We launched "Janet's Choice" to follow Governor Napolitano's decision on if she will stay in Arizona and serve out her term or if she will go to Washington and join Obama's Administration. We'll continue to follow this story until an official decision is made.
Governor Napolitano has now received the New York Times treatment profiled as a "potential member of the administration." They have her listed as a candidate for both Attorney General and Homeland Security.
In addition, the article touts Napolitano's popularity in Arizona and her "nonpartisanship." In the baggage department, the article does not mention the current $1 billion deficit in the state or any of the trouble she has had trying to increase her influence in the current election. The Times calls her endorsement of Obama "crucial," bucking the Clintons in the early part of the Primary season.
As more of these profiles pop up, it lends credence to the notion that the administration is ramping up their picks and trying to tell their story prior to making formal announcements.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Napolitano Going to Washington!
While that headline may appear soon announcing a permanent trip to Washington, this Janet trip will be a short one.
Napolitano is in Washington D.C this week to appear in front of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to ask them to approve a public works program similar to the ones put forth in the 1930's.
She'll also be asking for more Federal dollars for Medicaid programs the states use to provide free health care for the needy.
While she continues to navigate questions regarding a Cabinet Appointment, she did open up with "I'm obviously always willing to serve my state and my country." She does not have any plans to meet with President-Elect Obama while in Washington but I'm sure this trip doesn't dim the spotlight on her appointment possibilities.
Napolitano is in Washington D.C this week to appear in front of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to ask them to approve a public works program similar to the ones put forth in the 1930's.
She'll also be asking for more Federal dollars for Medicaid programs the states use to provide free health care for the needy.
While she continues to navigate questions regarding a Cabinet Appointment, she did open up with "I'm obviously always willing to serve my state and my country." She does not have any plans to meet with President-Elect Obama while in Washington but I'm sure this trip doesn't dim the spotlight on her appointment possibilities.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Janet's Choice: Napolitano serious contender for AG
We are launching "Janet's Choice" to follow Governor Napolitano's decision on if she will stay in Arizona and serve out her term or if she will go to Washington and join Obama's Administration. We'll continue to follow this story until an official decision is made.
According to Politico, as reported by Politicker, Napolitano's name is one that is coming up most frequently as a candidate for AG. She is also still being floated for Homeland Security and Secretary of Education. One would guess that she would jump at AG, its not clear if she would leave for the other two.
However, her decision may be a little bit easier, with the observation that conservatives did well in Arizona and Team Napolitano's efforts to bring more moderates and dems to the legislature was roundly rejected. It also may be to her and the rest of the Democrat's advantage to sit back and let the Republicans figure the shortfall out. Just like with the transportation tax initiative, she may end up winning again by losing.
According to Politico, as reported by Politicker, Napolitano's name is one that is coming up most frequently as a candidate for AG. She is also still being floated for Homeland Security and Secretary of Education. One would guess that she would jump at AG, its not clear if she would leave for the other two.
However, her decision may be a little bit easier, with the observation that conservatives did well in Arizona and Team Napolitano's efforts to bring more moderates and dems to the legislature was roundly rejected. It also may be to her and the rest of the Democrat's advantage to sit back and let the Republicans figure the shortfall out. Just like with the transportation tax initiative, she may end up winning again by losing.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Traffic Cameras inspire
On the lighter side, someone sent along this new store touting Napolitano's traffic cameras which are popping up all over Arizona. it will be hilarious if someone gets their picture taken sporting one of these. We're tempted to buy a 50 pack and send them to the legislature.Mum's the word
"Seal up your lips and give no words but mum."
- Shakespeare in Henry VI, Part 2
The Battle of St. Albans that ends Henry VI part 2 appears to be a very fitting source for the quote for the current silence of Governor Napolitano on her future plans. In the first battle of St. Albans, was the first battle in the war of the roses. With the help of allies, the Duke of York defeated the Duke of Somerset and also caputured King Henry VI. York then appointed himself Constable of England and had complete power.
In the modern version, with the help of allies like Napolitano, Obama has vanquished his foe and captured complete power away from a failing leader. In both cases, the men were able to place who they wanted in positions of power. However, Obama gets to be the leader in title and in spirit, while Richard of York came close as protector of the realm, but never wore the crown. Richard's power and influence continued for many years, two of his sons served as king, Edward IV and Richard III. His great granddaughter is Margaret Tudor - the mother of the Tudor Dynasty.
We spread this wiki-knowledge to make a point about the far-reaching potential of Obama and his legacy. The fundamental question is: would it be better to bring the proclaimed "best and brightest" of the Dems to Washington to help bring his change, or should he leave them in their home states to try to build power locally?
