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Despicable Steve Benson

May 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment

First, kudos to Greg Patterson for catching this one and posting on EspressoPundit. (Glad to see you’re back posting on a regular basis.)

I admit, I don’t run to the Arizona Republic first thing in the morning to read what the left-of-center media is disseminating so I missed this horribly despicable cartoon by Steve Benson that ran on May 10th.

SteveBensonCartoon

It’s probably a good thing that I’m no longer the Communications Director at the Arizona Republican Party because I would have had a hard time letting this one go until Benson and management both apologized AND Benson was summarily terminated.

For starters, Benson dragged politics into a horrifying criminal situation by showing just how insensitive the left can be injecting their political agenda into a criminal matter. By Benson’s logic, abortion should have been safe and accessible for Ariel Castro to continue covering up his evil crimes – “destroying the evidence.”

Secondly, Benson is so far removed from the real world of what happens among conservative people of faith who personally put their time, talent and treasure to work helping women in real-world crappy situations through crisis pregnancy centers, domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, foster care, the list goes on. Benson, we really do put our money where our mouth is.

This type of trash by Steve Benson  is wrong, beyond civility, insensitive and even evil. He needs to go away permanently where he can no longer pollute our political discourse.

Filed Under: Charity, Crime and Punishment, Journalism, Liberals, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , ,

Phoenix Abortionist Laura Mercer & Family Planning Associates Medical Group Exposed for Late Term Abortions

May 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment

This ought to make your blood boil!

This is happening in Arizona right now.

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Pro-Life activist Lila Rose just released the following video showing late term abortions AND possible infanticide taking place right here in Arizona!

As we watch shocked and disgusted the trial of baby and woman killer Kermit Gosnell, we are now on notice that this practice is taking place right here in Arizona!

Here is the press release put out by Live Action a few days ago:

Phoenix, AZ Late-Term Abortion Center Exposed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 28, 2013

Third Undercover Video Investigation Exposes Abortion Doctor and Clinic Worker Who Would Leave Babies Born Alive from Failed Abortion to Die

Six-Month Investigation Reveals Illegal, Inhuman, and Gruesome Practices at Abortion Centers across the Country

Arlington, VA: Live Action today released a third undercover video exposing Phoenix, AZ late-term abortion doctor Laura Mercer and an abortion center counselor who would leave a newborn, struggling for life after a failed abortion, to die. This is the third in a series of undercover videos, found at www.liveaction.org/inhuman, involving the illegal and inhuman practices of late-term abortion centers, as well as describing in horrific detail what happens to the mother and baby in a late-term abortion.

When asked by the undercover investigator what would happen if the baby were to survive the abortion, Linda, an abortion center counselor, admits they would not help the baby:

Sometimes they are [alive], yeah. But it doesn’t–it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will come out whole. ‘Cause they use suction, plus they use instruments so sometimes the fetuses don’t come out–you know, it’s not complete…

Investigator: But if it does come out whole…I mean, are–will they resuscitate it? Like, will I have to take care of it?

Linda: Uh-uh… No… They do not resuscitate.

“This video is just the latest evidence of a disturbing and horrifying trend occurring inside America’s abortion industry,” said Lila Rose of Lila Action. “The horrors of the Kermit Gosnell trial are a widespread problem in this industry. Dismembering and destroying innocent children, leaving born babies to die, injecting poison into the chest of a tiny child so that he slowly dies in his own mother’s womb – this is all standard operating procedure in the abortion industry. But these children are human beings. They have the same basic human rights and deserve the same protections all of us enjoy.”

Doctor Mercer tells an undercover Live Action investigator who is 24 weeks pregnant:

We do the injection, which is a quick poke through your belly, um, and that stops the fetal heart, so that makes it so, if you were to deliver, there shouldn’t be movement. There shouldn’t be any of those things… Yes we induce a demise–an intrauterine demise… Um, death.

Then the Live Action investigator asks whether an ambulance should be called if the mother goes into labor during the two-day procedure. Dr. Mercer instructs the investigator not to call:

No, call us first…if you showed up in an average emergency room with an emergency room physician who’s not a gynecologist, probably has never seen or done a termination, they will treat you as though you are somebody with a desired pregnancy…

Investigator: So they would basically like try to take care of it.

Dr. Mercer: Right they would intervene and do all kinds of crazy things that you don’t need tohave done to you…

Live Action President Lila Rose condemned the “barbaric, inhuman, and deeply disturbing” practices espoused by Dr. Mercer and the late-term abortion center staff at Family Planning Associates Medical Group. “The testimony we’ve documented in this abortion facility strongly suggests that staff there are committing infanticide,” said Rose. “The Family Planning Associates Medical Group needs to be investigated immediately, and delicensed. Women are at risk during these brutal procedures, and this is a matter of life and death for these children.”

Earlier in the week, Live Action released videos (www.liveaction.org/inhuman) of a Bronx, NY abortion counselor describing how a born-alive baby would be placed in a jar of toxic “solution” to ensure death, and of a D.C. doctor who would leave a baby born alive after a botched abortion to die. The videos are part of Live Action’s six-month undercover investigation shedding light on the illegal, inhuman, and gruesome practices of numerous abortion centers throughout the country.

