Everybody remembers the "brain freeze heard 'round the world" when Governor Jan Brewer blanked for more than 13 seconds during her first televised debate with Democratic nominee Terry Goddard.
After her embarrassing performance, she and her handlers decided that the "first" debate would be the "only" debate.
Many other Republican candidates, looking at the poll numbers that indicated that 2010 was going to be a wave year for the Republicans, followed suit. There was no reason to risk a debate gaffe derailing an all-but-certain victory.
And for the most part, the plan worked (or at least, it didn't *not* work) - the 2010 wave swamped the US House, state legislatures, and governor's mansions coast-to-coast. After the 2010 elections, Republicans controlled the US House, became a large enough minority caucus in the US Senate so that they have been able to block pretty near every remotely positive measure, controlled all or part of 35 state legislatures, and controlled 29 governor's offices.
Fast-forward to 2012 and while it is shaping up to be a far more balanced year, yet many Republicans are campaigning like it's 2010 all over again.
In Arizona, both Republican Senate nominee Jeff Flake and CD9 nominee Vernon Parker are playing the "run and hide" card for all it's worth.
Flake has declined to publicly debate Richard Carmona, the Democratic nominee (though to be fair, per the linked article, he has agreed to a debate with Carmona, in a TV studio with no live audience, for 30 minutes only).
Parker is just ignoring Kyrsten Sinema, the Democratic nominee, and the voters in the new Ninth Congressional District. He simply has not responded to debate inquiries.
In 2012, Flake and Parker, and certain other Republicans, are still running from their 2010 playbook, which had a primary theme of "Keep your head down and your mouth closed. If you don't screw up, you'll win."
In 2010, that scheme worked in nearly all but the most heavily Democratic districts.
In 2012, the situations and districts here are much more competitive and the "bunker" mentality and approach isn't going to work for any candidate.
Having said all that, there are candidates who legally *cannot* avoid at least some interaction with voters and the other candidates.
Clean Elections candidates must participate in a CE-sponsored debate as a condition of receiving funds from the Citizens Clean Elections Commission.
This looks to be the busiest week of the general election season in terms of Clean Elections debates.
- Monday, September 24, LD11 Senate and House, 6 p.m. at Pima Community College - Northwest Campus, 7600 N. Shannon Road in Tucson
- Tuesday, September 25, LD20 Senate and House, 6:30 p.m. at ASU West - La Sala Ballroom, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road in Glendale
- Tuesday, September 25, LD24 Senate and House, 5:30 p.m. at A.E. England Building (ASU Downtown campus), 424 N. Central Avenue in Phoenix
- Wednesday, September 26, LD14 Senate and House, 6 p.m. at Benson City Council Chambers, 120 W. 6th Street in Benson
- Thursday, September 27, LD16 Senate and House, 6:30 p.m. at ASU-Poly Cooley Ballroom B, 7001 E. Williams Field Road, Mesa
- Thursday, September 27, LD27 Senate and House, ASU-Mercado, Room C145, 502 E. Monroe Street in Phoenix
Showing posts with label Clean Elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clean Elections. Show all posts
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Monday, June 27, 2011
Clean Elections Ruling: The Roberts' Supreme Court sides with deep pockets against average citizens
From the Arizona Republic, written by Mary Jo Pitzl -
In the dissent portion of the court's decision, Justice Elena Kagan wrote "So they are making a novel argument: that Arizona violated their First Amendment rights by disbursing funds to other speakers even though they could have received (but chose to spurn) the same financial assistance. Some people might call that chutzpah."
Justice Kagan is a lot more tactful than I am.
I would have just called it what it is.
Bullshit.
In a 5-4 opinion, the U.S. Supreme Court Monday struck down a key provision of Arizona's public campaign-finance law.Linda Brown, executive director of the Arizona Advocacy Network Foundation, said regarding the decision “Voters want elected officials to be accountable to them, not wealthy donors. Unfortunately this Court favors the money over the many. They are pushing our country, and more importantly our democracy, down a dangerous path.”
The court's decision means candidates running under the Arizona Clean Elections system in next year's state elections will not be able to tap public dollars to match the funds raised by their opponents.
Matching funds were created to try and level the playing field between candidates running with public funds and those funding their campaigns with traditional fund-raising tactics.
"I'm delighted," said state Sen. John McComish, R-Phoenix, who was celebrating the court's ruling with attorneys at the Goldwater Institute, which challenged the Arizona law during the 2008 campaign cycle.
In the dissent portion of the court's decision, Justice Elena Kagan wrote "So they are making a novel argument: that Arizona violated their First Amendment rights by disbursing funds to other speakers even though they could have received (but chose to spurn) the same financial assistance. Some people might call that chutzpah."
Justice Kagan is a lot more tactful than I am.
I would have just called it what it is.
Bullshit.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The coming week: everybody else edition
All info gathered from the websites of the relevent public bodies/agencies, and is subject to change without notice.
Federal level -
In the House, the agenda for the week is focused on the Republicans' H.R. 2, "Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act." Related: H. Res. 9, "Instructing certain committees to report legislation replacing the job-killing health care law."
The Senate isn't in session this week.
Arizona level -
The Arizona Corporation Commission doesn't have a full meeting scheduled for this week. It's hearing schedule is here.
The Citizens Clean Elections Commission doesn't have a meeting this week, either. They are seeking applicants for an open spot on the Commission. Interested folks who aren't registered as Democrats or Republicans and who do NOT reside in Maricopa County can apply (there are other requirements, but those are the big ones).
The Board of Directors of the Central Arizona Project is meeting on Thursday to select new officers, hold an orientation for new members on the topic of internal audit, and hold a meeting of the Finance, Audit, and Power Committee.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has a Special Meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m. The agenda looks quiet, but as is usual for this bunch, there's an executive session planned.
The Tempe City Council doesn't have a meeting scheduled for this week. The City's City Council Calendar is here.
The Scottsdale City Council doesn't have a meeting scheduled for this week. The City's Community Meeting Notice is here.
Federal level -
In the House, the agenda for the week is focused on the Republicans' H.R. 2, "Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act." Related: H. Res. 9, "Instructing certain committees to report legislation replacing the job-killing health care law."
The Senate isn't in session this week.
Arizona level -
The Arizona Corporation Commission doesn't have a full meeting scheduled for this week. It's hearing schedule is here.
The Citizens Clean Elections Commission doesn't have a meeting this week, either. They are seeking applicants for an open spot on the Commission. Interested folks who aren't registered as Democrats or Republicans and who do NOT reside in Maricopa County can apply (there are other requirements, but those are the big ones).
