Giffords, redistricting, funeral protests: Updates

Just a few quick updates...

...Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is now breathing on her own according to the latest update from the medical team providing her care.

....The Arizona House and Senate have each passed a bill that would disallow protest pickets within 300 feet of a funeral service or a burial site.  Reports are that the bill passed by far more than the 2/3 majority needed to enact an "emergency clause."  That clause would make the law effective immediately, not 90 days after the end of the legislative session.  The Governor is expected to sign the bill.

...The Supreme Court of Arizona has released an order relating to next week's proceeding relating to Russell Pearce's and Kirk Adams' lawsuit over the pool of applicants for the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC).  Three groups have requested permission to file "Amicus Curiae" briefs ("Friend of the Court") briefs, and that permission has been granted.

Groups that will file briefs related to the case:

• Lattie Coor, Paul Johnson, the Valley Citizens League, and Arizona Latino Research Enterprise
• U.S. Reps. Jeff Flake, Ben Quayle, Trent Franks, Paul Gosar, and David Schweikert, Republicans all
• Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk

The briefs have to be filed with the court by Friday.  In addition, a request by the Republican members of Congress to address the Court, will be considered and approved/disapproved in the near future.  It seems more likely that the Rep Reps' lawyers will appear, but anything could happen.

Later...