Rose is calling for Attorney General Eric Holder and the U.S. Attorney’s office to investigate and prosecute Dr. Mercer and the Family Planning Associates Medical Group, who admit they violate federal law. Rose also called on local health and law enforcement officials to investigate Dr. Mercer and Family Planning Associates Medical Group and put an end to illegal and inhuman practices.

From the letter to General Holder: “We urge you, as the U.S. Attorney General, to speak out against this injustice, and to see to it that Dr. Mercer and the Family Planning Associates Medical Group are duly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law… I hope that you will do everything in your power to speak out for victims of infanticide – both the children and the women – and to protect the human rights of our weakest citizens.”

Live Action is a youth-led movement dedicated to building a culture of life and ending the human rights abuse of abortion. The group uses new media to educate the public about the humanity of the unborn and investigative journalism to expose threats against the vulnerable and defenseless. More information at LiveAction.org.

Filed Under: Press Release, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , , , ,

Update on Obamacare-Medicaid Expansion in Arizona

May 1, 2013 by 1 Comment

Here’s a brief update on the push to expand Medicaid in the Arizona Legislature.

Rumors are circulating that Senator John McComish is attempting to orchestrate a coup d’état on Senate President Andy Biggs as former Senate President Steve Pierce looks on with plausible deniability. Why a coup? Because Senate President Andy Biggs is the one individual holding firm against a vote on Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion in the State Senate. Both McComish and Pierce are supporting Governor Brewer and trying to pave the way for her Medicaid plan. But you should also know that McComish and especially Pierce took thousands of dollars from higher-ups in the healthcare industrial complex during the last election cycle. (Biggs did not.) We are compiling the names and amounts of all the donations received by Medicaid proponents with the goal of connecting the dots. Just another example of the corporate-political incest (yes, it happens on both sides.)

Meanwhile in the State House, Governor Brewer does NOT have the votes to pass her Medicaid expansion. Proponents of Medicaid expansion are short the votes needed to require both a simple majority and two-thirds vote (Prop 108 requirement). House Speaker Andy Tobin is also holding back a vote on the legislation so you can imagine he is under tremendous pressure to let the legislation move for a vote.

At the same time all this is taking place, Democrats are getting very irritated with an effort to amend any legislation to prohibit our tax dollars from going to Planned Parenthood. (We all know that giving money to Planned Parenthood is an accounting game that allows them to free up other funds for abortions.) Democrats want the Medicaid bill to remain silent on tax dollars to abortion providers because they know Planned Parenthood would be feasting off the same steady stream of tax dollars “returning” from the federal government. In fact, House minority leader and likely Democrat gubernatorial candidate Chad Campbell sent an email out today expressing frustration, covering for abortion providers and urging individuals to call their legislators. His rhetoric has heated up calling social and religious conservatives “extremists,” “right-wing” and “special interests” all because they oppose using tax dollars to fund Planned Parenthood.

Keep your eyes on the players in this whole exercise of corporate cronyism and who stands to gain the most “free” tax dollars.

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Elected Officials, Entitlements, Health Care, Legislation, Political Parties, Political Science, Sanctity of Life, State Government Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Kyrsten Sinema’s Record on Unborn Victims of Violence

December 16, 2012 by 1 Comment

Just a short Sunday morning rant to point out an inconsistency about the newest member of congress from CD-9 – Kyrsten Sinema.

This morning, I saw a tweet from the political director for the Kyrsten Sinema campaign, Kendra Leiby:

“In the debate between your right to own an assault rifle and a child’s right to live, I’ll side with the child every time.”

I, in turn, tweeted back a short clarifying question, “@KendraLeiby, does it make a difference where the child is located?” which then elicited the following reply, “@ShaneWikfors nope, not to me.”

As I got thinking about the exchange, it brought back the 2005 legislative session in which I worked on a piece of legislation that actually was signed into law by then Governor Janet Napolitano. That bill was called SB 1052 – Protection of Unborn Children. The bill essentially said, The “unborn child in the womb at any stage of its development” is fully covered by the state’s murder and manslaughter statutes. For purposes of establishing the level of punishment, a victim who is “an unborn child shall be treated like a minor who is under twelve years of age.”

Guess who voted against the bill?

Yes, the then State Representative from LD-15, Kyrsten Sinema. In fact, she was one of 16 who voted against it.

Fast forward to December 16, 2012. Kyrsten Sinema is now preparing to represent the voters of Arizona’s 9th Congressional District and despite my warnings of how extreme she is, I now question how supportive she will be of federal laws such as the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (signed into law April 6, 2004) and her intellectual and scientific consistency given her record she opposed the Arizona version of the law in 2005.

Hopefully, her supporters (and staff?) like Kendra Leiby will bring this to Kyrsten’s attention before she takes her oath of office.

Incidental disclaimer: this law has nothing to do with abortion.

 

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Crime and Punishment, Elected Officials, Legislation, Public Safety, Sanctity of Life, State Government Tagged With: , , ,

Kelly Townsend Announces More Conservative Endorsements

August 8, 2012 by 5 Comments

Kelly Townsend receives Arizona Right To Life endorsement, as well as the Pachyderm Coalition’s endorsement for Arizona House District 16.

