Arizona Politics for Conservatives: Sonoran Alliance
Arizona Politics, News, Commentary and Information with a Blatantly Conservative Worldview Presented by an Alliance of Writers, Activists, Consultants and Government Insiders.
Here is video of Doug Wade’s announcement on Wednesday seeking Arizona’s first congressional seat. That seat became vacant when incumbent Republican Paul Gosar chose to seek re-election in Arizona’s fourth congressional district. Wade’s announcement took place in Sedona.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 25, 2012
Cites Obama’s job-crushing policies, high unemployment
“We need a representative with guts,” Paton says
ARIZONA – Former State Senator and Iraq War veteran Jonathan Paton proudly announced his candidacy today for Arizona’s First Congressional District, saying Arizonans deserve a representative who will work to create jobs, protect the Constitution and fight for Arizona.
“We need a representative with the guts to stand up for Arizona,” Paton said. “If we thought the last election was important, 2012 will be an even more defining turning point for our country. With unemployment still above 8 percent, so many of our fellow Arizonans struggling in this economy, a Congress and President that continue to rack up spending, and a government healthcare takeover still looming, it’s time for real leadership.”
Paton called Washington broken, and said Arizona needs a representative who will remember who he represents.
“Our country has big problems,” Paton said. “I plan to work hard every day of this campaign to prove to my fellow Arizonans that I’ll never forget who I represent. America’s best days are ahead of us, not behind us.”
ABOUT JONATHAN PATON: Jonathan Paton is a lifelong and native Arizonan who learned the value of hard work from his parents. After working his way through college as a roofer and dishwasher, Paton graduated from the University of Arizona summa cum laude and with honors. Paton has had successful careers in commercial real estate and as a public relations consultant. In 1999, Paton enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. In 2000, he was named “Soldier of the Year” for his battalion, brigade, and eventually for the entire 104th Division. A state representative and senator from 2005 through 2010, Paton made international news after he voluntarily enlisted for service in Iraq in 2006. FOX News called Paton “a politician who practices what he preaches.” Paton is a constitutional conservative who believes in lower taxes, less spending, small government and a secure border. As a lawmaker, he helped pass SB1070 and voted for what, at the time, amounted to the largest cut to government spending in Arizona history.
ABOUT ARIZONA’S FIRST DISTRICT: The new First District of Arizona stretches from the Utah border all the way down to northern Pima County, and covers communities including Marana, Casa Grande, Flagstaff, the White Mountains, Sedona, the Navajo Nation, SaddleBrooke and Oro Valley. President Bush and Senator McCain both carried the district in their respective presidential races.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 24 2012
CONTACT: Apryl Marie Fogel
PHOENIX, AZ –U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) released the following statement tonight in response to President Obama’s 2012 State of the Union address.
“Tonight, I watched the State of the Union address from Arizona after spending the day speaking with small business owners and constituents who are feeling the effects of President Obama’s failed policies. Again and again, the President ignores simple realities that big government and big spending are not the answer. I stayed out of D.C. in solidarity with the people of Arizona and across the nation who are fed up with this government.
I listened to Obama’s speech tonight hoping that he would provide solutions but instead he presented more of the same. The President continued to promote the discredited class warfare he has supported throughout his career.
Tonight, the President promised the creation of several new big government programs while continuing to ignore the problems we have with the already bloated federal government.
America needs solutions not finger pointing. Our economy is in dire straits. Solutions that weren’t mentioned tonight but are desperately needed include a fairer and flatter tax system to address the growing divide in our tax system.
We need an improved education system with school choice to allow parents to move their children out of failing schools and to provide young adults the opportunity to go into the workforce or higher education system ready for the challenges ahead.
The President discussed regulations but did not address the failed policies of his Administration that are stifling job growth, causing uncertainty in the market and are leading investors to hold onto their money and not promote private sector job growth.
The President briefly discussed immigration but he failed to mention a plan to secure our borders. I’m gravely concerned about the blind eye the President continues to turn towards accountability for the Department of Justice’s failed operation Fast and Furious. Obama failed here on a grand scale.
I hoped the President would take responsibility for the fact that our nation has been operating without a budget for 1,000 days. His lack of leadership and failure to hold the U.S. Senate to task has caused this problem. His lack of guidance or proper understanding of the crippling debt we have is perpetuating it.
