Frank Antenori Overwhelmingly Wins Vote After CD-8 GOP Debate
March 27, 2012 By 6 Comments
TUCSON – In a straw poll of attendees following last night’s debate in Oro Valley, State Senator Frank Antenori was selected as the preferred candidate for the Republican nomination for Congress in CD-08 with more than 40% of the vote.
The winner of the poll, largely decided by voters who indicated at the beginning of the debate that they had not yet selected a candidate, was announced this morning on KVOI’s Wake Up Tucson program.
“There is a difference in this race,” Antenori said. “The other candidates all say nice things but not one of them has actually had a measurable impact on improving the economy by reducing the size and cost of government like I have.”
Antenori says he has “proven” his ability to “earn the support of Republicans, Independents, and conservative Democrats through his blunt spoken style, relentless advocacy for government reform and liberty. He was re-elected in the last election by over 60% of the vote in a district with only 43% Republicans.
“In America, one earns the right to be promoted based on performance. I am asking the voters for a promotion based upon my performance,” he said. “The other option is to pass over someone who has delivered for one who just walked in off the street.”
The results of the straw poll are as follows:
Frank Antenori – 48 Votes – 40%
Martha McSally – 30 Votes – 25%
Dave Sitton – 22 Votes – 18%
Jesse Kelly – 19 Votes – 16%
Early voting is underway now and in-person voting for the primary will occur on April 17th.
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Arizona TARS Double Membership in 2012
March 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Arizona TARS Double Membership in 2012
Dissatisfaction With Economic and Jobs Outlook Under President Barrack Obama a Driving Influence
Phoenix, AZ, March 19, 2012: Arizona Federation of Teen Age Republicans (AZ TARS) has had over a 90% increase in membership over the past year. The Organization has also seen a large increase in the number of student run Clubs chartered this year as well, touting a 100% increase in the last 6 months. Most new members and clubs registered have been due to the increasing unpopularity in Arizona of President Barrack Obama and his policies that affect teens.
“Young adults are among one of the Nation’s most unemployed demographics and are keenly aware of the hardships their families are seeing due to the lagging economy”, Executive Director of AZ TARS, Dusti Martin said. She also noted that, “These students are motivated. They are dissatisfied with the current Administration and its agenda and they are determined to make a difference. We have not seen a membership increase like this in Arizona in over a decade.”
Arizona TARS was started in the 1970′s by State Adviser Lois J. Fitch to educate and involve students in their local, state and national civic processes. The National Teenage Republicans was started 10 years earlier in the 1960′s and is also seeing a dramatic increase across the nation. Notable former AZ TARS include Congressman David Schweikert and former State Treasurer Dean Martin as well as many other locally elected officials.
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Goldwater Institute has new Rival, Grand Canyon Institute
March 15, 2012 By 15 Comments
I’m surprised Jerry Lewis isn’t Chairman of this new “Think Tank” (all they ever thought of was ‘enhanced investments’ of other people’s money. Well dear readers, now you know what they’re doing with themselves. Wouldn’t be at all surprised if they haven’t already been calling our our Senate and House members. Squish…
Arizona Heralds Arrival of New Bipartisan Think Tank 
Too often ideology, rather than economics, has guided policy in Arizona, with the result being a state that finds itself caught in an unsound fiscal situation with one of the worst structural deficits in the country. Arizona continues to lag in the development of a diversified, education-led economy, and relies on a greatly atrophied tax system that fails to provide the resources needed to sustain critical investments for the state’s future.
To remedy the dire situation, Arizona now has a new nonpartisan think tank, the Grand Canyon Institute, led by a bipartisan group of former state lawmakers, economists, community leaders, and academicians. The Grand Canyon Institute will serve as an independent voice reflecting mainstream American values and a pragmatic approach to addressing economic, fiscal, budgetary and taxation challenges confronting Americans with a special emphasis on Arizona issues. As Arizona begins its second century, the Grand Canyon Institute aims to bridge this immense gap between policy and results by providing sound research expertise from a network of fellows to help inform the public and lawmakers …
Over time, the board of the nonprofit will expand and be composed of an even more diverse, broad based, bi-partisan group of business, community, and academic leaders who share the Institute’s vision during the 21st Century.
The Institute serves as an independent voice reflecting mainstream American values and a pragmatic approach to addressing economic, fiscal, budgetary, and taxation challenges confronting all Americans with a special emphasis on Arizona issues.