Both Arizona Right to Life contacted Kelly Townsend yesterday to advise her that she has been endorsed by the pro-life organization in recognition of her work in the pro-life community, and for her strong pro-life stance. An hour later, the Pachyderm Coalition, a group that promotes Republican candidates who support the principles enshrined in the Constitution, as framed by our Founding Fathers, and the Reagan Republican Platform also advised Ms. Townsend that they were supporting her candidacy with their endorsement.

“It is a humbling honor to receive these endorsements,” Townsend said, “and I intend to hold a true conservative voting record while at the Legislature, if elected.”

These endorsements follow several others, to include the National Rifle Association, as well as 12 conservative Legislators and former Gilbert Mayor Steve Berman.

Filed Under: 2nd Amendment, Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Conservatives, Endorsements, Press Release, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , , , ,

CAP Survey: Ben Quayle not very socially conservative

July 21, 2012 by 21 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, July 21, 2012

The Center for Arizona Policy has released its candidate questionnaires, and BenQuayle stands out for not being very socially conservative. Unlike Quayle, other well-known conservative Congressional electeds and candidates all answered 100% on the questionnaire (with the exception of Indian gambling where some are divided)  – David Schweikert, Trent Franks, Matt Salmon, Kirk Adams, Vernon Parker, Travis Grantham, Wendy Rogers, Gabriela Saucedo Mercer, Ron Gould, Leah Campos Schandlbauer, even Martin Sepulveda (and you thought he wasn’t conservative). Quayle left the question blank that asked whether he opposed embryonic stem cell research, and added caveats to the question about whether he would ban abortion except to save the life of the mother. Quayle was also known not too long ago for refusing to take a stand on the issue of gay marriage.David Schweikert, on the other hand, has always solidly been pro-life, even though his district which includes Tempe is not very pro-life. He has never “qualified” himself on the issues or ducked questions about social issues.

This is not the first indication that Quayle is not the conservative he claims to be. Last month he reversed himself on the issue of amnesty. First he said he supported a Dream Act kind of amnesty on Channel 12, watch the interview here. A day later he reversed himself, saying he doesn’t support Obama’s plan.

If you are conservative, would you trust him?

The Center for Arizona’s Voter Guide can be found here.
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Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Elected Officials, Family, Illegal Immigration, LGBT, Sanctity of Life

Pro-Abortion Group Endorses Richard Carmona

June 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

After Shedding His Pro-Life Beliefs, Democrat Richard Carmona Gets Endorsed By A Pro-Abortion Group
President Obama Personally Recruited Carmona & Then He Became Pro-Abortion

PHOENIX – While he was Surgeon General, Richard Carmona personally opposed abortion, but after being recruited by President Barack Obama, Carmona suddenly became pro-choice and today Planned Parenthood a far-left liberal organization endorsed him.

In fact, Carmona who has never said anything in support of abortion until this past January, cited abortion as one of the main reasons he was running for the U.S. Senate.

As Fox Tucson reports:

“I looked at some of the issues I have a passion for, the issue of immigration, the issue of women’s rights, things like that these things resonated with me more closely with the Democratic party.” (“Carmona Making Rounds After Announcing Senate Candidacy,” FOX Tucson, 1/18/12)

“One phone call from Barack Obama, and Richard Carmona is suddenly a pro-abortion Democrat with the backing of Planned Parenthood,” said Arizona Republican Party spokesman Tim Sifert. “Today’s endorsement is yet another reminder that Carmona will be a reliable vote for the far-left’s agenda in Washington.”

BACKGROUND …

Richard Carmona “Personally” Opposed Abortion When Nominated For Surgeon General

Cincinnati Enquirer In 2002: “Dr. Carmona Personally Opposes Abortion.” “Both men were widely praised, but could face resistance in the Senate: Dr. Carmona personally opposes abortion; Dr. Zerhouni advocates stem cell research. The Senate should resist narrow-focus litmus tests and quickly evaluate both men on their qualifications.” (Editorial, “Nominees – Top Medical Posts,” The Cincinnati Enquirer, 3/28/02)

“As He Navigated The Thorny Confirmation Process To Become Surgeon General More Than Nine Years Ago, Richard Carmona’s Position On Abortion Appeared To Be In Line With The Bush Administration.” (David Catanese, “Scrutiny On Carmona’s Abortion Stand,” Politico, 11/17/11)

Then HHS Secretary Thompson Said Carmona Shared The Same Philosophy As President Bush When It Came To Abortion. “Tommy Thompson, then Health and Human Services secretary, said Carmona’s views on the issue had been vetted and told the Arizona Republic the nominee shared the same philosophy as President George W. Bush, who opposed abortion.” (David Catanese, “Scrutiny On Carmona’s Abortion Stand,” Politico, 11/17/11)

Then President Obama Personally Recruited Carmona To Run For The U.S. Senate & Weeks Later He Was Pro-Abortion

“Through A Statement, Carmona Tells Politico He Supports A Woman’s Right To Choose — A Position That That Would Contradict Public Claims Made By The Bush Administration As They Were Cobbling Together Support For His Nomination.” (David Catanese, “Scrutiny On Carmona’s Abortion Stand,” Politico, 11/17/11)

