Is there such a thing as a "reverse endorsement"?

 Oh, the email lists that I'm on. :)

Certain endorsements don't speak well of the characters of the endorsees.

[snip]

[snip]

Truth: At one point, Hallman was mayor of Tempe.

More truth: he's got some interesting friends.

From the Arizona Republic in 2014 (emphasis added by me) -

Outside spending in treasurer's race gets dark

[snip]

Earlier this week, Preserve America's Future started putting up signs questioning the backgrounds of state treasurer candidates Jeff DeWit and Randy Pullen. The group is run by political operative Nathan Sproul, a supporter of candidate Hugh Hallman.

Handicapping the R primary for governor (early edition)

 

No, she's not running in the R primary, but I thought it would be best to lead off with a pic of the person that I think will be the next governor of Arizona.

Let's be clear - after Cheeto won the R primary in 2016, I am loathe to make predictions in an R primary, so I'm not counting anyone out there.

Having said that. my guess is that the R primary for governor of AZ will come down to state treasurer Kimberly Yee and developer Karrin Taylor Robson.

Former TV news anchor Kari Lake, and the others, have a chance, but most of their support seems to be of the "whistling past the graveyard" variety.

Plus, Fife Symington, convicted and pardoned former governor of AZ, and Joe Arpaio, convicted and pardoned former sheriff of Maricopa County AZ, will make their quadrennial flirtations with a run in efforts to garner some media attention.

Yup, it's going to be a crowded R primary, full of folks looking for a chance to replace Dougie.

While one or two big "names" may jump into the race later, right now, it appears that it will come down to Yee and Robson.

And in a race that close, it may come down to endorsements and support from R legislators and Ducey himself.

It would seem that Yee, a former legislator and current associate of Dougie, would seem to have an edge in that area, but don't underrate Robson's ties in this area.

In addition to being the daughter of Carl Kunasek, a long-time member of the legislature and Arizona Corporation Commission, and sister of Andy Kunasek, a former member and chair of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, before she was a Robson, she helped funnel money to some of the members of the legislature, building relationships there.

And as Republicans, while they may have friendships with Yee, their first loyalty, once and always, is to money.

Don't discount Ragan's presence as treasurer, both here and on Robson's gubernatorial committee.

She's a former staffer for former US Senator Jon Kyl, who was noted for being all about the money, and has ties to Kirk Adams, a former legislator and former chief of staff for Dougie, also noted for being all about the money.

In short, get your popcorn out.  The R primary is going to be interesting, with a lot of back channel calling in of favors and public contortions as R legislators try to have it both ways.

Disclosure time: I assume that the Democratic primary will come down to Katie Hobbs, current Arizona Secretary of State, and someone else (I don't know who yet, but there always is one).

I used to live in her LD and was impressed by her work as a legislator and have been impressed with her work as AZSOS

I've already decided to support her in the primary and have already given a (small) donation to her campaign.

I recommend that readers do the same.

Update: Campaign Committees

There have been a few developments on the 2012 campaign committee front since the last update.


...In the race for US Senate, Don Bivens, attorney and former chair of the Arizona Democratic Party, has formed a committee.  According to Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post's The Fix, the committee is an exploratory one, and Bivens has said that he will make a final decision on running around Labor Day.

...In legislative developments -

- Former state legislator David Bradley has formed an exploratory committee for a run for the Democratic nomination for LD28 state senate.

- Martin Quezada has formed an exploratory committee for a run for the Democratic nomination for LD13 state representative.

- Lorenzo Sierra Jr. has formed an exploratory committee for a run for the Democratic nomination for LD13 state representative.

- Michael Snitz has formed a committee for a run for the Democratic nomination for LD14 state representative.

Note:  all of the districts listed will change once the Independent Redistricting Commission puts together the new maps.

Active Congressional committee fundraising totals (April thru June) (incumbents italicized):

Raul Grijalva (D) - $88233 raised, $70724 on hand
Chuck Gray (R) - $3359 raised, $16443 on hand
Trent Franks (R) - $59507 raised, $41068 on hand, $372477 in debt
David Schweikert (R) - $2230 raised, $17881 on hand, $501800 in debt
David Schweikert (R) (2nd committee) - $250777 raised, $336262 on hand
Gabrielle Giffords (D) - $281177 raised, $787949 on hand
Travis Grantham (R) - $13300 raised, $13240 on hand
Kirk Adams (R) - $230525 raised, $209225 on hand
Ann Kirkpatrick (D) - $221289 raised, $215723 on hand
Paul Gosar (R) - $166544 raised, $138392 on hand
Ed Pastor (D) - $93158 raised, $1391488 on hand
Ben Quayle (R) - $282964 raised, $370277 on hand, $7487 in debt
Matt Salmon (R) - $162289 raised, $155744 on hand, $16889 in debt
Gabriela Saucedo Mercer (R) - $22397 raised, $21351 on hand, $485 in debt
Wenona Benally Baldenegro (D) - $8446 raised, $4603 on hand

Note: because incumbent US Representative Jeff Flake is now running for US Senate, his fundraising reports are not available online.

