Eye on the 9th Floor

Munger Out!

2010-06-01T15:40:00.002-07:00

Gubernatorial Candidate John Munger has officially withdrawn from the race. In a conference call with supporters, Munger said the Supreme Court's refusal to take up the "matching funds" provision caused an "insurmountable obstacle" to his campaign.

There was no word if Munger was going to immediately endorse any of his opponents. It's likely he'll take some time and we'll be hearing something in the next week or two.

Buz Mills campaign: Sexist or Sloppy?

2010-05-28T20:43:00.006-07:00

In an interesting turn of events, Buz Mills has decided to challenge Governor Brewer on illegal immigration. Seems like a questionable tactic, since Brewer has become the face of a national movement. IN case Buz hasn't noticed, Brewer's slam of President Obama has nearly 1 million hits.

Maybe the spotlight on Brewer is a little too bright and Mills wants a little bit of attention for himself. Afterall, he's the one with the big bucks. Unfortunately, we don't think his latest mailer will give him the kind of attention he wanted.

In a stroke of what Exurban League calls "real campaigns of genius," it appears that Mills has decided to take the sexist route and claim that it will take a real man to secure the border. Ouch.

Now Mills' campaign is backpeddling saying that it was a printing mistake. When they are trailing in the polls after the guy has already spent $2 million, it seems like this is the kind of mix up they can't afford.

Seriously, why was "real man" ever an option? Who typed that in the first place? Was that what first came to mind in some sort of free association word game?

Was he looking at the picture below and feeling threatened?

Now that it's official- we are back!

2010-05-26T22:56:00.004-07:00

So we've taken a short little hiatus but now that the petition gathering deadline has passed, we are back. So here is the field.

Terry Goddard is the lone Democrat while the Republican field shed a few and picked up a late surprise.

Tom Gordon- didn't pop up until he filed 7,693 signatures today. No website.

So who takes the cake in the Republican Primary?

Who will our next governor be after November? Let us know your thoughts.

John Munger calls on Buz Mills to leave race

2010-04-28T11:41:00.001-07:00

This just in from the political insider:

Republican gubernatorial candidate John Munger is calling on businessman Owen "Buz" Mills to withdrawl from the state's Governor's race, saying that Mills' business dealings in Florida raise "serious questions" about his "fitness to govern and electability."

Florida court documents show that Mills defrauded a business partner out of millions of dollars when he sold a company that the two jointly owned. Mills was the majority owner with a 90 percent stake; his partner owned 10 percent.

In a 2001 ruling, Judge Paul Logan concluded that MIlls deliberately did not tell partner John G. Mortellite that he had an offer to sell their firm, which was in the business of acquiring sites for and building towers for the cell phone industry.

Because Mills did not disclose the sale offer to Mortellite, his partner accepted less money for his share in the company, the documents show.

The case was ultimately settled out of court.

Representatives from the Mills campaign did not immediately return calls seeking comment about Munger's letter. In news reports, Mills has said the issue is irrelevant to his political campaign.

But Munger, who is expected to be in a hotly contested primary race with Mills, Gov. Jan Brewer and state treasurer Dean Martin, disagrees.

On Wednesday, he hand-delivered a letter to Mills Phoenix's offices, formally asking him to withdrawl.

"At a time when there is already widespread distrust and anger toward government in general, your continued presence in the Governor's race will only do further damage to the reputation of our state and the Republican party," the letter read.

Munger told media that that Mills is "not an electable candidate," and that Mills continued presence in the race jeopardizes the state's reputation.

--Ginger Rough

Buz Mills - Quoth the Raven: Nevermore

2010-04-27T10:16:00.007-07:00

Following the news of fraud from Buz Mills yesterday, in a strange revelation, it has been revealed that Buz Mills has also doctored campaign photos.

The questions surround a raven shapped pin that was originally featured in Mills' campaign materials. The raven, which looked like a sort of pilot wings on Mills' khaki "uniform," has since been removed from the photographs.

Mills claims that the raven was removed to prevent promoting his business Gunsite which features ravens on everything from knives to gun grips. According to this story, the raven is the "symbol or totem" for Gunsite, representing not only the ravens on the property, but also:

"Norse mythology Odin held forth as the god of Valhalla. Odin was accompanied by his two ravens, Hugin and Munin, and they are usually depicted perched on his shoulders or on the arms of his throne. The ravens represented knowledge and wisdom and Odin would send them to Earth to bring back news, but more importantly, they were seen as the conduits for dispensing the knowledge and wisdom of the gods to mankind. So for us, the raven is a fitting symbol for our efforts to spread 'the word.'"

The raven flag is also shown prominently in a picture that is conspicuously missing the Arizona flag. Perhaps the Arizona flag was removed for effect, or Mills was trying to market to those who live outside of Arizona.

The raven is also perched on top of the flag pole and at the entrance to the facility. In fact, in his campaign finance report, Mills' address is listed as living off of Ravenguard drive. We seem to be detecting a theme here.

Back to the flag issue, Mills' early campaign materials featured a picture of the candidate sporting a pin of a raven superimposed over the American flag. Until recently, Mills had also been seen at campaign events sporting the same pin. It is also featured prominently in Mills' first video.

Now, in his latest commercial, Mills has exchanged the raven for an Arizona flag pin. It's one thing to stop wearing the pin, and quite another to go back and try to erase its existence.

What has motivated this sudden raven eradication?

Buz Mills has past legal trouble for fraud

2010-04-26T16:57:00.002-07:00

Candidate for Governor Buz Mills has received a lot of attention lately for already spending over $1.2 million in his bid for Governor. With that attention comes a very bright spotlight. In this case, court records reveal that Mills defrauded his partner for a couple million dollars by sending his unknowing partner on vacation while he negotiated a very lucrative deal to sell his company.

The story (links to the actual legal documents can be found in Sonoran Alliance) shows that Mills was found guilty of defrauding his partner and ordered to pay out $4.8 million. Mills then challenged the decision and they settled it out of court. Soon after, Mills skipped town and set up shop in Arizona.

Mills, who has also been in hot water for his lack of support for employer sanctions, is now calling it a "friendly disagreement," which seems to fall very short in explaining an adjudicated case of fraud. Some of the comments conjure images of former Governor Fife Symington, whose company, ironically, is connected with Mills' campaign.

It looks like Buz Mills has some real explaining to do.

Brewer signs SB 1070 - Illegal Immigration Bill

2010-04-23T15:28:00.003-07:00

Governor Jan Brewer signed SB 1070 today, which is among the strongest illegal immigration bills in the country. The announcement comes after a week of heated debate on the issue which culminated in President Obama speaking out against it this morning. Watch the video:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Here is the complete text of Governor Brewer's complete statement:

Thank you for being here today, to join me as we take another step forward in protecting the state of Arizona.

The bill I’m about to sign into law – Senate Bill 1070 – represents another tool for our state to use as we work to solve a crisis we did not create and the federal government has refused to fix …

… The crisis caused by illegal immigration and Arizona’s porous border.

This bill, the Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act, strengthens the laws of our state.

It protects all of us, every Arizona citizen and everyone here in our state lawfully.

And, it does so while ensuring that the constitutional rights of ALL in Arizona remain solid -- stable and steadfast.

I will now sign Senate Bill 1070.

For weeks, this legislation has been the subject of vigorous debate and intense criticism. My decision to sign it was by no means made lightly.

I have listened patiently to both sides. I have considered the significance of this new law long into the night. I have prayed for strength and prayed for our state.

I’ve decided to sign Senate Bill 1070 into law because, though many people disagree, I firmly believe it represents what’s best for Arizona. Border-related violence and crime due to illegal immigration are critically important issues to the people of our state, to my Administration and to me, as your Governor and as a citizen.

There is no higher priority than protecting the citizens of Arizona. We cannot sacrifice our safety to the murderous greed of drug cartels. We cannot stand idly by as drop houses, kidnappings and violence compromise our quality of life.

We cannot delay while the destruction happening south of our international border creeps its way north.

We in Arizona have been more than patient waiting for Washington to act.

But decades of federal inaction and misguided policy have created a dangerous and unacceptable situation.

Yesterday, I announced the steps I was taking to enhance security along our border.

Today – with my unwavering signature on this legislation – Arizona strengthens its security WITHIN our borders.

Let me be clear, though: My signature today represents my steadfast support for enforcing the law — both AGAINST illegal immigration AND against racial profiling.

This legislation mirrors federal laws regarding immigration enforcement.

Despite erroneous and misleading statements suggesting otherwise, the new state misdemeanor crime of willful failure to complete or carry an alien registration document is adopted, verbatim, from the same offense found in federal statute.

I will NOT tolerate racial discrimination or racial profiling in Arizona.

Because I feel so strongly on this subject, I worked for weeks with legislators to amend SB 1070, to strengthen its civil rights protections.

That effort led to new language in the bill, language prohibiting law enforcement officers from “solely considering race, color, or national origin in implementing the requirements of this section…”

The bill already required that it “shall be implemented in a manner consistent with federal laws regulating immigration, protecting the civil rights of all persons and respecting the privileges and immunities of United States citizens.”

While the general protection was already included, I believe the issue is so important, we needed to make it CRYSTAL clear.

And I believe that we need to more than simply inscribe it in statute.

Words in a law book are of no use if our police officers are not properly trained on the provisions of SB 1070, including its civil rights provisions.

Today I am issuing an executive order directing the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board – AZPOST -- to develop training to appropriately implement SB 1070.

Importantly, this training will include what DOES – and DOES NOT – constitute “reasonable suspicion” that a person is not legally present in the United States.

Currently, AZPOST serves approximately 170 law enforcement agencies encompassing over 16,000 sworn peace officers, 9,000 correctional service officers, and 16 training academies.

The AZPOST Board of Directors includes the Arizona Attorney General, the Directors of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the Arizona Department of Corrections, several county sheriffs, and local police departments.

I am also asking the Board to make recommendations on possible improvements to SB 1070 before the end of the year.

For 28 years in public service, I have worked without fail to solve problems diligently and practically. I have done so always with an eye toward civility, and always with the greatest respect for the rule of law.

This new law is no different: As committed as I am to protecting our state from crime associated with illegal immigration I am EQUALLY committed to holding law enforcement accountable should this statute ever be misused to violate an individual’s rights.

Respect for the rule of law means respect for every law. I have led that way every day in every office I have ever held. That will not change.

I have also spent my career in service to Arizona working to bring people together, no matter the color of their skin and no matter the depth of our disagreements.

This bill – and this issue – will be no exception.

While protecting our citizens is paramount, it cannot come at the expense of the diversity that has made Arizona so great. Nor can safety mean a compromise of freedom for some, while we, the many, turn a blind eye.

We must acknowledge the truth – people across America are watching Arizona, seeing how we implement this law, ready to jump on even the slightest misstep.

Some of those people from outside our state have an interest in seeing us fail.

They will wait for a single slip-up, one mistake, and then they will work day and night to create headlines and get the face time they so desperately covet.

We cannot give them that chance.

We must use this new tool wisely, and fight for our safety with the honor Arizona deserves.

We must react calmly.

We must enforce the law evenly, and without regard to skin color, accent, or social status.

We must prove the alarmists and the cynics wrong.

I know in my heart that this great state, my home for more than 40 years, is up to the task.

I believe every one of us wants to be safe, and none of us wants to compromise on the subject of civil rights.

I believe we must love and honor those who fight beside us – just as we must love and honor those who look and believe nothing like we do.

I believe Arizona, like America, is governed by laws.

Good laws … well-intentioned laws … laws that confer respect and that demand respect in return.

In his third State of the Union address, President Theodore Roosevelt said, “No man is above the law and no man is below it; nor do we ask any man's permission when we require him to obey it. Obedience to the law is demanded as a right; not asked as a favor.”

So, let us move forward -- ever mindful of our rights …

-- ever faithful to the law … and ever conscious of our bond as Arizonans, and the blessing we share together.

Thank you.

Mills launches campaign commercial

2010-03-08T16:34:00.004-07:00

Millionaire and gun-enthusiast Buz Mills is the first candidate to go on the air with a TV commercial. Here is the latest from Mills.

Doesn't say much, but it doesn't really have to at this point. Mills is a virtual unknown and its going to take a sizeable amount of money just to get his name out there to be part of the conversation.

Hits keep coming for Dean Martin

2010-03-03T15:34:00.002-07:00

So far, this has not been a good week for Dean Martin. First, it was revealed that he actually voted for a massive increase in spending during his time as State Senator. Next, it was alleged that Martin claimed that he had "hid" money from Napolitano.

Now, neither story is going away.

The Attorney General is now going to look into these statements to see if Martin "cooked the books" in 2007 after Andrei Cherny called for an investigation.

Martin is also staying very silent on his votes to support Napolitano, which has lead to the launch of another humorous video, this time with Martin disco dancing with Napolitano:

Former GOP Candidate for Gov Endorses Hayworth

2010-03-03T15:30:00.002-07:00

While Senator John McCain has been endorsed by former Governors Fife Symington and Jane Dee Hull, one former GOP Gubernatorial hopeful has taken a different path. Former Republican challenger Len Munsil has opted to endorse JD Hayworth over John McCain.

No word on if former candidate and former fellow congressman Matt Salmon will weigh in on the race.