Board of Directors
Carolyn Allen (R)
Jack L. August, Jr., Ph.D. (D)
Jeff Chapman, Ph.D. (D)
Tom Chapman (R)
George Cunningham (D)
Susan Gerard (R)
Ryan Harper (R)
Pete Hershberger (R)
Paul Johnson (I)
Bill Konopnicki (R)
George Seitts (R)
Dave Wells, Ph.D. (D)
Who Won the Arizona Republican Presidential Candidate Debate?
February 22, 2012 By 27 Comments
Here’s your chance to vote for the winner of the Arizona Republican Presidential candidate debate and tell us why:
New Polling Numbers for Matt Salmon in Arizona CD-5 Race
February 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 16, 2012
CONTACT: Adam Deguire
MEMORANDUM
In the race for the Republican nomination in Congressional District 5, former Congressman Matt Salmon continues to pull away from his only remaining opponent in every major element of the campaign – polling, fundraising, and endorsements. Since announcing his bid to return to Congress, Salmon has waged an aggressive campaign that has highlighted his experience, proven record and conservative principles as a public servant. As a result, two previous candidates have since dropped out of the race and Salmon has increased his lead over his remaining opponent according to the most recent poll. Furthermore, Salmon’s surge of momentum has also allowed him to outperform his opponent in fundraising by a 3 to 1 margin, and earned him several more endorsements from community officials, conservative leaders and pro-business groups.
Polling
Arizona Opinion conducted a telephone survey of 400 likely Republican primary voters in the newly drawn Congressional District 5 on February 8-9, 2012. Here are the findings:
- Head to head: Salmon maintains a commanding 30 point lead over his opponent in the race for the Republican nomination, with 43.0% of respondents supporting Salmon versus 13.8% supporting his opponent.
- Name awareness: Salmon maintains a significant name ID advantage over his opponent, with 57.7% of respondents recognizing and responding to his name versus 24.7% recognizing and responding to the name of his opponent.
- Trusted to balance the budget: By over a 2 to 1 margin, 30.8% of respondents believe Salmon is better prepared to balance the federal budget, versus 13.5% for his opponent.
- Trusted to repeal Obamacare: By over a 2 to 1 margin, 31.8% of respondents believe Salmon is better prepared to repeal Obamacare, versus 13.5% for his opponent.
- Trusted to secure the borders: By nearly a 3 to 1 margin, 32.3% of respondents believe Salmon is better prepared to secure the borders, versus 10.8% for his opponent.
- Trusted to fight against special interests: By nearly a 3 to 1 margin, 32.0% of respondents believe Salmon is better prepared to stand up to Washington insiders, versus 11.0% for his opponent.
Methodology
Arizona Opinion is an Arizona-based consulting firm with survey and other data-based research and focus groups and experience dating back to 1978. Dr. Margaret Kenski has served as a pollster for the Arizona Republican Party, Senator Jon Kyl, Congressmen Mo Udall, Jim Kolbe, and Jeff Flake, Governors Jane Dee Hull and Fife Symington, and numerous other state and local candidates. The survey had a margin of error of ±4.8% and over 85% of those surveyed said they were certain to vote in this August’s primary election.
Fundraising
- Superior fundraising: Salmon has now raised a total of more than $500,000 for his campaign to return to Congress, out raising his opponent the past two consecutive quarters (3rd and 4th of 2011), including out raising him $152,515 to $52,434 according to the latest finance report.
- COH advantage for the primary: Salmon currently has over $305,000 cash on hand, giving him a nearly $85,000 advantage over his opponent in money available to spend on the primary election.
- Gaining momentum among donors: Salmon has now received contributions from over 1,200 individual donors, with more than 500 of those contributing in the last three months of 2011.
Endorsements
- Endorsed by local leaders: Salmon has been endorsed by East Valley mayors Scott Smith (Mesa), Jay Tibshraeny (Chandler), Hugh Hallman (Tempe), Gail Barney (Queen Creek), John Insalaco (Apache Junction), 4 Mesa Councilmembers, 2 Chandler Councilmembers, 7 East Valley state legislators, and Arizona Congressmen David Schweikert and Trent Franks.
- Widely supported by conservatives: Salmon has received endorsements from nationally prominent conservatives including Senators John Thune (South Dakota), Tom Coburn (Oklahoma) and Pat Toomey (Pennsylvania), Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-49), Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, and nationally recognized conservative groups like Club for Growth PAC and Team America PAC.
- Backed by pro-business organizations: Salmon is supported by numerous pro-business organizations including the Associated General Contractors of Arizona, Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, and the National Association of REALTORS.