And Carmona Cites Abortion As One Of The Main Reasons He Was Running

Carmona Cited Immigration And Abortion As Reasons To Decide To Run As A Democrat. “I looked at some of the issues I have a passion for, the issue of immigration, the issue of women’s rights, things like that these things resonated with me more closely with the democratic party.” (“Carmona Making Rounds After Announcing Senate Candidacy,” FOX Tucson, 1/18/12)

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Endorsements, Liberals, Press Release, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , , ,

As the Voters Stand For Marriage, the President Stands Opposite

May 11, 2012 by 5 Comments

On Tuesday, North Carolina became the 32nd state to pass a constitutional amendment defining marriage as only the union of one man and one woman. The amendment passed with a strong majority – 61 percent – voting in favor.

State marriage amendments are now 32 for 32 – in each state where the people have been able to vote on marriage, the people have said YES! to protecting marriage. Only through the courts and state legislatures have advocates in a small minority of states been able to redefine marriage to include same sex couples.

On Wednesday, after this historic vote in North Carolina, President Barack Obama made some history of his own, becoming the first sitting U.S. President to support redefining marriage, the cornerstone of our society.

The President’s announcement was no surprise to those who have followed his statements on marriage. It’s a relief to have the President finally state his position clearly so that no one can doubt or explain away how the President views marriage. I will leave it to the political pundits to dissect the President’s motivation and timing for his statement. This much is clear however — within hours, those favoring same-sex marriage began donating significant dollars to re-elect President Obama.

National Reaction

The backlash against the President’s flip flop on marriage has come from across the country.

Alliance Defense Fund’s Litigation Staff Counsel Jim Campbell said, “This shows that the Obama administration doesn’t understand the public purpose of marriage. Marriage – the lifelong, faithful union of one man and one woman – is the building block of a thriving society. It’s not something that politicians should attempt to redefine for political purposes. The President has spoken eloquently about how fatherless homes often hurt children and society. Today’s statement is a tragic contradiction that promotes the creation of even more fatherless and motherless homes.”

Tony Perkins, President of Family Research Council said “The President’s announcement today that he supports legalizing same-sex marriage finally brings his words in sync with his actions. From opposing state marriage amendments to refusing to defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DoMA) to giving taxpayer funded marriage benefits to same-sex couples, the President has undermined the spirit if not the letter of the law.”

Hugh Hewitt pointed out how the President first was “for same sex marriage before he was against it and before he was for it again“, and that “marriage between a man and woman is ordained by God for the happiness of humankind and the building up of society, and that it is to be preferred to any other situation for the raising of children.”

In California, where they are in the midst of defending their marriage amendment in court, known as Proposition 8, Ron Prentice, the Executive Director of the California Family Council said, “The first chapter of the biblical book of James refers to a double-minded man as one who is unstable, “blown and tossed by the wind.” Thank God for the millions of Americans rejecting the president’s view of progress.”

Three Bills Remain on the Governor’s Desk
Three CAP-supported bills remain on the governor’s desk, awaiting her action:

  • HB 2622 enables children attending schools that have received “D” or “F” grades from the state and children adopted from foster homes to be eligible for Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program.
  • SB 1365 protects professionals from losing their state licenses for practicing their faith and strengthens protection for religious organizations that contract with the state.
  • HB 2625 protects religious employers from being forced to violate their religious beliefs by being forced into providing insurance coverage for abortion-inducing drugs and contraception.

She has until Tuesday to act on these bills. Follow our Facebook page for the latest updates.
Filed Under: Family, Marriage, Religion, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , , , , ,

Sine Die – Finally!

May 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Arizona Legislature adjourned last night, ending one of the most significant and successful sessions for Arizona families. Our CAP Team is grateful for the leadership shown by Governor Brewer and our pro-life, pro-family legislators. Next week, we will release the Family Issues Voting Record, which recaps how each legislator voted on CAP-supported bills, and the final tally of CAP-supported bills that were signed into law.

On the Governor’s Desk
Before adjournment, the legislature sent four CAP-supported bills to Governor Brewer. Legislation to defund Planned Parenthood (HB 2800), protect employers from being forced to violate their religious beliefs (HB 2625), protect professionals licensed by the state from losing their certifications for the free exercise of their faith (SB 1365), and expand the Empowerment Scholarship Account Program (HB 2622) are all awaiting the Governor’s signature.

Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and education establishment have continued their campaign to encourage Gov. Brewer to veto these bills. If you haven’t yet, please take a minute today to send her a quick note in support of these four bills! And, take a few minutes to pray!

A Team Effort! A Time of Thanksgiving!
I live by the Proverb that we are to be prepared for the day of battle but victory belongs to the Lord.  The victories this legislative session indeed are by God’s Hand.   Thankfully, however, He has blessed our efforts with a team that includes allied organizations committed to foundational values including Arizona Catholic Conference, Alliance Defense Fund, Bioethics Defense Foundation, Americans United for Life, Susan B. Anthony List, and our school choice allies. I am incredibly grateful for everything they do to join us to stand for foundational values.