Here is Munsil's endorsement release in all of its glory:

Conservative Challenger JD Hayworth Endorsed by Top Arizona Conservative Len Munsil
FORMER GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE, FOUNDER OF CONSERVATIVE THINK TANK BACKS J.D.

PHOENIX, Ariz. March 3, 2010. J.D. Hayworth has gained the endorsement of a man who over the years has probably done more to keep Arizona steering in the direction of family values than anyone in the state: Len Munsil. The founder of the Center for Arizona Policy – and 2006 Republican nominee for Governor – today endorsed the campaign of J.D. Hayworth to represent Arizona in the U.S. Senate.

Hayworth is facing 24-year incumbent John McCain.

“I was honored to have Sen. McCain’s endorsement for Governor of Arizona in 2006, and was proud to support him for the presidency of the United States,” said Munsil. “While I am thankful for Sen. McCain’s dedication to Arizona and the country, and his commitment to public service, the time has come for conservative change in Washington D.C. I am therefore pleased to support J.D. Hayworth for the U.S. Senate in 2010. J.D. will be a reliable, consistent conservative vote and voice in Washington D.C,” said Munsil of his endorsement.

Munsil also added, “J.D. is on the right side of issues important to conservatives – opposing illegal immigration, ending bailouts, fighting against Cap & Trade and stopping unconstitutional restraints on political speech. He is consistent in his support for the sanctity of life and the institution of marriage. And J.D. will be an articulate spokesman for conservative principles.”

Munsil not only founded the Center for Arizona Policy - an organization that emphasizes pro-life and pro-family conservative issues and has promoted 60 laws protecting children and strengthening families - he is also a lawyer, an adjunct professor at Southwestern College and a former editor of the ASU State Press where he moved the editorial direction of the university’s newspaper in a conservative direction.

“Len is a man of faith that understands that one not only needs to speak to family values they need to act on them,” said Hayworth. “I am honored to have him behind me as we try to send a conservative senator to Washington that reflects the values of Arizona.”

Vulnerable to the more conservative Hayworth on taxes, pro-life issues and illegal immigration, McCain has resorted to attacking Hayworth on spending, despite Hayworth having a better lifetime rating from Citizens Against Government Waste. Hayworth has a 98-percent rating from the American Conservative Union.

McCain also voted for the $850 billion bailout of the big banks which included $150 billion in earmarks, proposed a $300 billion bailout for mortgage lenders and, according to the Heritage Foundation, sponsored an amnesty bill that would have cost taxpayers $2.6 trillion over the long-term.

Ain't that a kick in the head

2010-03-01T13:07:00.004-07:00

Ouch. Governor Jan Brewer smacks Dean Martin down for his spending record in the State Senate. Ain't that a kick in the head!

Hayworth/McCain invade race for Governor

2010-03-01T12:52:00.004-07:00

Six weeks ago, the race for the GOP nomination for Governor seemed like it would be the hot ticket for the fall. Enter JD Hayworth challenging Senator John McCain. Since then, the attention paid to the race for the 9th Floor has diminished significantly. In fact, Governor's news has become almost a footnote in the Hayworth/McCain battle.

While the sales tax appears to be the critical issue at the moment, it does raise an interesting question, however, of if any of the other GOP candidates (Munger, Mills, or Martin) weigh in on the race for Senator. If they all endorse Hayworth, do they risk splitting that vote, leaving the McCainiacs for Brewer? If one (Munger, perhaps) or more opts to support McCain, do they risk losing their "anti-tax" base?

With so much at stake, in the end, it's my guess that the only thing we'll hear from the other candidates is silence.

Dems taking on water in Arizona as well

2010-01-20T23:37:00.003-07:00

With the victory of Scott Brown in Massachusetts yesterday, it looks like President Obama and the Democrats have started to lose their luster in the eyes of the public. The same can be said here in Arizona where former Governor Janet Napolitano appears to be out of favor not only nationally, but locally as well. With a string of embarassing defeats on the national stage and Napolitano falling out of favor, it looks as if the local Democrats have the potential of facing greater problems in Arizona as well. This appears to be something that Republicans are looking to take advantage of:

Hat tip to Espresso Pundit.

Are these plans realistic?

2010-01-20T00:34:00.007-07:00

Despite failing to vote for any revenue for Arizona's budget last year, Democrats in the Arizona State legislature sounded off today, claiming that they do not approve of the Governor's budget and the massive cuts that are being proposed. They now agree that more revenue is needed, but when pushed for specifics, their answer was taxing spa treatments and country club memberships. No more details appear to be available, but it is doubtful that taxes on such items are going to fill the budget gap.

Meanwhile, John Munger took Governor Brewer's slightly challenge seriously, and has unveiled his own plan, one that he claims does not raise taxes. It does have some financial gimmicks that Munger's key endorsement could be proud of. According to Capitol Media Services, Munger fills the budget deficit with $500 million from borrowing against revenue from a mine that hasn't even been approved, and refusing to give the Federal Government $600 million in gas taxes.

While all of these options should be explored, it's important to note that the two main options that were dedicated to taking down big chunks of the deficit are in no way guaranteed. Monetizing the taxes on the coppermine would appear a lot more reasonable if the mine was closer to being approved and operational. Refusing gas tax money to the federal government as a punishment for the costs of illegal immigration is a little more problematic. Punishing the federal government for their inaction is a noble cause, but it may prove difficult to provide a direct legal reason why gasoline income should pay for immigration.

So the question remains, are either of these proposals realistic? Will they fix Arizona's current problems or merely push them down the path so that someone else has to deal with them?

Parker leaves Governor's race - jumps to CD 3 race

2010-01-20T00:24:00.002-07:00

Mayor Vernon Parker has opted out of the Governor's race and has decided instead to jump into the crowded race for Congressional District 3. It will be interesting to see how his initial bid for Governor has positioned himself for this next race - his announcement release below was paid for by his exploratory committee, and his twitter account (at least for now) remains Parker4Gov.

Does he appeal to a different constituency than the other handful of legislators in the race or will he be tagged as someone looking for a path of least resistance to a new job? Only time will tell.

Here is Parker's announcement:

HE’S IN: PARADISE VALLEY MAYOR TO RUN FOR CONGRESS

PARADISE VALLEY, AZ. JANUARY 19, 2010. Vernon Parker is in. Today, Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker announced that he will file paperwork this week to succeed Republican John Shadegg.

“Our district has a long history of sending Goldwater conservatives to Congress – public servants who fiercely value liberty, smaller government and personal responsibility,” Parker said. “To follow Congressman Shadegg wouldn’t simply be an honor. It would give me the chance to continue a fight for the hard-working families I have fought for all my life,” he said.

Parker, 50, said that Shadegg’s retirement created a “perfect storm” of opportunity, one he feels duty-bound to embrace. He had spent the past three months exploring the Arizona Governor’s race, which generated enthusiastic support from people across the state.

“The biggest constant in my public life has been the need to serve to the fullest, to use whatever talent God has given me to the utmost degree possible,” said Parker. “I believe my skills, my experience and my passion are made for Congress. I believe I can make the biggest difference for my neighbors and my fellow Arizonans there. Since learning of Congressman Shadegg’s decision my supporters have overwhelmingly encouraged me in this direction.”

Parker said that he will take his message of cutting taxes and creating policies that help the private sector create jobs to the nation’s capital.

Following his filing this week Parker will be hosting a grassroots events on Sunday for 200-300 supporters, followed by a major announcement next week with significant endorsers and a few surprises.

“Like Congressman Shadegg I will do everything I can to roll back the unfunded federal mandates that cripple Arizona and our communities. And I will do everything I can to reform health care that brings real choice to the people and put an end to the insanity that defines America’s immigration policy,” he said.

Dean Martin Announces for Governor, the hits start rolling

2010-01-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

State Treasurer Dean Martin announced that he will be running for Governor in this year's Republican Primary. Echoing Governor Jan Brewer's statement on Prop 204, the expanded Medicaid eligibility law, Martin said he will ask voters to revisit the issue.

Martin immediately becomes Gov. Brewer's main opponent and will run on a platform that the state should be cutting to get out of the budget deficit, instead of seeking new revenue. Martin said he would release his budget proposal after Governor Brewer releases hers on Friday.

Martin also announced he would be running as a Clean Elections candidate and immediately found out what it was going to be like to run in a crowded race. Candidate John Munger immediately slammed Martin calling him a hypocrite for taking public funding while suing the very system. Laurie Roberts chimed in on a blog post and by far the most widely viewed piece of all, channel five did a 2:30 segment on Martin's choice in funding.

You can see the Channel 5 video here.

Quotes from Brewer's State of State

2010-01-11T14:45:00.002-07:00

Tip to AZCapitol Times and their Twitter page for some of the highlights of the Governor's State of the State. You can get a full copy of the speech here.

There were definitely a few shots across the bow of her opponents. At one point, Brewer said, "If you have a better plan, produce it -- and soon." Vernon Parker responded by Twitter saying, "For a better plan, visit http://www.parker2010.com"

I clicked around but couldn't find any plans to balance the budget this year. If someone from the Parker campaign could point me in the right direction that would be great.

Below are some of the sound bites from today:

Brewer: "Spare us the profiles in courage. It's time for a little less profile and a little more courage."

Brewer: "Government must live within its means."

Brewer: Five point plan is now 3 points.

Brewer: "Substantial" cuts needed still.

Brewer: 'Wrong' is arguing against solutions, when evidence to the contrary is everywhere

Brewer: "In my year on the job, I have grown wiser, and time has grown shorter."

Brewer: "I do not shrink from (challenges), I do not cower, and neither should you.

Brewer: Need to ask voters to roll back minimum levels for AHCCCS, because $1B of deficit is due to Prop 204 requirements.

Brewer: Gaming Director Mark Brnovitch will head up commission to examine gov't privatization and streamlining.

Brewer: "Our state government today is not suited for Arizona's second century." Reform of gov't services needed for greater efficiency.

Brewer: $10 million of federal stimulus money will be used for job training

Brewer: "Enough is enough. Secure our borders."

Brewer: If Goddard won't defend AZ's rights against Feds, "I will."

Brewer: Feds are violating 10th Amendment of Constitution by giving states mandates to spend money

Brewer: Can't "rollback odometer on state government" because of growth in AZ, at least not without help of the voters.

Brewer State of the State Speech today

2010-01-11T11:09:00.003-07:00

Today is an enormous day for Governor Jan Brewer as she is set to deliver her first State of the State speech since taking office. If you remember, Janet Napolitano decided to give one last hurrah even though she was leaving just a few days later.

Governor Brewer has the opportunity to address the entire state and make her case for what needs to happen to start fixing this mess.

You can watch the address live by clicking here or here.

Symington Irony

2010-01-05T18:50:00.002-07:00

Several months ago, former Governor Fife Symington announced his endorsement of John Munger for Governor. At the time, Munger touted the much ballyhooed endorsement as a big deal.

Does money speak louder than words?

Today, it was announced that another privately funded candidate, Owen "Buz" Mills, had dumped $2 million of his own money into his campaign (updated link) likely to far outstrip anything Munger has raised to date. The company he has hired to manage his bid?

You guessed it, the Symington Group.

Munger now finds himself at a great financial disadvantage to a virtually unknown candidate who has hired his biggest endorser to run his campaign. Both Mills and Munger, who reside outside of Maricopa County, have a big task of increasing their Name ID against an incumbent Governor and potential candidates in an Attorney General and a State Treasurer.

Wouldn't you like to be a fly on the wall for that conversation between Munger and Symington?

Without such a large personal fortune to bolster his chances, does Munger regret coming out so strongly against Clean Elections? Even Dean Martin, who filed a lawsuit against Clean Elections, admits that "The system practically forces you to run under it to have any chance of winning."

So where does Symington's loyalty lie? Are we to believe that he stands firmly behind Munger while his firm cashes the checks from Mills?

After Emergency Cabinet Meeting, Brewer to turn over illegal alien prisoners to ICE

2009-12-21T11:19:00.003-07:00

Governor Brewer called an emergency cabinet meeting over the weekend to address the ongoing budget crisis and provide updated revenue and expenditure numbers.

She also laid out 10 actions items she intends to have her Directors implement. Sure to catch the headline is the fourth item on the list.

FOURTH, I am ordering the Arizona Department of Corrections to return to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) -- as soon as possible -- all non-violent criminal aliens as is allowed under existing law. The cost of incarcerating these criminal aliens is NOT Arizona’s responsibility. By federal law, the cost of their incarceration is the responsibility of the FEDERAL government.

There was no mention of additional revenue, and it didn't need mentioning. The picture that was laid out, and that you can see in the slides, is that because of voter mandated items you can cut everything out of the budget that's not mandated and still not fix the hole. In other words, you could shut down almost all government services and still have problems to fix. This goes right to the heart of those that say the state should go back to 2006 revenue levels.

The Governor's comments can be found here.

Governor Brewer calls another special session

2009-12-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

Our year round legislature will be back at it again on Thursday as Governor Brewer has called a special session covering three topics.

Proposal to ask voters to loosen restrictions on voter-approved funds
More cuts on top of those passed a few weeks ago. $200 Million seems to be the number
Refer to the ballot a temporary sales-tax and allow the voters to decide the state budget number the state will move forward with.

