While there is definite celebration by Democrats nationally, there was not as much to cheer for here at home in Arizona. It was speculated that the Governor's decisive vistory in 2006 and the larger turnout for Obama would allow Democrats to make some major headway in Arizona. So far, its not looking so good for Team Napolitano.
First, her hand picked candidate for Maricopa County Attorney General, Tim Nelson, was beaten out by Andrew Thomas by a 51.6% to 44.1% margin.
Second, bolstered by warnings from some Republicans about the Democrats' chances, they had a strategy to focus a lot of money on "swing" districts in an attempt to get a majority in the State House. Long story short, their effort fell flat and the Republicans appear to be poised to gain back a couple of seats that were lost after 2006.
Third, a week or two before the election, Napolitano's popularity along with democratic efforts to drive turnout were supposed to be able to make Arizona competitive. In fact, a week before the election, Obama and McCain were supposed to be neck and neck - thus, embarassing Senator McCain and boosting Dem's chances of taking the Senate seat in 2010. McCain was able to take Arizona with a 53.7% to 45.1% spread - gathering 1,012,878 votes in 2008 to the 959,830 that Napolitano got in 2006. That's more than 53,000 more votes than Napolitano in her landslide victory.
Finally, Prop 101, the healthcare initiative she decided to take on after the failure of her transportation and state trust land initiatives failed, is still too close to call. To her credit, it looks like her wish might come true and the initiative may meet narrow defeat despite the missteps of her No campaign.
All in all, the boldness and the scope and depth of these plans should certainly be commended. However, it doesn't look like the efforts combined with the failed primary efforts to secure moderate Republicans has succeeded.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Will she stay or will she go?
Election Day is finally here. Recent surveys and other indicators (270towin.com already calling the race for Obama according to their map) show that Obama is likely the next President of the United States. So, then the question really becomes "Does Governor Napolitano stay or does she go?"
Team Napolitano's hype machine has fired back up giving her credit for putting the Dems before the Republicans on the ballot this year. They are also setting her up as a major factor in swing districts such as District 12 the day before the election. Is this to make sure that she leaves on a high note, or is it an attempt to build her clout for a Senate run in 2010?
Though she was skipped in Obama's infomercial, she has been out stumping for him across the country and is still on the cabinet list. She is also being hailed as a winner in this election because she was an early Obama supporter and helped bolster his campaign and help it gain credibility.
Anyway, on the day of one of the biggest elections in modern history, the Presidency will likely be decided, but it will most likely create murkiness here in Arizona.
Team Napolitano's hype machine has fired back up giving her credit for putting the Dems before the Republicans on the ballot this year. They are also setting her up as a major factor in swing districts such as District 12 the day before the election. Is this to make sure that she leaves on a high note, or is it an attempt to build her clout for a Senate run in 2010?
Though she was skipped in Obama's infomercial, she has been out stumping for him across the country and is still on the cabinet list. She is also being hailed as a winner in this election because she was an early Obama supporter and helped bolster his campaign and help it gain credibility.
Anyway, on the day of one of the biggest elections in modern history, the Presidency will likely be decided, but it will most likely create murkiness here in Arizona.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Another fumble for Team Napolitano. As if dropping the ball on the two initiatives weren't enough, the Governor's team has screwed up again, this time, displaying the state seal in a postcard decrying Prop 101. According to the Yes on 101 committee, the display is a violation of state law and “any person who knowingly violates this section is guilty of a Class 3 Misdemeanor.”
As we mentioned earlier, we saw opposing Prop 101 as a way for her to remain relevant this election. However, this is probably not what she had in mind.
What is even more interesting is that Napolitano has appeared in a barrage of recent Democratic slate mail encouraging change at all levels of government. In the postcards, the same picture of Napolitano is used, but with the state seal photoshopped out.
So the Democratic party appears to be keeping up better with the law than Napolitano's hand picked team.
As we mentioned earlier, we saw opposing Prop 101 as a way for her to remain relevant this election. However, this is probably not what she had in mind.