If space permitted, I would also thank each and every legislator who stood with us this session.  Alas, I will ask each one of you to do so when you receive the voting records next week for your two state representatives and state senator. For now, I do want to thank Senate President Steve Pierce and House Speaker Andy Tobin for their leadership in making sure CAP-supported bills made it through the legislative process.  Take time to send those two leaders a quick thank-you email for their support – click on their names above to send them an email.

Finally, THANK YOU! It’s because you turned out to vote your values in the 2010 elections that we were blessed with the pro-life, pro-family majority in the state House and Senate.

National Day of Prayer
Our nation celebrated the National Day of Prayer yesterday. In conjunction with the National Day of Prayer, Governor Brewer once again declared yesterday the Arizona Day of Prayer, despite the ongoing legal attack against her from the “Freedom From Religion Foundation.”
Thank you, Gov. Brewer, for refusing to be pushed around by this out-of-state organization that is determined to rewrite our country’s history and First Amendment.

Praying Strategically
In recognition of the National Day of Prayer, CAP’s new Church Relations Director, Pastor Terry Anderson is writing a 3 part blog series on the Foundations blog about “praying strategically.” Terry shared this message with our staff last week and greatly blessed the CAP team. Click here to read it.

ICYMI: War on Women? The Undeniable Roots of Pro-Life Feminism
Our friends at the Susan B. Anthony List wrote an editorial in response to two pieces in the Arizona Republic.

On the Foundations blog, we share their editorial, but also point out that today’s pro-life movement is stronger – and more diverse – than ever before. This legislative session is an awesome example of women and men coming together to defend life, vulnerable women, and preborn children.
Filed Under: Family, Government, Legislation, Religion, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Defunding Planned Parenthood

April 30, 2012 by

The Legislature once again demonstrated why Arizona has become one of the most pro-life states in the country. On Wednesday, the Senate passed HB 2800, sponsored by Rep. Justin Olson. This bill prohibits federal dollars that pass through the state for family planning from going to abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood. Click here to see how your Senator voted. The bill now awaits Gov. Brewer’s signature.To no one’s surprise, of course, Planned Parenthood continues to attack the bill in two ways:

  1. They claim they do not use taxpayer dollars to pay for abortions. Yet one taxpayer dollar that goes to Planned Parenthood for anything frees up another dollar to fund their abortion operation. Any funding to Planned Parenthood supports abortions.
  2. Despite being Arizona’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood claims this bill will deny women access to other medical procedures including cancer screenings and women’s health services. Once again, this is not true. The bill does not reduce the funding by one penny – it simply prioritizes the funding to healthcare providers who can provide more comprehensive services. There are plenty of options for women to access care in Arizona.

National Day of Prayer
Since our nation’s beginning, every leader has recognized the important role prayer plays in safeguarding our future.The National Day of Prayer is this Thursday, May 3. This year’s theme verse is Psalm 33:12 “Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the Lord.”

Our friends at BridgeBuilders are hosting a prayer event at the state Capitol that day. Check out other prayer events across the state at the National Day of Prayer website.

Take time on Thursday to lift Arizona and America up in prayer. Attend an event. Pray with your family, especially your children. Pray for wisdom and protection for our leaders at all levels of government. Ask for the church to stand up this election season and that the foundational values of life, marriage and family, and religious liberty are protected and respected in our nation.

The National Movement
The Susan B. Anthony List has been working with state organizations across the country to defund Planned Parenthood. This year, Ohio, New Hampshire, Iowa, and Oklahoma are considering legislation similar to Arizona’s HB 2800. We’re grateful to have been able to work with SBA List to see HB 2800 pass in Arizona.In 2011, eight states successfully defunded Planned Parenthood of more than $61.7 million.

Rushing Toward Adjournment
After a slow week at the Capitol, news comes late this week that the Legislature and Governor may have reached an agreement on the state budget. That means adjournment could happen early next week. Three key CAP-supported bills still need final votes in both houses: SB 1365 to protect the rights of conscience for individuals in employment, HB 2774 to clarify the property tax exemption for churches, and HB 2622 to expand and refine Arizona’s empowerment scholarship account program. Vetoed by Gov. Brewer a few weeks ago, the “ESA” bill has been modified to meet Gov. Brewer’s concerns. Stay up to date with CAP’s bill tracker.

Finding a Solution
The state Senate gave final approval to HB 2625, which exempts religiously affiliated employers from being forced to violate their religious beliefs by covering abortion-inducing drugs and contraceptives in their insurance plans.The bill passed by a 19-9 vote and now heads to Gov. Brewer’s desk. Click here to see how your Senator voted.

While there is still work to be done to protect the religious conscience rights of all employers, this bill is an important step in the right direction.

Gov. Brewer Needs to Hear from You!

Now that these two important bills are heading to the Governor, she needs to hear from you that you support HB 2800 and HB 2625!

Click here to send Gov. Brewer a message online.
Filed Under: Family, Legislation, Religion, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , , , ,

Chuck Colson’s Legacy

April 20, 2012 by

As word came these last few days that Chuck Colson may be near death, I’ve been reflecting on the legacy of this amazing leader. Like many of you I’m sure, I remember reading Born Again about his conversion to Christianity. Colson has dedicated his life to challenging believers to apply biblical principles to their everyday lives. The many ministries he’s inspired and led, including his renowned Prison Fellowship Ministry, The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, and the Manhattan Declaration have been at the forefront of the national pro-life, pro-family movement.