Napolitano is the epitome of this conundrum. By all accounts, she is a rising star among the party and she has been popular at home. The Republic says that she has earned a spot, and for the most part, they have encouraged her to go to Washington. Tedski disagrees saying that she should stay and run for the Senate in 2010.
Which direction would give Obama a chance to turn his victory into a legacy?
- Shakespeare in Henry VI, Part 2
The Battle of St. Albans that ends Henry VI part 2 appears to be a very fitting source for the quote for the current silence of Governor Napolitano on her future plans. In the first battle of St. Albans, was the first battle in the war of the roses. With the help of allies, the Duke of York defeated the Duke of Somerset and also caputured King Henry VI. York then appointed himself Constable of England and had complete power.
In the modern version, with the help of allies like Napolitano, Obama has vanquished his foe and captured complete power away from a failing leader. In both cases, the men were able to place who they wanted in positions of power. However, Obama gets to be the leader in title and in spirit, while Richard of York came close as protector of the realm, but never wore the crown. Richard's power and influence continued for many years, two of his sons served as king, Edward IV and Richard III. His great granddaughter is Margaret Tudor - the mother of the Tudor Dynasty.
We spread this wiki-knowledge to make a point about the far-reaching potential of Obama and his legacy. The fundamental question is: would it be better to bring the proclaimed "best and brightest" of the Dems to Washington to help bring his change, or should he leave them in their home states to try to build power locally?
Napolitano is the epitome of this conundrum. By all accounts, she is a rising star among the party and she has been popular at home. The Republic says that she has earned a spot, and for the most part, they have encouraged her to go to Washington. Tedski disagrees saying that she should stay and run for the Senate in 2010.
Which direction would give Obama a chance to turn his victory into a legacy?
Friday, November 7, 2008
Republic makes case for Napolitano
The Arizona Republic is now openly lobbying for a cabinet position for Janet Napolitano. In sort of a preemptive farewell, they have taken to touting her experience and the fact that she has earned a spot.
This type of lobbying doesn't usually happen on its own, nor does it make it into the paper without some sort of inkling of what is to come. Even the Boston Herald says that Napolitano has not committed to staying in Arizona. When a local story starts to gather a little bit of national attention and the home town newspaper is putting in a good word, more and more signs are pointing to her departure.
Especially with the Legislature going even more Republican and electing leaders that are less likely to cut a deal, the temptation to leave must be pretty great. Some are saying that its a done deal if she is offered Homeland Security or Attorney General.
This type of lobbying doesn't usually happen on its own, nor does it make it into the paper without some sort of inkling of what is to come. Even the Boston Herald says that Napolitano has not committed to staying in Arizona. When a local story starts to gather a little bit of national attention and the home town newspaper is putting in a good word, more and more signs are pointing to her departure.
Especially with the Legislature going even more Republican and electing leaders that are less likely to cut a deal, the temptation to leave must be pretty great. Some are saying that its a done deal if she is offered Homeland Security or Attorney General.
Uniting the Republican Party?
Nathan Sproul, the guy behind mudslinging so heinous that Janet Napolitano defended Russell Pearce against it, is now looking for people to help him unite the Republican Party. Here is a copy of the email from Sonoran Alliance:
From: Nathan Sproul
Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2008 12:07 PM
To: ‘Tim J. Casey’; ‘Hugh Hallman’; ‘Sean Noble’; ‘Mike Haller’; ‘Kirk Adams’; ‘Lisa James’; ‘Andrew C. Pacheco’; ‘Jose Esparza’; ‘Jason LeVecke‘; ‘Cathi Herrod’; ‘Steve Voeller’; ‘Kevin Demenna’
Subject: Party Leadership
Friends,
I have spoken to or emailed many of you privately about my concerns for the future of our Party. Specifically, how does our Party in Arizona become a party that unites fiscal and social conservatives to put forward an agenda that moves Arizona in the right direction.
One of the most important aspects of this is electing a State Party Chairman who unites all factions of the Republican Party. I know this is extremely late notice, but I would like to invite each of you to join me for lunch at Monti’s on the corner of Rio Salado and Mill to discuss the future of our Party. I am paying for lunch, but as they say, there is no such thing as a free lunch.
Please let me know if your schedule permits you to attend. Thank you.
