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
Friday, April 26, 2013
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Taxpayer outrage! Supervisors award $1.4 million to convicted felon Wolfswinkel
When are the adults going to take over? Even the judges are figuring out the Supervisors’ little scam, and are refusing to allow more million dollar settlements to Wolfswinkel and Mary Rose Wilcox. After it was clear that the judge was not going to approve convicted felon and Don Stapley business partner Conley Wolfswinkel’s lawsuit against the county over “stress” from Arpaio and Thomas prosecuting him, Wolfswinkel went to the County Supervisors and demanded a payout. They awarded him $1.4 million this morning, the largest settlement yet. Next up for a generous settlement offer of YOUR money will be disgraced former Don Stapley, who was so corrupt he didn’t dare run for reelection last year.
* Supervisor Andr
Convicted felon Wolfswinkel about to get huge settlement from County Supervisors
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
Friday, April 26, 2013
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Consultant Legislators: A conflict of interest?
In the most general of terms, a conflict of interest is “a set of circumstances that creates a risk that professional judgment or actions regarding a primary interest will be unduly influenced by a secondary interest.”
In Arizona, there really are no rules governing legislative conflict of interest statutes. Essentially, as long as at least 10 people benefit from a piece of legislation, there is no conflict of interest. Should allegations of conflicts of interest arise, there’s really nothing anyone can do about it. Arizona is one of only nine states without an independent organization to oversee ethics comp
It is not uncommon for legislators to sponsor or vote on bills that affect their personal career industry. When you have a “citizen legislature” it’s impossible to not vote on bills that relate to education, doctors, lawyers, real-estate agents, landlords, etc. But what about political consultants? Does that pass the “citizen legislature” smell test?
The Arizona Republic pointed out earlier this year that there are a number of lawmakers who run or work for consulting firms whose scope of work remains unclear. The campaign disclosure forms do not require lawmakers to reveal their clients, making their potential conflicts of interest even murkier. But, some of these contracts are no doubt related to campaigns and public policy objectives.
House Minority Leader and potential Democratic candidate for Governor Chad Campbell lists “public affairs consulting” for Inspired Connections on his financial disclosure form. The “About Us” page for Inspired Consulting does not list Campbell as a member of their staff and it is unclear what his role is with the firm. Other state legislators who serve as “consultants” include Sen. Al Melvin, Sen. Steve Gallardo, and Rep. Ruben Gallego. Melvin recently made news by announcing he’s exploring a run for governor.
Former LD15 State Senator David Lujan (and good friend of Kyrsten Sinema) directed an independent expenditure effort against Republicans during the 2012 election cycle. “Building Arizona’s Future” spent over $700,000 in the last cycle defeating Republicans, funded in large part by national Democratic money from D.C. that Sinema helped direct into Lujan’s committee coffers. Lujan is now running for Phoenix City Council District 4.
This isn’t the first foray in the consulting arena for Campbell or Lujan. In 2007 Campbell and Lujan formed a political consulting firm with then Democratic legislator and colleague Kyrsten Sinema. It is unclear what Forza Consulting did or whom they represented, but according to records with the Corporation Commission the LLC still remains “open.”
Democratic Representative and rising star of the Left Ruben Gallego currently has the most prolific consulting background. Before being elected to office in 2010, Gallego previously spent time with Valley PR firm Reister, and also served as Chief of Staff for Democratic Phoenix City Councilmember Michael Nowakowski. He was also the Vice Chair of the Arizona Democratic Party. Gallego’s wife, Kate Gallego, is running for Phoenix City Council in District 8 to replace term-limited Councilmember Michael Johnson.
Ruben Gallego is listed as the Director of Latino and New Media operations for Strategies360’s Arizona office. Gallego works with Director of Arizona Operations Robbie Sherwood, a former reporter for the Arizona Republic and former Congressman Harry Mitchell’s Chief of Staff.
During the 2012 election cycle, Strategies360 was paid by the Yes on Prop 204 committee (“Quality Education & Jobs”) to handle communications on behalf of the union-funded campaign. Prop 204 proposed the single-largest permanent sales tax increase in Arizona’s history and was viewed by many as a “special interest giveaway.” Voters defeated the proposition nearly 2-to-1
Strategies360 was also paid at least $10,000 during the 2012 election cycle to handle “earned media outreach & strategic communications” for the Arizona Accountability Project (AAP). The AAP was one of the chief committees used to funnel liberal money into the last election cycle to defeat Republican candidates. AAP spent almost $600,000 last election cycle targeting Republicans including efforts against Jerry Lewis, Joe Ortiz, Frank Antenori, and John McComish. They also did work in support of Democrat Tom Chabin.