What is even more interesting is that Napolitano has appeared in a barrage of recent Democratic slate mail encouraging change at all levels of government. In the postcards, the same picture of Napolitano is used, but with the state seal photoshopped out.
So the Democratic party appears to be keeping up better with the law than Napolitano's hand picked team.
Janet Cams making friends
Well, the Janet Cameras are finally up and running. We have received reports from all over the valley that the portable cameras are up and moving daily - sometimes more than once in a day. A blog has already popped up which is keeping track of locations.
What is interesting is that people are noting a distinct lack of speed limit signs on some of the highways, which makes it sort of difficult to keep track of speeds. Perhaps they should be required to post a speed limit reminder with the traffic camera warning so people could actually make sure they are heading at the right speed instead of slowing down to 45 mph or lower to make sure they don't get pinched.
All of this and still a potential $1 billion budget deficit this year. We hope someone is keeping close watch on the citations. We are anxiously awaiting one of the legislators who voted for the budget and the speed cameras to get pinched and pay the $165 fine.
What is interesting is that people are noting a distinct lack of speed limit signs on some of the highways, which makes it sort of difficult to keep track of speeds. Perhaps they should be required to post a speed limit reminder with the traffic camera warning so people could actually make sure they are heading at the right speed instead of slowing down to 45 mph or lower to make sure they don't get pinched.
All of this and still a potential $1 billion budget deficit this year. We hope someone is keeping close watch on the citations. We are anxiously awaiting one of the legislators who voted for the budget and the speed cameras to get pinched and pay the $165 fine.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Still think Napolitano is staying?
While the economy is faltering and the state budget is unravelling, where is Governor Napolitano?
Kicking off events in the East Valley for Harry Mitchell (who was not very brave when it came to the bailout plan) and travelling to Reno to support Obama. The economic crisis actually has an interesting effect for Napolitano: it makes her popularity in Arizona sink and she can be partially to blame, but it increases Obama's popularity because most people nationally blame the White House for the current mess.
So as the economy worsens, which horse do you think she jumps on? If Obama wins, do you think she stays in Arizona and takes responsibility for the budget, or does she go to DC to help bring about "change?"
Kicking off events in the East Valley for Harry Mitchell (who was not very brave when it came to the bailout plan) and travelling to Reno to support Obama. The economic crisis actually has an interesting effect for Napolitano: it makes her popularity in Arizona sink and she can be partially to blame, but it increases Obama's popularity because most people nationally blame the White House for the current mess.
So as the economy worsens, which horse do you think she jumps on? If Obama wins, do you think she stays in Arizona and takes responsibility for the budget, or does she go to DC to help bring about "change?"
Gov's budget plan not welcomed with open arms
JLBC did not welcome the Governor's budget plan with open arms. The biggest issue? There are members who believe the shortfall that will be as high as $1.2 billion, whereas the Governor thinks the shortfall will only be about $800 million or 1/3rd lower than the doomsday scenario.
My question is, why not plan for the worst and hope for the best? With the economy supressed as it is, it wouldn't be the end of the world to have a little money left over at the end instead of having to revise the budget over and over. Its like having a mortgage to big to pay, but cutting back on groceries, expenses, gas, trying to make ends meet before admitting you have to sell the house.
Even the Republic admits that there are troubled times ahead:
"If anyone thought this budget fix was going to be easy, not to mention the looming deficit for the 2009-10 fiscal year, this is an early warning sign of choppy waters ahead."
Wonder if they are ready to say that trying to spend increased lottery winnings and other schemes may not have been such a good idea. Especially since lottery winnings are down.
My question is, why not plan for the worst and hope for the best? With the economy supressed as it is, it wouldn't be the end of the world to have a little money left over at the end instead of having to revise the budget over and over. Its like having a mortgage to big to pay, but cutting back on groceries, expenses, gas, trying to make ends meet before admitting you have to sell the house.
Even the Republic admits that there are troubled times ahead:
"If anyone thought this budget fix was going to be easy, not to mention the looming deficit for the 2009-10 fiscal year, this is an early warning sign of choppy waters ahead."