The Board of Directors of the Central Arizona Project is meeting on Thursday to select new officers, hold an orientation for new members on the topic of internal audit, and hold a meeting of the Finance, Audit, and Power Committee.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has a Special Meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m. The agenda looks quiet, but as is usual for this bunch, there's an executive session planned.
The Tempe City Council doesn't have a meeting scheduled for this week. The City's City Council Calendar is here.
The Scottsdale City Council doesn't have a meeting scheduled for this week. The City's Community Meeting Notice is here.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Latest Republican attack on Clean Elections under the guise of "free speech"
From the Arizona Capitol Times (subscription required) -
Given that the Rs despise Clean Elections and want to destroy it, that last seems unlikely to occur.
Lest one thinks that traditionally-financed candidates have taken vows of campaign poverty, consider these numbers, courtesy the AZ Secretary of State's website:
House Speaker Kirk Adams (R-LD19) raised over $190K for his 2010 race
Rep.-elect Ben Arredondo (D-LD17) raised $115K
House candidate Shawnna Bolick (R-LD10) raised $100K
Senate candidate Cheryl Cage (D-LD26) raised $124K
Sen.-elect Adam Driggs (R-LD11) raised $109K
Senate candidate Justin Johnson (D-LD10) raised $137K
Senate candidate Bill Konopnicki (R-LD5) raised $131K
Rep. Eric Meyer (D-LD11) raised $105K
Sen.-elect Michele Reagan (R-LD8) raised $125K
Rep. Nancy Young Wright (D-LD26) raised $120K
There were also a number of candidates who raised between $80K and $100K, but in the interests of brevity, I'm not going to list them all here. Most of the candidates who raised less than that were either Clean Elections-funded candidates or were unopposed.
In the Cap Times article, Vogt and a talking head from the Goldwater Institute try to portray this as a matter of free speech and Clean Elections and current contribution limits as acting to suppress free speech.
Well, they are entitled to have and express their opinions, but no one that I've spoken to can find the part of the Constitution that protects one's "right" to buy and sell candidates for public office, or the right of candidates to sell themselves to the highest bidder.
And after a careful reading, I can't find such a protection either.
Arizona’s Clean Elections system may rise from the dead just long enough to slap the people who are dancing on its grave.Vogt wants to raise the campaign contribution limits for statewide and legislative candidates to match the limits for federal offices (currently $4800/year for humans; unlimited for corporations), but the law approved by the voters that created Clean Elections is standing in the way. It ties funding limits for "traditionally" financed candidates to the Clean Elections law, which cannot be changed unless passed by a 3/4 vote of the legislature and only if any changes further the intent of the voters.
Rep. Ted Vogt, a Tucson Republican, plans to introduce a bill that would drastically raise the campaign contribution limits for privately funded candidates. But the voter-approved law that created the Clean Elections system may require a three-fourths vote in the Legislature to change the contribution limits, which could slam the door on a proposal that’s certain to face stiff opposition.
Given that the Rs despise Clean Elections and want to destroy it, that last seems unlikely to occur.
Lest one thinks that traditionally-financed candidates have taken vows of campaign poverty, consider these numbers, courtesy the AZ Secretary of State's website:
House Speaker Kirk Adams (R-LD19) raised over $190K for his 2010 race
Rep.-elect Ben Arredondo (D-LD17) raised $115K
House candidate Shawnna Bolick (R-LD10) raised $100K
Senate candidate Cheryl Cage (D-LD26) raised $124K
Sen.-elect Adam Driggs (R-LD11) raised $109K
Senate candidate Justin Johnson (D-LD10) raised $137K
Senate candidate Bill Konopnicki (R-LD5) raised $131K
Rep. Eric Meyer (D-LD11) raised $105K
Sen.-elect Michele Reagan (R-LD8) raised $125K
Rep. Nancy Young Wright (D-LD26) raised $120K
There were also a number of candidates who raised between $80K and $100K, but in the interests of brevity, I'm not going to list them all here. Most of the candidates who raised less than that were either Clean Elections-funded candidates or were unopposed.
In the Cap Times article, Vogt and a talking head from the Goldwater Institute try to portray this as a matter of free speech and Clean Elections and current contribution limits as acting to suppress free speech.
Well, they are entitled to have and express their opinions, but no one that I've spoken to can find the part of the Constitution that protects one's "right" to buy and sell candidates for public office, or the right of candidates to sell themselves to the highest bidder.
And after a careful reading, I can't find such a protection either.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Candidate Debates for the week ending October 3, 2010
Most of the following info is from the Clean Elections website...
No CE-sponsored debates for statewide candidates this week.
Legislative debates -
LD4
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
6:00 PM
Windmill Suites at Sun City West
12545 W Bell Road
Surprise, AZ 85374
LD29
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
6:00 PM
Pima Community College District Office
Community Room
4905 E Broadway
Tucson, AZ
LD24
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
6:00 PM
Hampton Inn & Suites
600 E 16th Street
Yuma, AZ 85365
LD30
September 30, 2010
6:00 PM
Pima Community College
East Campus Community Room
8181 E Irvington
Tucson, AZ
LD12
Thursday, September 30, 2010
6:00 PM
Hampton Inn and Suite
2000 N Litchfield Road
Goodyear, AZ 85395
Scottsdale City Council candidate debate:
Arizona Republic City Council Debates
Monday, September 27, 2010
6:00 p.m.
City Hall Kiva Forum
3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
And the big one of the week, even though it will take place on Sunday, September 26 (before the "week" in this post begins):
U.S. Senate debate. featuring Rodney Glassman, Democratic nominee, and John McCain, Republican incumbent
6 p.m.
Broadcast on KTVK (Phoenix channel 3) and KTTU (Tucson channel 18), carried on cable in Yuma, and livestreamed on AZFamily.com
Should be fun, though probably not quite as popcorn-worthy as the debate between McCain and Hayworth in the R primary.
Later...
No CE-sponsored debates for statewide candidates this week.
Legislative debates -
LD4
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
6:00 PM
Windmill Suites at Sun City West
12545 W Bell Road
Surprise, AZ 85374
LD29
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
6:00 PM
Pima Community College District Office
Community Room
4905 E Broadway
Tucson, AZ
LD24
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
6:00 PM
Hampton Inn & Suites
600 E 16th Street
Yuma, AZ 85365
LD30
September 30, 2010
6:00 PM
Pima Community College
East Campus Community Room
8181 E Irvington
Tucson, AZ
LD12
Thursday, September 30, 2010
6:00 PM
Hampton Inn and Suite
2000 N Litchfield Road
Goodyear, AZ 85395
Scottsdale City Council candidate debate:
Arizona Republic City Council Debates
Monday, September 27, 2010
6:00 p.m.