Conclusion
Former Congressman Matt Salmon remains in strong front-runner status to win the Republican nomination for Arizona’s Congressional District 5. His remaining opponent suffers from severe disadvantages in polling, fundraising and endorsements, and these challenges will be further exacerbated as other competitive primary elections begin to dominate the Arizona political environment. Without the ability to outspend Salmon dollar for dollar in voter contact, we believe that Salmon’s opponent will be unable to make up a 30 point deficit in the polls and overcome the name awareness disadvantage he currently holds among Republican primary voters.
In the remaining months before the primary election, Salmon will continue to aggressively campaign throughout the district utilizing a strong grassroots and earned media operation, and continue to showcase his superior fundraising abilities. Given these resources, Salmon can expect to continue his surge towards the all-important “50% plus 1″ formula for electoral victory.
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David Schweikert: Entire Base of Grassroots Support Schweikert
February 13, 2012 By 12 Comments
To All Interested Parties:
Congressman Ben Quayle has decided to move Congressional districts and primary fellow-Republican David Schweikert in his distirct, AZ-06.
- Quayle’s home isn’t in AZ-06, it’s in AZ-09
- Quayle’s campaign office isn’t in AZ-06, it’s in AZ-09
- Quayle’s Congressional office isn’t in AZ-06, it’s in AZ-09
As this primary challenge gains attention, the choice for Arizona conservatives is clear. They support the Republican who lives in AZ-06 and who has served that very same community for 30+ years.
Since Ben Quayle’s announcement to “carpetbag” into Schweikert’s district, Arizonans have responded in backlash. This week the Schweikert campaign rolled out several prominant endorsements.
- Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery
- Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio
- Phoenix City Councilman Jim Waring
- Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane
- State Senator Michele Reagan
- State Representative Michele Ugenti
- State Representative John Kavanagh
David’s campaign office opened this morning with a record-breaking volume of volunteer participation. In 2010, Schweikert’s ground operation was widely noted as being a model for campaigns across the country.
It is clear that David has the entire base of grassroots support in AZ-06 behind him.
Included is a polling memo for your interest. Please feel welcome to circulate. Of particular note are the favorable ballot numbers at the very bottom of the memo. Arizona primary voters who “like” both David and Ben choose David 56% – 31%. Even more impressive is the informed ballot of Arizona primary voters who have an “opinion” of David and Ben, either “favorable or unfavorable” choose David 57% – 31%.
PS: When you hear reports about the Schweikert/Quayle primary, please help us keep the facts straight, and if you need information or have a question, please don’t ever hesitate to ask!
Ben Quayle: Facts for Our Supporters
February 13, 2012 By 24 Comments
“This should be a substantive race with a tone that honors our party, our nation and the voters of the 6th District.” – Ben Quayle
That was the hope. It didn’t take long…in fact, it took less than 24 hours for our challenger to go negative. If that wasn’t enough, a few hours later he followed that up in a move that shows desperation by blasting a blatantly false email around to Arizonans to try to distort the facts about the new Congressional District 6.
We would like to help our supporters by providing you with the facts. We ask you to help us spread this information so that your family, friends, and neighbors are all armed with the truth.
Fact #1: CD 6 consists of nearly 70% of Ben’s current constituents.
Nearly 70% of CD 6 is currently represented by Congressman Quayle.
Fact #2: CD 9′s current Congressman is David Schweikert by nearly 3.5 to 1.
Numbers are tricky to spin. For every 1 person in CD 9 that is represented by Congressman Quayle, 3.5 people have Congressman Schweikert as their representative. There is a vast majority of constituents in CD 9 who are currently being represented by Congressman Schweikert and are familiar with him.
Ben needs your help.
We need your voice to set the record straight and silence the nonsense. Americans are tired of mud slinging political maneuvers. Together we can keep the discussion factual and focused on the issues that matter.
Please visit our website to learn more about Ben’s campaign and receive updates on how to stay involved!
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Update on Arizona’s 9th Congressional District
February 8, 2012 By 14 Comments
It’s been awhile since I’ve written some original content so I’m gonna throw a quick overview on Arizona’s CD-9 – the crescent-shaped district located in Phoenix.
So who’s in?
On the Democrat side, Kyrsten Sinema, Andrei Cherny and David Schapira have all announced. Schapira won’t get very far. He’s got the excitement of Bradypus variegatus (everybody’s scrambling to Wikipedia) and no money raising skills. On the contrary, Kyrsten has made the contacts and trips to DC having rubbed elbows with DNC mukety-mucks and Obamatons. Andrei “I-can’t-wait-to-get-the-hell-outa-here” Cherny recently abandoned his chairmanship at the Arizona Democratic Party taking his mediocre fundraising skills with him. This leaves the ADP in a frantic scramble to replace him from among a rapidly diminishing talent pool. My assessment: Cherny and Sinema battle for the heart of Arizona leftists while it remains on life support. Close call in the August Primary but I’d have to guess Sinema eeks out a win. Cherny heads back to Califormia.