We need solutions Mr. President and I’m disappointed in the lack of them presented in your State of the Union address. The true state of the union is that our great nation is facing an awful economy and limited solutions. We are $15+ trillion in debt. We have record sustained unemployment. Our nation is facing a record high misery index. The truth is this President has failed us.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2012
PHOENIX, AZ –U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) released the following statement today following the announcement of the Obama Administration’s decision to withdraw approximately 1 million acres of federal land in northern Arizona from uranium mining:
“Today’s actions show that the administration continues to count on the distortion of truths and the outright denial of facts, to push their big government agenda. President Obama and Secretary Salazar are showing a clear indifference to the separation of powers and instead of leading our nation are being more divisive than ever.
As the representative of a large portion of the Grand Canyon National Park, the preservation of this natural treasure is very important to me. I would not want any activity to be done that would threaten that vital aspect of our economy or the aesthetic beauty of the canyon that’s why the original buffer was put into place.
In is important we realize that the rhetoric surrounding this issue focuses on facts, not scare tactics. The Administration’s land withdrawal is unnecessary to protect the Grand Canyon. The park currently has a land buffer. No uranium mine can exist within the park’s boundaries, or the park buffer. It is simply false and misleading to assert that if the land in the strip is not withdrawn, uranium mining will take place “in” the canyon or “in the park.”
I strongly believe cautious development with strong oversight under federal statue strikes the careful balance between economic activity and environmental protection and thus oppose the proposed arbitrary withdrawal.”
In the 1980’s, former Arizona Congressman Morris Udall, now-Senator John McCain, and other Congressional leaders negotiated a compromise with the uranium mining industry, native Americans, environmentalists, livestock and other stakeholder groups which formed the basis for designating Arizona’s first wilderness areas as buffer zones around the Grand Canyon National Park. The withdrawal area being considered by the Department of Interior was specifically identified for uranium mining and was opened up for economic activity as part of that negotiated agreement.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January, 8, 2012
CONTACT: Apryl Marie Fogel
PRESCOTT, AZ –U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, D.D.S (AZ-01) released the following statement today on the one year anniversary of the horrific shootings that killed six people and wounded 13 others at a “Congress On Your Corner” meet-and-greet hosted by Congresswoman Gabby Giffords for constituents on January 8, 2011. Gosar said:
“On the one year anniversary of the tragic events that took place at public event hosted by Congresswoman Gabby Giffords I would like to express my deepest sympathies to all of those affected. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives or were injured on that day.
I continue to marvel at the resolve of Congresswoman Giffords and her husband for their strength and positive outlook through her recovery.
On this anniversary of this tragedy we should be reminded throughout our state and nation to recognize the importance of identifying and treating those with severe and persistent mental illness. It is my hope that we do not allow this event to further stigmatize those who are in need of or are currently receiving treatment but instead see it as an opportunity to bring attention to this important health issue which affects approximately 60 million Americans.
We must be vigilant and recognize the early warning signs of those who are in need of intervention and crisis treatment before a crisis occurs.”
Additional resources are below:
Resources:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Public Awareness & Support: http://www.samhsa.gov/publicAwareness
National Institute of Mental Health: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
National Alliance on Mental Illness: http://www.nami.org/
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Congressman Paul Gosar announced Saturday that he will be moving into the new congressional district 4 in order to seek “re-election” now that the final congressional lines appear to be headed for final approval. This puts Gosar smack dab in the middle of a real battle shaping up between State Senator Ron Gould and Pinal County Sheriff, Paul Babeu. Knowing the consultants behind these two candidates (Chris Baker and Chris DeRose, respectively), Gosar has his work cut out for him running against Gould, who has earned the highest ranking as an no-tax, small government conservative against Babeu, who has national name ID and a reputation for fighting illegal immigration and Mexican drug cartels.
Meanwhile in the new CD-1, former state representative and fast food magnate, Bill Konopnicki sent out these two tweets in the past week. One would surmise that he’s attempting to head off an entry into the CD-1 race by Arizona Corporation Commissioner, Gary Pierce who earned his reputation as a conservative willing to turn the lights out on Los Angeles. We’ll see if this shot across Pierce’s bow cause Pierce to puts all hands on deck.
Expect a handful of announcements and even resignations as the 2012 election officially kicks off this month!
This election season is about to get real exciting.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2011
CONTACT: Apryl Marie Fogel
Calls Bill a “Crap Sandwich”
WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) voted to support the Fiscal Year 2012 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2055). This bill averts a government shutdown while decreasing federal spending from over $6 billion from fiscal year 2011 funding. This legislation means the total annual discretionary funding for fiscal year 2012 is $95 billion less than last year’s budget – a victory for conservatives.