City Hall Kiva Forum
3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
And the big one of the week, even though it will take place on Sunday, September 26 (before the "week" in this post begins):
U.S. Senate debate. featuring Rodney Glassman, Democratic nominee, and John McCain, Republican incumbent
6 p.m.
Broadcast on KTVK (Phoenix channel 3) and KTTU (Tucson channel 18), carried on cable in Yuma, and livestreamed on AZFamily.com
Should be fun, though probably not quite as popcorn-worthy as the debate between McCain and Hayworth in the R primary.
Later...
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Debates for the week of September 20, 2010
Most info from the website of the Citizens Clean Elections Commission.
Statewide candidates:
Secretary of State
September 22, 2010
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Televised on KAET
Horizon Channel 8
Legislative candidates:
LD18
Monday, September 20, 2010
6:00 PM
Phoenix Mesa Marriott Hotel
200 N Centennial Way
Mesa, AZ 85201
LD3
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
6:00 PM
Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Center
1251 Highway 95
Bullhead City, AZ 86429
LD8
September 21, 2010
6:30 PM
Kerr Cultural Center
6110 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
LD2
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
6:00 PM
Woodlands Radisson Hotel
1175 W Route 66
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
LD7
Thursday, September 23, 2010
6:00 PM
Appaloosa Library
City of Scottsdale
7377 E Silverstone Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Scottsdale City Council candidate forum (complete community meeting notice here):
Brown Avenue Merchants City Council Debates
Monday, September 20, 2010
6:00 p.m.
City Hall Kiva Forum
3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Later...
Statewide candidates:
Secretary of State
September 22, 2010
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Televised on KAET
Horizon Channel 8
Legislative candidates:
LD18
Monday, September 20, 2010
6:00 PM
Phoenix Mesa Marriott Hotel
200 N Centennial Way
Mesa, AZ 85201
LD3
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
6:00 PM
Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Center
1251 Highway 95
Bullhead City, AZ 86429
LD8
September 21, 2010
6:30 PM
Kerr Cultural Center
6110 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
LD2
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
6:00 PM
Woodlands Radisson Hotel
1175 W Route 66
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
LD7
Thursday, September 23, 2010
6:00 PM
Appaloosa Library
City of Scottsdale
7377 E Silverstone Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Scottsdale City Council candidate forum (complete community meeting notice here):
Brown Avenue Merchants City Council Debates
Monday, September 20, 2010
6:00 p.m.
City Hall Kiva Forum
3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Later...
Saturday, September 11, 2010
This week's debate/event schedule
Most of this info is from the website of the Citizens Clean Elections Commission. They seem to be the only group that Republican candidates will pay attention to when they come calling regarding debates this year. Maybe it has something to do with legal requirements for campaign funding.
Not that Carl Seel (R - LD6 ) cares about minor details like that, but more on that in the near future...
On to the list of debates -
Statewide race:
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Televised on KAET
Horizon Channel 8
Legislative races:
LD11
Monday, September 13, 2010
6:00 PM
Embassy Suite Paradise Valley
4415 E Paradise Village Parkway South
Phoenix, AZ 85032
LD10
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
6:30pm
ASU West Campus, La Sala Ballroom
4701 W Thunderbird Rd
Glendale, AZ 85306
LD19
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
6:00 PM
Country Inn and Suites
6650 E Superstition Springs Blvd
Mesa, AZ 85206
LD28
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
6:00 PM
Pima Community College District Office
Community Room
4905 E Broadway
Tucson, AZ
LD23
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
6:00 PM
Holiday Inn Casa Grande
777 N Pinal Ave
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
LD9
Thursday, September 16, 2010
6:00 PM
Library
Thunderbird School of Global Management
1 Global Place
Glendale, AZ 85306
LD20
Friday, September 17, 2010
6:30 PM
ASU Research Park, Marco Technology Works Building
Room FDC #1408
7700 S River Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85284
Other events:
- Penny Kotterman, Democratic nominee for Superintendent of Public Instruction, has a calendar entry on her website for "ASA Event" on Monday morning, 8:30 a.m., at Metro Tech High School, an entry that includes a "forum" component. Not sure what it is about, since "ASA" could refer to both "Arizona School Administrators" and "Arizona Students Association" and both would work for this race and for holding events in a school. Since the event *is* at a school, it probably isn't open to the public anyway.
- Manny Cruz is running for State Mine Inspector. Right now, no events are listed on the calendar section of his website for this week. However, if his campaign updates the website or sends a list of events to me, I'll update this post.
- On Wednesday, September 15, a group called "Scottsdale Residents and Business Owners for Open, Clean and Efficient Government" will be holding a forum for candidates for Scottsdale City Council at 11 a.m. in the City Hall Kiva. The group is runfor Mayor Jim Lane by R. Lamar Whitmer and is expected to craft an event that favors Lane's selected candidates. The group was formed on August 5, 2010 as a $500 Exemption Committee by Whitmer.
- On Thursday, September 16, the Community Council of Scottsdale will hold a forum for Scottsdale City Council candidates in the Granite Reef Senior Center from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Updates as they become available (will add without noting the edits)...
Not that Carl Seel (R - LD6 ) cares about minor details like that, but more on that in the near future...
On to the list of debates -
Statewide race:
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Televised on KAET
Horizon Channel 8
Legislative races:
LD11
Monday, September 13, 2010
6:00 PM
Embassy Suite Paradise Valley
4415 E Paradise Village Parkway South
Phoenix, AZ 85032
LD10
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
6:30pm
ASU West Campus, La Sala Ballroom
4701 W Thunderbird Rd
Glendale, AZ 85306
LD19
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
6:00 PM
Country Inn and Suites
6650 E Superstition Springs Blvd
Mesa, AZ 85206
LD28
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
6:00 PM
Pima Community College District Office
Community Room
4905 E Broadway
Tucson, AZ
LD23
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
6:00 PM
Holiday Inn Casa Grande
777 N Pinal Ave
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
LD9
Thursday, September 16, 2010
6:00 PM
Library
Thunderbird School of Global Management
1 Global Place
Glendale, AZ 85306
LD20
Friday, September 17, 2010
6:30 PM
ASU Research Park, Marco Technology Works Building
Room FDC #1408
7700 S River Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85284
Other events:
- Penny Kotterman, Democratic nominee for Superintendent of Public Instruction, has a calendar entry on her website for "ASA Event" on Monday morning, 8:30 a.m., at Metro Tech High School, an entry that includes a "forum" component. Not sure what it is about, since "ASA" could refer to both "Arizona School Administrators" and "Arizona Students Association" and both would work for this race and for holding events in a school. Since the event *is* at a school, it probably isn't open to the public anyway.
