For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Legislation Aimed at Reducing Frivolous Lawsuits

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – The Arizona House of Representatives today passed a bill that modifies the state’s standards in terms of expert witness reform to help reduce frivolous lawsuits. HB 2492 seeks to adopt a standard decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in Daubert v. Merrel Dow Pharmaceutical in 1993, known as the “Daubert standard.”

“It’s critical for Arizona to have similar court standards to other states. This is particularly important for businesses that may not want to operate in Arizona due to the additional cost of defending lawsuits that would have no merit in neighboring states,” said Rep. Andy Tobin, R-Paulden, who sponsored the bill. “Adopting the Daubert standard will help improve our state’s business climate and allow companies to spend less on litigation and insurance, while investing more in growth and jobs.”

Since 1923, U.S. federal courts have relied upon the Frye v. U.S. decision, which stated that expert testimony must be based on science that has gained “general acceptance” in the relevant field. The Daubert standard, established in federal courts and in 37 states, includes the court opinion of four guidelines for judges to consider when examining a testimony’s merits.

For Immediate Release: Monday, March 15, 2010

Conservative Independent Candidate to Challenge Incumbent Jeff Flake for AZ 6 House Seat

Gilbert, AZ – March 8, 2010 – Jeff Smith announced today that he will run for the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona’s 6th congressional district in 2010 against incumbent Jeff Flake. Smith, who is active in the East Valley and Greater Phoenix Tea Party movement, articulated the principles and values that will be the foundation of his candidacy:

“I believe the Constitution is a divinely inspired document that has come under assault from those who would continuously expand the size and scope of the federal government at the expense of our individual liberties and states’ rights. I am committed to defending the Constitution, stopping the march toward socialism and redistribution of wealth, and to returning the federal government to the limits of its constitutional authority, as envisioned by the founders.”

Smith also identified certain issues where he differs from Jeff Flake, and feels Flake no longer represents the values of the voters in the district. “Illegal immigration continues to be an issue of grave concern for Arizonans. For too long the federal government has failed to secure the border and enforce existing immigration laws. This lack of enforcement amounts to a massive subsidy to certain businesses and industries, at tremendous expense to our legal citizens and immigrants, the economy, and society at large. This picking of winners and losers on the part of the government is tantamount to socialism. I support vigorous enforcement of our immigration laws across all levels of law enforcement, and am opposed to amnesty in any form for those whose first act on American soil was to violate our laws.”

Smith, 44, is married to wife Camille and has three children ages 10, 13, and 15. He graduated in 1989 from Brigham Young University with a degree in Economics and worked in the Banking Industry for a few years before returning to school, earning an MBA from the Goizueta Business School of Emory University. After graduating, he worked for eight years in the Telecommunications industry, then left to found a financial advisory firm in Arizona, which he sold two years ago.

Smith said he looks forward to a vigorous debate about the critical issues facing Arizona and the nation. “I am gratified by the response we have been getting to our message so far. There is clearly an appetite for a return to constitutional principles and conservative values upon which this country was founded. “ While he admires Jeff Flake and is grateful for his service to the district, he feels that Flake has lost touch with his constituents, drifting leftward on some of the crucial issues of our day. Flake also ran on a promise not to stay more than 3 terms and if he runs again, this will be his sixth.

Arizona’s 6th congressional district encompasses parts of Maricopa and Pinal counties. In Maricopa County it includes most of Mesa and Chandler, as well as Gilbert and Queen Creek. In Pinal County it includes Apache Junction and Gold Canyon. It is an area known for cultural conservatism and, as such, is one of the nation’s most conservative Republican districts.

For more information and to donate to the campaign, please visit www.votejeffsmith2010.com.

For Immediate Release: Monday, March 15, 2010

“Leftist media attacks can’t mask the absurdity of Massachusetts’s action”

Phoenix, AZ—When the Massachusetts Supreme Court handed down a decision defining marriage as “the establishment of intimacy,” millions of Americans read of the news with disbelief. Among them was conservative Arizona U.S. Senate candidate J.D. Hayworth, who accurately defined the ruling as “absurd”.

In response, former Congressman Hayworth offered an interpretation of the Massachusetts ruling. In it, Hayworth said, “I can make the point of absurdity with an absurd point: If you really had affection for your horse, I guess you could marry your horse. But it’s just the wrong way to go, and the only way to protect the institution of marriage is with the federal marriage amendment that I support.”