Strategies360 was involved in the 2012 election to defeat Sheriff Joe Arpaio and is currently involved in the present effort to recall Arapaio. Recently, Gallego appeared at a “Respect Arizona” rally (the group organizing the recall). Also present at that event was Minority Leader Chad Campbell.
During 2012, Gallego even helped lead the efforts of the group opposing Arpaio, Citizens for Professional Law Enforcement PAC. Arpaio’s campaign manager at the time, Chad Willems, questioned the financial motivations of Gallego and others:
“This is just another group out there of people lining their pockets,” Willems told HuffPost. “It seems like a full-time employment group for these guys.”
Gallego’s reach into the far-Left elements of the Democratic Party are deep. He even served as the professional consultant for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona during the 2012 cycle, orchestrating their attacks against pro-life Republicans. His firm was paid nearly $5,000 in consulting fees, and they were paid more than $20,000 to handle the mail program attacking several Republican lawmakers and candidates.
Let me be clear: there’s nothing illegal about what Gallego or his firm is doing. Consultants on both sides of the political spectrum are involved in these sorts of efforts every cycle. Some would argue this is no different than the efforts of the Senate President and the Speaker of the House and their Victory Funds last cycle. That’s a fair comparison, but unlike Gallego (and possibly other legislators), the President and the Speaker were not financially compensated for their involvement.
Current Arizona statute provides for a one-year ban on former legislators serving as lobbyists after they leave the legislature. Specifically, ARS 38-504(a)(b) state that for one year, a former public officer, including legislator, shall not represent another person for compensation before the legislature concerning any matter with which the legislator was directly concerned and personally participated.For two years after he or she leaves office, no public officer, including legislator, may disclose or use for personal profit information designated as confidential. Further, section c states:
A public officer or employee shall not use or attempt to use the officer’s or employee’s official position to secure any valuable thing or valuable benefit for the officer or employee that would not ordinarily accrue to the officer or employee in the performance of the officer’s or employee’s official duties if the thing or benefit is of such character as to manifest a substantial and improper influence on the officer or employee with respect to the officer’s or employee’s duties.
When legislators like Gallego are using their positions of influence to help direct thousands of dollars in independent expenditure efforts designed to defeat their colleagues and change the partisan make-up of their chamber, while simultaneously making money off of these efforts, how is that not a conflict of interest?
MIHS Meets in Closed Door Session to Discuss Controversial State Contract
The Maricopa County Integrated Health Systems Board of Directors is currently meeting in closed-door Executive Session to discuss the current legal challenge and protest filed by Magellan and United RHBA against MMIC (Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care), MIHS CEO Betsey Bayless, and Maricopa County Special Health Care District. The current agenda shows a 30-minute spot dedicated to discussion of this subject, all of which will be exempt from records requests and exempt from public inspection.
It is not surprising that the MIHS Board is keeping a low profile and is remaining tight-lipped about this controversial contract after being awarded a possibly illegal $2 billion to $3 billion dollar contract from the State of Arizona. This came on the heels of a controversial pay raise for MIHS CEO Betsey Bayless that raised her taxpayer salary to $500,000.
The board will apparently receive legal advice on the protest to the bid and discuss options moving forward. An administrative law judge is likely to uphold the Department’s awarding of the contract, leaving a lawsuit targeting the state as a possible option. Magellan has already filed a civil suit seeking financial damages in Maricopa County Superior Court against MIHS and MIHS’ CEO Betsey Bayless. Magellan alleges MIHS was awarded the contract improperly and used proprietary information from Magellan to win the bid.
The new contract was set to begin on October 1, 2013, but the protest and lawsuit are likely to delay implementation. Previously MIHS responded to the formal protest with the following statement:
“We are studying those protests and will respond in the appropriate venues,” the statement said. “We are confident in the strength of our bid, and we are proud to offer a unique, collaborative approach to meet Maricopa County Medicaid recipients’ behavioral-health needs and to integrate the behavioral- health and medical services for those with serious mental illness.”