- Manny Cruz is running for State Mine Inspector. Right now, no events are listed on the calendar section of his website for this week. However, if his campaign updates the website or sends a list of events to me, I'll update this post.
- On Wednesday, September 15, a group called "Scottsdale Residents and Business Owners for Open, Clean and Efficient Government" will be holding a forum for candidates for Scottsdale City Council at 11 a.m. in the City Hall Kiva. The group is run
- On Thursday, September 16, the Community Council of Scottsdale will hold a forum for Scottsdale City Council candidates in the Granite Reef Senior Center from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Updates as they become available (will add without noting the edits)...
Saturday, September 04, 2010
For the week of September 6, 2010: Upcoming debates
From the website of the Citizens Clean Elections Commission (note: there aren't any CCEC debates for statewide candidates scheuled for this week) -
District 06
September 07, 2010
Candidate Debate
6:00 PM
Hilton Garden Inn
1940 E Pinnacle Peak Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85027
District 16
September 08, 2010
Candidate Debate
6:30 PM
ASU Mercado
Room C145
502 E Monroe Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
District 15
September 09, 2010
Candidate Debate
6:00 PM
Radisson City Central
3600 N 2nd Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85013
District 27
September 09, 2010
Candidate Debate
6:00 PM
Pima Community College
West Campus Student Lounge
2202 W Anklam Rd
Tucson, AZ
And for a non-Clean Elections legislative debate
District 8
September 7. 2010
Scottsdale Republic candidate debate
6:00 p.m.
City Hall Kiva
3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ
And for a non-legislative debate
Scottsdale City Council candidate forum
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
September 8, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Granite Reef Senior Center
1700 N. Granite Reef Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ
Later...
District 06
September 07, 2010
Candidate Debate
6:00 PM
Hilton Garden Inn
1940 E Pinnacle Peak Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85027
District 16
September 08, 2010
Candidate Debate
6:30 PM
ASU Mercado
Room C145
502 E Monroe Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
District 15
September 09, 2010
Candidate Debate
6:00 PM
Radisson City Central
3600 N 2nd Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85013
District 27
September 09, 2010
Candidate Debate
6:00 PM
Pima Community College
West Campus Student Lounge
2202 W Anklam Rd
Tucson, AZ
And for a non-Clean Elections legislative debate
District 8
September 7. 2010
Scottsdale Republic candidate debate
6:00 p.m.
City Hall Kiva
3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ
And for a non-legislative debate
Scottsdale City Council candidate forum
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
September 8, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Granite Reef Senior Center
1700 N. Granite Reef Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ
Later...
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Pics from the LD17 Clean Elections debates
Will do a more complete recap tomorrow (I need to get some sleep now), but here are a few pics...
Ed Ableser and Ben Arredondo, Democratic candidates for LD17 House, prior to the debate
David Schapira, Democratic candidate for LD17 State Senate, prior to his "debate" (more on that in a minute)...
Schapira and his opponents Wendy Rogers (R) and Anthony Goshorn (G*), with Rogers and Goshorn disguised as empty chairs. Seriously, neither one showed up. Apparently Rogers notified organizers prior to the event, even though originally she was expected to appear, but Goshorn was a pure no show (check out the name tent next to Schapira's).
Well, not a *pure* no show - he was in the audience. Just not on the stage.
All of the House candidates who appeared at the debate. From left to right: Ed Ableser, Ben Arredondo, Don Hawker (R), Gregor Knauer (G), Steve May (R), and Damian Trabel (Libertarian)
Arredondo making a point.
Later...
Ed Ableser and Ben Arredondo, Democratic candidates for LD17 House, prior to the debate
David Schapira, Democratic candidate for LD17 State Senate, prior to his "debate" (more on that in a minute)...
Schapira and his opponents Wendy Rogers (R) and Anthony Goshorn (G*), with Rogers and Goshorn disguised as empty chairs. Seriously, neither one showed up. Apparently Rogers notified organizers prior to the event, even though originally she was expected to appear, but Goshorn was a pure no show (check out the name tent next to Schapira's).
Well, not a *pure* no show - he was in the audience. Just not on the stage.
All of the House candidates who appeared at the debate. From left to right: Ed Ableser, Ben Arredondo, Don Hawker (R), Gregor Knauer (G), Steve May (R), and Damian Trabel (Libertarian)
Arredondo making a point.
Later...
Sunday, July 18, 2010
This week's events...
Edit on 7/20 to correct a mistake on the date of one of the events...
Most of this week's politically-focused events are candidate forums, as should be expected as we approach the day when early ballots drop for August's primary.
...The final Clean Elections primary debates will be held this week (statewide list here; legislative races here).
- Tuesday, the Republican candidates for Corporation Commission (Brenda Burns, Barry Wong, and Gary Pierce) will face off on KAET's Horizon at 7 p.m.
-Tuesday, the Republican candidates for the House in LD22 will face off from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at ASU Polytechnic Campus, Cooley Ballroom, 7001 E Williams Field Rd., Mesa, AZ 85212
- Wednesday, the Democratic candidates for the Corporation Commission (Renz Jennings, Jorge Luis Garcia, and David Bradley) will have their debate, also at 7 p.m. on KAET's Horizon.
- Wednesday, the Republican candidates for the House in LD30 will face off from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM at Pima Community College East Campus, 8181 E Irvington Road, Tucson, AZ.
Edit to correct the date of the event below...
- On Thursday, July 29, as previously noted, the candidates (both R and D) will participate in a forum on arts education. The forum will take place from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. , Phoenix, AZ 85050. Open to the public, registration requested.
The highlight of the week, for me anyway, will be Monday's debate between the Republican candidates in CD5. It will take place at 2 p.m. in the studio of Scottsdale's CityCable11. It isn't open to the public (no room for an audience) but it will be broadcast live with a replay at 9 p.m. In addition, it will also be replayed on July 25 at 2 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m. Note: I couldn't find any indication that the forum will be broadcast on Tempe's version of CityCable11, though it wouldn't be a surprise if it eventually makes its way to that outlet.
This forum probably won't be as popcorn-riffic as Friday's Republican Senate debate (or, apparently, Saturday's), but look for front-runners (and perennial candidates) Susan Bitter Smith and David Schweikert to spend their time cutting each other down, while the other candidates spend theirs trying to elevate themselves into the top tier by clawing into the top two.