“But sadly, the liberal media, intent on defending the ultra-leftist, progressive politicians in Massachusetts, are attacking me for standing up once again for family values and for rejecting this absurd court ruling,” said Hayworth. “But they don’t intimidate me at all. I know right from wrong and as a staunch defender of the institution of marriage, I know I can count on millions of supporters across America to stand with me when our values are under attack – and when I am under attack for standing up to defend those values.”

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For Immediate Release: Monday, March 15, 2010

ON BEHALF OF

MAYOR JOHN LEWIS
VICE MAYOR LINDA ABBOTT
COUNCILMAN DAVE CROZIER
COUNCILWOMAN JENN DANIELS
COUNCILMAN LES PRESMYK
COUNCILMAN JOHN SENTZ
COUNCILMAN STEVE URIE

Gilbert, Arizona, March 15, 2010. Approximately six weeks ago, members of the Gilbert Town Council learned that a Town zoning code intended to help neighborhoods with traffic, parking and safety concerns had been interpreted by Town staff to mean that small church groups could not meet in their own homes. The Council immediately asked Town staff to make changes to the code and not enforce the code while changes were being considered.

Unfortunately, without the Town Council’s knowledge, one church group had already been told to stop holding meetings in their home. Last week the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) filed an appeal for the Oasis of Truth Church located in Gilbert. While Town staff had anticipated presenting to the Town Council proposed zoning changes at the next Town Council meeting (scheduled for March 23), ADF’s appeal reached the media on Friday, March 12, causing concern that Town of Gilbert restricted religious freedom guaranteed in the Constitution.

Gilbert’s Mayor John Lewis said, “It is unfortunate that the Council did not know about information given to the Oasis of Truth Church. Gilbert is known as a family-oriented community and our faith groups are a vital part of our Town. We want to keep it that way.” Lewis continued, “Gilbert has the largest celebration of the Constitution in the United States. During the third week of September, we have an entire week of community activities available to remind us of the important principles of the Constitution.” Vice-Mayor Linda Abbott commented, “This is a community with patriotic citizens who study and defend the Constitution. We understand the importance of maintaining religious freedom.”

Upon learning of the appeal, the Town Council expressed their overwhelming support to expedite changes in the code. Yesterday, Mayor Lewis and Acting Town Manager Collin DeWitt attended the Sunday worship services of the Oasis of Truth Church. DeWitt said, “We had a wonderful experience as we met with the three leaders of the church and their families. We are glad that they selected Gilbert as their home.” Mayor Lewis told church leaders that he will ask Town attorneys to include ADF and the Oasis of Truth Church in the review process this week of the proposed changes that will be presented to the Town Council on March 23. Lewis said, “We welcome their input and suggestions to ensure that church groups are able to meet and enjoy their Constitutional rights. Potentially, we may have a solution to this issue this week.”

The Town of Gilbert has been one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. In spite of the economic downturn, 1,278 single family permits were issued by the Town in 2009. Currently, 221,000 citizens of Gilbert enjoy the clean, safe, and vibrant environment. In 2009, Gilbert was named as the 24th safest city in the United States and safest city in Arizona. Mayor Lewis said, “Our vibrancy is enhanced with our strong faith-based groups. Our partnership with our local ministers and pastors is excellent. Gilbert is considered a religious friendly area. Religious activities occur all over Town and most especially in our homes. The Town Council and our citizens will keep it that way.”

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For Immediate Release: Saturday, March 13, 2010

PHOENIX, Ariz. (March 9, 2010) … Pamela Gorman, candidate for Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District, has received the endorsement of the 500,000-member Concerned Women Political Action Committee based on her proven conservative leadership.

“On the issue of life, the traditional family and fiscal conservatism, Pamela Gorman’s record in the House of Representatives has been exemplary,” said Penny Nance, CEO of Concerned Women PAC. “Concerned Women Political Action Committee endorses Pamela Gorman for Congress because of her strong leadership in the state legislature. I am convinced Pamela will be a strong principled leader in the U.S. Congress.”

As a former state senator, Gorman took the lead in stopping one of the largest tax increases in Arizona history and worked to pass one of the largest tax cuts. She has opposed wasteful spending in both parties and is a committed defender of right-to-life values and the second amendment which earned her an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association.