Some say the votes are there. Some say they aren't. Either way, the only guarantee you have is that it will be an interesting session as usual.

Will the Democrats be there? Will Ron Gould stay the line on his rhetoric? What do you think?

Governor Brewer Seeks Relief from Massive Washington Mandates

2009-12-08T12:57:00.001-07:00

Meets With Congressional Delegation on Arizona’s Economy,

Cost of Health Care Entitlement Expansion, Job Recruitment Efforts

PHOENIX – With three years now beyond the initial signs of recession, and state revenues down 31% just since the summer of 2008, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today met with members of Arizona’s federal delegation to encourage defeat of an expensive expansion of federal health care mandates on the states. Federal health care proposals, particularly as proposed by the US Senate, would have a devastating fiscal impact to the State of Arizona’s already challenging budget shortfall. Other proposals, such as the plan approved by the US House of Representatives, suggest a possible state government savings scenario but lock in Arizona to permanent service and spending mandates that are not affordable or sustainable even under the best economic conditions.

Since taking office in late January of 2009, Governor Brewer and the Arizona Legislature have enacted a total of $1.05 billion in permanent budget reductions, eliminating state programs and services, and substantially reducing the state’s work force.

“A mandated and permanent expansion of health care will cost Arizona taxpayers billions of dollars,” said Governor Jan Brewer. “Whether the monies are collected by the states or the federal government, either scenario is expensive, ill-conceived, and will be paid for by hard-working Arizona citizens. This is nothing more than Congress imposing a future, hidden tax increase on Arizona taxpayers. Expanding federal entitlements now is absolutely irresponsible.”

Other topics on the Governor’s DC agenda included the state’s economy, job recruitment efforts, and transportation.

###

Vernon Parker's Anti-Tax Committee Raises Questions

2009-12-03T18:01:00.004-07:00

Yesterday, Paradise Valley Mayor and exploratory candidate for Governor Vernon Parker announced that he had formed a committee to oppose any potential tax increase that may be placed on the ballot. Parker wasted no time using the opportunity to give a stump speech about the virtue or cutting spending and fewer taxes - which sounded vaguely similar to his stump speech for Governor.

We received his press release on the topic, which we will include below, which raised more questions than answers. First, note that the press release is paid for by Parker's exploratory committee. How can an exploratory committee pay for the activities of another political committee?

The second question we had was who was paying for the PR for the new committee. We were going to ask if both committees were, in fact, paying guru Jason Rose to do the work. However, if you look, the contact is actually someone from Lincoln Strategy Group. That group is lead by Nathan Sproul, the guy behind mudslinging so heinous that Janet Napolitano defended Russell Pearce against it.

Sproul was recently featured again on Seeing Red Arizona, with the following recap:

"Sproul was also behind the disingenuously named ballot initiative Stop Illegal Hiring (Prop. 202) which sought to accomplish just the opposite. The voters saw through the abysmal charade — and its proponents of low wage, illegal and exploitable labor led by McDonald’s owner Marion “Mac” Magruder, Carl’s Jr. owner Jason LeVecke and chaired by County Attorney wannabe Andrew Pacheco — sending it to a swift defeat. The conservative publication Human Events also covered the deceptive effort."

Parker appears to be trapped between the Sheriff Joe anti-illegal rock and the Nathan Sproul pro-immigration hard place. Not only that, but he is using his Clean Elections money to do it.

Contact: Brian Murray
Save Our Jobs: Stop the Tax Hike
Phone: 480.303.7175
bmurray@lincoln-strategy.com

Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker Forms "Save Our Jobs: Stop the Tax Hike" Coalition to Oppose Anticipated Tax Hike Referral

PHOENIX, AZ – Today, Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker took the first steps to actively oppose any tax increase upon the citizens of Arizona, by filing a new political committee: "Save Our Jobs: Stop the Tax Hike."
Parker will file the paperwork with the Arizona Secretary of State’s office Wednesday morning.
"Raising taxes during times of economic crisis doesn’t make sense. We have lost over 210,000 jobs in Arizona, and if a tax increase goes through our economy will get even worse. It must seem like raising our taxes is the easy way out, but that’s wrong. It won’t solve our fundamental problems, and will be devastating to our economy," said Parker.
"I stand ready today to help our leaders understand the futility of a tax increase and that is why I am writing to every single lawmaker explaining to them the economic peril a tax increase will have. I know this fight will not be an easy one, but one I intend to win," said Parker.
"We have a governor that wants to take more money from all Arizonans yet refuses to cut her own Governor’s Office budget. This type of approach must be defeated," he concluded.
The committee filed today will allow Parker to raise funds to actively oppose any tax increase. A copy of the letter sent to state lawmakers can be found below.
-30-

Governor Brewer Brings Back Christmas

2009-12-01T11:37:00.002-07:00

Governor Brewer officially returned to the State Capitol a few words that had been missing for last few years. Christmas, menorah, and Hanukkah have missing since 2001 when Janet Napolitano changed the words to "holiday" and "candle holder."

Saying she wasn't going to play "word games,"Brewer said, "I believe in calling something what it is, and it is a Christmas tree, just as a menorah is a menorah.

You can see footage of the tree lighting ceremony here.

They did it!!

2009-11-23T16:06:00.002-07:00

After a weekend of anticipation, the legislature met today (a few hours later then planned) and approved on party lines $300 million in cuts from the state budget. The Senate started off the morning looking for Democratic votes but after last weeks AWOL, Sen Thayer Verschoor was in the building a was a yes vote.

Governor Brewer will be signing the bills today. The cuts and changes will be immediate. The cuts scratch the surface of the overall deficit but is a start. The question is, is this session a sign of things to come?

Special Session Stopped Short - Governor Reacts

2009-11-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, Governor Brewer called a special session to cut over $300 million from the State's budget. The special session didn't go as planned, as Senator Vershoor opted not to vote for the fix because of disagreements with other policy issues. Not a single Democrat voted for the budget cuts. Below is Brewer's release on the failure in the Senate:

STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR JAN BREWER

PHOENIX – “I would like to thank those in the legislature that stepped up and returned to the Capitol for a special session that was intended to start a recovery process in a state that is suffering terribly from a budget deficit of epic proportions, a budget crisis years in the making.

“The sheer magnitude of Arizona’s budget deficit is unprecedented and requires immediate action by each and every member of the Arizona Legislature. Unfortunately, every single Democrat and a couple of Republican extremists have, once again, thwarted this effort to slow government spending. It is time to put self-interests and personal agendas aside and do what is in the best interest of the state. Our citizens deserve that and Arizona’s future depends on it.

“The people of the State of Arizona and this Governor expect much more. Budget cuts are absolutely necessary, and to suggest anything different is simply unrealistic. Further responsible budget actions will also be necessary.

“I am meeting this afternoon with the Speaker and President and intend to provide any additional assistance my agencies or I may offer to help them succeed.”

Governor Calls Special Session

2009-11-16T16:41:00.003-07:00

And they're back! The governor this afternoon called a 3-day special session that will start tomorrow at noon. Kirk Adams officially announced it through his Twitter Account.

The session is expected to only address cuts, anywhere from $300M to $700M.

We will post all of the details as we hear them. So far, it sounds like the votes are there and may even include some Democrat votes. Then again, when have vote counts ever been accurate??

Update from the Republic Here with confirmation from Sen Pres. Burns.

Governor Brewer Announces Re-Election Bid

2009-11-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

Governor Brewer announced tonight that she is indeed running for a full official term as Governor. Her release, sent by email is below.

Governor Jan Brewer Announces Bid for Second Term

Former Attorney General Grant Woods and Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters announced as Campaign Co‐Chairs

PHOENIX –– Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today formally announced her candidacy for a second term as the Governor of the State of Arizona. Brewer, who took the helm as Governor last January in the midst of Arizona’s record financial crisis, pledged to continue to make the tough choices and renewed her steadfast commitment to serving the people of Arizona.

“When I took office, I inherited a budget deficit created from years of overspending and living beyond our means. We have worked hard to start fixing this problem, and made some very tough, but necessary decisions,” said Governor Brewer.

She said her decision to run for election next year is based on a simple philosophy. “I have always been a mother first and an elected official second and have made every decision to run for office based on whether I believed I could help people. I have never run for an office because I was looking to move on to some other office.”

Governor Brewer also proudly announced two distinguished supporters as the co‐chairs who will help lead her campaign committee: Former Attorney General Grant Woods and Former United States Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters.

Former Attorney General Grant Woods served as Arizona’s chief law enforcement agent and prosecutor from 1991 to 1999. During his time in office, Arizona reinstated the death penalty in Arizona. Woods was known as a populist Attorney General and a staunch consumer protection advocate and was selected by his peers as the nation's top attorney general in 1995.Woods said, “I have known Jan for a long time, and I can say that tough times call for a tough leader,” explained Woods, “She understands that the budget isn’t our only policy issue ‐ there are going to be more tough decisions to make, and she has pledged that over the course of her term, she will address the big challenges such as healthcare including mental health, transportation, infrastructure, and protecting our environment.”

Mary Peters, a fourth generation Arizonan, served as the United States Secretary of Transportation under President George W. Bush from 2006 to 2009. Prior to her appointment, Peters served as Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration from 2001 to 2005. She also headed the Arizona Department of Transportation from 1998 to 2001, where she started her career as an administrative assistant 16 years earlier. Throughout her career, Peters, has been a champion for more responsive and smaller government focused on delivering maximum value for taxpayers. She continues to be an advocate for solutions that engage both the public and private sector and shares Governor Brewer’s passion for driving solutions intended to help people.

Peters said, "Governor Brewer understands that we must create a business friendly climate to attract high paying jobs and business investment in Arizona. As we prepare Arizona for the next 100 years of economic growth, not only will we need tax reform, but education reform, creating more opportunities and a highly skilled workforce. Jan Brewer is the best candidate to lead Arizona for the next four years."

Governor Brewer thanked Woods and Peters for their long‐time service to the State of Arizona and the United States as well as for their willingness to serve as co‐ chairs in her bid for a second term. She also thanked all of her supporters for their already overwhelming response.

“There is still a lot of work to be done and it is clear to me to that this is the moment that I was born to serve. I am in this race to win and I expect great things for Arizona,” said Governor Brewer, “I would be honored for your vote.”

####

Paid for by Governor Jan Brewer 2010

Special Session and a Bob Burns Editorial

2009-11-04T14:14:00.002-07:00

Just because it is November, doesn't mean we can't welcome back our legislature with open arms. Come the week of November 16th we'll do just that. Reports say that is when lawmakers will return to fix almost a half a billion dollars in shortfalls with almost $300 million of that coming from cuts. This is just the beginning since the full year shortfall is approaching $2 Billion.

Senate President Bob Burns wrote an editorial yesterday in the Republic that in one page lays out the situation we are in. I encourage everyone to read it if you don't quite know what's going on, or even if you think you know what's going on. We're in trouble folks and there is no easy way out of it. A temporary tax won't fix it all, and there isn't enough to cut either. An exert from the editorial does a good job of summing it up in a sentence or two.

To maintain a General Fund budget of about $10 billion over the past few years of this recession, your state government - Republicans and Democrats alike - have depleted our savings, delayed payments, swept funds from other accounts, used one-time federal stimulus dollars, and gone deeper into debt. Our projected ongoing revenues are only $6.4 billion, meaning the budget has a structural deficit of $3.6 billion that will plague us in the future until we enact permanent solutions.

Now, we've hit the wall on short-term budget maneuvers and gimmicks. Those options are no longer available. We will have to cut spending or increase taxes or both. There is very little else of substance we can do at this point.

Arizona- Home to the nations two largest canyons

2009-11-03T09:41:00.003-07:00

How fitting for Gov. Brewer to speaking about the budget deficit at one of the seven wonders of the world. At the Arizona Town Hall, Brewer took advantage of the scenic landscape to paint a picture not quite as beautiful but definitely as breathtaking. That picture would be the state's continuing budget crisis.

As we all figured would happen, Governor Brewer and legislative leadership are set to call a special session to begin fixing a portion of the $1.75 Billion deficit. It is expected the session will be called for sometime in the next few weeks. We are still a few months away from the next round of problems we face...the 2011 budget. Yes folks, it only gets worse.

At the event, there were two former legislators from California that know a thing or two about bad budgets. Both gave warning to relying on the very gimmicks and tricks that got us through the last session and got us here in the first place. Borrowing and relying too much on one source of revenue is the a recipe for disaster that we have learned the hard way in Arizona. Combine that with spending one time revenue on ongoing programs and you have the AZ budget crisis summed up in a few sentences.

Brulte, the former Republican leader in the CA Senate, said lawmakers need to be clear-eyed as they deal with huge deficits.

"If you paper over this problem, you'll be back here next year," Brulte said. "And in California, we're running out of paper."

I think our paper supply is running short in Arizona too.

Is this a Brewer momentum shift?

2009-10-24T14:52:00.002-07:00

Jan Brewer's first term as governor was going to be short no matter what. After taking over after Janet Napolitano saw greener pastures, the longest Brewer's tenure could be was just a little under two years. Watching college football today, it came to me that Brewer is the replacement quarterback who had to take the reins after the first quarter, replacing the superstar starting QB who had 5 turnovers in the first quarter. After a bumpy 2nd quarter, it appears Brewer might be coming out of halftime with some fresh legs, a new running back and a solid attack plan.