Travis Grantham
Now let’s talk about Republicans. Republicans actually have some great talent to put up. Some have ooodles of money, some are damn hard workers and others are simply looking for a career change to make a bigger difference. First to enter the race was Travis Grantham, a Gilbert resident, businessman and Air National Guard pilot. Grantham originally staked out a shot east of the new CD-9 but reoriented his trajectory not wanting to get caught in the crossfire of Adams vs. Salmon. Smart move but Grantham doesn’t live in the new CD-9 (although there’s nothing illegal with that.) He has a chance and is sitting on almost $120K.
Wendy Rogers
Next to file is my personal favorite (sorry gents, I always gravitate to the lady candidates), Wendy Rogers. Wendy actually lives in the district and has done so with her family for many years. She’s a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel who works harder than anyone I know when it comes to anything she sets her heart on. Wendy has a loyal following of supporters not only here in Arizona but across the country who can be counted on to raise the money needed in a lickety-split second for this race. Wendy is a perfect match for the district.
In the wings waiting are Steve Moak, Vernon Parker, Gary Pierce and Martin Sepulveda. Maricopa County Supervisor Don Stapley has also been mentioned but with such high negatives and an already announced re-election campaign underway, his political days are numbered.
Steve Moak
Steve Moak ran in 2010 finishing 2nd in a 10-way primary. He’s likely got the cash but many question if he’s far more risk averse this time hesitant to charge up his 2012 campaign coffers.
Vernon Parker
Paradise Valley councilman Vernon Parker is also eyeing the race. Parker also ran in the crowded 10-way 2010 primary finishing 4th place. Parker is also seeking re-election to the Paradise Valley Council leaving many to question his motivations in seeking any public office. He is expected to decide any day.
Arizona Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce also wants in on the action but he’s just settled into another term on the ACC. He’d have to step down under Arizona’s resign to run law given his term expires in 2014. Pierce has obviously run statewide but financed his ACC race using “Clean Elections” money. His ability to raise money for a federal campaign is probably one of the biggest factors he would have to weigh.
Gary Pierce
That leaves former Chandler City Councilman Martin Sepulveda as the last candidate considering. Sepulveda is a fiery US Navy combat veteran who have a great deal of respect for (we even had our own little political brush-up during the 2010 US Senate primary. What is it with us US Navy guys?) Given a sizeable number of Republicans reside in this portion of the district, Sepulveda would be competitive. He also served as a surrogate for our senior senator during the 2010 Republican primary. That kind of help could come in handy with the fundraising if the door is open.
Martin Sepulveda
That’s my assessment. I really can’t say who I’d like to see win the Republican primary but I do know that this will be a very competitive race with plenty of political drama. I can’t wait for the field to be set.
Republican precinct committeemen select three replacements to fill State Senate vacancy in LD-4
January 17, 2012 By 4 Comments
Tried and true Republican precinct committeemen gathered Monday night in Sun City to choose three individuals to fill the vacancy left by recently resigned State Senator, Scott Bundgaard.
The meeting which was held at the Union Hills Country Club and conducted by the State Republican Party in accordance with Arizona law, began at 6:15 and lasted two hours with two rounds of balloting.
Seven candidates were nominated from the floor knowing that only three would survive the final cut. Those nominated included, State Representative Judy Burges, former NFL pro Tony Bouie, former State Representative Jerry Overton, longtime Republican activist Lyle Tuttle, David Livingston, Eric Spencer and Joy Grainger.
Each candidate was allowed five minutes to speak and make the case for their nomination.
In order to survive a round of balloting, candidates needed 75 votes.
Precinct committeemen proceeded to vote in the first round with the results selecting two candidates: Eric Spencer with 121 votes and Judy Burges with 101 votes. No one else survived the first round and the David Livingston was eliminated as the lowest vote receiver.
In the second round of balloting, Lyle Tuttle surpassed the 75-vote threshold with 77 votes. That concluded the lineup and the meeting was adjourned.
Spencer, Burges and Tuttle now head to the Maricopa County Supervisors who are required to make a final appointment. That appointment may come as early as Wednesday or Thursday.
Based on the vote count totals, that candidate will likely be Eric Spencer. Should the Supervisors appoint Representative Burges, Legislative District 4 Republicans will be required to gather again within a week in order to nominate a replacement to succeed Burges’ House vacancy.
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.
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.