Note2: All numbers rounded to the nearest dollar.

Note3: I didn't list the district of the Congressional committees because those are going to change in a few months.

Observation:  Aren't the Republicans the ones who campaign on their opposition to debt?  Just sayin'...

- No changes in municipal campaign committees in Tempe and Scottsdale, though that should change soon - sources report that there is a poll in the field regarding the Tempe mayor's race. Some say it's a push poll, others say it's legit. I'm not a Tempe resident, so I didn't get the calls and cannot evaluate it directly.

Later...

Tobin in as AZ House speaker, Adams out and running for Congress

In a bit of a surprise (to me, anyway), Rep. Andy Tobin (R-LD1) was elected Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives.

From the Arizona Republic story written by Mary Jo Pitzl -

The Arizona House of Representativesgot a new leadership lineup Thursday when members elected Rep. Andy Tobin, R-Paulden, as speaker and Republicans chose Rep. Steve Court, R-Mesa as their majority leader.

Tobin replaces Kirk Adams, who resigned from the House and promptly announced his bid for an open congressional seat in the southeast Valley. Adams revealed U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl as his honorary campaign chairman.

The reason that I was a a little surprised by Tobin's elevation to the speaker's post isn't that I think he is less qualified than the other Republicans (hey - I'm a Democrat, so I think *all* of the Rs are unqualified for the job :) ), but he's a rural Republican, and generally, the center of Republican power in AZ is Maricopa County.  The House hasn't had a Speaker from a rural district since the late Jake Flake in 2003/2004. 

However, the election of Rep. Steve Court as Majority Leader does maintain the rural/urban balance.

The election of Tobin does signal one thing:

Arizona will continue to be the country's embarrassment.


From the press release emailed by the Republican House caucus -

Last – but certainly not least – Speaker Tobin is a devoted Yankee’s [sic] fan...

So, in addition to the anti-immigrant hysteria, the pro-gun fetishism, the "birther" insanity, and more abominations, Arizona has now solidified its position as the America's shame -

We have a Yankees fan in high public office.

...So sayeth the lifelong Red Sox fan... :))

Adams resigning as House Speaker

From the Arizona Republic -

State House Speaker Kirk Adams will leave the chamber's top leadership post, his spokesman said Tuesday, and representatives will pick a new speaker to serve out the rest of Adams' two-year term.

Adams did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but spokesman Daniel Scarpinato confirmed that Adams planned to step down as speaker Thursday.

Scarpinato declined to say whether Adams also plans to resign his state House seat.

The move isn't really a surprise, as the worst-kept secret in Arizona politics is that Adams is going to run for Congress next year.

Things *could* get interesting if Adams tries to hang on to his House seat - while Arizona's "resign-to-run" law is all but toothless, it could still impact his ability to raise money between now and the beginning of 2012. 

I expect that he will ultimately resign from the House, not just give up his speakership, because regardless of what the district maps look like, he is likely to face significant primary opposition for the open seat. 

He's smart enough to know better than to give the other candidates a big head start, and the duties of even a rank-and-file member of the legislature could get in the way of serious campaigning.

Anyway, House Republicans are expected to choose Adams' successor as speaker on Thursday.  The Republic article speculated that they will choose either Rep. John Kavanagh (R-LD8), chair of House Appropriations, or Rep. Eddie Farnsworth (R-LD22).  Two other names that could possibly percolate in watercooler talk are Reps. Andy Tobin (R-LD1), the current House majority leader or Jim Weiers (R-LD10), a former speaker.

Still, the Republic's speculation is probably in the ballpark - both Kavanagh and Farnsworth are viewed as ambitious, having aspirations to higher office.  A speakership entry on the political resume could definitely help either one in that regard.

Later...

Thursday in the House: shrouded by secrecy, budget consideration on tap

Transparency be damned!  Stoke the boilers with textbooks, civil rights, and the state's future!  Keep the railroad running at full speed!