Nathan Sproul
Lincoln Strategy Group
80 East Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 814
Tempe, Arizona 85281
480-303-7175
Republican Party Chairman Randy Pullen's term is about to expire. After the very open and public chairman race that split the party last time around, it makes sense that Republicans would like to bring people together to try to make a smoother transition. However, its interesting that this effort would be driven by the people who did some of the nastiest attacks on fellow Republicans. Also, it should be noted, that his rump group doesn't include any of the people in the base who elected Pullen last time around. Here is the breakdown of the email list:
Tim J. Casey - Lawyer
Hugh Hallman - Mayor of Tempe
Sean Noble - Shadegg's Chief of Staff
Mike Haller - Flake Staffer
Kirk Adams - Speaker of the House
Lisa James - PR person and candidate for Chair in 2006
Andrew C. Pacheco - Lawyer, former AG candidate who lost to Thomas
Jose Esparza - Southwest Gas, Arizona Latino Republican Association
Jason LeVecke - Fast Food Franchiser, Patron of several of Sproul's failed initiatives
Cathi Herrod - Center for Arizona Policy
Steve Voeller - Arizona Free Enterprise Club
Kevin Demenna - Lobbyist
We understand that it is an open invitation to these people, but we do wonder if this is a group that has met before or if its a collection of like minded people. With Sproul's name being mud in the immigration debates, it would be interesting to see if Adams, Hallman, Shadegg or Flake are going to publicly support his efforts.
With a potential open Governor's seat in 2010, both parties want to be ready for a heated battle. The questions some Republicans are asking is if Sproul is the one who should lead the charge.
From: Nathan Sproul
Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2008 12:07 PM
To: ‘Tim J. Casey’; ‘Hugh Hallman’; ‘Sean Noble’; ‘Mike Haller’; ‘Kirk Adams’; ‘Lisa James’; ‘Andrew C. Pacheco’; ‘Jose Esparza’; ‘Jason LeVecke‘; ‘Cathi Herrod’; ‘Steve Voeller’; ‘Kevin Demenna’
Subject: Party Leadership
Friends,
I have spoken to or emailed many of you privately about my concerns for the future of our Party. Specifically, how does our Party in Arizona become a party that unites fiscal and social conservatives to put forward an agenda that moves Arizona in the right direction.
One of the most important aspects of this is electing a State Party Chairman who unites all factions of the Republican Party. I know this is extremely late notice, but I would like to invite each of you to join me for lunch at Monti’s on the corner of Rio Salado and Mill to discuss the future of our Party. I am paying for lunch, but as they say, there is no such thing as a free lunch.
Please let me know if your schedule permits you to attend. Thank you.
Nathan Sproul
Lincoln Strategy Group
80 East Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 814
Tempe, Arizona 85281
480-303-7175
Republican Party Chairman Randy Pullen's term is about to expire. After the very open and public chairman race that split the party last time around, it makes sense that Republicans would like to bring people together to try to make a smoother transition. However, its interesting that this effort would be driven by the people who did some of the nastiest attacks on fellow Republicans. Also, it should be noted, that his rump group doesn't include any of the people in the base who elected Pullen last time around. Here is the breakdown of the email list:
Tim J. Casey - Lawyer
Hugh Hallman - Mayor of Tempe
Sean Noble - Shadegg's Chief of Staff
Mike Haller - Flake Staffer
Kirk Adams - Speaker of the House
Lisa James - PR person and candidate for Chair in 2006
Andrew C. Pacheco - Lawyer, former AG candidate who lost to Thomas
Jose Esparza - Southwest Gas, Arizona Latino Republican Association
Jason LeVecke - Fast Food Franchiser, Patron of several of Sproul's failed initiatives
Cathi Herrod - Center for Arizona Policy
Steve Voeller - Arizona Free Enterprise Club
Kevin Demenna - Lobbyist
We understand that it is an open invitation to these people, but we do wonder if this is a group that has met before or if its a collection of like minded people. With Sproul's name being mud in the immigration debates, it would be interesting to see if Adams, Hallman, Shadegg or Flake are going to publicly support his efforts.
With a potential open Governor's seat in 2010, both parties want to be ready for a heated battle. The questions some Republicans are asking is if Sproul is the one who should lead the charge.
Consultants Gone Wild!!
It continues to be a bad month for Napolitano and those surrounding her. Espresso Pundit broke an excellent story yesterday about an email that politico (and former Janet appointed Deputy Director of the AZ Dept. of Commerce) Joe Yuhas sent to Rep. Kyrsten Sinema who finished second in her race along with her Dem colleague Rep. Lujan.
An email from a consultant to a legislative candidate isn’t something to normally post on…except when the email is confirmation of potentially illegal activity.
Sinema commented to Espresso Pundit that the email was unsolicited and was not followed up on or discussed further. It’s always interesting how these emails leak out and it causes one to question if this was the only one sent that day.
Regardless of whether this was isolated, there is the potential of illegal activity. Some would say it might be karma considering that at the time the email was sent there was talk of a potential Democrat swing in the House only to get to Election Day and lose 3 seats in the House and 1 in the Senate.