Two great reads from this week sum up what I may be sensing. Robert Robb from the Republic details how this might be the Governors new start. A new Chief of Staff to help run the offense, and an even worse budget picture, making it clear some give and take will be necessary on both sides.

Speaking of both sides, Greg Patterson from Espresso Pundit points out the interesting timing of the Democrats. It seems like they are figuring out that the posturing from the last session isn't going to win very many points or prove they are actually doing anything. I'm sure Brewer wishes they were "on board" when she really needed them, or when new revenue could have helped this year.

Quote of the day goes to Patterson-

"Democrats may still get a tax increase, but the iron has grown cold. Cold, hard, stiff, unyielding iron is what they will likely face now. Remember that when the janitor brings that 40th desk into you kid's classroom."

How's that for visual?

The crowd is waiting in anticipation and the second half has started. Now it's Jan Brewer's time to show she's ready to take over and be our star QB.

Happenings on the 9th floor...including the budget

2009-10-23T14:37:00.001-07:00

It was a busy week on the 9th floor. We are still processing the news and reactions to the departure of Chief of Staff Kevin Tyne. Most of the comments are positive towards Tyne but don't hide the fact that this will definitely make the next round of budget negotiations a much smoother process.

Some whisper this is a sign she will run for reelection. Either way, her schedule is much busier then it has been. She will even be the grand marshal for the ASU homecoming parade.

Speaking of budget negotiations, the outlook keeps getting worse. The estimated shortfall has risen to $2 Billion which is up about $500 Million from the last estimates. For those with 40 kids in your math class growing up, that makes the total shortfall for this year and next $5.3 Billion.

We're #4! We're #4!

2009-10-22T10:13:00.003-07:00

We have to admit that usually we love the bluster and bravado of the stream of press releases we receive from PR Guru, Jason Rose. However, we have to admit that his latest attempt at spin left us confused:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KEEP YOUR EYE ON #7

OCT. 22, 2009. In a public opinion survey released yesterday by the real estate group NAIOP, Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker polled ahead of Secretary of State Ken Bennett and Tucson lawyer John Munger, and was only 9 points behind Jan Brewer.
Survey results for the 2010 Republican Primary showed Brewer at 16 percent, State Treasurer Dean Martin at 14 percent, Valley businessman Robert Graham at 9 percent, Parker at 7 percent, Ken Bennett with 6 percent of the vote and Munger at 3 percent.
“Republicans will not beat a career politician like Terry Goddard with another one from the GOP,” said Parker. “We need a fresh voice, new message and someone who can fight on Terry’s turf rather than he on ours.”

*************

Is it just us or is Vernon Parker bragging about coming in 4th place behind Brewer, Martin, and Graham?

Eileen Klein to replace Kevin Tyne as Gov COS

2009-10-20T09:24:00.001-07:00

Word just in that Kevin Tyne will be stepping down as Gov. Jan Brewer's Chief of Staff and will be replaced by Eileen Klein. This announcement is both surprising yet not. As Brewer moves forward, it had become clear something needed to move so that budget negotiations with the legislature did not start off right where they ended. With a new voice as the go between for the Brewer and leadership, it provides a second opportunity to have much better relations.

In addition, Brewer is also coming closer the time period where a decision on whether she will run next year must be made. While she has a few months to do so, trying to launch a campaign while mired in an expected 2011 budget crisis (and still fixing 2010) would be very tough.

UPDATE: Here is the press release from the Governor's office. It looks like Tyne has landed at the Republican Governors Association.

Cutting Government by 15%

2009-10-16T12:14:00.002-07:00

From the Governor's office:

On September 18th the Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff of Finance and Director of OSPB, Eileen Klein, made the attached request to state agencies. The memo requests data from each state agency describing the ramifications and impacts of 15% reductions should the Legislature look predominately at cuts to close Arizona's state budget deficit. Please note that this is a data collection tool, and should not be construed as a proposed budget solution.

In an effort to provide this data to all concerned citizens, the information received by OSPB has been posted for review at www.ospb.state.az.us Updates to the online links will be made as OSPB receives additional submissions.

You can click here to see the list of all of the reports as they become available online. The Arizona Republic is focusing on Corrections, Healthcare, Public Safety and Education in their first review of the proposed cuts.

Critics will likely dismiss this as a scare tactic, but the question remains, what would they cut if these proposed cuts are just meant to "scare" people? These scenarios are not considered to be proposals, but one would guess that they will be the starting point for the next round of budget discussions.

Brewers Public Schedule

2009-10-09T18:13:00.001-07:00

Here is the Gov's public schedule. Good to see she has a busy week ahead.

Public Schedule For Governor Jan Brewer
Week of October 12, 2009

Monday, October 12, 2009

· 11:00 a.m. – Governor to Speak at 13th Annual Sandra Day O’Connor
Awards Luncheon
Arizona Biltmore, Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom
2400 East Missouri Avenue

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

· 10:00 a.m. – Governor to Hold Press Conference Regarding Future of
Luke Air Force Base
State Capitol, Executive Tower, 2nd Floor Conference Room
1700 West Washington

· 12:00 p.m. – Governor to Speak at Foundations of Leadership in Healthcare
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, Conference Center Ballrooms
7677 North 16th Street

· 4:00 p.m. - Governor to Deliver Keynote Address at Saddlebrooke Republican Club Meeting
Desert View Performing Arts Theater
39900 South Clubhouse Drive, Saddlebrooke, AZ 85739

Friday, October 16, 2009

· 11:30 a.m. – Governor to Speak at SRP’s Women’s Interest Network Luncheon
Pera Club Pavilion
1 East Continental Drive, Tempe

###
For additional information, please contact:

Paul Senseman
Director of Communications
Office of Governor Janice K. Brewer
1700 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602.542.1342
psenseman@az.gov

2010 Watch

2009-10-08T15:30:00.002-07:00

We're combing through the rumor mills, news stories, and blogs to give you the latest on the Governor's race in 2010.

Two Republican would-be challengers have decided against running and instead have thrown their support behind two of the already announced challengers.

Looks like Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman's slick website won't get quite as much use. Instead of throwing his hat into the ring as some expected, he has opted to be the chairman of Vernon Parker's bid.

Former Governor Fife Symington won't be eyeing Symington/Goddard II after all. Instead, he has decided to throw his support behind John Munger.

Are these the first in a series of competing announcements from the two candidates? How does this impact Brewer's considerations? We'll keep you up to date with the latest as it develops.

If you have any juicy gossip or more information, please let us know at GovRace2010@yahoo.com.

Where's Kevin Tyne?

2009-10-08T12:55:00.004-07:00

Thanks to everyone who sent in images of Kevin Tyne. So far, Arizona's version of Where's Waldo has been quite successful. Here are some of the subissions sent our way so far:

Keep on sending in your cell phone shots, video clips, whatever you have to azgovernor@gmail.com.

Brewer takes a stand against Medicaid expansion

2009-10-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

Governor Brewer raised a warning flag today that health-care reforms being pushed in Congress by Senator Baucus-(D MT) right now could create a "devastating" situation for Arizona. Brewer state that these reforms would create an unfudned mandate that could push our already struggling state into bankruptcy.

To make her point, Brewer pointed to the fact that Arizona is already struggling to meet its obligations. "We can't afford the AHCCCS program we have currently," she said.

Even Democratic Rep Kysten Sinema, who is on Obama's health-care reform task force admitted the latest Baucus plan simply wouldn't work in Arizona.

Brewer joins a group of other Republican governors speaking out against the plan. This is one of her first foray's into the national scene. It would be expected though that this will not be the last since 39 governor seats (20 Dem incumbents-19 Rep's) are up for reelection next year.

Governor's letter to Baucus Here.

Brewer's light public schedule raises questions

2009-10-07T11:01:00.002-07:00

Remember when Governor Napolitano's meager public schedule made everyone believe that she had one foot already in Washington D.C.? Similar questions are starting to surface regarding Governor Brewer's seemingly light public schedule.

In fact, Brewer's schedule from this week only features 2 public events. Her schedule last week only contained 1 public event. We tried to compare these weeks back to previous years, but it appears that all of the previous administration's releases are now gone off the Governor's website.

So, the question is, is this the schedule of a Governor who is planning to run for re-election? One would think that public appearances would be one of the greatest perks for an incumbent, appearing across the state reinforcing your office and keeping your name in people's minds. It would seem to be a wise idea, especially when other rival Republicans are announcing their candidacies.

Is this an idication of the Governor's intentions or is it just a lack of finding things to do?

Where's Kevin Tyne?

Speaking of the Governor and public appearances, our post on the Governor's Chief of Staff, Kevin Tyne, has received quite a bit of attention including a mention in the Guardian Angel. From the emails and feedback that we have received, the "Tyne Factor" is as prevalent as we found in the quick image search we shared.

So, we're asking for proof. We've been keeping our "Eye on the 9th Floor," but apparently that's not where to look to find Tyne. So, send us any pictures you have with Kevin Tyne out and about with the Governor, by her side, or in the background. Cell phone shots, video clips, whatever you have. It will be Arizona's version of Where's Waldo.

Gov's Chief of Staff Kevin Tyne on the hot seat

2009-10-05T11:30:00.004-07:00

Have we found the reason why some of Governor Brewer's top advisers have decided to seek other opportunities? A reader sent us over a very interesting article regarding Governor Brewer's Chief of Staff Kevin Tyne.

The Arizona Guardian (subscription required) gives in-depth look at the apparent conflict between Tyne and many administrative and legislative officials. According to the story, Tyne holds a tight grip over the office, making even the smallest decisions, leaving the entire 9th floor dependent on his actions. The result is a slow moving administration that has rubbed many the wrong way.

When faced with these allegations, both Governor Brewer and Tyne claim that there is no problem, and any one who says otherwise is being "petty." However, one does have to ask, how many people have to point out a problem before it comes real?

In some ways, the conflict boils down to loyalty vs. effective leadership. Tyne has been loyal to Brewer and has become her most trusted confidant. The article goes on to talk about the fact that he is most often by the Governor's side, sitting next to her, giving her notes and advice. This behavior can be confirmed fairly easily. When you do a quick image search of Brewer, you can find Tyne often standing nearby or in the background:

If Tyne is travelling with Brewer, attending events, press conferences and sports games, but all decisions must be run through him, how much is getting done while he is gone? If things really are working fine, it's up to Brewer and Tyne to prove it.

Press Release: Mayor Parker Challenges Brewer, Other Candidates to Cut Guv's Office Budget

2009-10-05T11:10:00.002-07:00

Governors Need to Lead by Example

Mayor Vernon Parker Says He Would Cut Governor’s Office Budget On Day One; Says Any Serious Gubernatorial Candidates Should Pledge the Same

OCTOBER 5, 2009. With the possibility of an 18 percent state-wide sales tax increase looming, one potential gubernatorial candidate not only thinks that is a bad idea, he is calling for cuts in the budget of the Governor’s Office itself.

"It is only fair to do what you are asking others to do…cut," Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker said. Parker believes Arizona should instead be talking about phasing out corporate taxes, a remedy for growing the economy. Parker recently formed an exploratory committee to pursue the Governor’s Office in 2010. * (JLBC spending levels for Arizona Governor’s Office referenced below.)

"Many Arizonans are suffering. Many state agencies are cutting. The Governor’s Office should do the same. I will," Parker said. "Should I be fortunate enough to be elected Governor I would make these necessary cuts on Day One."

Parker has presided over budget cuts as Mayor of Paradise Valley. Spending has been reduced by 25 percent while the budget for Mayor and Council has been reduced by 54 percent. Parker also fought off a major effort to increase the bed and sales tax in Paradise Valley.

"Republicans willing to raise taxes will not beat a career politician like Terry Goddard. We need a fresh voice, new message and someone who can fight on Terry’s turf rather than he on ours. One career politician will not beat another," said Parker.

Parker, 49, is the current mayor of Paradise Valley, Arizona. He has previously served as a Special Assistant to the first President Bush in The White House, and has served George W. Bush as an Assistant Secretary for the $90 billion United States Department of Agriculture. He is a lawyer and a small businessman.

Parker has the most compelling life story of any candidate emerging for governor. He has overcome many odds, and has pledged to help Arizona overcome some of its most difficult economic times since the Great Depression. "I truly believe it’s going to take someone who has defied the odds to help Arizona overcome the odds now facing it. And we can start with a Governor’s Office that believes in shared sacrifice," Parker said.

For more information contact Jason Rose or go to http://www.parker2010.com/.

*NOTE: Spending levels for the Office of the Governor for fiscal year 2010 obtained from the Joint Legislative Budget Committee "Summary of Appropriate Funds," which can be found at http://www.azleg.gov/jlbc/10app/bd10.pdf.

2010 Watch

2009-10-01T12:07:00.003-07:00

We're combing through the rumor mills, news stories, and blogs to give you the latest on the Governor's race in 2010.

Former GOP chairman and current man behind "Imagine Arizona" has left his spot as a pundit on Arizona Illustrated's "Face Off" and states that will be making a "major announcement" soon. Munger has been considering a bid for months and has been using his Imagine Arizona effort to help boost his name ID. His announcement may have been accelerated due to Mayor Vernon Parker's recent announcement.