Tuesday afternoon, House Speaker Kirk Adams formally introduced ("First Read") the 13 budget-related bills passed by the Senate earlier this month and referred them to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Thursday at 9 a.m., the House Appropriations Committee will hold a special meeting to consider the package of budget bills from the Senate.

Place:  HHR1, State House of Representatives, 1700 West Washington, Phoenix.

On the agenda, which indicates that strike-everything amendments will be offered for each bill:

SB1612, general appropriations, striker not available as yet

SB1613, capital outlay, striker not available as yet

SB1614, budget procedures, striker not available as yet

SB1615, consolidation, state agencies, striker not available as yet

SB1616, revenue, budget reconciliation, striker not available as yet

SB1617, K-12 education, budget reconciliation, striker not available as yet

SB1618, higher education, budget reconciliation, striker not available as yet

SB1619, health, budget reconciliation, striker not available as yet

SB1620, welfare, budget reconciliation, striker not available as yet

SB1621, criminal justice, budget reconciliation, striker not available as yet

SB1622, general government, budget reconciliation, striker not available as yet
 
SB1623, regulation, budget reconciliation, striker not available as yet
 
SB1624, environment, budget reconciliation, striker not available as yet
 
 
Even if they pass the bills "as is," the short notice all but blocks any coherent response to the measures from the people affected by the bills.  On top of that, if strikers are offered, as indicated by the agenda, there will be absolutely no opportunity for analysis of the proposals before they are heard in committee, and that will be the one and only opportunity for the public to weigh in on the measures.
 
Convenient, huh?

Redistricting update: not much to update

Today, the four partisan members of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC) met to interview the five Independent candidates for the final, and chair's, spot on the AIRC, but after the interviews, they chose to delay the selection until Tuesday.

The meeting start a few minutes late, at approximately 2:35 p.m. (the time listed on the agenda was 2:30 p.m.)

After a brief explanation of the history of the room - it used to be the meeting room of the Arizona Supreme Court and was the home of many decisions, including the famous Miranda decision.  Not relevant, but OK...until he went on with a somewhat odd recounting of that decision and the future activities of the principals), Bennett proceeded to swear in the four AIRC members who have been appointed by the legislative leadership.

Richard Stertz, Scott Freeman, Secretary of State Ken Bennett, Jose Herrera, and Linda McNulty











Things proceeded a little faster than expected - because the published agenda indicated that the first interview would start at 3 p.m., they had to recess the meeting for a few minutes.  After that, however, the interview part of the meeting proceeded efficiently.

As should have been expected for a group of applicants who have already been thoroughly researched, interviewed, and screened, they all did a good job at their interviews.  While each exhibited a couple of "weak" answers to the questions posed by the panel, each them was thoughtful and polished and appeared to be eminently qualified.  Even without the political pressures on the current AIRC foursome, they'll have a tough time making their choice.

And have no doubt, they're already feeling some *heavy* pressure. 

A member of the public, Norris Nordvold, speaking on behalf of candidate Ray Bladine, issued a not-too-thinly veiled threat to the AIRC. 

Some concerns over the AIRC's budget cropped up during the afternoon.  The original AIRC had approximately $6 million to use; the new AIRC currently has $500K. 

Nordvold mentioned the possibility of the Legislature appropriating significantly less money for the next fiscal year if they don't like the choice for chair.

Call it a "don't you dare pick Paul Bender" moment.

Nordvold addressing the panel









The next speaker, Jim Huntwork, a Republican member of the original AIRC, spent his entire time railing about native tribes, in an attempt to influence the members of the new AIRC to nullify the recent decision of the Arizona Supreme Court to allow Professor Bender's candidacy to continue in spite of the same objections from Russell Pearce and Kirk Adams, the Senate President and Speaker of the House, respectively.

Other than that, however, things seemed pretty straightforward today.

We'll see what the next meeting, as well as the next few months, look like.

I hope this isn't jinxing things, but I predict the next lawsuit will be rooted in today's discussions - if the current members of the AIRC surrender to Pearce and Adams on the selection of the chair, they'll be opening themselves up to litigation from the other candidates as well as others.  If they don't surrender and the lege tries to use its budgetary powers to retaliate, interfering with the redistricting process, court actions from the feds and from other groups who are affected by redistricting.

And that doesn't even begin to address what the U.S. Department of Justice could do to Arizona if they believe that Pearce and Adams are trying to corrupt the process.