Wonder if they are ready to say that trying to spend increased lottery winnings and other schemes may not have been such a good idea. Especially since lottery winnings are down.
Napolitano's Pick for Maricopa Attorney General Hit with Barrage
Tim Nelson has not been able to get his story straight since Andrew Thomas starting going after him on his record regarding the Death penalty. Thomas has gotten Nelson off of message, it will be interesting to see how long he will stay that way. Here is the latest from the Thomas campaign:
NO WAY JOSE
County Attorney Thomas Asks Tim Nelson to Come Clean About Fighting the Death Penalty for Convicted Double Murderer; Three Days of Inconsistencies Lead to Demand
Nelson Still Hasn’t Explained Campaign Claims That Death Penalty Undermines Public Safety
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 2, 2008 - Since revelations that he fought the death penalty for convicted double murderer Jose Ceja, County Attorney candidate Tim Nelson has provided three days of tortured inconsistencies in attempting to explain away his representation.
County Attorney Andrew Thomas today demanded that Nelson finally level with the public about the circumstances.
*Earlier this week Nelson’s campaign claimed he was “trying hard to remember how all of this happened.”(PolitickerAZ.com, 9/30/08)
*Nelson then claimed he and his firm were “…appointed by the court to be the legal representation on Ceja's case.”(PolitickerAZ.com, 9/30/08) THIS IS FALSE. NELSON AND HIS FIRM VOLUNTEERED TO REPRESENT CEJA. THEY ASKED TO BE ASSIGNED TO THE CASE NINE MONTHS AFTER CEJA’S EXECUTION TO RECOVER FEES. (Application for Approval of Appointment as Counsel, filed 10/6/98).
*According to a political website that interviewed Nelson’s campaign manager, Nelson was an “associate” at the law firm at the time, essentially implying that he had no choice but to defend Ceja (PolitickerAZ.com, 9/29/08). But at Wednesday night’s county attorney debate Nelson claimed to be a partner then: "In fact, I was a partner there at the time of the Ceja case." (MAN Debate, 10/1/08).
*With various media and in forums Nelson said he only did “research” on the case and "I happen not to have written any briefs" (MAN Debate, 10/1/08). BUT PREVIOUSLY HE ADMITTED TO A MUCH LARGER ROLE: "I wrote a legal appeal making a final argument for life imprisonment for Ceja's crime." (PolitickerAZ.com 9/30/08)
It’s time for Tim Nelson to stop playing games and to level with the public on this key issue. He sought to prevent the execution of a convicted double murderer in the only death penalty case he has ever been involved in," Thomas said.
“There are plenty of people in law enforcement who oppose the death penalty on philosophical or religious grounds. For whatever reason, Nelson doesn’t want to level with me, the media or the public about his involvement. To claim that he was somehow forced to do this is blatantly false. I have worked in big law firms myself and if anyone, at any time, had asked me to stop the execution of a double-murderer I would have immediately said no thank you,” said Thomas.
Thomas said Nelson has still failed to explain claims during his attempt to spin his Ceja representation how the death penalty actually undermines public safety.
Ceja brutally murdered a Phoenix couple. He shot the wife two times in the chest before dragging her to another room and shooting her four more times in the head. He shot the husband four times. He kicked the victims as they lay dead or dying. He later threatened to kill his own wife.
Ceja was convicted and sentenced to the death penalty.
Nelson volunteered to represent Ceja, and to fight his death sentence even though Ceja’s own wife wanted him put to death.
Nelson argued that Ceja had already endured “torture” by spending so much time on death row. He said the death penalty wasn’t warranted after Ceja had allegedly exhibited his “non-violent behavior by living without incident on death row,” and with “honor and dignity.”
This, despite Ceja’s wife reporting publicly that he had threatened to kill her from death row. This, despite Department of Corrections records listing 18 disciplinary actions for Ceja including “throwing objects” and “rioting.”
For more information please contact Jason Rose or Jim Sharpe.