In April 1985, Colson wrote these words that are even more appropriate to today’s challenges:

“Certainly evil is to be expected in a fallen world. What is not expected is for a holy people to accept it. If Christ is Lord of all, Christians must recapture their sense of moral outrage.”

I can think of no better way to honor Mr. Colson and his life’s work than by reading, signing, and sharing the Manhattan Declaration. The goal of the Manhattan Declaration is to build a movement of Catholic, Evangelical, and Eastern Orthodox Christians who will stand together alongside other men and women of goodwill to advance the sanctity of life, rebuild and revitalize the marriage culture, and protect religious liberty. And, if you haven’t, pick up a copy of Born Again or any of Colson’s many other books and be challenged and inspired by this man’s legacy.

Three In One!
Tuesday was a great day for family advocates at the Legislature – three CAP-supported bills were signed into law on the same day!

  • SB 1359 – Prohibits so-called “wrongful life” lawsuits against medical professionals for misdiagnosing or not diagnosing a birth defect of a preborn child, which, if known, would have led to the child being aborted. Sen. Nancy Barto sponsored this bill.
  • HB 2627 – Prohibits abortion providers from qualifying for Arizona’s Working Poor Tax Credit, including Planned Parenthood. Rep. Debbie Lesko sponsored this bill.
  • HB 2265 – Ensures that arts funding in Arizona is not used to deface religious objects or promote obscenity. Representative J.D. Mesnard sponsored this bill.

Citizenlink covered these victories – read their story here.

Religious Freedom Bill Still Alive
Because of the support of Arizonans across the state, HB 2625 is one vote away from heading to the Governor’s desk. This is the bill that protects religiously-affiliated employers from being forced to violate their religious convictions by covering abortion-inducing drugs or contraception in their insurance plans. Despite the distortions and attacks, the truth about this bill has been made known. Find out how your representative voted here.

You can track the progress of this and the remaining CAP-supported bills in action with our online Bill Tracker or on our Facebook page.

Intern with CAP this Summer
We are accepting applications to intern with us this summer in the policy and communications departments. In such a critical election year, interns will get frontline experience working to promote foundational values in public policy. Click here for information on how to apply.
Filed Under: Family, Government, Religion, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , , , , ,

AZ House Members Who Voted L’Chaim!

April 15, 2012 by 1 Comment

BILL STATUS VOTES FOR HB2036 – Final Reading

Y = Yes
N = No
NV = Not Voting
EXC = Excused
V = Vacant

Member Name Vote Member Name Vote Member Name Vote
Eddie Ableser N Lela Alston N Ben Arredondo N
Cecil P. Ash N Brenda Barton Y Kate Brophy McGee N
Chad Campbell N Heather Carter NV Tom Chabin N
Steve Court Y Chester Crandell Y Jeff Dial Y
Karen Fann Y Steve Farley N Eddie Farnsworth Y
John Fillmore Y Tom Forese Y Ruben Gallego N
Sally Ann Gonzales N Doris Goodale Y David Gowan Y
Rick Gray Y Albert Hale N Jack W. Harper Y
Matt Heinz N Katie Hobbs N Russ Jones N
Peggy Judd Y John Kavanagh Y Debbie Lesko Y
Phil Lovas Y Debbie McCune Davis N Nancy McLain Y
Javan “J.D.” Mesnard Y Eric Meyer N Catherine H. Miranda Y
Steve B. Montenegro Y Justin Olson Y Lynne Pancrazi N
Daniel Patterson N Justin Pierce Y Frank Pratt Y
Terri Proud Y Martin J. Quezada N Amanda A. Reeve Y
Bob Robson Y Macario Saldate IV N Carl Seel Y
David Burnell Smith Y David W. Stevens Y Anna Tovar N
Michelle Ugenti Y Steve Urie Y Ted Vogt Y
Jim Weiers Y Jerry Weiers Y Bruce Wheeler N
Vic Williams Y Kimberly Yee Y Andy Tobin Y

AYES: 37   NAYS: 22   NOT VOTING: 1   EXCUSED: 0   VACANT: 0

Thank you to those members of the Arizona Legislature who chose to stand for Life and the Unborn.  Thank you Governor Brewer for the courage to sign this important legislation.

 

 

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Family, Health Care, Legislation, Sanctity of Life

Finishing Strong

April 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Finishing Strong
Next week may be the last week of this legislative session. Now is when bills can very easily die if supporters aren’t persistent and vigilant to see them through to the finish line.

Through the hard work of the CAP team, our friends at the Legislature, and YOUR support, we experienced some very significant success this week.

As we reported yesterday, Governor Jan Brewer signed one of the most significant pro-life bills in Arizona’s history.

Please take a moment today to send Gov. Brewer an email, send her a message on her Facebook page, or send her a tweet @GovBrewer. She is definitely hearing from the pro-abortion side – let’s make sure she knows our gratitude for her stand in defense of preborn children and their mothers.