I'll let attorneys speak more on this; they know far more than I do.

Anyway, candidates under consideration are:

Kimber Lanning

Colleen Mathis

Ray Bladine

Paul Bender

Margarita Silva

The next meeting, at which the selection will presumably be made, will be Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the conference room of the Arizona State Library (the same location as today's meeting.)

Steve Muratore of the blog The Arizona Eagletarian has coverage here.


Some pics from the meeting:

The members of the AIRC and Ken Bennett speaking during the first recess of the committee.  On the far left: Jim Barton of the Arizona Attorney General's Office, present to provide legal advice, when necessary.

Professor Paul Bender thanking the members of the panel after his interview.

candidate Ray Bladine during his interview

candidate Colleen Mathis during her interview

candidate Kimber Lanning during her interview

candidate Margarita Silva during her interview

During Kimber Lanning's interview, from left to right:  Bennett, Herrera, McNulty, and Lanning.  I'm not sure who the man in the corner is; he was photographing the proceeding for an MSM outlet, I think.

Short Attention Span Musing...

Mostly because I need to decompress after yesterday's events...

....Part of the AZGOTP's "dream" society - "2nd Amendment remedies" for business disputes

From the Arizona Republic -

An argument between a Phoenix homeowner and a roofer regarding the quality of the work left the roofer with a life-threatening gunshot wound, Phoenix police said.

At about 1:15 p.m., a three-man crew was working on the roof of a home near 59th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard. The homeowner, a 68-year-old man, was not satisfied with the work that the crew had done, police said. The homeowner began to argue with the crew's 42-year-old foreman, said Sgt. Tommy Thompson, spokesman for the Phoenix Police Department.

...There's a little justice in the world, no matter how much certain people want to downplay that fact.

From The Independent (UK) -

A jury has sentenced the leader of an anti-immigrant group to death for the murder of a young girl and her father, in what prosecutors said was an attempt to steal drug money to fund the group's activities.


Shawna Forde, the leader of the Minutemen American Defence, has become the third woman on death row in the state of Arizona. The 43-year-old was convicted earlier this month of first-degree murder and other charges related to a raid on a home in Arivaca, a desert community about 10 miles north of the Mexican border, in May 2009. Raul Flores, 29, and his nine-year-old daughter, Brisenia, were killed in the raid.

I should be clear here, I am opposed to capital punishment, for a variety of very rational reasons, and could never have imposed the death penalty on her (or anyone else.

However, I'm human, and humans have emotions. 

And the emotional side of me isn't bothered by the verdict or the sentence.  Not in the least.


...Daniel Scarpinato, late of the AZ Daily Star and Jonathan Paton's abortive 2010 campaign for Congress, is now the press guy for Kirk Adams' Congressional campaign communications director for the AZ House Republican caucus, is known for his interesting press releases, where "interesting" means "gets creative with the facts."

The latest release distributed by Scarpinato crowing about HB2718, a bill earmarking $5 million for "border security operations" to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, headed by Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu.

Among other things, the reasons for earmarking the money to Pinal County listed in the press release include "...its unique border security operations and because it receives less federal funding than areas directly on the border."

Pinal County must have some truly "unique" border security operations - at no point does it border Mexico. another country, or even another state.

Arizona has 15 counties, and four of them have a border with Mexico - Yuma, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise.


If Adams and the other Republicans are so concerned with border security, why no funds for those counties? 

Could it be because three of the counties - Yuma, Pima, and Santa Cruz - had the audacity to elect Democrats as sheriff?  Could be, but...

While as much as I'm sure the partisan factor played a part in Adams' decision to send "border security" money to a non-border county, the fundamental reason behind Adams' move to siphon $5 million in public funds to one specific county may be far more base than that.

Most Capitol watchers believe that Adams is running for Congress next year, and as a rising star in Republican circles, Babeu is being wooed by R candidates from all over the state.  The candidates will come looking for his endorsement next year. 

$5 million makes a helluva "quid" in a "quid pro quo" arrangement.

...On a related note, Scarpinato may have spent a little too much time at the Daily Star.  The last line of his press release (emphasis mine) - 

For more information or to schedule interviews, contact Daniel Scarpinato at 602-926-3233 or dscarpinato@azstarnet.com

Just for giggles, I sent a test email to that addy.  It bounced back almost immediately.  :(

I *so* wanted to write something about the Daily Star no longer bothering to hide its "in the pocket status," but all I can do is poke a little fun at him over the typo. :)

...Finally, look for a run on brown shirts at your local Wal Mart.