-30-
County Attorney Thomas Asks Tim Nelson to Come Clean About Fighting the Death Penalty for Convicted Double Murderer; Three Days of Inconsistencies Lead to Demand
Nelson Still Hasn’t Explained Campaign Claims That Death Penalty Undermines Public Safety
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 2, 2008 - Since revelations that he fought the death penalty for convicted double murderer Jose Ceja, County Attorney candidate Tim Nelson has provided three days of tortured inconsistencies in attempting to explain away his representation.
County Attorney Andrew Thomas today demanded that Nelson finally level with the public about the circumstances.
*Earlier this week Nelson’s campaign claimed he was “trying hard to remember how all of this happened.”(PolitickerAZ.com, 9/30/08)
*Nelson then claimed he and his firm were “…appointed by the court to be the legal representation on Ceja's case.”(PolitickerAZ.com, 9/30/08) THIS IS FALSE. NELSON AND HIS FIRM VOLUNTEERED TO REPRESENT CEJA. THEY ASKED TO BE ASSIGNED TO THE CASE NINE MONTHS AFTER CEJA’S EXECUTION TO RECOVER FEES. (Application for Approval of Appointment as Counsel, filed 10/6/98).
*According to a political website that interviewed Nelson’s campaign manager, Nelson was an “associate” at the law firm at the time, essentially implying that he had no choice but to defend Ceja (PolitickerAZ.com, 9/29/08). But at Wednesday night’s county attorney debate Nelson claimed to be a partner then: "In fact, I was a partner there at the time of the Ceja case." (MAN Debate, 10/1/08).
*With various media and in forums Nelson said he only did “research” on the case and "I happen not to have written any briefs" (MAN Debate, 10/1/08). BUT PREVIOUSLY HE ADMITTED TO A MUCH LARGER ROLE: "I wrote a legal appeal making a final argument for life imprisonment for Ceja's crime." (PolitickerAZ.com 9/30/08)
It’s time for Tim Nelson to stop playing games and to level with the public on this key issue. He sought to prevent the execution of a convicted double murderer in the only death penalty case he has ever been involved in," Thomas said.
“There are plenty of people in law enforcement who oppose the death penalty on philosophical or religious grounds. For whatever reason, Nelson doesn’t want to level with me, the media or the public about his involvement. To claim that he was somehow forced to do this is blatantly false. I have worked in big law firms myself and if anyone, at any time, had asked me to stop the execution of a double-murderer I would have immediately said no thank you,” said Thomas.
Thomas said Nelson has still failed to explain claims during his attempt to spin his Ceja representation how the death penalty actually undermines public safety.
Ceja brutally murdered a Phoenix couple. He shot the wife two times in the chest before dragging her to another room and shooting her four more times in the head. He shot the husband four times. He kicked the victims as they lay dead or dying. He later threatened to kill his own wife.
Ceja was convicted and sentenced to the death penalty.
Nelson volunteered to represent Ceja, and to fight his death sentence even though Ceja’s own wife wanted him put to death.
Nelson argued that Ceja had already endured “torture” by spending so much time on death row. He said the death penalty wasn’t warranted after Ceja had allegedly exhibited his “non-violent behavior by living without incident on death row,” and with “honor and dignity.”
This, despite Ceja’s wife reporting publicly that he had threatened to kill her from death row. This, despite Department of Corrections records listing 18 disciplinary actions for Ceja including “throwing objects” and “rioting.”
For more information please contact Jason Rose or Jim Sharpe.
-30-
Second, where is Napolitano in all of this? This was her hand picked guy. She came out with some other folks in favor of Nelson a few weeks back, but she appears to be fairly quiet since then. If their goal is to beat up on Thomas about domestic violence, why isn't she taking the lead?
Friday, September 19, 2008
Governor eyeing a Rally?
Like a bad penny, the discussions about the failure of the transportation initiative and the state-trust land initiative keep turning up. In this fairly quiet time following the Primary Election, there hasn't been much to talk about. However, it looks like Governor Napolitano is looking for ways to rally.