Speaking of Parker, Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker formally announced his bid for Mayor last week, launching his new website http://www.parker2010.com/ and his official twitter http://twitter.com/Parker4Gov. Parker is busy positioning himself as the only Republican candidate capable of beating Terry Goddard, who has been leading the Republican field in recent polls.

Expect the field of candidates to solidify more between now and the end of the year. However, two major questions loom over the landscape - Will Brewer run in 2010? Will any Democrat give Goddard a challenge in the Primary?

If you have any juicy gossip or more information, please let us know at GovRace2010@yahoo.com.

Happy Birthday Governor Brewer

2009-09-25T15:21:00.001-07:00

Governor Brewer turns 65 tomorrow. I wonder if she thought she'd enter retirement age dealing with all that she has had to this last year. When most are taking it easy and looking forward to riding off into the sunset, Brewer hasn't shown any drive to relax or slow down. We just hope that means we get a balanced budget and the state back on track.

Press Release: Governor Brewer Provides Stimulus Funds for Medically Uninsured and Underserved

2009-09-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

Governor Brewer Provides Stimulus Funds for Medically Uninsured and Underserved

$11.6 Million awarded to the Department of Health Services for Community Health Centers

PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today announced the distribution of the State Fiscal Stabilization Funds (SFSF) Government Services Fund (GSF) monies to the Arizona Department of Health Services through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The Arizona Department of Health Services will contract with health centers in the State of Arizona to expand primary care services to Arizona’s indigent and uninsured population. DHS will be responsible for awarding and authorizing contracts associated with these funds to both federally qualified health centers and non-federally qualified health centers.

“Protecting the health and safety of the citizens of Arizona should be a priority of all elected officials, and it is my first priority as Governor,” said Governor Brewer. “I am pleased to announce the release of a portion of my stimulus discretionary funds to Arizona’s community health centers, which will help provide important medical service for many citizens across our state.”

“We are grateful to the Governor for allocating much needed funding for comprehensive primary healthcare. Community Health Centers provide vital primary and preventative healthcare to Arizonans living in medically underserved areas of the state,” said Tara McCollum Plese, Director of Government and Media Relations for the Arizona Association of Community Health Centers. “Unfortunately, the state’s fiscal crisis resulted in the virtual elimination of the funding that enables health centers to provide medical services. The state Legislature and the Governor acknowledged the tremendous need for the services. The Governor agreed to dedicate some of the federal stimulus money to the Community Health Centers. The funding will help cover over 100,000 primary care and dental visits through 2010.”

“Community health centers have a great track record because they are staffed by a variety of health professionals who work together to integrate all aspects of a person’s care,” said Will Humble, Interim Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. “Governor Brewer’s decision to provide $11.6 million in ARRA funding to community health centers will ensure comprehensive healthcare for all Arizonans during these difficult economic times.”

For more information, please visit the State of Arizona’s stimulus funds website at www.azrecovery.gov.

###

Welcome to the "hell hole"

2009-09-24T14:10:00.002-07:00

Don't get confused by those cool mornings and evening nights with windows open, there are still some major "hot spots" around the central Phoenix area. According to Governor Brewer, summer is sticking around and down around the capitol it's a real "hell hole." Brewer made the "hell hole" comment yesterday while speaking in a much cooler Tucson Country Club lunch.

As was pointed out on Twitter by a few people, Webster's definition of hellhole is a "place notorious for its wild or immoral activities." Personally, I will have to agree. I think it is wild and immoral that we are in September and we have neither a balanced budget for 2010 or a firm plan to ever get there.

First to the race?

2009-09-23T16:08:00.002-07:00

Sorry the posts have been light, a lot has been going on around the office and there hasn't been much news from the 9th floor. I was talking to a colleague today who gave an interesting insight into Vernon Parker and what is assumed to be an announcement tonight for Governor.

Parker filed his exploratory yesterday and it has been widely reported that he will announce tonight at the Politics on the Rocks event. The question is, does being the first one to enter equal the first to exit? Parker needs to enter early because his statewide name ID is small. Paradise Valley is a tiny town in the valley and Parker was only elected a year or so ago. His resume will help but all of this time also opens up the door to the critics and Parker's closet isn't exactly tidy.

What do you think? Earlier the better? Best to let the "seriously considering it" line float a little while?

2010 Watch

2009-09-15T12:27:00.002-07:00

We're combing through the rumor mills, news stories, and blogs to give you the latest on the Governor's race in 2010.

Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker has made his strongest statement yet, hinting that there is going to be a "big announcement" at his upcoming appearance at "Politics on the Rocks." Don't know how announcing his bid at a Republican cocktail party will go over with the general public, but it does play to the Republican faithful. He is also making the rounds, hitching his car to the Sheriff Joe PR locomotive. Does this mean that Joe is out of the running?

Another Paradise Valley resident who may be dipping his toe into the exploratory waters is former Governor Fife Symington. Just as he pondered entering the Republican primary a few years back to challenge Napolitano, Symington has tossed his name into the ring to see if it can fill the current Republican vacuum. Interestingly, this would have the potential of setting up Symington/Goddard II, a replay of their 1990 battle, nearly 20 years later.

If you have any juicy gossip or more information, please let us know at GovRace2010@yahoo.com.

A letter to a dear old friend...

2009-09-15T12:26:00.002-07:00

Senate President Burns and Speaker Adams polished up the penmanship and sent Governor Brewer a letter. No, it wasn't the "have a nice vacation" type of letters but given the circumstances it wasn't all that bad either.

The letter, which follows, basically states that the line item vetoes she did in the latest budget round were unconstitutional but because of "unusual economic circumstances the state is in", they aren't going to sue her.

They are throwing her a bone here and saying, "we all know you're not allowed to do what you did but we'll give you one free pass since we all know we have to come back together and be nice." The reason I say throwing a bone is because Napolitano did the same thing and lost. So, Brewer gets a pass this time but has been put on notice that this is not something to get used to.

We write to express our concern that some of your line item vetoes to House Bills 2006 and 2011 exceed your constitutional authority. Legal counsel for the House and Senate as well as the nonpartisan Legislative Council attorneys agree that some of the line item vetoes are clearly policy determinations made by the legislature, not “items of appropriation” subject to your line item veto authority. The Arizona Supreme Court held just three years ago in 47th Legislature v. Napolitano, 213 Ariz. 489, that the Governor’s line item veto authority is limited to “items of appropriation” and does not include policy decisions made by the Legislature.

Normally we would be compelled to initiate litigation, as we have in the past, to stop constitutionally unauthorized gubernatorial line item vetoes. Because of the unusual economic circumstances that the state is in, we have in this one instance decided to refrain from seeking relief from the Supreme Court. At a time when the State is in an economic crisis, we do not want to divert attention or dollars away from a resolution of critical budgetary issues. We understand that there are unique budget considerations regarding federal maintenance of effort requirements. We believe, however, that some of these issues could have been avoided if you would have instructed your staff to be more forthcoming in the sharing of information with the Legislature concerning the status and intended uses of federal stimulus dollars.

We want to make it absolutely clear that our decision not to seek legal redress in this particular instance should not be viewed as creating any precedent for similar issues in the future. We are acquiescing in your constitutionally untenable line item vetoes because of the special circumstances involved. We are unlikely to do so again.

Thank you for attending to these concerns. We look forward to cooperating with you for the good of Arizona.

Brewer deputy chief of staff resigns

2009-09-10T10:22:00.002-07:00

Deputy Chief of Staff Brian McNeil resigned yesterday making him the second key aide to leave the administration in the last few months. Tom Manos, who had been the governor's chief budget adviser left at the end of July after the first few rounds of budget negotiations.

No word on exactly why McNeil is leaving. He said he felt the "timing is right to explore something different." Manos was more direct when he left and said the all-nighters and grueling negotiations on the budget was taking too much of a toll on his family life.

No word on when a replacement will be made or who that person will be. Any thoughts on whether the list will be as long as those vying for the job that McNeil ultimately got?

Sit down for this

2009-09-09T10:10:00.002-07:00

You might want to make sure you are sitting down when you read this. The budget is still $1B off.

While last weeks budget moves improved the financial situation the state faces, there are still major issues to fix. $500 million is still left over from the last fiscal year (the one Napolitano was Governor for half of). $464 million is the shortfall for this year of which $360 million is vetoed cuts to education.

All sorts of problems remain to be fixed for 2010 and there are still state agencies that may just run out of money if the budget isn't fixed. There will definitely be a special session, the question now is when since the session more than likely will include another attempt at increasing revenue.

I sit here worried because it's September and we can't even fix the state budget that is 2 months old. The budget next year is even worse. We are quickly driving towards that cliff and it feels like everyone is looking at the speedometer and not out the front window.

Brewer takes action on budget

2009-09-04T14:37:00.003-07:00

Gov. Brewer vetoed the $250 million property tax repeal along with certain cuts to education and social services using line-item vetoes. She signed the rest of the remaining bills that were sent to her late last month.

The property tax repeal was THE major bill for Republicans this session. It was also a key sticking point in negotiations with the Democrats who wanted the full tax to come back. The Governor made it clear she wanted to opportunity to ask voters for more revenue in exchange for giving up the property tax revenue so it's no big surprise that she vetoed that portion.

I would assume the plan is to offer the carrot for renewed talks on a sales tax election in exchange for repealing the property tax.

Brewer made it clear that her intention is to focus on running the state. Taking $250 million off the table with no other revenue in sight doesn't accomplish that goal so we will have to sit back and see what happens now.

UPDATE: Statement by Governor

Good afternoon.

Today I have approved a number of budget bills that will allow state government to continue important operations -- and I have vetoed legislation that needs additional work and compromise.

Just as I said last March – I will NOT give up on the future of our State. I will NOT give up on education, I will NOT give up on the fight for our most vulnerable citizens -- and I will NOT allow the state we all love to fall into the abyss of bankruptcy.

The voters of Arizona don’t want me to give up, and I WILL NOT give up on them.

Right now, Arizona faces a roughly $4 billion deficit. We are spending roughly $11 billion, and we are bringing in roughly $7 billion.

So what can we all do – in addition to my actions today -- to solve this historic problem?

This fall and in the next regular session of the Legislature, legislative leaders and I must work to break the stranglehold that a handful of Republican and Democratic EXTREMISTS have on the Arizona legislature.

We cannot cut our way out of this problem. We cannot tax our way out of this problem. BOTH solutions will be necessary to resolve this crisis, and doing both will take incredible political courage and compromise.

This is a NOT a political game. It is gravely serious. It is a time to set aside political agendas, or personal campaign agendas, and -- for once -- place our State ahead of the tired and uncivil politics of the most extreme in both Parties.

46 Republicans, all but an extreme few, have now courageously trusted the voters on the issue of a temporary one-cent sales tax.

I have always trusted the voters during my 27 years as an elected official, and 46 Republicans have demonstrated – SO DO THEY!

Whether it is now -- or whether it is in the next several weeks -- the handful of extremists on the fringes of the Legislature will see the deeper and more painful cuts that will be necessary because of their delays on resolving the state deficit. Every month that goes by only makes the deficit and the pain more severe.

My actions today -- and the clean-up bill I have proposed -- will allow our State to weather the storm at least until the next regular session of the Legislature.

Until then, the voters of this State can be confident that we will continue to prioritize education, public safety, and protect our state’s most vulnerable.

Let me reiterate once more: I am NOT giving up, I am NOT surrendering, I am NOT abandoning what the people of Arizona want me to do. I am doing what is right, and I believe they know that.

I would be happy to answer a few questions…

Brewer signs one bill, the real stuff comes tomorrow

2009-09-03T12:57:00.003-07:00

Governor Brewer signed the bill authorizing funding for DPS today and signaled her intention to address the rest of the budget bills tomorrow. She made a surprise appearance today at the League of Cities conference in Tucson and reiterrated her call for the voters to decide on the sales tax issue.

Reports have it that she's still working with Senate Dems to come up with a compromise and it sounds like the equalization property tax is the central piece. The biggest question that remains is whether Brewer will sign the budget she previously vetoed, veto it again, or line item veto some parts including the tax repeal.

A conference minus one

2009-09-02T15:09:00.002-07:00

The annual Border Governors Conference will have an empty seat this week as Governor Brewer has decided to cancel her trip and stay at home to work on the budget. Originally planned to make the trip to Monterrey, Mexico, Brewer would have left Attorney General Terry Goddard in charge in her absence.

It's highly unlikely Goddard would have done anything with the budget but it's smart for Brewer to stay in the state. This is especially so if she plans to veto parts of the budget and approve others. She also hasn't given up on finding a bipartisan solution to fix the issue and let the voters have a crack at it in December.

Only a few days left folks, well at least for this round. It's now just a formality since anything since we're going to be back here soon anyways since none of the solutions are permanent fixes.

The budget might get signed, but who's signature will it be?

2009-09-01T10:53:00.002-07:00

So we've seen our fair share of weird things happen this year in Arizona politics. Imagine this scenario.

Jan Brewer acends to the Governor's office after Janet Napolitano resigns leaving Brewer to negotiate budget fixes for the '09 budget, and a balanced budget for '10. After vetoing it the first time around, an almost carbon copy budget lands on the Governor's desk at the end of yet another special session. Governor Brewer now had 10 days to sign it or let it go into law without her signature.