Today, House Appropriations passed HB2070, creating an armed force answerable only to the Governor and outside the National Command Authority, and funded by money siphoned from the Arizona National Guard.  You know, the organization that answers to the President.


Just another day in Sand Land...

2012 Congressional Speculation

With Senate candidate speculation running wild across Arizona (Flake in, Shadegg out, Arpaio flirting, Democrats waiting until summer to see what happens with Gabrielle Giffords' recovery), now folks are starting with speculation regarding possible Congressional runs.

Some of the names so far, mostly in a run for Jeff Flake's seat (CD6) sort of way, but not really, since redistricting could make the current CD6 a totally different district (with a couple of other committees thrown in for good measure) -

Republican Kirk Adams, speaker of the Arizona House, from East Mesa

Republican Russell Pearce, president of the Arizona Senate, from Central/West Mesa

Republican Scott Smith, Mayor of Mesa

Republican Chuck Gray, former state senator from LD19 (East Mesa), close to Pearce so probably won't jump into the race if Pearce actually runs

Republican Jay Tibshraeny, current Mayor of Chandler,  former state senator, and previously considered an heir-apparent for Flake's seat if Flake moved on/out.  Redistricting could affect his decision to run/not run (that caveat could apply to almost every possible candidate, so consider it applied for each one)

Republican Rich Crandall, current state senator from East Mesa.  Crandall, Adams, and Gray are all from the same district, LD19, but they aren't close friends by any stretch and could easily end up knocking each other off, helping Smith (if he jumps in)

Republican Gabriela Saucedo Mercer has opened a committee to run against Democratic incumbent Raul Grijalva in CD7.  Haven't heard of her before this and don't know much about her.  However, if she's a serious candidate (and not just a fringe tea party type), we'll know more later in the year
Republican David Schweikert has opened a reelection committee for his seat

Democrat Harry Mitchell hasn't ruled out a run for a rematch with Schweikert, looking to reclaim the seat he formerly held

Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick, like Mitchell a former member of Congress, may also run again

Republican Hugh Hallman, Mayor of Tempe, has ambitions for higher office, but any run for Congress will depend on redistricting and which other candidates jump in

Democrat Neil Giuliano, former Mayor of Tempe and former Republican, could also jump in, especially if Mitchell decides against a run.  I don't know how close he and Giuliano are, but Mitchell is the political force of nature in Tempe, so his decision will affect that of the other potential candidates

Democrat Phil Gordon, current Mayor of Phoenix whose term expires this year.  Noted for his ambition and his Phoenix-based campaign machine, if he doesn't go for the Senate seat, is seen as likely to pursue a Congressional run.  Of course, he could go for Governor in 2014, or for McCain's Senate seat in 2016, or...? :)

Republican State Senator Rick Murphy, a former (and future?) Congressional candidate, has opened a $500 Threshold Committee for a run at the Peoria Unified School District Governing Board.  Someone like Murphy standing for a public school committee slot is like someone like me standing for chair of the AZGOP.  Except that I don't want to kill off and bury the AZGOP, just help defeat them at the ballot box


There will be other names out there once the new district maps are drawn, and once the field for the soon-to-be open U.S. Senate seat sorts itself out.

Later...

In case you missed it...

...Rep. Bob Robson (R-Chandler) has announced the end of his political career.  Not in so many words of course, but it's over.

From Brahm Resnik of 12News, on AZCentral.com -

A Republican legislator is warning that the governor's proposed budget cuts would drive the state's jobless rate up to 11 percent, and says his party needs to consider tax increases to fix the budget.

State Rep. Bob Robson of Chandler tells me on "Sunday Square Off" this weekend that Gov. Jan Brewer and lawmakers need to consider the broader impact of their cuts. Robson says communities like Flagstaff would be hit especially hard by cuts to the Medicaid system. He is the only Republican on record questioning the extent of Brewer's proposed cuts.

That kind of apostasy guarantees any Republican a primary challenge in his next election, if not outright threats of violence.  Robson is from LD20, the same area that recently saw a mass resignation of officers of the local Republican Party because of threats from other Rs who thought the officers weren't *conservative* enough. 

The former chair, Anthony Miller, had the audacity to support fellow Republican John McCain for U.S. Senate last year.