If you recall, the lawsuit also alleges “serious conflicts of interest” by MIHS because Mercy Maricopa both manages the system and provide services, which is “prohibited by the contract and by state law.” Magellan also alleges that the bidding process contained “serious irregularities,” such as the state’s bidding process being amended twice to unfairly benefit MIHS over their private competitors. Additional claims include conflicts of interest, improper scoring, licensing problems, and disclosure of proprietary information to competitors. Magellan originally serviced the state contract since 2007.
The serious allegations require attention and deserve public scrutiny. MIHS should be holding discussions on the contract and the protest, but they should be doing this in the face of the public. Not behind closed doors immune from public records requests. MIHS is a government entity that collects nearly $60 million dollars in property taxes every year and is run by a publicly elected Board of Directors. When the state awards a contract that could be worth up to $3 billion dollars, possible bias in favor of a taxpayer funded MIHS over private competitors deserves more sunshine and certainly more accountability.
If you’d like to contact the MIHS Board of Directors and demand more transparency for taxpayers, they can be reached via email as follows:
- Mary Harden – District 1 - mary.harden2@mihs.org
- Mark DeWane – District 2 - mark.dewane@mihs.org
- Sue Gerard – District 3 - susan.gerard@mihs.org
- Elbert Bicknell – District 4 - elbert.bicknell@mihs.org
- Terence McMahon – District 5 - terence.mcmahon@mihs.org
State Bar assigns Andrew Thomas nemesis to investigate whistleblower’s complaint against Disciplinary Judge
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, April 20, 2013
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Follow the Money…..
The recent mental health contract awarded by the state to Maricopa County Integrated Health System or MIHS is raising eyebrows. MIHS, a government funded and owned entity, is on the cusp of receiving a 3-year contract that is potentially worth $3 billion dollars.
Any $3 billion dollar deal should be viewed as suspect by watchdog groups and taxpayers, but what makes this deal special is that MIHS is a government owned, property tax levying entity bidding against private providers. In fact, MIHS currently collects nearly $60 million dollars in property taxes each year. MIHS is even allowed to go into debt with revenue bonds that can be paid for through the district’s operating property tax levy without voter approval.
To secure the lucrative contract, MIHS teamed up with Aetna-owned Schaller Anderson, Medicaid provider Mercy Care Plan, Carondelet Health Network and Dignity Health. Not surprisingly, private providers Magellan Health Services and UnitedHealthcare (both of whom bid on the same contract) have filed formal protests against MIHS and MIHS CEO Betsey Bayless.
Why would the state award the largest contract its ever offered to another government entity in what appears to be a clear violation of the Arizona Constitution’s “gift clause?” When you pull the thread and follow the money trail, it’s hard to not suspect corruption, cronyism, and a healthy dose of conspiracy.
MIHS was created by Proposition 414 in 2003 after voters approved the measure in a special election by a margin of 58% to 42%. At the time, AZ Republic columnist Robert Robb called the establishment of a property-tax-supported hospital district “unnecessary and unwise.” Robb even warned voters that “…special tax districts, focused on only a single service with independently elected boards, are bad fiscal policy. Hard choices are good for taxpayers and make for more efficient government.”
Robb even called the publicity pamphlet and ballot question used to promote the measure “the most blatant case of government propagandizing I’ve seen in over a quarter century of Arizona elections.” Bold statement for a columnist who typically calls it as he sees it.
The lobbying firm responsible for the passage of the ballot referral legislation at the Capitol also ran the ballot campaign. Phoenix-based HighGround public affairs is run by consultant Chuck Coughlin, Brewer’s campaign advisor and a man who has been referred to as Arizona’s “shadow governor.” According to their website:
“Our team was the principal public affairs and lobbying team for the legislation that authorized the creation of the new Maricopa County Hospital District on behalf of Maricopa County. Following the successful passage of the legislation, HighGround was retained as the principal campaign consultant for the Yes on 414 Committee.”
Fast forward to 2008. HighGround is once again rewarded for their work and is retained by MIHS with their first lobbying contract. Today, HighGround works hand-in-hand with Betsey Bayless who was hired as MIHS’ CEO in September 2005.
In February 2013, Bayless was given a 33% pay raise, an extra $125,000 per year, bringing her annual taxpayer-funded salary to a whopping $500,000. This despite a poor rating issued by a national accrediting group, the Joint Commission, which found widespread record-keeping problems and other flaws that posed risks to patients’ safety. This even despite the fact that Bayless has already announced she’s leaving her position at the end of 2013. Two of MIHS’ board members even voted against the pay raise, saying they opposed raising the pay of a CEO who is leaving in less than a year and working for a public hospital.