The Anthem resident and mother of a teenaged son, Gorman is seeking the congressional seat currently held by John Shadegg who is retiring at the end of his term. “Receiving this important endorsement from one of the premier national organizations promoting Conservative candidates is a huge honor. But, to receive it in a crowded primary like mine, says a lot more,” she said. “I am grateful for the endorsement and humbled by their confidence in the work I will do when I get to Washington.”

Concerned Women PAC, established in 2002 by Founder and Chairman Beverly LaHaye, is affiliated with Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization with more than 500,000 grassroots members nationwide.

For more information on Gorman, visit www.gorman2010.com

For Immediate Release: Friday, March 12, 2010

The following statement is attributed to Speaker Kirk Adams on recent Arizona Board of Regents actions:

“Over the last two days, the Board of Regents has tackled difficult issues regarding the future financial position of our public universities and the impacts of their decisions on our students, their parents, and faculty. Our state’s financial troubles, coupled with increased demand and higher costs, require the Board to seek fiscal alternatives that will hopefully protect the quality and integrity of our public universities. Their continued leadership will ensure that our public universities do not eliminate valuable public services that not only move our economy forward but allow our citizenry access to a better life while still seeking efficiencies in the system.

Today, the Board of Regents directed the University Presidents to develop an implementation plan to reduce state supported salaries by 2.75 percent by May 2010. This gesture of solidarity and recognition that other state employees are losing pay and will be furloughed in the next three years demonstrates that the Regents are aware that everyone must contribute to the difficult solutions that we have made as we resolve Arizona’s worst fiscal crisis ever.

I encourage the Regents in their efforts to analyze universities’ operating budgets for cost efficiencies and look forward to working with the Board of Regents, President Crow, President Haegar and President Shelton as we pursue higher education reform. Last year, I supported the Regents, “Arizona Productivity Improvement Imperative” and am extremely proud of Arizona’s $1.5 million grant from the Lumina Foundation. In my letter of support, I stated that economic development depends in great part on innovation and access to a skilled and prepared workforce. I believe that our higher education system can meet that challenge through a student centered system that produces more degrees at a lower cost and a finance model that optimizes productivity.

Now that the FY2011 budget is near to completion, the Legislature must focus its attention on economic recovery and job creation. HB2250 will create the groundwork toward a strong and diversified Arizona economy. To that end, we must also partner with an equally strong higher education system — one that recruits and trains the talent necessary to meet workforce demands. Next month, I will visit each of our three universities and meet with institutional and business leaders to develop a strategy to combine our respective resources toward the common goal – a long-term, sustainable and prosperous economy.”

For Immediate Release: Friday, March 12, 2010

This past Saturday the results of a Republican, incumbent-focused straw poll commissioned by Chairman Jeff Loyd of Gila County were announced at the county committeeman meeting. The straw poll garnered over 55% response rate from the elected and appointed precinct committeeman of the Republican party in Gila County. This poll was commissioned by Chairman Loyd to “keep a finger on the pulse” of the county and get a feel for the majority of Republican leanings thus far in the election cycle. While the results may not surprise you, they are nonetheless telling of the overall feeling of the grassroots activists and faithful army of the party. Chairman Loyd stated, “The results of this poll must be considered by all of our Republican candidates interested in gaining the support of the pc’s and activists in Gila County. Taking it a step further, being endorsed by a certain incumbent listed (or not listed) in this poll may be detrimental to your campaign in Gila County. Wisely use and understand these results.”

The incumbent offices polled were: Federal Senate, Governor, State Senate. Due to the fact that Republicans do not hold the CD1 seat, that office was not polled.

The poll consisted of the three incumbent names for the offices listed above with the instructions to assign a number (from the chart below) next to each name corresponding to how the committeeman voter felt about that elected official and the job they were doing.

1. Absolutely satisfied, make sure he/she is re-elected.
2. O.K., some of the time.
3. Disappointed more often than not.
4. Really bad. I hope there will be a better candidate to vote for.

Results:

Senator John McCain received 51% – “Really bad. I hope there will be a better candidate to vote for.”
Governor Jan Brewer received 48% – “Really bad. I hope there will be a better candidate to vote for.”
State Senator Sylvia Allen received 94% – “Absolutely satisfied, make sure he/she is re-elected.”

If you do not like these results then you should become a precinct committeeman and voice your opinion in polls like these. To get more information about becoming active in the Republican party and joining the ranks of P.C.’s in Gila County, contact 2nd Vice Chairman Bruce Wales at (928) 478-8822 or Chairman Loyd at (623) 332-2922.