...Still continuing in Tucson is the trial of Shawna Forde, a famous and violent member of the Minutemen.  She is facing murder charges is the killing of 9-year-old Brisenia Flores and her father Raul.  Forde and her accomplices allegedly broke into the Flores' home and proceeded to execute them and shoot Brisenia's mother, Gina Gonzalez.  After she was shot, Gonzalez pretended to be dead to avoid another bullet.

Forde and her accomplices were seeking money and drugs to steal to fund their anti-immigrant activities.  They didn't find any in the Flores/Gonzalez home.

If convicted, Forde could face the death penalty.  Her accomplices will be tried in March and June.

This story has been all but ignored by the mainstream media in Arizona, with a little coverage in Tucson, the home of the trial.  However, even there, the main daily there, the Arizona Daily Star, has done only minimal coverage and has mostly buried what little they have done.

One of the joys of the internet is that people are no longer entirely dependent on the MSM for information about stories that the corporate masters running MSM organizations would prefer didn't exist.


...ABC News recently aired a "Candid Camera"-style segment filmed in Tucson where producers staged a situation where an actor playing a security guard harassed Hispanic-looking patrons (who were also actors).  The object of the piece was to study the responses of bystanders to situations of ethnic profiling.  Video here on Youtube.

Not so predictably, but heartening, was the reaction of many of the unknowing bystanders who stood up to the fake "security guard."

However, the unfortunately predictable has been the Republican response, who have uniformly denounced the piece as "false," "a hoax," and more, even though the entire story was openly presented as staged.

The best (in an ironic sort of way) of the denunciations was in a press release from Kirk Adams, the Republican Speaker of the Arizona House.

Over the course of the press release, he demands an apology and a retraction and he hits all the right wing rhetorical high points (i.e. - "East Coast media elite media") but the best part is when he referred people to a video of the piece, not at ABC News or even Youtube (where ABC News has uploaded the video), but instead to *Breibart.tv.*

The same "Breitbart" who was caught in 2009 manufacturing an actual hoax.

Denouncing as a hoaz something that was never presented as fact by referring people to someone who has been proven to present lies as fact? 

Not exactly helping the credibility there, Mr. Speaker.


...Astronaut Mark Kelly, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' husband, today announced that he is resuming training to command the next flight of the space shuttle, its last.  It is scheduled to launch in two months (April 19), and Kelly and the rest of us are hopeful that the recuperating Congresswoman will be able to attend the launch.


...The State Bar of Arizona has filed an 82-page complaint against former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas and former assistant county attorneys Lisa Aubuchon and Rachel Alexander.

There's nothing really new in it for anyone who has been following the mess that longtime observers (not so) affectionately refer to as "business as usual" in Maricopa County, but it's nice to see Thomas et. al. move one step closer to disbarment.

Later...

Redistricting Update: Second appointment - Jose Herrera

Earlier today, State Rep. Chad Campbell announced via a Facebook posting, that he has selected Jose Herrera of Maricopa County as his appointment to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC).

Because House Speaker Kirk Adams also selected someone from Maricopa County, both Senate President Russell Pearce and House Democratic Leader David Schapira must select from candidates who reside outside of Maricopa County.

The list of available candidates is here, with an update here.

Pearce has to select either Benny White or Richard Stertz, both of Pima County.

Schapira has seven potential selections - Eric B. Henderson (Navajo County), Linda C. McNulty (Pima County), Lawrence C. Mohrweis (Coconino County), William G. Roe (Pima County), Mark D. Rubin (Pima County), Jimmie D. Smith (Yuma County), and Marshall A. Worden (Pima County).

Both can select a nominee from the pool of Independent candidates, but neither is expected to do so.  It should be noted that the "geographical diversity" requirement applies to the first four selections, regardless of partisan affiliation (or non-affiliation).  Four of the five Independents are from Maricopa County, while only one is from another county, specifically Pima.

As such, only one Independent nominee could be selected by one of the legislative leaders, even in the unlikely event that one of them was inclined to think "out of the box" with their choice.

The applications of all of the applicants to the AIRC, not just the nominees, can be found here.

Russell Pearce is now on the clock...

First member named to the new Independent Redistricting Commission: Scott Freeman

From an announcment from Kirk Adams, Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives -

House Speaker Kirk Adams announced today his selection of Scott Freeman to serve on the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission.


“Mr. Freeman is exceptionally qualified for this important role. I am confident he will execute his responsibilities honestly, fairly and with the input of the public in mind,” Adams said.