She is going to join Obama in Florida to campaign for him. This will help get her back in the news, especially with her cheerleaders since they are all breathlessly announcing that Obama is "back on message."
She was also recently named New Dem of the Week by the Democratic Leadership Council. This type of positive attention will help her get past the failures of late and help bolster her position against the impending budget issues that are heading her way in the wake of sagging revenues.
Finally, she is taking aim at Prop 101, the so-called "Medical Choice" initiative. The initiative is considered to be confusing by some and it now is raising questions about if it has the potential of hurting the healthcare options for the poor. On the surface, she sounds like she is fighting choice, but the devil, they say, is in the details. If Napolitano can stick to arguing about the unitended consequences of this initiative and stay away from the socialized medicine aspect, she may have found a way to be relevant in this election.
She is going to join Obama in Florida to campaign for him. This will help get her back in the news, especially with her cheerleaders since they are all breathlessly announcing that Obama is "back on message."
She was also recently named New Dem of the Week by the Democratic Leadership Council. This type of positive attention will help her get past the failures of late and help bolster her position against the impending budget issues that are heading her way in the wake of sagging revenues.
Finally, she is taking aim at Prop 101, the so-called "Medical Choice" initiative. The initiative is considered to be confusing by some and it now is raising questions about if it has the potential of hurting the healthcare options for the poor. On the surface, she sounds like she is fighting choice, but the devil, they say, is in the details. If Napolitano can stick to arguing about the unitended consequences of this initiative and stay away from the socialized medicine aspect, she may have found a way to be relevant in this election.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Is Napolitano losing her mojo?
Even the Arizona Republic is starting to wonder what is going on with Governor Janet Napolitano. In an out of character review, the oft-fawning paper questions if Napolitano's powers are waning in the wake of failed initiative efforts and departing staff positions. Will she return her focus to the state with the Presidential contest is over?
One of the most interesting points from this article is the notion that for the first six years, the Governor, while doing very little, has been able to gather the perception of a juggernaut. She won on all-day kindergarden and well... that is about it. CPS is still a mess and the surplus that she bragged about gathering is now dust in the wind from a controversial budget that depends on borrowing and lottery winnings to make ends meet.
Some have argued that the key to her "dominance" was doing very little, making calculated moves with incremental success. It was enough success to get re-elected by wide margins. However, now in her second term, her team is trying to do more to leave a legacy and implement their agenda. Meanwhile, the Democrats are also depending on her cache to help sweep more Dems into office this cycle.
Basically, its her show, she's the star, and the world is waiting on her to get things done. The first test - the ballot initiatives - was a miserable defeat. It was the Governor's plan, executed by the Governor's people and a combination of strategic errors and inexperience doomed both.
Next up, the Novemer election. Assuming Tim Nelson wins the Primary today, he'll become the symbol of the Governor's influence on candidate races. Clearly, Nelson is her pick and he is even on record claiming that her name is what is helping him raise the big money. We'll see if he is able to topple Andrew Thomas.
One of the most interesting points from this article is the notion that for the first six years, the Governor, while doing very little, has been able to gather the perception of a juggernaut. She won on all-day kindergarden and well... that is about it. CPS is still a mess and the surplus that she bragged about gathering is now dust in the wind from a controversial budget that depends on borrowing and lottery winnings to make ends meet.
Some have argued that the key to her "dominance" was doing very little, making calculated moves with incremental success. It was enough success to get re-elected by wide margins. However, now in her second term, her team is trying to do more to leave a legacy and implement their agenda. Meanwhile, the Democrats are also depending on her cache to help sweep more Dems into office this cycle.
Basically, its her show, she's the star, and the world is waiting on her to get things done. The first test - the ballot initiatives - was a miserable defeat. It was the Governor's plan, executed by the Governor's people and a combination of strategic errors and inexperience doomed both.
Next up, the Novemer election. Assuming Tim Nelson wins the Primary today, he'll become the symbol of the Governor's influence on candidate races. Clearly, Nelson is her pick and he is even on record claiming that her name is what is helping him raise the big money. We'll see if he is able to topple Andrew Thomas.
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