Here and there...

...I don't normally cover Massachusetts politics, but this rumor has some AZ ties...

The Boston Herald reported a rumor/draft movement about Red Sox pitcher (and former DBacks pitcher) Curt Schilling running against John Kerry in 2008 for a Senate seat. (Schilling is an ardent Republican.)

Schilling discounted the rumor, but did not rule it out entirely. He was also quoted in the article as saying that he would support either Sen. John McCain or Sen. Barack Obama for President next year.

In what may be his first campaign move, Schilling announced that he is *not* retiring after the 2007 season as previously expected; instead, he will play at least through 2008.

Which is a "campaign move" because the only way he unseats Kerry in November 2008 is to lead the Red Sox to a World Series victory in October 2008.

And, after the victory parade, burying George Steinbrenner up to his neck in the warning track in front of the Green Monster would probably help his chances. A lot. :))

...In news that's a little closer to home, JD Hayworth is starting to come out of his seclusion from the public eye.

According to the Eastern Arizona Courier (they call it a "contributed article"; it reads like a press release), the former Congressman will be among those speaking a gathering of the Graham County Republicans on February 23 at Eastern Arizona College.

...In unsurprising Scottsdale news, the Scottsdale City Council tonight voted to reactivate the photo radar program along a stretch of Loop 101 in Scottsdale. The only real question was about the use of the revenue generated by the citations generated by the program. Councilman Bob Littlefield wanted to specifically target the revenue for public safety programs, but was told by the City Attorney that anything related to spending money had to be properly agendized and given a public hearing.

The motion to reactivate passed by a 5-1 margin (Councilman Tony Nelssen against; Councilman McCullagh absent-bereavement). Councilman Nelssen stated that he could not support the reactivation of the cameras unless the revenue was specifically targeted for public safety.

The program is scheduled to restart on February 22.

Councilman Littlefield also mentioned during the discussion that a state legislator will be introducing a bill to take any revenue generated from a state-run photo radar program and dedicate it to road construction. When asked about it after the meeting, he didn't have a name.

I can guess at least one of the names involved, though. :)

I'll keep an eye on any legislation proposed in this regard.

AZRep coverage of the meeting here.

Later!