“I have consistently said throughout my time in Washington that the American people deserve more from their government. This bill is a crap sandwich! You definitely do not want to bite into it, you cannot stand the taste, but you know you have to eat it. I hoped that this bill would include far more cuts, greater reforms, and more regulatory relief. I’m disappointed that it does not! Let me be the first to admit, this legislation is far from perfect! It does however inch us forward towards our ultimate goal of restoring fiscal sanity.
It is important to remember that conservatives control just one-half of one-third of the federal government. We are a vocal and influential minority. Tough decisions have to be made and included in this bill are key provisions to strengthen our national defense and border security. In addition, it defunds several portions of Obamacare and supports important forest health initiatives.”
H.R. 2055 makes important cuts while ensuring our service members abroad and the brave national guard and border patrol here at home have the resources they need to protect our country. Additionally, it provides badly needed transparency and conditions on foreign aid, will provide the resources necessary for wildfire suppressions and prevention, and facilitates increased economic development on public lands, like grazing.
Congressman Paul A. Gosar, DDS hails from Flagstaff, Arizona and is serving his first term in Congress as the Representative from rural Arizona’s First Congressional District. As a health care provider and small business owner, Gosar is focused on bringing jobs back to the district, reforming health care, reining in government spending, and ensuring that the American people are involved in the solution making process.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 13, 2011
CONTACT: Apryl Marie Fogel
WASHINGTON, DC –Today, U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) introduced H.Res. 490, a Resolution of No Confidence in U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. The resolution states “that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress has lost confidence in the Attorney General of the United States.”
Congressman Gosar hopes to accomplish two goals with this resolution: First, the reproval by Congress of an executive official, is a significant statement. Cabinet positions, including the Attorney General, are appointed with the consent of half of Congress, the Senate. Congress is more than entitled to express its approbation, disapproval or censure. This resolution does that for the House.
The second goal is public awareness. By filing this resolution, we are anticipating a debate on the House floor and a floor vote. This will bring needed inquiry, exposure and transparency to the issue itself.
Congressman Gosar said “It is imperative that the citizens of our nation have confidence in our Attorney General. After months of evasive answers, silence and outright lies it is time that Congress speak up on behalf of the many people who have or will fall victims to the firearms in the flawed gunrunning operation Fast & Furious.”
H.Res. 490 has 21 co-sponsors including Trent Franks (AZ), David Schweikert (AZ), Jeff Duncan (SC), Connie Mack (FL), Paul Broun (GA), Lynn Jenkins (KS), Gus Bilirakis (FL), Kenny Marchant (TX), Michael Grimm (NY), Blake Farenthold (TX), Renee Ellmers (NC), Jeff Landry (LA), Dan Burton (IN), Alan Nunnelee (MA), Francisco “Quico” Canseco (TX), Vicky Hartzler (MO), Bobby Shilling (IL), Steve Pearce (NM), Bill Johnson (OH), Walter Jones (NC), Allen West (FL).
Link to Resolution: www. gosar.house.gov/ResolutionofNoConfidence
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 22, 2011
CONTACT: Apryl Marie Fogel
Gosar’s Statement on Failure of Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction: America is Disappointed and Frustrated
WASHINGTON, DC –U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) released the following statement today upon news that the 12 person Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction was unable to successfully present Congress with a plan to reduce $1.2 trillion over the next decade.
“As we go into the holiday season, hardworking Americans are hoping that the New Year will bring new opportunities and new success for our nation’s economy.
As an outsider sent to Washington to bring a new perspective, I am frustrated that politics as usual has gotten in the way of such a solution being offered. Too many in the federal government have lost sight of the real problem. The problem is the continued business as usual mentality, and many in positions of power in the federal government are to blame.
The answers to our problems are not more government picking of winners and losers, more government bureaucracy, or more government spending. The solution requires government to get out of the way of Main Street America and to tighten its own belt.
I’ve repeatedly said that tough decisions would have to be made and meaningful reforms brought to the table to solve our current spending crisis. I am disappointed that this group was not able to meet this challenge.
Despite today’s setback for our country, I remain as committed as ever to fighting the Washington machine and advocating on behalf of my constituents for real, common-sense solutions that will restore fiscal sanity and ensure prosperity for future generations.