Later...
Most of this week's politically-focused events are candidate forums, as should be expected as we approach the day when early ballots drop for August's primary.
...The final Clean Elections primary debates will be held this week (statewide list here; legislative races here).
- Tuesday, the Republican candidates for Corporation Commission (Brenda Burns, Barry Wong, and Gary Pierce) will face off on KAET's Horizon at 7 p.m.
-Tuesday, the Republican candidates for the House in LD22 will face off from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at ASU Polytechnic Campus, Cooley Ballroom, 7001 E Williams Field Rd., Mesa, AZ 85212
- Wednesday, the Democratic candidates for the Corporation Commission (Renz Jennings, Jorge Luis Garcia, and David Bradley) will have their debate, also at 7 p.m. on KAET's Horizon.
- Wednesday, the Republican candidates for the House in LD30 will face off from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM at Pima Community College East Campus, 8181 E Irvington Road, Tucson, AZ.
Edit to correct the date of the event below...
- On Thursday, July 29, as previously noted, the candidates (both R and D) will participate in a forum on arts education. The forum will take place from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. , Phoenix, AZ 85050. Open to the public, registration requested.
The highlight of the week, for me anyway, will be Monday's debate between the Republican candidates in CD5. It will take place at 2 p.m. in the studio of Scottsdale's CityCable11. It isn't open to the public (no room for an audience) but it will be broadcast live with a replay at 9 p.m. In addition, it will also be replayed on July 25 at 2 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m. Note: I couldn't find any indication that the forum will be broadcast on Tempe's version of CityCable11, though it wouldn't be a surprise if it eventually makes its way to that outlet.
This forum probably won't be as popcorn-riffic as Friday's Republican Senate debate (or, apparently, Saturday's), but look for front-runners (and perennial candidates) Susan Bitter Smith and David Schweikert to spend their time cutting each other down, while the other candidates spend theirs trying to elevate themselves into the top tier by clawing into the top two.
Later...
Sunday, July 11, 2010
This week's upcoming events
Mostly Clean Elections debates, but there are a few others.
...On Tuesday, the CCEC will hold a debate for the Libertarian candidates for Governor. It will be televised on KAET's Horizon.
Since only one (Alvin Yount) is running Clean, there's no assurance that any of the others will attend.
In legislative races/debates...
Monday
LD21
Republican Candidates House of Representatives
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Chandler City Council Chambers
Downtown Chandler Library, 2nd Floor
22 S Delaware St
Chandler, AZ
LD28
Democrat Candidates House of Representatives
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Pima Community College District Office
Community Board Room
4905 E Broadway
Tucson, AZ
Wednesday
LD3
Republican Candidates House of Representatives
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Center
1251 Highway 95
Bullhead City, AZ 86429
LD10
Republican Candidates House of Representatives
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
ASU West Campus, La Sala Ballroom
4701 W Thunderbird Rd
Glendale, AZ 85306
Thursday
LD1
Republican Candidates House of Representatives
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Prescott City Council Chambers
201 S Cortez Street
Prescott, AZ 86303
As interesting as the debates are, the highlight of the week (for political geeks, anyway :) ) should be Tuesday's Meet the Candidates Reception sponsored by the Arizona Capitol Times.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM (Arizona Time)
Wyndham Phoenix Hotel
602-333-0000
50 East Adams Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
United States
Tickets required and available at the link above ($40?).
Later...
...On Tuesday, the CCEC will hold a debate for the Libertarian candidates for Governor. It will be televised on KAET's Horizon.
Since only one (Alvin Yount) is running Clean, there's no assurance that any of the others will attend.
In legislative races/debates...
Monday
LD21
Republican Candidates House of Representatives
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Chandler City Council Chambers
Downtown Chandler Library, 2nd Floor
22 S Delaware St
Chandler, AZ
LD28
Democrat Candidates House of Representatives
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Pima Community College District Office
Community Board Room
4905 E Broadway
Tucson, AZ
Wednesday
LD3
Republican Candidates House of Representatives
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Center
1251 Highway 95
Bullhead City, AZ 86429
LD10
Republican Candidates House of Representatives
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
ASU West Campus, La Sala Ballroom
4701 W Thunderbird Rd
Glendale, AZ 85306
Thursday
LD1
Republican Candidates House of Representatives
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Prescott City Council Chambers
201 S Cortez Street
Prescott, AZ 86303
As interesting as the debates are, the highlight of the week (for political geeks, anyway :) ) should be Tuesday's Meet the Candidates Reception sponsored by the Arizona Capitol Times.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM (Arizona Time)
Wyndham Phoenix Hotel
602-333-0000
50 East Adams Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
United States
Tickets required and available at the link above ($40?).
Later...
Sunday, June 27, 2010
This week's Clean Elections debate schedule
Info courtesy the Clean Elections website...
Videos of previously held debates, both statewide and legislative, can be found here.
Statewide candidate debates are being held in the studios of KAET(channel 8) and will be broadcast on Horizon.
Up this week: the candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The Republican candidates are scheduled for Tuesday, June 29 at 7 p.m.
The Democratic candidates are scheduled for Wednesday, June 30, also at 7 p.m.
Legislative candidate debates are being held in venues in the various districts throughout the state.
Up this week:
Tuesday, June 29
Republican candidates for the House in LD5
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Best Western Payson Inn
801 N. Beeline Highway 87
Payson
Wednesday, June 30
Republican candidates for the House in LD8
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Kerr Cultural Center
8110 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale
I will attempt to attend the LD8 debate, schedule permitting. Hope to see you there!
Videos of previously held debates, both statewide and legislative, can be found here.
Statewide candidate debates are being held in the studios of KAET(channel 8) and will be broadcast on Horizon.
Up this week: the candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The Republican candidates are scheduled for Tuesday, June 29 at 7 p.m.
The Democratic candidates are scheduled for Wednesday, June 30, also at 7 p.m.
Legislative candidate debates are being held in venues in the various districts throughout the state.
Up this week:
Tuesday, June 29
Republican candidates for the House in LD5
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Best Western Payson Inn
801 N. Beeline Highway 87
Payson
Wednesday, June 30
Republican candidates for the House in LD8
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Kerr Cultural Center
8110 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale
I will attempt to attend the LD8 debate, schedule permitting. Hope to see you there!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Candidate debates start this week
The Citizens Clean Elections Commission will begin holding debates for candidates who have chosen to accept campaign funding from the CCEC. Participation in the debates is a condition of accepting the funding.
