to the immigration crisis will continue to focus on the tail; immigration, rather than the dog; Mexico, until a Presidential Administration steps up and begins to redefine our nation’s relationship with our fourth largest trading partner and Arizona’s largest trading partner.

The President of the United States knows this and continues to use this issue as a political cudgel rallying the troops on the left to fight the troops on the right. That is why President Obama opted to confront Governor Brewer about her book yesterday instead of discussing with her how she has been able to start the “Arizona Comeback.” The President obviously can talk a good game about leadership, selflessness, and teamwork, but when it comes down to it his actions – picking a fight about a book, playing the race card on immigration, or owning his administration’s failure to let guns walk into Mexico – he is incapable of living up to his own rhetoric.

When President Obama uses stirring references like the one he used earlier this week in his speech, I just don’t believe him, and I don’t trust him and neither do a majority of the American people.

After his defeat of Senator McCain in 2008, I really wanted him to succeed; now I just want him to go.

J. Charles “Chuck” Coughlin is the Founder & President of Highground.

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Conservatives, Elected Officials, Guest Opinion Tagged With: ,

Kelly Townsend Announces for Arizona State Representative

January 23, 2012 By 11 Comments

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2012

Mesa – Kelly Townsend announced her candidacy for Arizona State Representative in the newly proposed Legislative district 16, representing Gold Canyon, Apache Junction and east Mesa to Power Road.

Townsend, 43, is the Co-Founder of the Greater Phoenix Tea Party, and is a Precinct and State Committeeman with the Republican Party.

“The foundation of my candidacy is integrity,” Townsend says. “Built upon that important principle, I will seek to be the voice of the people at the Legislature.”

“My priorities are working to bring jobs and economic growth to Arizona, balancing the budget, lowering taxes, reducing the size of government, securing the border, tapping into Arizona’s resources, protecting our freedoms, protecting the sanctity of life and family, supporting education and our first responders, fixing the housing crisis, and getting Arizona back on track.”

Townsend has already received the endorsement of Senate Majority Leader, Andy Biggs, who represents much of the East Valley. Having worked closely with legislators since 2007, she has been representing the people of Maricopa County through her efforts in the Tea Party. A Navy Veteran, she seeks to serve her country, once again, in an official capacity that will allow her to continue to make positive steps toward a prosperous State.

Townsend is widowed and has three children ages 20, 15, and 12.

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

Arizona State Senator Frank Antenori Statement on Resignation of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

January 23, 2012 By 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2012

Tucson, AZ -  January 22, 2012 - Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has announced her intention to resign from the US House of Representatives during this week so that she can focus her full attention on her rehabilitation.

Her recovery to date has been nothing short of miraculous and I know that her courage, determination, and sheer will mandate that she will get better. Along with all Arizonans, I wish her Godspeed in her recovery and I will continue to keep her in my prayers.

In light of this recent announcement, I have been asked about the status of my Congressional Exploratory Committee. I will not make any announcement until Gabby has had the opportunity to complete the remaining things that she wishes to accomplish as a United States Representative this week.

At this time, the focus of attention in Southern Arizona needs to be honoring the Congresswoman’s service and the sacrifice she has made in service of her fellow Arizonans.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Conservatives, Elected Officials, Press Release Tagged With: ,

A Letter from Arizona House Speaker Andy Tobin

January 12, 2012 By 2 Comments

Many people have asked me whether I believe there is a real chance for bi-partisanship, political civility and statesmanship to prevail in our current political climate. They are surprised when I say yes! The majority of legislation passed in every session at the capital is very much a product of bipartisan cooperation. Though said bills may be characterized as non controversial or “simple” they are numerous and have a real impact on people’s lives.

In times past, bipartisanship was only possible when bountiful state budgets provided ample capital with which to negotiate. This used to serve as the basis for bipartisan statesmanship and “compromise”. Regardless of what it is presently called what is obvious is that the elements of the art of statesmanship and compromise have now changed which must now be accomplished without the use of once seemingly limitless budgets.

It is an irrefutable fact that we no longer have discretionary funds. Those funds have been exhausted and we now find ourselves in debt. We could continue to borrow in order to support our operational costs but at some point we must recognize that such practices will cease to be an option.