Freeman, a Phoenix resident and a director at Fennemore Craig, holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona and a J.D. from Arizona State University. Freeman focuses his practice on litigation matters, including complex products liability, personal injury, and commercial cases. Among other clients, he has represented manufacturers of light truck and passenger tires as well as manufacturers of after-market alternators and starter motors in several state and federal trial and appellate courts. He has appeared in trial courts in Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, New York, and Illinois.

“I am honored that Speaker Adams has entrusted me with the great honor of serving on the Independent Redistricting Commission,” Mr. Freeman said. “The work of this commission is vital to our democracy, and I promise to serve the people of Arizona with dedication and fairness in all of my work and decisions. I look forward to working with other members of the commission as we get about this important task.”

Freeman's application for the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission is here.

Now on the clock: House Democratic Leader, Rep. Chad Campbell.  After his choice is named, Senate President Russell Pearce and Senate Democratic Leader David Schapira will make their selections.

Redistricting update: Consider the hair successfully split

The Arizona Supreme Court has handed down its ruling in the Pearce/Adams lawsuit challenging the eligibility of three of the nominees for the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC).

The suit was partially successful - the Court ruled that Republicans Stephen Sossaman and Mark Schnepf are ineligible because of their service on irrigation district governing boards and the Arizona Commission on Appellate Court Appointments must select two more Republican applicants for Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce and Arizona House Speaker Kirk Adams to add to the list of names from which the electeds will make their appointments to the AIRC.  The Court ordered that the two names be selected and forwarded to the electeds by January 31, 2011.

On the other hand, the Court ruled that Professor Paul Bender's service on tribal courts does *not* violate the "no public officers" clause in the law that created the AIRC, and he remains on the list of Independent candidates for the AIRC.

More later...

Redistricting update: AZ Supreme Court Hearing On Tuesday

As most observers of AZ's political scene already know, there has already been a lawsuit filed over redistricting even though the redistricting commission has yet to be formed, much less do any of its work.

The Arizona Commission on Appellate Court Appointments waded through the applications of 79 people interested in being a part of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC) and forwarded a list of 25 applicants, 10 Democrats, 10 Republicans, and 5 Independents, to the leadership of the legislature.

There, the leaders of the Democratic and Republican caucuses of each chamber will select one member of the AIRC, and the four members thus selected will select a fifth member from the list of Independents to serve as the chair of the AIRC.

Russell Pearce and Kirk Adams, President of the Arizona State Senate and Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, weren't pleased with the list of candidates, and filed suit to force the Appellate Court Appointments commission to reopen nominations for the AIRC.  They want some candidates more to their liking and they want to knock off one of the Independent candidates, Professor Paul Bender.

Their stated objection to Bender is that he has served as a judge for a couple of tribal nation courts, and the law that creates the AIRC specifically excludes anyone who has held public office in Arizona within the previous three years from serving on the AIRC.

Pearce and Adams argue that Bender's work for a tribal court renders him ineligible for the AIRC and his name should be removed from consideration.

It seems more likely they object both to Bender's political opinions (he's done work for the ACLU!  Horrors!) and the unlikelihood of their being able to persuade/intimidate him in the event he is selected to chair the AIRC.

Due to the immediate nature of the work of the AIRC and the need to resolve the lawsuit quickly, the Arizona Supreme Court set an expedited date to hear arguments.

The case is set for a hearing on Tuesday at 2 p.m in the State Courts Building, 1501 W. Washington in Phoenix.

Three groups have filed "amicus curiae," or "friend of the court" briefs with the Court, weighing in on the matter.

Sheila Polk, Yavapai County Attorney has weighed in on the case, supporting the request of Pearce and Adams.  Her filing focused on both Bender's activities with the tribal courts and a perceived lack of geographical diversity on the part of the applicants whose names were forwarded to the legislative leadership (nine out of the 10 Rs in the pool are from Maricopa County).

Republican Congressmen Trent Franks, Ben Quayle, Paul Gosar, David Schweikert, and Jeff Flake also weighed in on the side of Pearce and Adams, focusing on eligibility issues.  They argue that public service *anywhere*, even in a non-Arizona office, disqualifies someone from membership on the AIRC.

Lattie Coor (retired ASU president), Paul Johnson (former Mayor of Phoenix), the Valley Citizens League, and the Arizona Latino Research Enterprise filed a brief in support of Professor Bender.  They argue that holding a tribal office doesn't qualify as a public office in Arizona because the State of Arizona has no say in how such an office is filled by the tribe in question.