"Traditional" candidates are invited to the debates, though they are under no obligation to attend. Most choose to do so, especially in races where the traditionally-financed candidate(s) aren't the favorite, such as in the race for the Republican nomination for Governor.
Note: A phone call to Buz Mills' campaign HQ confirmed that he is planning to participate in the debate, as is Matt Jette, the dark horse candidate on the R side of the ballot.
It appears this year that the CCEC debates for statewide candidates won't be open to the public as they will be televised on KAET's Horizon.
The R Governor's candidate debate will air on June 15 (tomorrow) at 7 p.m.
Up next week: the Attorney General debates, with the Republican debate airing June 22 (next Tuesday) and the Democratic debate airing the following evening (both at 7 p.m.)
The complete schedule for statewide candidates can be found here; legislative candidate debate schedule here. Many do *not* have a primary period debate because there is no contest in the primary.
Up this week in legislative debates:
LD11:
June 14, 2010 (tonight!!)
Republican Candidates Senate and House of Representatives
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Embassy Suite Paradise Valley
4415 E Paradise Village Parkway South
Phoenix, AZ 85032
LD19:
June 15, 2010
Republican Candidates House of Representatives
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Country Inn and Suites
6650 E Superstition Springs Blvd
Mesa, AZ 85206
LD23:
June 16, 2010
Republican Senate Candidates
Democrat Candidates House of Representatives
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Holiday Inn Casa Grande
777 N Pinal Ave
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
LD13:
June 17, 2010
Democrat Candidates House of Representatives
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Hilton Garden Inn
11460 W Hilton Way
Avondale, AZ 85323
"Traditional" candidates are invited to the debates, though they are under no obligation to attend. Most choose to do so, especially in races where the traditionally-financed candidate(s) aren't the favorite, such as in the race for the Republican nomination for Governor.
Note: A phone call to Buz Mills' campaign HQ confirmed that he is planning to participate in the debate, as is Matt Jette, the dark horse candidate on the R side of the ballot.
It appears this year that the CCEC debates for statewide candidates won't be open to the public as they will be televised on KAET's Horizon.
The R Governor's candidate debate will air on June 15 (tomorrow) at 7 p.m.
Up next week: the Attorney General debates, with the Republican debate airing June 22 (next Tuesday) and the Democratic debate airing the following evening (both at 7 p.m.)
The complete schedule for statewide candidates can be found here; legislative candidate debate schedule here. Many do *not* have a primary period debate because there is no contest in the primary.
Up this week in legislative debates:
LD11:
June 14, 2010 (tonight!!)
Republican Candidates Senate and House of Representatives
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Embassy Suite Paradise Valley
4415 E Paradise Village Parkway South
Phoenix, AZ 85032
LD19:
June 15, 2010
Republican Candidates House of Representatives
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Country Inn and Suites
6650 E Superstition Springs Blvd
Mesa, AZ 85206
LD23:
June 16, 2010
Republican Senate Candidates
Democrat Candidates House of Representatives
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Holiday Inn Casa Grande
777 N Pinal Ave
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
LD13:
June 17, 2010
Democrat Candidates House of Representatives
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Hilton Garden Inn
11460 W Hilton Way
Avondale, AZ 85323
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The coming week...
As usual, all info gathered from the websites of the relevent political bodies/agencies, except where noted, and subject to change without notice.
...At the federal level, both the U.S. House and Senate are on a break. They'll be back in session next week.
...Back here in Arizona...
- The Arizona Corporation Commission doesn't have any regular meetings scheduled, however they will be travelling to gather public comment on specific issues.
-- On Wednesday at 1 p.m., they will be holding a special meeting in Tucson to solicit public comments on line extension policies for Arizona utilities.
-- Later on Wednesday, they will hold two public meetings in Nogales. The first will start at 6 p.m. and will concern Rio Rico Utilities rates; the second is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and will concern Valle Verde Water Company rates.
-- The ACC's hearing schedule is here. Most of this week's hearing activity involves Arizona American Water (a name near and not-so-dear to Scottsdale readers :) ).
- The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors will meet on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. It's a special meeting with one topic - a settlement with the Department of Labor over MCSO's forcing detention officers to work unpaid overtime. AZ Republic coverage of the matter here.
- The Board of Directors of the Central Arizona Project will have a busy week.
-- On Tuesday at 1 p.m., there will be a meeting of the Project ADD Water group.
-- On Thursday at 9 a.m., the Board's Public Policy Committee will meet.
-- After the committee meeting, the full Board with hold a regular meeting. The highlights of this meeting will be the setting of property tax and service rates.
- The Tempe City Council isn't meeting this week; the Council Calendar of events is here.
- The Scottsdale City Council also isn't meeting this week; the City of Scottsdale's Community Meeting Notice is here.
Note: When memorial service arrangements for late Councilman Tony Nelssen are announced, an update will be posted.
Not meeting this week: Citizens Clean Elections Commission, Governing Board of the Maricopa County Community College District, Board of Directors of the Maricopa Integrated Health System, Arizona Board of Regents
...At the federal level, both the U.S. House and Senate are on a break. They'll be back in session next week.
...Back here in Arizona...
- The Arizona Corporation Commission doesn't have any regular meetings scheduled, however they will be travelling to gather public comment on specific issues.
-- On Wednesday at 1 p.m., they will be holding a special meeting in Tucson to solicit public comments on line extension policies for Arizona utilities.
-- Later on Wednesday, they will hold two public meetings in Nogales. The first will start at 6 p.m. and will concern Rio Rico Utilities rates; the second is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and will concern Valle Verde Water Company rates.
-- The ACC's hearing schedule is here. Most of this week's hearing activity involves Arizona American Water (a name near and not-so-dear to Scottsdale readers :) ).
- The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors will meet on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. It's a special meeting with one topic - a settlement with the Department of Labor over MCSO's forcing detention officers to work unpaid overtime. AZ Republic coverage of the matter here.
- The Board of Directors of the Central Arizona Project will have a busy week.
-- On Tuesday at 1 p.m., there will be a meeting of the Project ADD Water group.
-- On Thursday at 9 a.m., the Board's Public Policy Committee will meet.
-- After the committee meeting, the full Board with hold a regular meeting. The highlights of this meeting will be the setting of property tax and service rates.
- The Tempe City Council isn't meeting this week; the Council Calendar of events is here.
- The Scottsdale City Council also isn't meeting this week; the City of Scottsdale's Community Meeting Notice is here.
Note: When memorial service arrangements for late Councilman Tony Nelssen are announced, an update will be posted.