Brewer, scheduled to leave the state for three days to Mexico, leaves Attorney General Terry Goddard as acting governor. Using his authority, Goddard vetoes the unpopular "Republican" budget.

Maybe this might be a good opportunity for Goddard to officially take a stand on the budget. Heck, many feel that Napolitano created the mess we're in so this will be a good opportunity to provide a solution and ramp up that governor's campaign.

Something tells me Brewer will be signing the budget today.

You are a weak girly man

2009-08-28T15:28:00.002-07:00

So our Governor isn't Arnold and doesn't have a think Austrian accent but the message is the same. Governor Brewer didn't hold back on legislators that won't vote to let the voters decide on a tax increase.

Taking a page from Dwight Eisenhower, she said "The truth is, those of us who are entrusted with the government here in Arizona at this moment in time cannot be weak or timid," she said. "We must be strong. And we must resolve that our differences will be settled, with the triumph going to the best interests of Arizona rather than the best interests of political egos or political futures."

While Brewer didn't name names, it's not hard to find out who they are. Anyone with a D behind their name is on that list along with 4 Republican Senators. The two that take the most heat are Sens. Gorman and Gould. Gould gets the press this time from Howie Fischer.

He plays the old song and dance about how it won't be a fair fight. I always HATE when politician say that. If Gould outspent his opponent in his own race, does that mean they were tricked? How then does he explain the Employer Sanction's revisions on the ballot last year that he supported? They outspent everyone 10-1 yet lost 60-40. Or the payday loan reforms that still lost 70-30? I'd love an explanation there Sen. Gould.

2010 Watch

2009-08-28T10:56:00.003-07:00

We're combing through the rumor mills, news stories, and blogs to give you the latest on the Governor's race in 2010.

Governor Brewer has given her strongest indication that she will run for a full term in 2010. Her admission of "leaning" towards a run may have implications on the likes of other would-be candidates such as Dean Martin or Vernon Parker. However, there is a question of if Brewer's future is tied to a tax election.

The article poses another scenario as well, if Brewer does not decide to run, would she possibly turn the keys over to Goddard? If Brewer were to step down, Secretary of State Bennett would not get the job because he was appointed. Just as Babbitt succeeded Bolin, Goddard would rise to the position of Governor from the Attorney General.

Goddard, a somewhat passive observer in the budget process to this point, would then be thrust front and center into a budget debate that has the potential of being even worse than this year. This would also restrict the presumptive Democratic front-runner to run for re-election for only a single term. Brewer clearly has options on how to play her cards.

If you have any juicy gossip or more information, please let us know at GovRace2010@yahoo.com.

Good comment worth reposting- The Real Ronald Regan

2009-08-27T16:01:00.002-07:00

Sometimes I get a kick out of the uber-conservatives that quote Ronald Regan and his tax policies. What they sometimes forget, or fail to mention, is that Regan also presided over some of the largest tax increases in modern history. Thank you Bob Haran for his insightful comment.

How Reagan Closed Budget Gap

Many people who calls themselves Reagan Conservatives forget that before Ronald Reagan was elected as President of the United States in 1980, he was governor of California from 1967-75.

Reagan's election as governor in 1966 was his first public office. During the 1964 presidential campaign he served as cochairman of California Republicans for Goldwater.

After defeating incumbent Democrat Governor Pat Brown with 58 percent of the vote, Governor Reagan went on to establish a conservative record in restricting the size and cost of state government.

Just as Republican Arizona Governor Jan Brewer inherited a huge budget deficit from Democrat Governor Janet Napolitano, Republican California Governor Ronald Reagan inherited a huge budget deficit from Democrat California Governor Pat Brown.

What did Reagan do, how did he handle the budget disaster he inherited from his Democrat predecessor. Reagan immediately ordered a hiring freeze of new state employees and then cut the state budget across the board by 10 percent.

The father of Reaganomics did something else that may come as a shock to the blind followers of Grover Norquist and Americans for Tax Reform. Working with a cooperative state legislature, Reagan was able to obtain an increase of the state income tax together with welfare reform legislation that striped the less needy from the rolls and increased benefits for those that met higher eligibility requirements. By cutting expenses and increasing revenue, Reagan was able to close the budget deficit he inherited from his Democrat predecessor.

Fast forward 40 years and doesn't that sound familiar? Isn't that the same as what Conservative Republican Governor Jan Brewer is trying to do to solve Arizona's budget problem, cut expenses and increase revenue? It seems that the only difference between what Reagan did and what Brewer is advocating is instead of raising the income tax, Arizona will cut the income tax to stimulate spending and temporarily increase the sales tax by one penny to increase revenue to help close the gap. .

There is one important difference between Reagan and Brewer however, Reagan didn't have uncooperative state senators like Pamela Gorman and Ron Gould obstructing solving his budget crisis, Brewer and Arizona does.

Bob Haran,
American Conservative Republican
http://amcongop.blogspot.com/

Sine Die....Again

2009-08-25T22:05:00.001-07:00

The Legislature adjourned from their special session this afternoon which gives the Governor until the 5th of September to sign or veto the budget passed last week. There are still talks going on between the Republicans and the Dems with hopes a deal can be made to send the tax proposal to the ballot and let the voters decide. The Governor can call another special session if and when a deal is reached so all eyes will be on what comes out of those talks.

Republic article here.

Le Templar on the Governor and the sales tax

2009-08-24T17:02:00.001-07:00

Le Templar of the Tribune had a good blog today summing up why Governor Brewer has been so set on a tax increase. The bullet points are-

Can't cut budget enough to solve crisis

Arizonans loath higher taxes, except the sales tax

No other (Republican) proposals for new revenues have been offered

Brewer doesn't lose

Take a minute and read it here- it's a very good summation of why we are here at the end of August talking about a budget.

2010 Watch

2009-08-21T14:58:00.002-07:00

We're combing through the rumor mills, news stories, and blogs to give you the latest on the Governor's race in 2010.

Yet another Republican is considering throwing his hat in the ring in what may turn out to be a crowded primary. Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker has stated that he is interested in entering the 2010 race for Governor. Parker is a veteran of the Salmon and Munsil campaigns which both came up short of victory to Janet Napolitano. Parker has also had a few troubles in the past, and despite his claims to the contrary, he might have some troubles escaping phrases such as "falsely certified" and "under investigation."

Parker's term in Paradise Valley does not end until June of 2012, so if he does seek the top office, it looks like he would have to resign his post in Paradise Valley. It might be a good time for Parker to leave in the aftermath of having to cut $3 million from PV's budget and slashing 15 to 20% of the town's workforce.

If you have any juicy gossip or more information, please let us know at GovRace2010@yahoo.com.

The budget is in the elevator

2009-08-20T15:07:00.002-07:00

The budget has been officially passed now and is on its way up to the Governor Brewer's desk. The Legislature is adjourned until Tuesday so the governor has some signing or vetoing to do. Word was there was an effort to wrangle up 7 or 8 Dems to go for a hybrid version of the budgets passed to date but that doesn't appear to be finalized yet.

We'll see if Brewer will immediately veto this budget or continue working through the weekend to work something up. She might just sign it also since Dean Martin seems to think the deadline is tomorrow if we want to borrow money anytime soon.

Legislature okay property tax repeal and Gorman lobbying

2009-08-18T21:45:00.001-07:00

So we knew this was going to happen since Speaker Adams pretty much said so. Both houses approved the property tax repeal that actually went into effect on Monday. As a last ditch effort, Speaker Adams threw the Governor a bone and didn't technically fully approve the bill. He didn't say "and transmit the bill to the Senate." Both chambers adjourned until Thursday so tomorrow evidently will be spent looking for votes.

One vote everyone seems to be lobbying right now is Pam Gorman. This video has been making the rounds and is pretty well done.

WWYD?

2009-08-18T12:46:00.001-07:00

Laurie Roberts of the Republic asks WWJD- as in What Will Jan Do sign the budget or veto what is basically the same budget she vetoed before. So put yourself in Jan's shoes, what would you do? If you sign it, you sign a budget you know is out of balance and makes you wish the world ended before having to deal with the 2011 budget. If you veto it, you risk the state running out of money and then you're really in a world of hurt- if it's even possible to be worse then we are now.

Winners and Losers in the Arizona Budget Mess

2009-08-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

Arizona’s budget has hit another dead-end, and at this point, it is anyone’s guess when this problem will finally be resolved. Despite solid support in the House, the negotiated Republican budget gained a surprising 14 votes in the Senate, but has been unable to gather support from the extreme ends of the Republican Party or anyone from the left. In fact, some may find it important to note that not a single Democrat has supported the budget package thus far. In this current hyper-partisan environment, even a whiff of defection is attacked with great force.

It would be easy to say that there are no winners in this budget farce, but the reality is, the Democrats, the Republicans, and the Governor all have opportunities to walk away from this budget process claiming victory or being the ones painted with defeat. How these groups move forward from here will determine the final outcome.

The Democrats

The Democrats have done a good job of being a silent minority. They have kept their mouths shut while the Republicans faction fight, offering up ideas, that have been deemed by most as complicated and not very realistic. However, their efforts have been enough to keep the blame off of them and on the Republicans, a strategy focused on 2010, where AG Terry Goddard likely running for the top-spot uncontested.

How they Win: If the Republicans continue to falter and fight among themselves, the Democrats can continue their waiting game and come out on top. If the fighting lasts long enough, the Governor and several Republicans will have no choice but to come back to the table and negotiate. This will mean fewer cuts to the budget, which will likely lose Republican votes. The Democrats would then have to carry the water, but then they could also claim that they were able to succeed where their Republican counterparts could not. Ultimately, if the Republicans don’t show up, the Dems will have a real chance to gain some seats.

How they Lose: How soon the Democrats forget how the Napolitano budgets were formed. A coalition of the middle must work with the Governor to get a budget done that is viewed by most as the best possible compromise. Calling out the Governor is not a good start to that process. The worst case scenario is the Republicans figuring out how to pass a budget without the vote of a single Democrat, which could be used next year to point to their unwillingness to solve the budget problem. They run a risky gamble by not voting for the tax increase, the game of chicken may leave them with deeper cuts and no new source of revenue.

The Republicans

The Republicans hold the majority of both the House and the Senate. In theory, they should have the best chance of getting things done. However, fights over revenue, cuts, and the depth of the current budget problem have lead to a battle of ideologies. The Governor has held steadfast to her desire for a sales tax referral, which has since been tempered by a net tax cut by the leaders in the House, yet a referral is still completely unpalatable to some of the most conservative members in the Senate.

How they Win: It seems simple enough, but Republicans win if they can figure out a way to get a budget passed. The protracted session will be something that they will have to overcome, but getting something done now, will give them time to recover. If they pass the referral, they can campaign against the initiative, if they choose, and still get credit for allowing the voters to decide. If they can find a way to pass a budget without a referral, it will be claimed as a greater victory for the far-right conservatives, but it would be tempered by the further cuts that would need to be made later in the year. The Republicans need to prove that they can lead coming out of this budget process.

How they Lose: Imagine this scenario – the budget negotiations drag on for several more weeks with even more bitter Republican on Republican rancor. The Governor turns to the Democrats for negotiations, a move that further angers the far-right, prompting a potential candidate such as Treasurer Dean Martin to throw his hat in the Republican primary. Martin, who is in the same position as Goddard where he can comment, but doesn’t need to actually offer up a solution, proceeds to criticize the Governor and any Republicans willing to negotiate with her, creating even more tension in the legislature. The final result is a disaster for Republicans, resulting in a cobbled together budget reminiscent of Napolitano where the Democrats control the negotiations with a couple of Republicans from swing districts who must desperately avoid dramatic cuts. Any Republicans willing to negotiate would face the same criticisms and attacks in the Primary as those who voted for Napolitano’s budget next time around, and the others who don’t support the budget face the question of if they can lead.

The Governor

The Governor has made her intentions clear from the beginning that a tax referral must be a part of the budget package to give voters a choice on how much they want to cut from state government. While the move has created controversy within the Republican party, it’s a move that allows the Governor to claim issues such as education and healthcare, which are swing issues among important groups such as Republican an Independent women. Beyond the need for the tax, sometimes, the Governor has not been clear on what she is looking for, a fact not only has made her the target of Republican attacks, but the Democrats have focused in on her as well, capitalizing on the budget to question her leadership.

How She Wins: There are really two ways for the Governor to win. First, if she can actually get the sales tax to the ballot along with the net tax cuts, she will be able to claim total victory. This will mean either getting one or two more Republican senators to come along or landing a rouge Democrat who wants to cut a deal. With the Senate passing the budget deal that they already presented to her several weeks ago, there is a dark horse option for the Governor to consider. She could sign the Republican budget, leaving the Democrats holding the bag. She could explain how she wanted the better package that saved education, and blame a hyper-partisan nature of Democrats in the legislature who were unwilling to come along. Many forget that, despite tough opponents, the Brewer has never lost an election. Giving her a scapegoat and then moving on to mending fences with the conservatives give her the potential to make the cuts while still holding the “did her best to save education” chip.