There are ways to “propel” people into leadership roles and breaking the law certainly isn’t one.
Here’s a copy of the email.
------ Forwarded Message
*From: *Joe Yuhas jyuhas@riester.com
*Date: *Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:48:06 -0700
*To: *Kyrsten Sinema
*Conversation: *Legislative IEs
*Subject: *Legislative IEs
Knowing of your obvious interest in the legislative races around the state,
I want to CONFIDENTIALLY share with you an effort we're carrying out on
behalf of "Arizonans for a Healthy Economy"-the Professional Firefighters of
Arizona-led IE that involves a number of progressive organizations. Feel
free to pass on-but DISCREETLY-to colleagues you deem most appropriate.
Tim Hill and Bill Whitaker have done a great job here, and we have really
appreciated being a part of the effort. Of course, my *personal* hope is
that this also helps propel you and others into the leadership role we
desperately need.
These TV spots on running fairly heavy on cable TV systems across the state.
In Yuma, we're also on broadcast local stations.
To view the ads:
1. Go to www.YouTube.com
>
2. In the upper right corner, click on "Sign In"
a. Username is: az4he
b. Password is: firefighter (all lowercase)
3. Once you are logged in, on the upper right, click on "Account"
4. Click on "My Videos"
5. All videos will be available - they are titled by Legislative
District. Press play for each of the videos you would like to view.
Essentially, you will see the same ad-a "template" designed to reduce both
production costs and thereby limit the tripping of additional Clean Election
dollars for the opposition.
Feel free to call me if you have any questions
*
*
Joe Yuhas
*Partner and Executive Director - Public Affairs*
T: 602-462-2203
C: 602-410-3343
jyuhas@riester.com
An email from a consultant to a legislative candidate isn’t something to normally post on…except when the email is confirmation of potentially illegal activity.
Sinema commented to Espresso Pundit that the email was unsolicited and was not followed up on or discussed further. It’s always interesting how these emails leak out and it causes one to question if this was the only one sent that day.
Regardless of whether this was isolated, there is the potential of illegal activity. Some would say it might be karma considering that at the time the email was sent there was talk of a potential Democrat swing in the House only to get to Election Day and lose 3 seats in the House and 1 in the Senate.
There are ways to “propel” people into leadership roles and breaking the law certainly isn’t one.
Here’s a copy of the email.
------ Forwarded Message
*From: *Joe Yuhas jyuhas@riester.com
*Date: *Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:48:06 -0700
*To: *Kyrsten Sinema
*Conversation: *Legislative IEs
*Subject: *Legislative IEs
Knowing of your obvious interest in the legislative races around the state,
I want to CONFIDENTIALLY share with you an effort we're carrying out on
behalf of "Arizonans for a Healthy Economy"-the Professional Firefighters of
Arizona-led IE that involves a number of progressive organizations. Feel
free to pass on-but DISCREETLY-to colleagues you deem most appropriate.
Tim Hill and Bill Whitaker have done a great job here, and we have really
appreciated being a part of the effort. Of course, my *personal* hope is
that this also helps propel you and others into the leadership role we
desperately need.
These TV spots on running fairly heavy on cable TV systems across the state.
In Yuma, we're also on broadcast local stations.
To view the ads:
1. Go to www.YouTube.com
2. In the upper right corner, click on "Sign In"
a. Username is: az4he
b. Password is: firefighter (all lowercase)
3. Once you are logged in, on the upper right, click on "Account"
4. Click on "My Videos"
5. All videos will be available - they are titled by Legislative
District. Press play for each of the videos you would like to view.
Essentially, you will see the same ad-a "template" designed to reduce both
production costs and thereby limit the tripping of additional Clean Election
dollars for the opposition.
Feel free to call me if you have any questions
*
*
Joe Yuhas
*Partner and Executive Director - Public Affairs*
T: 602-462-2203
C: 602-410-3343
jyuhas@riester.com
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Mending fences before she leaves??
Governor Napolitano, in what may be her last official act as Arizona Governor, has called a special lame duck session to address what she now admits is a $1.2 Billion hole in the budget.
This isn't just a blip on the radar and it will be very interesting to watch how those legislators who are cleaning out their offices this week react. Will they hold their allegiances now that there are few political ramifications?
Contrary to what's being said, Janet's change of direction on the special session seems to be political given the fact that a few of her original budget supporters will not be back in January to be on her side. The fact that she might not be here in January I'm sure also weighed heavily on her decision. This somewhat frees her from the black cloud of massive budget shortfalls or the perception that she's leaving the state and the new legislature high and dry for greener pastures.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)