Not meeting this week: Citizens Clean Elections Commission, Governing Board of the Maricopa County Community College District, Board of Directors of the Maricopa Integrated Health System, Arizona Board of Regents
Friday, May 28, 2010
Response from decertified Clean Elections candidate
Earlier this week, I posted about a Republican candidate for state senate in LD7, Robert Green. He was decertified as a Clean Elections candidate and fined due to some rules violations.
Green contacted me later in the week and asked for an opportunity to explain his position on what happened.
As I firmly believe in fairness, I agreed to put publish a brief statement written by Mr. Green.
I take no position on the correctness CCEC's decision or Mr. Green's response, other than to say he was very civil when we spoke and deserves a chance to have his take on the matter heard.
From an email -
Green is still running for Republican nomination for the state senate in a four-way race against Nancy Barto, Ray Barnes, and Brad Buch.
I have emailed the Citizens Clean Elections Commission to offer them the opportunity to put forth a statement on this. I don't expect them to do so, but will publish their response if they send one.
Later...
Green contacted me later in the week and asked for an opportunity to explain his position on what happened.
As I firmly believe in fairness, I agreed to put publish a brief statement written by Mr. Green.
I take no position on the correctness CCEC's decision or Mr. Green's response, other than to say he was very civil when we spoke and deserves a chance to have his take on the matter heard.
From an email -
In March, I turned in 265 Clean Election Qualifying forms. Of those, approximately 75 were gathered by employees that I hired from Craigslist to do temp work for my business. Since they were well paid, 3 of them agreed to volunteer to help get signatures. The initial report back from the County Recorder said 136 signatures were invalid. After a visual inspection of each one, I filed 2 appeals to have the signatures reviewed. Before the 2nd appeal, I was informed that CCEC was doing an investigation and felt that all 136 were invalid. Due to my efforts, about half of those have since been ruled valid. Many of the remaining were ruled to be invalid, all of those gathered by 2 of the volunteers. The forms were turned in to me without a signature from the solicitor; my error in judgment is that after verifying the voter registration, I signed the forms and turned them in, making me responsible.
Prior to being informed of an investigation, I turned in another 160 CCEC forms of which over 140 were valid, putting my final total of valid forms to be approximately 340, well over the 220 minimum requirement.
While I do respect the CCEC decision on decertification, I do feel it was excessive and punitive; I am responsible for the volunteers and signing forms that I should not have, however, there is no way for a candidate to check signatures prior to submission to the Secretary of State - we can only check if voter registration and address is valid. I did not falsify any information or break any CCEC rules.
I will file an appeal, however, given the late date, it is unlikely that a decision in my favor would come in time to help my campaign. I will continue to campaign with a very limited budget and hope that voters will consider my experience, knowledge, and desire to help Arizona recover when it is time to vote in the primaries.
Bob Green
Green is still running for Republican nomination for the state senate in a four-way race against Nancy Barto, Ray Barnes, and Brad Buch.
I have emailed the Citizens Clean Elections Commission to offer them the opportunity to put forth a statement on this. I don't expect them to do so, but will publish their response if they send one.
Later...
Monday, May 24, 2010
That didn't take long: R candidate "decertified" by Clean Elections
A Republican candidate for the Arizona Legislature from LD7 has run afoul of Clean Elections and his name is *not* David Burnell Smith.
From the Arizona Capitol Times (subscription and login required) -
Now, this decertification doesn't kick Green off of the ballot, it just affects his campaign financing.
Of course, given that Green submitted his nominating petitions on March 8th, weeks before anyone else, my guess is that a few of the other candidates in the R primary are busy at work, checking to see if Green cut a few corners there, too. They'll verify if Green submitted enough valid sigs to be on the primary ballot (submitted: 570; required: 482; difference: 88).
I understand that the typical AZ Republican despises even the mere idea of Clean Elections, but if a candidate (D, R, or whatever) wants to take CE funding, he or she has to follow the rules associated with running a Clean campaign. Period.
From the Arizona Capitol Times (subscription and login required) -
The Citizens Clean Elections Commission decertified a Senate candidate after finding that dozens of his $5 contribution forms had been allegedly forged. The commission voted at its May 20 meeting to decertify Robert Green and fine him $20,000.The agenda for that meeting is here.
Now, this decertification doesn't kick Green off of the ballot, it just affects his campaign financing.
Of course, given that Green submitted his nominating petitions on March 8th, weeks before anyone else, my guess is that a few of the other candidates in the R primary are busy at work, checking to see if Green cut a few corners there, too. They'll verify if Green submitted enough valid sigs to be on the primary ballot (submitted: 570; required: 482; difference: 88).
I understand that the typical AZ Republican despises even the mere idea of Clean Elections, but if a candidate (D, R, or whatever) wants to take CE funding, he or she has to follow the rules associated with running a Clean campaign. Period.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The coming week...
As usual, all info gathered from the websites of the relevent political bodies/agencies, except where noted, and subject to change without notice.
These schedule posts have become intermittent, due in part to the lack of interesting tidbits to cover, as well as election year deadlines in Arizona (sigs are due Wednesday!) cutting into available blogging time. However, this week, there will be a *lot* of budget-related action and other interesting matters up for consideration, especially in D.C. and with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
Stuff that is definitely post-worthy.
On to the important stuff...
On the federal level -
- The U.S. House will be handling a number of bills this week as they get ready for the holiday break next week. The highlight this week will be H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2011 (CRS summary here). There will be a massive amount of election-year posturing over this one, whether of the "fiscal responsibility" or the "I'm a patriot" variety. Still, it's only an authorization bill, not an appropriations bill, and they all will want to make the earliest possible flights out of town on Friday. The posturing will be loud, but efficient.
Also on the agenda: Consideration of a Senate amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 (most current CRS summary here); H.R. 5175, the DISCLOSE Act (CRS summary here - it's designed to limit corporate control of election campaigns); and further consideration of H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (previously blocked by the House GOP when the measure came to the House floor under "suspension of the rules," requiring a 2/3 majority to pass, it's coming back in a way that will require only a simple majority to pass).
- The U.S. Senate will be doing, you know, "Senate" stuff this week. That includes a committee schedule with hearings on the massive BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, impacts of consolidation on the airline industry, and more (lots of executive branch nominations). There will also be floor consideration of H.R. 4899, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010.
...Back here in Arizona -
- The Arizona Corporation Commission will be holding a public comment session in Prescott Valley on Tuesday. The subject will be
The Commission's regular hearing schedule is here.