Mary O'Grady, Solicitor General for the State of Arizona, responded on behalf of the Arizona Attorney General.  In her response to the Pearce/Adams suit, she argued that all 25 members of the applicant pool are eligible to serve on the AIRC.  In addition, the response argued that the underlying suit was premature and shouldn't have been filed until the applicants that Pearce and Adams feel are unqualified are actually appointed to the AIRC.

All of the filings with the court cite scads of precedents in support of their arguments, and not being a lawyer, I truly have no idea who has presented the strongest legal arguments.

Guess we'll find out Tuesday.


Later...

Text of Speaker Kirk Adams' remarks at the opening of the 50th Arizona Legislature

Never let it be said that I don't give credit where credit is due. 

In terms of emotional oomph, the only thing that topped Kirk Adams' opening speech was Rep. Steve Farley's recounting of Saturday's events (especially moving was his telling of how his daughter spent an hour in the ER holding the hand of Gabrielle Giffords' mom).  I don't have Farley's comments (I hope one of the MSM outlets present today posts a recording of them), but I do have a copy of Adams' speech.

From an email, the text of the speech -

As I assume this office of Speaker, a little more than 48 hours separate us from that horrific act of violence in Tucson. The very hand of evil has touched our state, taking innocent life, and causing injury to both body and soul.


This was an act meant not only to kill, but also to incite terror in the hearts of Arizonans and all Americans. I am certain that parents all across Arizona found themselves trying to answer unanswerable questions from children seeking comprehension of the incomprehensible. I am also certain, that many parents found themselves in the same situation as I found myself Saturday night, soothing my own child’s fears and offering assurances of safety.

Like you, my heart aches for those whose lives have been directly and forever changed. Rep. Gabby Giffords served in this very body, then in the Senate across the mall, and finally the United States Congress. She stood on this floor and took the same oath of office that we just took; offering up herself, like you, to service for Arizona and our Nation, following in the great American tradition of citizen legislators.

Many of us in this body know Gabby personally. It may be as an acquaintance, a colleague, a friend, or a mentor. Gabby and I both share the honor of being Rodel Fellows. I last spoke with Gabby at a small dinner of Arizona Rodel Fellows at a private home here in Phoenix last April. There are many attributes of Gabby Giffords, but that night I was struck by her grace and kindness. May God grant us the miracle of her recovery.

Equal in tragedy is the injury to 13 others. We join our pleas to the pleas of their friends and family. May God guide their caretakers, comfort their families, and restore their health.

We are horrified at the loss of six innocent lives: Judge John Roll, Gabe Zimmerman, Dorothy Murray, Dorwin Stoddard, Phyllis Scheck, and Christina Taylor Green, age 9. Having experienced myself the unrelenting sorrow of the loss of a child, my heart joins with the Green family in the grief they now feel.

In great contrast to how we feel now, today was a day designated for celebration. The opening of the 50th Legislature, the Centennial Legislature. Plans were carefully made, special programs printed, and speeches written. We even returned to the House some of the portraits and artifacts of our own history, to give us a sense of place and to inspire us as we plan for Arizona’s second century.

Instead of remembering our history, we now find ourselves living history. And like all history, there are good times and bad, lightness and darkness. This is a dark day indeed.

So close to the horrible day, our emotions feel like a scorching fire. Anger, grief, fear. Our thoughts swirl with the question…why? We may never really know the inner workings of a mad mind and a numb soul. But in the end the why question does not matter nearly as much as the “what now” question. What now can we do to treasure life and each other a little more? What does this bitter experience teach us?

For me, it is a cold reminder that life is precious and faint. That no one can be assured what the future will hold. That second chances to seek forgiveness and repair relationships sometimes never come. That the defining difference between civil society and anarchy is the ability to respect and value those with whom we disagree.

It is my prayer that this lesson re-learned will be evident in the communications of this body and in our society.

Finally, to the assembled media and the ubiquitous pundits listening, I would like to add this: Arizona is a beautiful state, with great people. Our state was built from dusty deserts and rough terrain. We are a hearty people, a determined people. We will grieve for our dead, pray for our injured, and hope in our future. And through this tragedy we will become stronger and build a better Arizona for our second century.

Per House Rules I request that these remarks, written by my own hand, be included in the Journal of January 10, 2011.

I may never say anything positive about Adams again, and almost certainly will never agree with him politically, but on Monday, January 10, 2011, let the record show that I said this -

Kirk Adams changed job titles today, shedding the mantle of "politician," ascending to "statesman."