“It really rubs me the wrong way that we’re spending this type of money,” board member Elbert Bicknell said. “Don’t get me wrong. Betsey is a smart … woman, and she’s done a hell of a job from 2005 to now. But a ($125,000) raise in a year when we give our janitors maybe a 1 percent raise or lay off people? It just doesn’t make sense.” Dissenting board member Sue Gerard commented: “I think having that kind of salary is totally inappropriate.”
Could the pay raise have anything to do with the fact that it was widely speculated that MIHS was going to be awarded the enormous mental health contract? Was this Betsey’s “swan song” on her way out the door? Possibly.
But where this story gets really tangled is when one considers the ramifications of the state adopting Governor Brewer’s Medicaid expansion proposal. Again, the value of the contract could increase an additional $1 billion dollars if the state accepts federal Medicaid dollars. Who is running the campaign in Arizona for Medicaid expansion?
If you guessed Chuck Coughlin and HighGround, you’re correct. Serving as Coughlin’s wingman is Peter Burns, a former Brewer budget advisor. Perhaps that explains the governor’s complete flip-flop on this issue from less than a year ago. The Wall Street Journal went as far as to describe the governor’s flip-flop as a “political 540°” and “a case study in the political pressure and fiscal gimmicks designed to get states to succumb.”
The New York Times sums up the magnitude of political forces and financial incentives behind this coordinated effort:
Recently, 40 lobbyists, representing at least 110 groups pushing for the expansion, among them hospitals, health care associations and business organizations, huddled in the executive wing of the State Capitol to update the governor’s advisers on their progress and hone strategies.
The Wall Street Journal goes further, discussing how “Ms. Brewer was nonetheless besieged by health-industry lobbying, especially from hospitals that want more government money and the insurers that administer Medicaid.”
There is something wrong with the State of Arizona climbing into bed with private business to give away billions of dollars in public funds. When those decisions are tied to the largest health contract the state has ever awarded and possibly the biggest expansion of federal government our state has ever seen, tax-paying citizens are owed an explanation and deserve transparency.
Aside from the arguments of whether accepting federal Medicaid dollars related to the full implementation of Obamacare is good or bad policy, the one thing that is clear is that the consultants, lobbyists, and hospital administrators pushing the plan stand to make millions of dollars in profits.
Money makes people do strange things, indeed.
Judge who disbarred Andrew Thomas embroiled in another scandal
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Stapley questioned by federal judge about criminal charges in lawsuit against Arpaio, Thomas
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BUSTED! Yes on Prop 121 Committee stoops to new low with dishonest Robo Call
Phoenix, AZ – This weekend, Paul Johnson and the Open Government Committee Supporting Prop 121 (Yes on 121) stooped to a new low. The Yes on 121 Committee sent a dishonest robo call designed to mislead voters to support Prop 121. The transcript of the call states:
“Tired of dirty politics, let’s clean things up with Prop 121. The top two open elections, open government initiative. 121 is supported by Republicans because it will help combat politicians who overspend and add to our deficit. That’s why the Democratic Party and Liberal politicians oppose it. Vote yes on Prop 121. Paid for by Open Government Committee supporting Prop 121. Major funding by Greater Phoenix Leadership, Professional Fire Fighters of AZ, International Association of Firefighters (an out of state contributor), Cali-companies Inc.”
To answer the question, yes, voters are tired of dirty politics. Voters are tired of being lied to and they are tired of political schemes, like Proposition 121, that over promise and under deliver.
The fact is that the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, Libertarian Party and Green Party are unified in opposition to Proposition 121 because it is bad public policy that will limit voters choice, increase the influence of special interests, potentially shut out minority candidates and essentially destroy independent and third party candidates.
To suggest that Republicans support 121 because it will “combat politicians who overspend and add to our deficit” is just shameful.
The call is designed to intentionally mislead voters. The Greater Phoenix Leadership, Professional Fire Fighters of AZ, International Association of Firefighters and Cali-companies Inc. should be ashamed to be associated with an organization that would try to intentionally mislead voters.
“This call is a desperate attempt by the Yes on 121 Committee to mislead voters away from the negative consequences that would take place if 121 is passed,” stated Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “Unfortunately for them, it shows just how desperate the committee is by blatantly lying about false support for their radical proposal.”