Of course, Gov. Brewer would not have had the opportunity to sign the bill if it hadn’t been for the many legislators that voted for and spoke out in support of the bill. On Tuesday, the House gave HB 2036 final approval before sending it on to the Governor. Led by bill sponsor Rep. Kimberly Yee, many gave very powerful speeches in support of the bill. Read more about this floor session on the Foundations blog. Watch the entire floor debate here.

Yesterday, Gov. Brewer also signed into law SB 1009. Led by our allies at Arizona Catholic Conference, SB 1009 requires that adoption and childbirth be presented as preferred options over abortion in any public school presentations.

Pushing On
After HB 2625, which protects religious employers from being forced by governmental mandate to violate their religious beliefs by providing insurance coverage for contraception and abortion-inducing drugs, was voted down last week 13-17, CAP, the Arizona Catholic Conference, and Rep. Debbie Lesko worked with Senators on an agreement to bring the bill back yesterday. The bill now will be amended to protect religiously affiliated employers.

If you were to listen to opponents, you’d be led to believe HB 2625 was some extreme bill that would make Arizona an outlier among states. The reality is, this bill puts Arizona in line with a majority of states regarding insurance mandates. Read our news release from yesterday on the bill to find out its true impact, and take time to read this editorial from Senator Nancy Barto that clears up many of the misconceptions about the bill.

A Word About Our Opponents
During floor debates this week, legislators opposed to CAP-supported bills stood up to openly attack CAP and imply that legislators are blindly following our lead. Nothing could be further from the truth. We heard several recycled feminist rants about the abortion issue. You can listen to these rants here. First, I ask you to remember to pray for those who stand in opposition – that they would see the merits of these issues. Second, I ask you to commit now to engaging this election season. I have no doubt that the common sense bills on CAP’s legislative agenda reflect the core values of a strong majority of Arizonans. This vocal, fired-up minority, however, stands ready to “take back the Legislature” and go to battle this election season. Perseverance through prayer and action is necessary to maintain the breakthroughs for foundational principles that we’ve been able to accomplish these last few years.

Still Time to Join Del Tackett and Me in Tucson
There’s only a week left until Engage: Tucson with Dr. Del Tackett. Del will share how you can have an impact on our community by putting your biblical worldview into action. Click here for ticket details – hope to see you there!

Intern with CAP this Summer
We are accepting applications to intern with us this summer in the policy and communications departments. In such a critical election year, interns will get frontline experience working to promote foundational values in public policy. Click here for information on how to apply.
Filed Under: Family, Government, Legislation, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , , , , ,

Governor Jan Brewer Signs Pro-Life Legislation to Protect Arizona’s Unborn

April 12, 2012 by 3 Comments

PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today signed into law HB 2036 – the Mother’s Health and Safety Act – which strengthens current state laws to safeguard maternal health and protect Arizona’s unborn. Among its provisions, the bill prohibits an abortion if the gestational age of the unborn child is determined to be at least 20 weeks, except in cases when the life or health of the mother is at risk.

“This legislation is consistent with my strong track record of supporting common sense measures to protect the health of women and safeguard our most vulnerable population – the unborn,” said Governor Brewer. “Knowing that abortions become riskier the later they are performed in pregnancy, it only makes sense to prohibit these procedures past twenty weeks.”

Arizona now joins seven states with similar regulations prohibiting abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Among its provisions, HB 2036:

  • ·Bars abortions after 20 weeks due to safety risks to the mother and the likelihood that the unborn child will endure pain;
  • Strengthens existing parental consent and informed consent regulations, including requiring that women seeking an abortion receive an ultrasound at least 24 hours in advance, and establishing the development of a website with facts about fetal development and abortion risks.
  • Requires that any physician on-site for a surgical abortion have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the abortion clinic, in case of abortion-caused complications.

“I want to thank Governor Brewer for signing the Women’s Health and Safety Act,” said state Rep. Kimberly Yee, R-LD10. “This important bill strengthens Arizona’s laws protecting the health and safety of women, and recognizes the precious life of the preborn baby.”

This is the latest legislation signed into law by Governor Brewer to safeguard the health and safety of women and protect the unborn. Among these measures, the Governor has barred non-physicians from performing abortions, and required written, notarized parental consent for any minor seeking an abortion.

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Filed Under: Elected Officials, Legislation, Press Release, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , ,

BREAKING NEWS: Gov. Brewer Signs Bill Prohibiting Abortion After 20 Weeks

April 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Gov. Brewer Signs Bill Prohibiting Abortion After 20 Weeks


Arizona Women Lead the Pro-Life March to Protect Mother’s Health and Safety

Governor Jan Brewer has signed HB 2036, which prohibits abortion after 20 weeks. The bill, sponsored by Representative Kimberly Yee and supported by Center for Arizona Policy (CAP), is a momentous victory for pro-life advocates in the state.

HB 2036, called “The Mother’s Health and Safety Act”:

  • Prohibits abortion after 20 weeks because of the safety risks to the mother and the pain endured by the preborn child.
  • Ensures women have an ultrasound at least 24 hours prior to an abortion.
  • Establishes an informed consent website which details the facts about fetal development, risks of abortion, and services available.
  • Requires doctors performing surgical abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within thirty miles of the abortion facility.