How She Loses: The scenario spelled out in the Republican loss section is also likely the worse case option for the Governor, especially if she wants to seek re-election. Her veto of the budget has won her some favor among the supporters of education and the independents, but it does provide harm on the conservative side. A far-right conservative such as Martin, Len Munsil, or Andrew Thomas could challenge her in the primary and wage a bloody battle. Two scenarios could happen: One, the ultra conservative wins the Primary while Goddard runs uncontested. This leaves Goddard to stay more moderate, while the Conservative would go far-right in the Primary, and thus create positions that lose swing groups such as Republican women in the General. Or the second and more likely scenario is that since seated Governors rarely lose primary contests, chances are that Brewer would make it through, but not without being weakened significantly. The result would be a split Republican base not showing up for Brewer, leaving Goddard to snatch a victory.

Legislators Pass Property Tax Increase

2009-08-14T15:28:00.003-07:00

The headline isn't that far off. While they didn't directly pass a
tax increase, the fact they failed to pass a bill repealing the soon
to be reinstated property tax, it will go into effect on Monday. So
if your house is worth $176,200, you just got a $58 a year tax
increase. Businesses? Forget about it! 40 cents per $100 of
assessed value. Isn't this what these Legislators have been fighting
for all of these months?

Republic Version Here
Tribune Version Here

UPDATE: Evidently, Burns and Adams plan to kill the tax one way or another.

Opinion from Supreme Court Released

2009-08-13T15:37:00.004-07:00

The Supreme Court came out with their full opinion today. Basically, they agreed with the Governor becasue they agreed it caused "direct injury" to her by withholding the bill until the last second (actually, after the last second if we're getting technical here). This is all kind of a moot point but actually may still come to help the governor next year when I'm sure we'll be in this same situation on June 30th.

I read through part of it and although the State Constitution doesn't set a time line, it does say "when finally passed". The court agreed that when means now, not when you feel like it.

Comments from the Governor Here.

Governors Statement on Budget Breakdown Part III

2009-08-13T15:26:00.002-07:00

The Governor released a statement on the latest round of budget meltdowns.

“I trust the people of Arizona. But, I am deeply disappointed that some Members of the Arizona State Senate do not. They have so little trust in the voters, that they would once again delay the passage of a sound state budget, and deny the people an opportunity to protect critical funding for education, public safety, and care for our most vulnerable citizens. Their actions are irresponsible, create an increasing cost to state taxpayers and, if not resolved quickly, will do irreparable harm to our families and our economic future....

Here is the link for the continued release

And.....we're back to square 1

2009-08-12T16:02:00.001-07:00

Wow. Seriously wow. That's all I really have to say. In a non-surprising turn of events the Senate today voted against the key provision in Brewer's budget. In other words, they are sending the exact same budget that she vetoed on June 30th.

Seriously people. For the good of the state, just resign. We get your ideology. We understand you think you are better than everyone else. It's time for you to go now. In case you don't know who you are- it would be you Gorman and Gould. Every one of your major special interest groups, including King Norquist himself, endorsed the latest budget package, including letting the voters decide. Yet there you are, oblivious to what it means to be a leader.

So what's in store now? Well, a whole lot of irony. The Governor has to veto the bill. If it didn't work a month and a half ago, it ain't flying now. My guess is she'll get some Democrats. This is where the irony comes in. Democrat votes come with concessions. Which means, the tax cuts will be a little lower, the tax increase a little wider or a combination of both. Dems didn't vote for the package how it was, they won't vote for it after you buried it. So instead of taking a big Christmas gift and going home, you might have given up your last negotiating chip. How's that ideology working out for you now?

2010 Watch

2009-08-12T09:55:00.003-07:00

We're combing through the rumor mills, news stories, and blogs to give you the latest on the Governor's race in 2010.

Another Republican has jumped into the race for governor. Relatively unknown and self-described "Republican activist" Robert Graham has entered the race for the GOP primary. It appears that this might be the investment banker's first time running for office. Graham joins the string of relatively unknowns lining up to run, the question now is if he is willing to invest his own fortune in the race to raise his name ID.

The bigger news is that a higher profile candidate in the GOP primary may be in the wings. Yesterday, Treasurer Dean Martin said that he would ponder a run for Governor. Martin is not one to shy away from media attention, so we have to take this at pure speculation at this point. However, a protracted budget process which he has been able to stay out of combined with a record of fiscal conservatism would suit him well. The only potential wildcard is how older voters would react to his age, Dean Martin is only 34 years old.

If you have any juicy gossip or more information, please let us know at GovRace2010@yahoo.com.

No vote today and no election in November

2009-08-11T16:06:00.005-07:00

Well, no vote today on sending the tax measure to the ballot. When and if the vote does happen, it won't be for a November 3rd election. Sources at the Secretary of States office say it looks like the date will be December 8th at the earliest. That is of course, if and when a vote happens at the legislature.

Next day update: Here is the Republic article on the changing election date.

Arizona the Anti-California?

2009-08-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

There was a good op-ed in the Wall Street Journal today. It was yet another endorsement of the Governor's budget plans which now include corporate tax cuts and property tax cuts that are permanent, and a temporary sales tax increase ending after three years.

No vote today afterall

2009-08-11T12:44:00.001-07:00

It was expected today would be the day the legislature voted on referring the tax increase to the ballot along with massive tax cuts. Well, we've written that post and we'll probably write it again. Alas, it appears today will not be the day. Shocking I know. Everyone has given their blessing to this but there are still a few hold outs including all of the Democrats. We'll stay tuned to all of the developments and I'm sure will post on the next three or four flip flops.

Former Mesa Superitendent Debra Duvall Named Special Advisor

2009-08-07T15:15:00.001-07:00

Recently retired Superintendent of Mesa Public Schools has been named a special advisor to the Governor today to help with Arizona's participation in "Race to the Top" educational reform program.

Release can be found here.

A little break from State Politics

2009-08-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

While we've been wrapped up in the drama of Arizona State politics, there is plenty of national stuff going on. Guess what, it involves Governor Brewer. Well, only kind of. A press release today shed light on a letter sent by House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) to White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. The press release is titled "Issa to Emaniel: Back Off!" The contents are pretty great and they surround letters sent from various cabinet members to Governor Brewer asking her opinion and desire to continue receiving stimulus funds.

Click here to read the release

Gould for Gorman?

2009-08-04T13:20:00.002-07:00

Okay, we know politicians like their egos to be stroked but is this really a time for ego stroking? Why do I say ego stroking? Because that's exactly what Ron Gould throwing his hat into the Majority Whip race is. In case you didn't hear, Sen Pamela Gorman resigned today as Majority Whip.

In her letter she said "this tax increase is tearing our otherwise strong caucus apart and is 'taking on a life of its own' that is not healthy for our caucus, nor our party." She quickly forgets that she is one of only 2 or maybe 3 Senators that are left voting no. I understand her feelings but when you have Senators like Jack Harper voting yes after doing something we've been saying they should do for months (negotiate radical changes they want in exchange), it's a little ridiculous. Harper got comfortable doing it because the cuts are permanent while the tax could fail.

My favorite line from her resignation letter is quoting all of the wonderful successes of the session. including "solid Republican" bills. Tell me Senator, would those bills have had a chance with a Democrat Governor or Minority Republican status in either house? Don't think so.

No word yet on Governor Brewer's reaction to the change. The Senate is still meeting today but with Senator Chuck Gray on a cruise I don't think they have the votes. Gee, I wish my boss would let me skip out on work for a week.

E.J. Montini from the Republic had this to say. I'm sure he's probably off Gorman's Christmas Card list but then probably wasn't on there to start with.

Round of Applause for holding out this long

2009-08-01T00:34:00.001-07:00

I tip my hat to Tom Manos, the now former Deputy Chief of Staff for Finance. Effective today he is retiring for the administration. I can't say I blame him and bravo for staying on the extra month. When it was clear there is still a lot of work to do on the budget I think he figured now was the best time. I saw him give a presentation and he certainly knew his stuff.

Eileen Klein will be taking his place and I have heard nothing but good things about her. Hopefully they'll be done with this budget and can start focusing on fixing the issues that will certainly pop up in the '10 budget and the tsunami which is the '11 budget. I'm sure Manos is going to really enjoy his first weekend in a long long time.

Press Release Here.

Re-post stories???

2009-07-31T13:53:00.000-07:00

So I'm wondering if I should just repost stories from the beginning of the month. Although it was a closer call last night then on the 30th, the House got their business done, approving the budget, special election and of the other tax cuts but the Senate was held up by a member or two. It sounds like Gorman is the final dissenting no vote with Gould being a staunch no vote from the get go (Not Ron Gould by the way has had some zingers).

It really is amazing that more cuts than tax revenue isn't enough for the ideologues. With the cuts being a sure thing and the temporary tax increase, in their eyes, a sure to fail proposal; what is to gain here?

So it looks like next Tuesday is the day. The Dems meanwhile have their talking points and are sticking to them. Even Terry Goddard has chimed in after being silent through the entire process. While I don't blame them for saying the things they are, their proposals have been unrealistic and too far to the left to be considered viable options. Some would say true leaders (even when in minority positions) come up with good ideas that actually have a chance to be implemented. Every proposal I saw from them was just too far out in left field to even be considered.

Republic has coverage of last night here.

News Conference

2009-07-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

A news conference has been called for 4:00 PM and it includes the
Governor, Speaker Adams, and Senator Burns.
Details have leaked out but seem to change by the minute. The latest
is a temporary tax over three years of 1%, 1%, .5%.
We'll post all the giving and taking with the final proposal when it's
announced.

Budgets and Polls and Judges Oh My!

2009-07-28T11:29:00.001-07:00

Busy day today so I'll try and wrap it up with the big stuff. Basically, it can be summed up that this week is a big one for the Governor.

A deal must be reached by Friday for a special November election on a temporary sales tax. Rumor has it the votes are there and they are just fine tuning the details and working out the last bit of negotiation. If the far right conservatives are smart, they'll negotiate spending freezes or other permanent measures in exchange for a temporary tax. Who knows how much longer they'll be in the majority so you might as well get what you can now.

A new poll by the national polling firm Rasmussen is out today. This is hot on the heals from the Realtor's sponsored poll showing wide support for the temporary tax. The Rasmussen Poll has a couple of keys questions in it I'm sure the Governor and every Legislator has looked at. First, the sales tax question came out 57% Yes, 38%, No 5% Not Sure. Close to the numbers we've been hearing in the first 3 or 4 polls. Other questions were job approval by the Gov- 48% approval. Brewers handling of the budget crisis- 76% Fair or better. Legislature's handing of the budget crisis- only 55% fair or better. So tell me again, with all of this cover why are some legislators still so intent on fighting it? Principles isn't an answer either- remember, these 90 people are politicians.

Finally, Brewer announced today that Arizona Court of Appeals Judge John Pelander will be the newest Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court. He's a Tucson attorney and judge first appointed to the AZ Court of Appeals by Governor Fife Symington.

What ever happened to Napolitano's PAC?

2009-07-27T10:56:00.003-07:00

Back in 2007, then-Governor Janet Napolitano opened her Competitive Edge PAC with a great deal of fanfare and speculation that it was a precursor to a run for Senate. Two years later, the PAC goes out with a wimper, shutting down in May of this year. You can check out the complete financial disclosure right here.

There are a lot of interesting tidbits within the reports, including the fact that it appears that the PAC was never really able to raise more than $300,0000. Not quite the powerhouse PAC that was predicted at the launch. We're sure more research would reveal even more tidbits, but the final disbursements is what really caught our eye. The PAC itself held on to nearly $170,000 until the end, spending very little comparitively during the 2008 Election Cycle.

In the termination report, this is how they spent their final money:

The Arizona Democratic Party - $5000
Harry Mitchell for Congress - $10,000
Pastor for Arizona - $10,000
Giffords for Congress - $10,000
A Whole Lot of People for Grijalva - $10,000
Kirkpatrick for Arizona - $10,000

The committee has 3 main consultants on the payroll, who received money not only in the termination statement, but throughout its time in operation. Here is just what they received in the final report:

The Copperstate Group received $15,000. Not to be confused with Stan Barnes and the Copperstate Consulting Group, this Arizona/DC based consulting group received the bulk of the consulting fees from the PAC during its operation. The business is run by another in Napolitano's orbit, Michael Frias, who is the former campaign director for the Arizona Democratic Party.

CommonCentsConsulting, LLC received $3,000. This group is run by democratic operatives Darryl Tattrie and Richard Luckhard-Tattrie who have made thousands of dollars in donations to Democratic causes over the past few years.

Rankin Consulting, LLC received $2,000. Devin Rankin is the former deputy finance director and current development director for the Arizona Democratic party. Also, Rankin also worked for Bob Lord for Congress and finance consultant for the PAC during the same exact period of time. Was Rankin being paid by the PAC to help Lord?

The Committee disbursed its final $87,000 to AERO an economic development group founded and operated by Napolitano's friends and former employees. The group is also managed by Sal Rivera who helped launch the PAC in the first place.

In the end, it appears that the Competive Edge PAC was little more than a short lived slush fund for Napolitano to reward her friends and bankroll Democrat loyalists.

How many is this now?

2009-07-24T10:36:00.001-07:00

So maybe that whole hubbub about a tax actually passing is really why they're so against it. I'll say this, with each new poll that comes out it's kind of hard to dispute that it's probably what the voters want. This is at least the third poll released (rumors have it there are polls conducted by other uber-conservative groups that have been buried for obvious reasons) that shows overwhelming support for a temporary sales tax.