A recording of the robo call can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/
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Luncheon with Andrew Thomas this Saturday
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
Sunday, November 4, 2012
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US Senate Candidate Richard Carmona Wants More ‘Perks’
As Surgeon General, Rich Carmona Handed Taxpayers The Tab For Weekend Travel To His Home In California
‘Traveled To Vacation Home Frequently, Had Driver Pick-Up Dry Cleaning And Run Errands’
“…Carmona was taking advantage of official travel…” (“Testimony: Carmona Took Advantage of Perks of Office When Surgeon General,” The Weekly Standard, 11/1/12)
“…Carmona took full advantage of the perks of his job as a federal employee…” (“Testimony: Carmona Took Advantage of Perks of Office When Surgeon General,” The Weekly Standard, 11/1/12)
“Traveled to vacation home frequently, had driver pick-up dry cleaning and run errands…” (“Testimony: Carmona Took Advantage of Perks of Office When Surgeon General,” The Weekly Standard, 11/1/12)
TESTIMONY: “I was extremely concerned about the number of visits…Dr. Carmona has a summer home in Coronado Del Mar, near San Diego… conveniently, a lot of these travels would be over weekends.” (Dr. Cristina Beato, Testimony, US House Committee On Oversight, 11/2/07)
TESTIMONY: “I got word that the driver was going around picking up his [Carmona’s] dry cleaning, okay? I about fell out of my chair. And on my watch, I wasn’t going to have anything like that happen.” (Dr. Cristina Beato, Testimony, US House Committee On Oversight, 11/2/07)
“‘So these were concerns both of cost and of appearance?’ the questioner in the testimony asks Beato. Carmona’s former boss responds,‘Well, yes, absolutely. First of all, as to the budget, it’s taxpayers’ dollars.’” (“Testimony: Carmona Took Advantage of Perks of Office When Surgeon General,” The Weekly Standard, 11/1/12)
Carmona’s Congressional Motive: ‘Perks… A House And A Car’
“If a past interaction Kyl had with Carmona reveals a motive for the present, it is that the Democrat is seeking the Senate seat for the ‘perks of the office.’” (The Weekly Standard, 10/26/12)
SEN. JON KYL: “He seemed more concerned about the perks of the office…” (The Weekly Standard, 10/26/12)
SEN. JON KYL: “…he specifically asked about a house and a car…” (The Weekly Standard, 10/26/12)
SEN. JON KYL: “…he also seemed to think that it was just a lot of work for just two years… he thought, well, a position in the Senate would be a lot better to hold.” (The Weekly Standard, 10/26/12)
Carmona Spent 6 Years ‘Working’ At Luxurious Resort & Spa
Carmona: “This was a wonderful opportunity for me.”(“Carmona To Teach, Work In Town After Job As U.S. Surgeon General,” The Arizona Daily Star, 10/2/06)
Carmona: ‘Perfect Fit’ “Carmona, who has been a long-time patron of Canyon Ranch and sometimes gave lectures there, described the job as a ‘perfect fit.’” (“Carmona To Teach, Work In Town After Job As U.S. Surgeon General,” The Arizona Daily Star, 10/2/06)
“…an international crowd of well-to-do health seekers…”(Fodor’s, Website Accessed 10/24/12)
“…supreme comfort.” (Canyon Ranch Website)
“…the gold standard for luxurious, healthy vacations.” (Spa Week, Website Accessed 10/24/12)
Richard Carmona’s ‘Work’ On Arizona Board of Medical Examiners Scrutinized
Rich Carmona’s Term On Doctor Review Board Marked By ‘Steady Stream Of Criticism,’ ‘Inadequate Investigations’
Carmona ‘Spoke Out Against’ Discipline
Doctor Operated ‘On The Wrong Patient’ “…Dr. Loomis for administering anesthesia to the wrong patient and to Dr. Zerella for operating on the wrong patient.” (Arizona Board of Medical Examiners, Meeting Minutes, 2/25/2001)
Carmona ‘Spoke Out Against’ ‘Discipline’ “Tim Hunter, M.D. strongly recommended discipline for both MDs… Richard Carmona, M.D. spoke out against the motion.” (Arizona Board of Medical Examiners, Meeting Minutes, 2/25/2001)
“Richard Carmona, M.D. recommended an advisory letter be given the doctors…” (Arizona Board of Medical Examiners, Meeting Minutes, 2/25/2001)
Carmona Term Saw ‘Steady Stream of Criticism’
AUDIT: “…doesn’t discipline doctors, even when its own investigators discover cases in whichdoctors violated state statutes, the audit says.” (“Medical Board Still Too Lenient,” The Arizona Republic, 10/1/99)
“…the agency has come under a steady stream of criticism from legislators, good-government groups, patients and even some doctors – all charging that the board of medical examiners, or BOMAX, has not effectively policed errant physicians.” (“BOMEX Reform Still A Bit Wobbly,” The Arizona Republic, 4/18/99)