Despite our circumstances I believe cooperation in our capital is still possible. In the last three years, we addressed the structural deficit through permanent spending reductions and through tough negotiations to only temporarily raise revenues. With these solutions behind us, it is now time to engage in meaningful policymaking. This will require us to put aside partisan bickering in order to concentrate on what is right and necessary for the good of all Arizona’s citizens.

We do also need to examine the hearts and minds of Arizonans to learn about their desires which with this state will move forward. Some desire their state government to secure everyone’s chances to their pursuit of happiness, individual competition as well as charitable opportunity. Others desire the redistribution of private wealth and increased dependency on the public funds of the state. It is time for the people to decide which philosophy will provide them with the best future.

Despite these conflicting ideological differences, I foresee what can hold us together is not unlike what cements the bonds between the men and women of our military. Our armed forces are comprised of Republicans and Democrats alike. They fight as one to defend our nation’s freedom. This serves as a great example of how people whom ascribe to extremely differing philosophies can still fight for a common cause.

Therefore, if we collectively hold a soft, unproductive economy and an insurmountable debt as our common enemy I propose we find the common ground with which to defeat it. If Democrats can’t agree to cut without raising taxes and Republicans won’t vote for increased taxes then let’s cap the budget where it is and dedicate future revenue increases and spending savings to service our debt and emergency contingencies.

So if bipartisanship is to be known as the act of people being intellectually engaged and ready to fight then surely there is room in the legislature for it. No good will be accomplished and our economic woes will never be resolved if the representatives of the people temper their passions and beliefs while trying to combat our common enemy.

We cannot allow for those whom seek to promote infighting in the pursuit of partisan advancement. The people of Arizona sent us 90 leaders to move Arizona forward. I am proud to honor and serve with this talented and resourceful group of public servants. I expect that in our 100th year of statehood we will live up to our obligation to provide for the common good, the security of the American Dream and to authentically come together to fight our common enemies. This is my New Year’s wish for my beloved Arizona.

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Conservatives, Culture, Elected Officials, Government, Guest Opinion, Legislation, Political Parties, Political Science, Press Release, State Budget, State Economy, State Government 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 from Senate President Steve Pierce and House Speaker Andy Tobin

January 9, 2012 By 2 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2012
CONTACT: Mike Philipsen

“Governor Brewer’s State of the State address today lays the foundation for what should be an outstanding legislative session. The hard work done the last three years by the Governor and Legislature to straighten out our state’s finances has put Arizona back on the right track.

The Governor is right to promise no extension of the temporary one-cent sales tax increase. We also stand with Governor Brewer in her commitment to lower taxes and reduce regulation.

The Governor will have strong support in the legislature as we continue to fight the Federal Government’s overreach. We must stand for what is right in Arizona and not emulate Washington, D.C.

We are prepared for a productive, efficient Centennial Legislative session, and look forward to working with Governor Brewer to put the interests of our citizens first.”

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

NE Valley Pachyderm Coalition Meeting – New Location – Wed, Jan 11

January 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

Join us at our new location to hear Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal talk about state education policy. You can expect to hear how he challenged the La Raza curriculum in Tucson schools and get his take on the education bills the legislature will be considering this session.

 

Here is the information as text for easier copying and pasting:

The Northeast (NE) Valley Chapter of the Pachyderm Coalition January 2012 Meeting

Note the NEW LOCATION for our DINNER MEETING!!!

Superintendent of Public Instruction

John Huppenthal

who will be telling us about
Education initiatives in Arizona and education bills in the legislature.

There will be plenty of time for questions and answers.