A MUST READ: How Democrats Fooled California’s Redistricting Commission
December 22, 2011 By 66 Comments
Excellent article posted by the non-profit, independent, investigative journalists, ProPublica. This is a MUST read if you’ve been following the machinations of the Arizona ‘Independent’ Redistricting Commission. If you don’t think it can happen here in Arizona, it already has just like it happened in California. Here is a segment of the article:
This spring, a group of California Democrats gathered at a modern, airy office building just a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol. The meeting was House members only — no aides allowed — and the mission was seemingly impossible.
In previous years, the party had used its perennial control of California’s state Legislature to draw district maps that protected Democratic incumbents. But in 2010, California voters put redistricting in the hands of a citizens’ commission where decisions would be guided by public testimony and open debate.
The question facing House Democrats as they met to contemplate the state’s new realities was delicate: How could they influence an avowedly nonpartisan process? Alexis Marks, a House aide who invited members to the meeting, warned the representatives that secrecy was paramount. “Never say anything AT ALL about redistricting — no speculation, no predictions, NOTHING,” Marks wrote in an email. “Anything can come back to haunt you.”
In the weeks that followed, party leaders came up with a plan. Working with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee — a national arm of the party that provides money and support to Democratic candidates — members were told to begin “strategizing about potential future district lines,” according to another email.
The citizens’ commission had pledged to create districts based on testimony from the communities themselves, not from parties or statewide political players. To get around that, Democrats surreptitiously enlisted local voters, elected officials, labor unions and community groups to testify in support of configurations that coincided with the party’s interests.
When they appeared before the commission, those groups identified themselves as ordinary Californians and did not disclose their ties to the party. One woman who purported to represent the Asian community of the San Gabriel Valley was actually a lobbyist who grew up in rural Idaho, and lives in Sacramento.
In one instance, party operatives invented a local group to advocate for the Democrats’ map.
California’s Democratic representatives got much of what they wanted from the 2010 redistricting cycle, especially in the northern part of the state. “Every member of the Northern California Democratic Caucus has a ticket back to DC,” said one enthusiastic memo written as the process was winding down. “This is a huge accomplishment that should be celebrated by advocates throughout the region.”
Bill Whittle: A Voter’s Guide to Republicans
December 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Arizona Republican Party Chairman Morrissey Statement on Sheriff Candidate Rumor
December 14, 2011 By 6 Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 14, 2011
CONTACT: Communications@azgop.org
PHOENIX – Arizona Republican Party Chairman, Tom Morrissey, released the following statement today regarding speculation of his candidacy for Pinal County Sheriff:
“I am not now nor will be a candidate for Pinal County Sheriff. Contrary to political rumors being spread, I have absolutely no interest in running for Pinal County Sheriff.
“Several individuals did indeed approach me with the political proposition of seeking the seat. And while I was truly humbled by their confidence and request to return to the law enforcement arena, I respectfully declined.
“Furthermore, I take my commitment and loyalty to the Arizona Republican Party and its members very serious. State Committeemen who elected me as Chairman have entrusted me with the important role of raising money, registering Republicans and electing Republicans at all levels of government. I am absolutely committed to fulfilling that obligation and leading the GOP to victory during my entire term.”
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Arizonan Exceptionalism: A Conservative Voice in the Wilderness
November 29, 2011 By 3 Comments
By Kelly Townsend
Arizona continues to be a shining star in the midst of liberal darkness that shrouds our country. As we hear reports of inequality regarding the treatment of the Tea Party vs. the treatment of the Occupy protesters in Richmond and other locations, I wish to give thanks the leaders of our great State for their support and fair treatment of our groups over the last two and a half years.
Not once have we received resistance to our events, been unduly denied permits or access to public areas, nor harassed in any manner. On the contrary, the City of Phoenix has provided police protection for our members and has provided freedom of expression of our first and second amendment rights. We have always felt free to express our message, even when it is alongside the violent opposition.
Indeed, Arizona has been a beacon for those wishing to lift their voices in protest, not only for the Conservative voice, but also for the law-breaking entitlement groups who hate our State and our country. When a group of illegal immigration proponents threw a large American flag on the State Capitol grounds, placed a toilet seat on it and instructed their children to stomp their dirty shoes over it in defiance of our laws, the Arizona Capitol police protected their 1st amendment rights as well.
Yes, here in Arizona you can wave your Mexican flag on the porch of the Capitol and declare that it is truly Mexico, not the United States, and get away with it. As abhorrent as that seems, it is the nature of Arizona to uphold the law and the rights of her people, even when it hurts. We applaud our great State, and offer her example to those officials in other parts of our great country who have forgotten what it means to respect the protection of the Constitution.
Kelly Townsend is Co-Founder of the Greater Phoenix Tea Party.