I still haven't gotten a real good reason why the people of Arizona can't possibly have the opportunity to weigh in one way or another on this issue. Lets vote already and move on.

Republic Coverage Here.

We're in the money, we're in the money!!

2009-07-23T10:59:00.001-07:00

Oh wait...we're still a few billion short to balance the budget?
Dang! Well, I guess we can't complain too much since it's a TON of
free money (I know, it's really our money...okay our grandkids' money).

The state received $61 Million from the feds earlier than we
expected. The governor will use the money for education, healthcare,
public safety and economic development. The money is to be used at
the discretion of the governor and I'd sure love to have $61 mil in my
bank account!

Brewer applies for H1N1 Grant Funds

2009-07-20T16:24:00.001-07:00

Governor Brewer today submitted an application to the Federal
Government for $7 million in grant funds with the goal of being better
prepared for flu season this year. The Swine Flu news has died down
compared to its height, but it is still considered a major problem
likely to pop up again in force soon. The application appears to be
in conjunction with indian tribes throughout the state.

While not on par with a Katrina like disaster since it's a worldwide
issue, not being prepared when flu season kicks off could be a big no
no so it's good the office is taking steps.

Someone's got a case of the Monday's

2009-07-20T14:20:00.002-07:00

Only 12 senators and 26 House members showed up today so both chambers adjourned until next week without a quorum today. I'm really glad there is NO urgency to get anything fixed with the budget. They probably feel it's okay since they aren't getting paid but it might be time to start taking some money back. They didn't finish the job when they were supposed to so why pay them for the work?

Signed bills, a few vetoes, and a special election?

2009-07-14T10:42:00.002-07:00

Just because I'm reading Howie Fischer print it doesn't mean I actually fully believe it. That's just how it seems to have gone this Legislative Session. The Governor signed 190 (yes only 190!) bills and vetoed 22. The biggest headline grabbers are the guns in bars (no this isn't The Onion), abortion restrictions, and sparklers vetoes.

The other story to come out is that the GOP might be ready to give the thumbs up to the special election for a temporary sales tax. Most of those hesitant all along are saying they'll only go along with it since it seem inevitable and will start campaigning against the tax immediately. A few are saying they'll use the opportunity to try and get some reforms that may offset the tax (something we've been saying for months now by the way).

That won't stop Ron Gould though (not to be confused with NotRonGould). He motioned to end the Special Session yesterday but was met with crickets. He definitely is in the running for the MOST conservative in the Senate and I'm sure his feelings aren't that hurt that he was left standing alone after his motion.

Brewer's Prayers Being Answered?

2009-07-10T14:26:00.001-07:00

The Governor has a day job but by the sounds of it might be a convincing pastor after she's done running the state. Brewer went to Gilbert last night to participate in the East Valley Bible Church's weekly meeting that is open to the public. In case anyone was wondering how serious Brewer was, or if she knew what she was risking, the following quote is pretty telling.

"It sure doesn't help my career," she said, speaking to a near-full house Thursday night. "It's not an easy thing, but it has to be done."

Where the prayers are being answered comes later in the article. The reporter surveyed and got quotes from a few people and it looked like after hearing what Brewer had to say, they understood and were more open to a tax increase. This is probably why many of the hard right conservatives are adamant about not letting it go to a vote. When the information gets out and the severity of the problem is presented, people seem to understand and be more open to a temporary tax. The polling data seems to show that and now that's a main argument by those most opposed by it. I guess we don't know what's best for us or what we really want.

Brewer begins bill signing

2009-07-10T14:08:00.001-07:00

Governor Brewer signed the first 19 bills of the post-session with
the biggest headline grabbers being the Veteran Benefits bills. She
still had about 165 bills left to sign, veto, or allow to go into law
without her signature. A full list will be available on Tuesday and
I'm sure we'll hear some crying because she's bound to veto a few bills.

Brewer to OK budget deal

2009-07-08T11:10:00.002-07:00

Governor Brewer was expected to spend some time Wednesday with a pen signing into law the state budget deal approved on Monday. The bills, meant to ensure funding for public education set to expire on the 15th also protects more than $2 billion in stimulus money.

It looks like the enormity and reality of the situation might be catching up to a few people. Brewer has dug her heels in and has said that since the Legislature won't pass it, she wants the voters to have the final decision. Russell Pearce has said that for a few weeks and President Bob Burns admits now it's probably time. Most of these lawmakers have commented that they are positive it will fail, which brings me to this conclusion. They are deathly afraid and know it will probably pass. If it failed it would be a mandate for cuts and they would have an open ticket to all the cuts they wanted and more. If it passed, they have the cover they need for their constituents because this was a voter approved tax.

The irony of this whole mess is that the new budget is around $2 billion out of whack as we speak. The Governor and Legislators will have to work over the next few months to fill the holes. As a noble gesture, our elected representatives will forgo pay while they aren't working. Now only if we can not pay them unless they actually do the job they were elected to do.

Press Release about Bill signing

First step to compromise...

2009-07-06T15:39:00.003-07:00

Well, at least they are starting off getting along. I'm on the road so the following is copied from the Republic.

Legislative leaders have reached a bipartisan agreement that would restore K-12 funding and make other budget changes necessary to preserve the state's receipt of more than $2 billion in federal stimulus funding, The Arizona Republic has learned.

The deal, details of which are yet to be formally released, comes on the first day of a special session ordered last week by Gov. Jan Brewer. Once the package is approved, which may come as early as today, rank-and-file lawmakers would be able to return to their home districts. The special session would remain open, though lawmakers would not receive per diem, and legislative leaders would continue to negotiate with Brewer regarding other budget issues, most notably her continued insistence on a temporary tax increase.

If a further agreement was reached with Brewer on the tax and other issues, lawmakers would return to the Capitol to consider it. That could come any time between two weeks and two months from now.

Brewer's office has not yet indicated how she views the proposal.

At least we won't be wasting any more money on per diem they don't deserve.

Will a weekend of BBQ'ing and fireworks prevent fireworks at the capitol?

2009-07-06T12:04:00.001-07:00

My first inclination would be to say no. Considering Senate President
Burns probably feels like a National Lampoons movie, this is not the
Summer Vacation he had planned. Hopefully he grilled some bratwurst
this weekend because as of now that's about as close to Germany as
he's getting. About an hour from now, the Legislature is scheduled to
come back early from vacation to start a special session called by the
Governor. On the agenda is another go at a special election to let
the voters decide on a tax increase.

Over the weekend I did a lot of thinking and reading. As we declared
our independence in 1776, we did so not because we were against
taxation, but because we were against taxation without
representation. As we sit here on July 6th, our representatives have
failed to come up with a budget that is either balanced or will win
the approval of the final signature needed. One of the great things
our State Constitution allows is the ability for the citizens to
decide in essence the laws of the state.

If our representatives have failed to come to a compromise in the
expected timeframe, is it time for the citizens to have the final
say? Is voting for a tax increase and allowing the voters to decide
on one really the same thing if a compromise on a balanced budget
cannot be had?

Let the mud and flaming arrows fly

2009-07-03T10:03:00.001-07:00

There is a full out attack on the Executive Tower and they are fighting back from the top of the castle. I think anyone would be hard pressed to find another time when intra-party fighting was this ugly.

Senate President Burns started with the first shot. His flaming arrow was "It appears the governor is having problems managing the level of responsibility to which she has been elevated." Ouch.

The fireball from the 9th floor- "Politics is often very difficult, and President Burns has a tremendous leadership burden. I continue to have respect for him as he struggles to fulfill the challenges of his office."

Regardless of the the outcome with the referendum or the budget, can the Republicans recover from this and maintain any control in 2010?

Trib story here

Sine Die for now

2009-07-01T13:08:00.001-07:00

Well there you have it. After an all nighter the budget was passed and the gavel struck at 7:30 calling an end to the most dysfunctional legislative session in the history of Arizona. I can comfortably call it that since 5 days from now, everyone will be back to do it all again.

The Governor today used her line item veto to mark out the parts of the budget she didn't like and was only willing to put up with if there was going to be an election in November for a temporary sales tax increase. Well, that never made it to the floor to be voted on by either legislative body. Brewer today called a special session bringing them all back with the agenda to fix the issues and pass the special sales tax. The state in the meantime is still functioning but nothing would surprise me at this point so I wouldn't say we're out of the woods.

Lots of stuff to read so here are the links.

Governor's Statement and Call for Special Session

Call for Special Session

Vetoed Bills

A new judge lost in all of this

2009-06-30T21:10:00.001-07:00

Lost in all of this budget mess was the fact that Governor Brewer now
has three potential replacements for retiring Chief Justice Ruth
McGregor for the Supreme Court. The three finalists, a Democrat and
two Republicans are as follows: Court of Appeals Chief Judge Ann Scott
Timmer, Court of Appeals Chief Judge A. John Pelander, and Appellate
Judge Diane M. Johnsen. Brewer intends to interview each and is
assumed to have the pick completed by the end of July.

It all comes down to today

2009-06-30T09:47:00.002-07:00

Well, today is the day. Even if the budget doesn't pass and they either shut down the Government or pass a few bills in the meantime to keep things afloat, today will determine who is still an elected representative come next November. If the state shuts down, I will take any bets that Republicans will lose seats in both chambers next year. The survey data is too clear for it not to happen. Will Brewer be able to escape a lot of the blame? How much attention nationally does Arizona get, and does that turn into big Democrat donations next cycle?

We may all look back to today as the day that changed the political landscape in Arizona.

UPDATE: The Senate Rules Committee just killed on a 1-5 vote the sales tax portion of the budget. It looks like midnight is probably going to pass without a budget.

Budget Drama All Around

2009-06-29T13:13:00.001-07:00

So after working all day Saturday, everyone decided to come back with fresh eyes on Monday morning and get the budget bills passed.

Well that was a novel idea that hasn't exactly panned out.

With just a day and a half left, the clock is ticking and with events like today it looks like the likelihood of a shutdown growing each minute.

Budget Deal Confirmed

2009-06-26T12:08:00.002-07:00

From the GOP Senate Website.

We can confirm that a budget deal has been reached. The proposal will consist of four components:
1) The passage of the budget bills which were voted on earlier this month.
2) A set of trailer bills to the budget package.
3) A flat tax proposal.
4) A sales tax referral to the ballot.

Members will be briefed today. More details to follow.

AZ Republic Coverage Here

Budget compromise reached?

2009-06-25T14:18:00.001-07:00

Tentative word is that an agreement has been reached on the budget.
The budget that has been passed but not transmitted to Brewer would be
accompanied by trailer bills effectively changing some of the areas
the Governor didn't agree with. We'll see who gave up what but it
looks like the Governor will get the temporary tax increase on
November 2009's budget, in exchange for much deeper cuts than she
proposed.

It also sounds like the Homebuilder bailout impact fee moratoriums are
out too.

I'm sure we'll hear something today or tomorrow.

2010 Watch

2009-06-24T14:36:00.004-07:00

We're combing through the rumor mills, news stories, and blogs to give you the latest on the Governor's race in 2010.

The Arizona Guardian is twittering that millionaire Jim Pederson is out of the 2010 Governor's race. At this time, we are unsure if he intends to mount a challenge in a different race (perhaps McCain?) or if he will sit this election out.

While the Democrats appear to be clearing the field for a clean General Election for Terry Goddard, Republican infighting continues between the current Governor and legislature. The final result, although still a mystery at this time, will likely lead to a hotly contested primary. Goddard, on the other hand, has stayed well above the fray and carries no baggage from the Republicans' proposed deep budget cuts.

Combined with the national disillusionment with the current Republican Party and prominent Republicans like Mark Sanford in trouble, the Democrats may have the advantage this year.

If you have any juicy gossip or more information, please let us know at GovRace2010@yahoo.com.

Bills can gather dust

2009-06-23T16:02:00.005-07:00

The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled and they will not order the
Legislature to send the approved budget bills to the Governor. More
details to come.

From AZ Central's Political Insider

The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that the Legislature should not delay in sending the state budget bills to Gov. Jan Brewer.

But the court said it won't grant Brewer's request to compel the Legislature to send her the budget bills immediately.

"The Legislature has committed to this court that it will present the bills at issue to the Governor no later than June 30, 2009, only five working days from today," Chief Justice wrote for the court. "Under these unique circumstances, although we accept jurisdiction, in our discretion, we deny the relief requested."

The opinion was issued less than five hours after the court heard arguments in the case of Brewer v. Burns.

A full opinion will follow, McGregor wrote.

UPDATE: The Governor has released the following statement.

PHOENIX – “I agree with today’s ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court that stated: ‘The Court concludes that, after the Legislature finally passes a bill, the Legislature cannot delay presenting it to the Governor beyond that time needed to complete required ministerial duties.’ Further, the ruling states, ‘Presentment of the bills involved in this matter did not occur within the time mandated by the Arizona Constitution.’

“The Legislature should adhere to its clear constitutional and legal duties, and present me with the budget bills, passed 18 days ago, without further delay. Anything less than an expedient presentment of the bills to my office is clearly a violation of the Arizona Constitution as found today by the Supreme Court. The Legislature should not continue to hold these bills hostage, and should instead transmit the bills immediately.”