For Immediate Release: Friday, March 12, 2010

Bowers Camp Tries to Intimidate Jaraczewski’s Daughter

Friday, March 12, 2010

This past weekend the votejoeforreform.com campaign was in high spirits at the annual Cattleman’s Weekend in Chino Valley. Candidate Joe said, “This is one of the big reasons why I love Arizona; the tradition of ranching represents the heart and soul of our district. Unfortunately, this way of life is being destroyed by radical environmental policies from Washington. In the next congress these ranchers will need an ally to fight for their way of life.”

It came as a shock when Joe learned, Nelson Pierce, campaign manager for Rusty Bowers, chose not to approach Joe, but rather his 16 year old daughter, Mikayla, a junior at Mingus Union High School, who was passing out “Vote Joe” flyers. He only approached his daughter after a campaign staffer left her alone.

Candidate Jaraczewski stated, “I am outraged that a leading member of the Bowers campaign would be as cowardly as to approach my teenage daughter and tell her he is ‘looking forward to a fight…’ Joe added, “This is especially disturbing from a campaign who only fights to convince people that the ‘State of Maricopa’ is within Congressional District-1. Mr. Bowers needs to take his big city intimidation brand of politics back home to Mesa.” The Candidate added, “I demand a public apology from the Bowers campaign for their actions in harassing my teenage daughter. If the Bowers campaign wants to pick a fight, they should start with me!”

Joe is running a homegrown campaign and is only concerned with seeking the endorsement of the free citizens of Congressional District One.

For more information and to join Joe’s Army go to www.votejoeforreform.com.

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 11, 2010

Congresswoman Giffords Suddenly Gets Ethical

Today, Gabrielle Giffords voted for a resolution calling for the House Ethics Committee to investigate House Democratic leaders and their handling of ethical allegations concerning former Rep. Eric Massa (D., N.Y.).

The attention has been on Congresswoman Giffords since the RNC began an early ad campaign against her in the 8th district. Maybe Giffords believes that if she votes for this ethics investigation we, the voters, will forget about her other un-ethical votes.

Giffords voted not to reprimand Congressman Murtha who threatened to use his power as a committee chairman to kill spending in the district of a fellow congressman (Roll Call 402, May 22, 2007). This is a violation of the very house rules that the Democratic leadership put into place when they took power in early 2007.

Giffords voted to block a resolution to remove Charlie Rangel from his chair on the Ways and Means committee. (Roll Call 759, Oct. 7, 2009). Rangel has hidden considerable sums in gifts and earnings from the IRS. The committee that he was formerly a member of has jurisdiction of the US tax code.

As part of the Democratic Caucus, Giffords voted to approve William Jefferson’s appointment to the Homeland Security Committee. Congressman Jefferson became famous when the FBI found $90,000 “cold cash” in his freezer. He was found guilty of fraud, soliciting bribes, racketeering, money laundering and obstruction of justice.

Brian Miller, candidate for U.S. Congress, said, “when I began my campaign against Ms. Giffords, I also started a PAC called the Freshmen 50. One of our platform items is ‘enforce congressional ethics’ because it’s going to take at least 50 of us to combat the culture of corruption in Washington D.C. We need to remind Congresswoman Giffords that ethics isn’t just an election year campaign slogan.”

For Immediate Release: March 11, 2010

The following statement is attributed to Speaker Adams and President Burns:

“Today, our legislative leadership came together to produce viable solutions to Arizona’s tremendous budget problems. The road to this point hasn’t been easy. We’ve had to make decisions that were tough and we know that not everyone will be happy with the difficult choices we’ve made.

The most necessary choices, however, are not always the most popular. But, needless to say, our goal was never popularity. Our job was to right size Arizona’s budget, and we are.

At the end of the day, the hard decisions made by those of us who were willing to take the political risk will help Arizona get back on the path toward a balanced budget.

That’s more than we can say for our Democratic counterparts, who, despite repeated invitations to join the discussion by submitting their own budget solutions, never stepped up to the plate.

Instead of choosing to do the hard and gritty work of creating their own budget, they chose to play politics. And, with that choice, they effectively marginalized themselves and play no part in solving the largest deficit in state history.

These kinds of political games do not demonstrate the kind of leadership that Arizonans deserve.”