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By: Cliff Smith, Aide to Congressman Gosar
In this time of serious economic hardship, Congress must engage in serious debate over serious issues. There are serious and substantive disagreements between Representatives of different persuasions and these differences need to be seriously discussed and debated as we work to move our economy forward. What should not guide Congress is an endless game of unfounded attacks that leads to trumped up fear mongering to gain partisan advantage, particularly, in this case, the fear of robots.
Yes, the fear of robots.
H.R. 1904, otherwise known as Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011, is a common-sense bill that exchanges about 2422 acres of federally owned land, rich in copper, for about 5344 acres of privately owned land, which is home to many sensitive eco-systems and endangered species. In so doing, this bill would open up one of the largest copper deposits in the world. In fact, this deposit is so large that this mine alone is estimated to produce roughly 25% of America’s copper consumption. The estimated economic impact of $61.4 billion, which would average out to roughly $1 billion per-year, add $19 billion to federal, state and local tax coffers. Roughly 3,700 jobs will be created. In fact, $700 million in private funds invested in the project, and over 500 jobs have already been created for work related to the site. So basically, the bill conserves a huge amount of sensitive lands, develops vast amounts of a natural resource vital to electronics, defense, and even green energy systems such as solar panels and windmills, and creates jobs.
But the bill’s opponents are complaining about robots. (See: 2:44:30-2:46:30)
In essence, some are claiming that this massive undertaking to extract a huge amount of valuable natural resources won’t create enough jobs, because all of the work will be done by robots. This sort of logic is reminiscent of those who opposed the creation of railroads, because they felt it would wreck the jobs of wagon wheel makers and horse breeders.
It is true, that modern mining technology uses robots to accomplish certain tasks. This is done for efficiencies sake, and for the sake of worker safety. Mining is a potentially hazardous task, and certainly a difficult one that must be done with precision. So using robots is a necessary and desirable part of the process, as it streamlines a difficult process and protects workers. Linking this to a lack of job creation, however, is absurd!
It hardly seems worth saying, because it is so obvious, but robots are part of a much larger process. You still need people to run the mine, to drive the trucks, to feed the workers, to dig the holes, to engineer the dig, to build the structures, to process the minerals, and, yes, to build, maintain, and control the robots. With respects to Arnold Schwarzenegger, we don’t have artificially intelligent, self-sufficient terminator robots yet. Finally, the copper its self provides massive real-world benefits to literally thousands of companies that hire many more people. It can be used for hundreds or thousands of different products, from piping to computers to cars to copper wiring.
Come to think of it, a lot of those components can probably be used to…make the same robots that some seem so concerned about.
To those who say this will not fix our economic problems overnight. Our economic problems were not created overnight, nor will they be fixed overnight. But to the people of Arizona, this will make all the difference in the world. H.R. 1904 aids in facilitating jobs and wealth creation with zero cost to the taxpayer and with no burden put on private business. Let’s not lose out on the big picture by obsessing over robots.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 5, 2011
CONTACT: Colin Shipley
Statement by Congressman Paul Gosar in Response to Governor Brewer’s Remarks regarding the IRC
“I serve my constituents daily with several key principles in mind. They include honesty, integrity and accountability. Today I applaud Governor Brewer’s efforts to demand these same principles be used to make sure that all residents of Arizona are fairly represented and maintain the community of interest as required by the Arizona Constitution. All of these factors apply to the Independent Redistricting Commission and should in every step of the process.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 20, 2011
CONTACT: Colin Shipley
(Prescott, Arizona) On Sunday, September 25, Congressman Paul Gosar and America’s #1 Government Watchdog, Congressman Darrell Issa will host a brunch in support of Congressman Gosar’s 2012 campaign.
“I am honored to have Congressman Issa join me for brunch and am humbled by his support,” said Congressman Paul Gosar. “With the people of my district concerned about out-of-control government spending, who better to come to our district than Congressman Issa. As the Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Congressman Issa has fought tirelessly for the responsible, transparent use of taxpayer dollars.”
Event details are below:
For more details about the event, please contact Tysen Schlink at tysen.schlink@gmail.com.
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Terry Goddard on the investigation by Attorney General Tom Horne. Goddard’s comments should make your blood boil! Thank God he was not elected Governor!
Mitt Romney in Sun Lakes:
Rep. Gosar discussing the economic impact H.R. 1904, the Congressman’s jobs bill, would have in the Copper Corridor.