“Today, I applaud and thank Gov. Brewer, Representative Kimberly Yee, Senator Nancy Barto and the many strong, pro-life men and women who led the effort to enact this much-needed law,” said Cathi Herrod, President of Center for Arizona Policy. “HB 2036 provides for the health needs of women considering an abortion, ensuring that women have all the information they need when making this life-changing decision. Abortion not only ends the life of a preborn child, but it also seriously endangers the health and safety of women.”

While 7 states have similar laws that prohibit abortion after 20 weeks of a pregnancy, Arizona is the first in the nation to do so because abortion at this late stage presents a much greater risk to maternal health.

In signing this bill, Gov. Brewer has continued her record as the “pro-life Governor.” Since taking office, Gov. Brewer has signed a number of bills that protect women and the preborn, including legislation that requires women have an in-person consultation with a doctor 24 hours before the abortion, prohibits non-doctors from performing abortions, and requires written, notarized parental consent before a minor can have an abortion.

Please take time to email Gov. Jan Brewer to thank her for being our pro-life Governor.

Filed Under: Family, Government, Health Care, Legislation, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , , , , , ,

First: The Wake-Up Call

March 30, 2012 by

On Wednesday, the Arizona Senate delivered a wake-up call to all Arizonans who value religious liberty. Religious liberty – a first freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment – is in jeopardy. The Arizona Senate failed to pass CAP-supported HB 2625that would amend current state law and stand against the Obama administration’s federal health care mandates, both of which compel employers who provide health insurance to pay for abortion-inducing drugs and contraceptive drugs even in violation of sincerely held religious beliefs.Proposed by our friends at Alliance Defense Fund and Arizona Catholic Conference, HB 2625 is crucial to protecting the religious freedom of faith-based organizations and employers that have a religious objection to contraceptives and abortion-inducing drugs, by simply allowing them to be exempt from the intrusive government mandate. The legislation does not block anyone from getting these medications. The debate centers on who will pay for it.

I’ve repeatedly said that CAP does not take a position on family planning or birth control. We do, however, take a very strong position in support and defense of religious liberty. Neither the government nor an individual should be able to compel anyone to violate his or her religious beliefs, and HB 2625 seeks to ensure that this does not occur.

Stand With Us For Religious Freedom
Yesterday Senator Nancy Barto moved to reconsider the HB 2625 vote, meaning that the Senate can vote again on the bill at a later date. Take time today to stand with us by taking the steps outlined in our Action Alert.

Now: the Praise Report – 4 Major Victories!
  • HB 2036 Passes Senate – The same Arizona Senate passed major, life-affirming legislation to prohibit abortions past 20 weeks and strengthening Arizona’s informed consent requirements. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 20-10 and now awaits a final House vote before going to Gov. Brewer.
  • HB 2626 to expand Arizona’s empowerment scholarship accounts program is on the Governor’s desk.
  • HB 2712, a bill to protect minors from harmful content on school and public library computers is also on the Governor’s desk.
  • HB 2770 to protect the religious liberty of university professors passed the Senate 21-9 and awaits a final House vote.

Things are moving fast – follow all the legislative action on our Facebook page or our Bill Tracker.

Dr. Tackett in Tucson!
On April 21, Dr. Del Tackett, creator of Focus on the Family’s The Truth Project, will be in Tucson for an exclusive CAP event at Victory Worship Center. Come explore God’s unique calling for you to engage to meet needs in the community around you and discover the specific opportunities you have to make a difference right where you live. Click here for details and to register.

A Movie Worth Seeing!
Take time this weekend to see the latest life-affirming movie, October Baby, now showing in 6 AZ theaters. This movie is the powerful story of a young woman in search of hope for the future, and what she finds is that life can be so much more than what you have planned.
Filed Under: Family, Legislation, Religion, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , , , , ,

I Saw the Light!

March 23, 2012 by

I cannot begin to express the gratitude my team and I feel towards all of the supporters that turned out this week for the CAP Family Dinners in Tucson and Scottsdale with Gov. Huckabee.

During one of the most contentious sessions of my lifetime at the state Capitol, I was truly blessed by the outpouring of love and encouragement from old and new friends.

Senator Nancy Barto summed up the evening well when she posted on Facebook:

Mike Huckabee at tonight’s CAP dinner was fantastic – so funny, but hit the main point: strong families prevent a whole host of social ills government spends its resources trying to fix. Thank you to everyone who supports CAP so Legislators can pass pro-family legislation.

This year’s CAP Family Dinner was unlike any other though, and here’s why:

Gov. Huckabee picked up a bass guitar and joined the Catalina Foothills Church praise and worship band on stage for a performance of “I Saw the Light” and “America the Beautiful.” It was the perfect conclusion to an inspiring evening.

Along with the many families and legislators that joined us, I want to especially thank my staff at CAP. I cannot think of another group of people who could have pulled off two successful events back-to-back in three weeks than the team we have here at CAP.

There was a lot that happened this week at the Capitol, and there’s a lot more coming next week. You can follow all of the action on Facebook. But today, let’s give thanks to the Lord for his grace, mercy, and abundant provision.

Filed Under: Family, Government, Marriage, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , , , ,
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