Location:
Rock Bottom Brewery at Desert Ridge Marketplace
21001 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050
(Near intersection of N Tatum and Hwy 101)
Date: Wed., January 11, 2012.  (2nd Wed. of Month)
Time: Dinner (order from menu) available at 6pm. Meeting from 7-8:30pm

Contact Information:
Howard Levine,
NE Valley Chapter Chairman
Howard_Levine@rocketmail.com , www.pachydermcoalition.com
480-577-4168

 

 

Filed Under: Conservatives, Education Tagged With: , , ,

My New Year’s List of Folks Who Never Would Be Missed

January 5, 2012 By 10 Comments

By Emil Franzi

  • All the Tea Party constitutionalists who opined on talk radio that Gingrich and Cain would have made a great GOP ticket missing the constitutional provision that the President and Vice President must come from different states.
  • Self-righteous and indignant Arizona Democrats who defend Independent Redistricting Commission Chair Colleen Mathis as a persecuted unpaid volunteer dedicated to justice and fairness. A cursory glance at her actions clearly indicates she was a Democrat shill wired from day one who stacked the deck and still takes text messages her Democrat husband and others send from the back of the meetings. Any competent political reporter not in the bag for the Dems would’ve noticed and reported that by now.
  • Lazy and inept Arizona Republicans who blithely ignored the giant sandbag that Dems had constructed for them on the supposedly “independent” commission and believed the game was on the level.
  • A spineless Governor who once waffled and froze over signing SB1070 finally succumbing to the obvious and acquiring an unearned reputation for courage much like Mrs. Mathis. Neither are exactly Joan of Arc. Mrs. Dithers was finally convinced to “do something” about the hijacked IRC and bounced Mathis. Cluelessness followed capped by the single page Hail Mary letter she threw the Supreme Court and her hasty retreat to the showers after the interception.
  • Libertarians and Paulistas who attempt to redefine a movement they were never part of by trashing conservatives for being conservatives and not libertarians.
  • Conservatives and Tea Party types who try to read other conservatives out of the movement for deviations from them. Conservatism has always been a big tent and included big government types. Somebody had to write the Alien and Sedition Laws. Want Hamilton and Adams airbrushed out of the portraits of the Founders? Edit Hamilton’s portions out of THE FEDERALIST?
  • Romney supporters who keep telling me “he’s the inevitable GOP nominee.” Not being Buddhist, Marxist or Calvinist, I never bought anything being inevitable and his supporters do him no favor by claiming it.
  • Romney detractors who claim he’s too liberal and then cite Reagan as a standard. Governor Reagan was to the left of this GOP field including Huntsman.
  • Liberals who whine about educational funding and claim concern for children when their actual concern is the payrolls of their political and union allies some of whom on occasion are actually involved with a schoolchild. When these frauds tell you we need more money “for the childen” note that usually means paying another adult.
  • Conservatives who support corporate welfare whenever it’s for something they slobber over like stadium skyboxes.
  • Occupy folks who have yet to compute that the money they’ll never be able to pay off for that Art History degree wasn’t just a scam by the banks. They ignore the bloated university staffs who collected it and the pols who enabled them by changing the bankruptcy laws.
  • Finally the hypocrisy and arrogant narcissism of Congressman Paul who sanctimoniously claims high integrity, but cops out on the repulsive racist and other bilge printed under his name and from which he profited, by claiming it was done by “ghost writers” and that “he never read it”. That makes him not only totally irresponsible and easily manipulated, but worse a fraud who sees nothing wrong in falsely claiming the thoughts of others as his own. Paul also needs to explain why he “stands on principle” in refusing to support any of the other GOP candidates for President while as a House member he has consistently supported the choice of the GOP caucus for Speaker including Newt Gingrich. Perhaps for the massive earmarks he brings to his Texas district?
Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Conservatives, Guest Opinion, Liberals

Why did Obamacare Pass? Rick Santorum

January 3, 2012 By 4 Comments

How quickly we forget the tides and fortunes of past elections.

The year – 2004.  The players notorious RINO Arlen Specter vs. conservative Pat Toomey.

“Conservative” (RINO, in fact) Rick Santorum closed ranks behind Specter, resulting in Specter’s win v. conservative Pat Toomey.

Right after Obama won in 2008, particularly when facing a House becoming more conservative in light of the Teaparty and the fight against Obamacare and with the senate lacking a filibuster proof majority, Specter changes parties from R to D, giving the Dems their filibuster 60 seat majority in the Senate. - Thanks to RINO Rick Santorum.

In 2010, Toomey beat Specter after the damage (and bailouts and Obamacare) was done. -      ******No thanks to RINO Rick.

 

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Conservatives, Federal Government, Health Care, Political Parties
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