The Subcommittee on Water and Power today held a legislative hearing on H.R. 2842, the “Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act of 2011,” introduced by Rep. Scott Tipton (CO-03) and cosponsored by Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-01). The legislation streamlines burdensome red tape and reduces administrative costs for the installation of increased small canal and pipeline hydropower development projects.
Congressman Quayle reporting on the YouCut program:
The latest video released by the Arizona Republican Party “celebrates” the two-year anniversary of former Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick walking out on her constituents in a town hall meeting.
Let’s not forget how Ann treats voters as she mounts an effort to rejoin her fellow Democrats and Obama in Washington, D.C.
Congressman Paul Gosar appeared on Fox News on Tuesday discussing the hearings be held over Operation Gun Runner by the ATF. Here is the video clip of Representative Gosar’s interview.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2011
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrew Wilder (Kyl)
Brian Rogers (McCain)
Hannah Loy (Gosar)
Ben Carnes (Franks)
Richard Cullen (Quayle)
Rachel Semmel (Schweikert)
Genevieve Frye Rozansky (Flake)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican members of Arizona’s congressional delegation today sent a letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell urging him to request alternative arrangements for federal regulatory compliance in order to expedite clean up and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Wallow Fire.
“Destruction from the Wallow Fire has exposed large areas in Eastern Arizona’s Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests to the risk of additional damage,” the members of the delegation said, explaining the reason for their letter. “Time is of the essence, especially with the arrival of the monsoon season, in acting to protect life and property, and to reduce the risks for further damage to the environment.”
“While the reviews prescribed in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) might be desirable in certain, less urgent circumstances, we believe the existing procedures are incompatible with the current exigencies faced in the aftermath of the Wallow Fire.”
Council on Environmental Quality regulations permit “alternative arrangements” for NEPA compliance in order to provide flexibility in emergency situations. The members of the delegation who sent the letter believe that the Wallow Fire situation conforms to the very circumstances contemplated for such alternate arrangements, and have urged Chief Tidwell to exercise this option.
The text of the letter to Chief Tidwell follows below and is also attached in PDF form:
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July 20, 2011
The Honorable Tom Tidwell
Chief, U.S. Forest Service
Yates Building, 5th Floor
201 14th Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20250
Dear Chief Tidwell:
We write to urge you to request from the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) “alternative arrangements,” pursuant to Section 1506.11, for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 C.F.R §1500 et seq) to respond to the Wallow Fire.
As you are well aware, the Wallow Fire in Eastern Arizona has burned for more than 40 days, across more than 538,000 acres of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and into neighboring New Mexico. The fire is now the largest in Arizona’s recorded history. The damage to the national forest is still being assessed, but it is known that that the fire has killed or severely damaged a large number of trees. The volume of dead and dying trees increases the fuel load for future high-intensity fires, and provides ideal conditions for insect and disease outbreaks. The exposed soil and the arrival of the monsoon rains present an immediate risk of flooding and debris flows that threaten lives, property, water quality, and valuable natural resources throughout the burned area. The State of Arizona has declared a state of emergency and county and local officials have declared the situation a disaster.
Given the post-fire conditions in the Wallow Fire area, swift action is needed by the Forest Service to protect human life and property and mitigate further damage to timber resources and the environment. There is not sufficient time to follow all of the procedures for environmental review under the NEPA of all the actions that will be needed to respond. The alternative arrangements regulation was put in place for circumstances such as this one. As you know, alternative arrangements do not waive the requirements to comply with the NEPA, but instead establish alternative arrangements for compliance in emergencies.
Having seen the devastation for yourself, we are hopeful you will agree that the circumstances of the Wallow Fire warrant the application of alternative arrangements. The communities affected by the Wallow Fire cannot afford needless delays.
Sincerely,
JON KYL
United States Senator
JOHN MCCAIN
United States Senator
JEFF FLAKE
Member of Congress
PAUL A. GOSAR, D.D.S.
Member of Congress
BEN QUAYLE
Member of Congress
TRENT FRANKS
Member of Congress
DAVID SCHWEIKERT
Member of Congress
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Arizona PBS affiliate, KAET, featured Congressman Paul Gosar discussing a variety of issues that affect his district in rural Arizona including the Wallow Fire, the Four Forest Restoration Initiative, Grand Canyon Uranium mining claims and land exchange legislation related to the Resolution Copper mine near Superior, Arizona.