“Even though it has been through a complete overhaul, the agency that protects Arizonans from bad doctors still is too soft on errant physicians and takes too long to handle cases, the state auditor general says.” (“Medical Board Still Too Lenient,” The Arizona Republic, 10/1/99)
“…inadequate investigations of complaints, dismissed 144 of them against doctors during a special video-conference meeting Thursday in Tucson and Tempe.” (“Medical Investigators Dismiss 144 Cases,” Tucson Citizen, 7/24/99)
Arizona Medical Association Won’t Endorse Carmona
“It goes a long way to explain why the Arizona Medical Association, of which Carmona was a board member, has failed to endorse his Senate run. When those closest to a candidate fail to endorse, it’s a signal for the rest of us.” (“Dem. Senate Candidate Carmona Failed to Keep Bad Doctors Accountable,” Breitbart News, 10/30/12)
“Dr. Carmona skipped no less than 284 votes on disciplining doctors for delivering inferior care. Worse, he completely blew off 24 meetings of the BoMEx.” (“Dem. Senate Candidate Carmona Failed to Keep Bad Doctors Accountable,” Breitbart News, 10/30/12)
“…he generally blew off this responsibility.” (“Dem. Senate Candidate Carmona Failed to Keep Bad Doctors Accountable,” Breitbart News, 10/30/12)
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HOW MUCH TO BUY A LEGISLATOR?
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
Monday, October 29, 2012
HOW MUCH TO BUY A LEGISLATOR?
Every man has his price. State Senator Rich Crandall’s price is about $25,000. That’s what State Senate President Steve Pierce spent out of the Republican Victory Fund (RVF) to assure Crandall beat conservative candidate, and sitting State Representative, John Fillmore in the LD 16 Republican Primary.
This is slimy at several levels. The RVF was created and presented as a campaign fund to elect Republicans against Democrats-that happens in the General Election. But instead, Pierce wants to make sure he gets re-elected as Senate President by supporting moderates (like Crandall) in the Primary-against conservatives. And the latest reports are that Pierce is not supporting candidates in hotly contested-and winnable-races in the General except for those candidates who will vote for him. Slimy isn’t descriptive enough. First, it’s not his money; he shouldn’t have control over where it’s spent. Second, he’s using it as his own personal piggy bank against other Republicans to feather his own nest, instead of what it’s meant for-defeating Democrats. Third, he’s not spending it on Republicans who need the support in the General-he’s choosing only “buddies.” Double slimy.
Steve Pierce has got to go. We have enough problems in the state and in the Legislature without having to put up with this guy’s selfish, lowlife activity.
And just what’s with Rich Crandall? He owns homes in Mesa and in Provo, Utah (where his wife and family live). He rents an apartment in Apache Junction where only his mail lives; yet we hear no complaints about it from the press or anyone? Where’s the outrage? Where’s the investigation? Where’s Laurie Roberts? (Oh, yeah; Crandall is one of her “keepers.” Move on, nothing to see here.)
This state needs some folks to step up and remove Steve Pierce from the Senate presidency. Where are you Adam Driggs, Nancy Barto, and Bob Worsley? You need to keep your integrity intact and vote against this slimily character. Moderates may not always agree with Senator Andy Biggs but they can’t question his integrity. Do the right thing and vote him in as Senate President.
Four More Years?
Sometimes, we must see the future clearly to act boldly in the present.
Take a glimpse into the darkness of Obama’s America in 2016.
High unemployment. Record high gas prices. The Middle East in chaos.
Religion on the run. Record debt levels. America downsized.
America downgraded.
Day 14 of Kyrsten Sinema’s Refusal to Release List of Murderers She Defended
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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Jim Sharpe exposes disciplinary judge who disbarred Andrew Thomas
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, October 24, 2012
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Judge O’Neil in Andrew Thomas disbarment LIED about prior involvement
A m e r i c a n P o s t – G a z e t t e
Distributed by C O M M O N S E N S E , in Arizona
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
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