- The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has a busy and "colorful" week on tap.
-- Monday's Informal meeting is dedicated to budget matters, including the tentative adoption of next year's budget.
-- Later on Monday, the Supes will be holding a Special meeting dedicated to a financial review of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. This one could include a contempt hearing over Sheriff Joe Arpaio's refusal to turn over financial records for the review. There is some question about the procedures for the contempt hearing, so the hearing schedule may yet be changed or be cancelled entirely. More AZ Republic coverage here. This one could be the most interesting event of the week, or it could fizzle completely.
- - On Wednesday, the Supes have a Formal meeting scheduled. The agenda is a long one.
- The Board of Directors of the Maricopa Integrated Health System will be holding an executive session on Monday (relating to legal matters and contracts - the agenda items are rather vague, intentionally so, I think) and a regular meeting on Wednesday (highlight: budget-related stuff). MIHS' Legislative summary will also be on the agenda. Like most of us, their primary focus is on the state's budget situation.
- The Governing Board of the Maricopa County Community College District is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, agenda here. It looks pretty mundane thus far, though there is an item to change the length of the terms of the Board President and Secretary from one to two years. After the regular meeting will be an executive session regarding employment of the Chancellor of the District, Rufus Glasper. There have been issues of contention between the Chancellor and certain board members, so this particular exec session could be one that most MCCCD observers wish was a public session. Look for public fallout from this meeting to reach an agenda in June.
- The City Councils of Tempe and Scottsdale aren't scheduled to hold regular meetings this week, though Tempe will hold a special meeting on Friday to accept the results from last week's election. Tempe's Council Calendar is here; Scottsdale's Community Meetings Notice is here.
Not scheduled to meet this week: Citizens Clean Elections Commission, Arizona Board of Regents, Board of Directors of the Central Arizona Project
Later...
These schedule posts have become intermittent, due in part to the lack of interesting tidbits to cover, as well as election year deadlines in Arizona (sigs are due Wednesday!) cutting into available blogging time. However, this week, there will be a *lot* of budget-related action and other interesting matters up for consideration, especially in D.C. and with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
Stuff that is definitely post-worthy.
On to the important stuff...
On the federal level -
- The U.S. House will be handling a number of bills this week as they get ready for the holiday break next week. The highlight this week will be H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2011 (CRS summary here). There will be a massive amount of election-year posturing over this one, whether of the "fiscal responsibility" or the "I'm a patriot" variety. Still, it's only an authorization bill, not an appropriations bill, and they all will want to make the earliest possible flights out of town on Friday. The posturing will be loud, but efficient.
Also on the agenda: Consideration of a Senate amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 (most current CRS summary here); H.R. 5175, the DISCLOSE Act (CRS summary here - it's designed to limit corporate control of election campaigns); and further consideration of H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (previously blocked by the House GOP when the measure came to the House floor under "suspension of the rules," requiring a 2/3 majority to pass, it's coming back in a way that will require only a simple majority to pass).
- The U.S. Senate will be doing, you know, "Senate" stuff this week. That includes a committee schedule with hearings on the massive BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, impacts of consolidation on the airline industry, and more (lots of executive branch nominations). There will also be floor consideration of H.R. 4899, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010.
...Back here in Arizona -
- The Arizona Corporation Commission will be holding a public comment session in Prescott Valley on Tuesday. The subject will be
Public Comment in the Matter of the Application of the Commission’s, Docket No. E-00000J-10-0044, inquiry and potential rulemaking regarding line extension policies of electric utilities, including but not limited to, alternative rate designs related to apportionment and rate recovery of cost of construction and installation of electric utility line extensions, the use of free footage and/or dollar allowances in line extension tariffs, the treatment of proceeds associated with line extensions as contributions in aid of construction (CIAC) and/or revenue, and the ability for third-party vendors to contract to install line extensions for electric utilities.The ACC will be holding a regular "Utilities" meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, agenda here.
The Commission's regular hearing schedule is here.
- The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has a busy and "colorful" week on tap.
-- Monday's Informal meeting is dedicated to budget matters, including the tentative adoption of next year's budget.
-- Later on Monday, the Supes will be holding a Special meeting dedicated to a financial review of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. This one could include a contempt hearing over Sheriff Joe Arpaio's refusal to turn over financial records for the review. There is some question about the procedures for the contempt hearing, so the hearing schedule may yet be changed or be cancelled entirely. More AZ Republic coverage here. This one could be the most interesting event of the week, or it could fizzle completely.
- - On Wednesday, the Supes have a Formal meeting scheduled. The agenda is a long one.
- The Board of Directors of the Maricopa Integrated Health System will be holding an executive session on Monday (relating to legal matters and contracts - the agenda items are rather vague, intentionally so, I think) and a regular meeting on Wednesday (highlight: budget-related stuff). MIHS' Legislative summary will also be on the agenda. Like most of us, their primary focus is on the state's budget situation.
- The Governing Board of the Maricopa County Community College District is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, agenda here. It looks pretty mundane thus far, though there is an item to change the length of the terms of the Board President and Secretary from one to two years. After the regular meeting will be an executive session regarding employment of the Chancellor of the District, Rufus Glasper. There have been issues of contention between the Chancellor and certain board members, so this particular exec session could be one that most MCCCD observers wish was a public session. Look for public fallout from this meeting to reach an agenda in June.
- The City Councils of Tempe and Scottsdale aren't scheduled to hold regular meetings this week, though Tempe will hold a special meeting on Friday to accept the results from last week's election. Tempe's Council Calendar is here; Scottsdale's Community Meetings Notice is here.
Not scheduled to meet this week: Citizens Clean Elections Commission, Arizona Board of Regents, Board of Directors of the Central Arizona Project
Later...
Friday, May 21, 2010
Federal court upholds Clean Elections matching funds
From a Howard Fischer story in the AZ Daily Star -
The filers of the suit said that the matching funds provisions of Clean elections infringed on their free speech rights.
I say that the provision only infringes on their abilities to buy elections, something that is *not* protected under the U.S. Constitution.
For the first time in a long time, common sense won out in a matter related to Arizona. Enjoy the moment...
Arizona laws which give matching dollars to publicly financed candidates for office when their privately funded foes spend more are legal, a federal appeals court ruled today.
In a unanimous decision, the three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected claims by challengers - including the state treasurer and several legislators - that the provision of the voter-approved financing scheme violates their First Amendment rights. The challengers, all of whom ran with private donations, said it's wrong for the state to give more money to their political foes just because they have more cash.
Today's ruling overturns the conclusion of U.S. District Court Judge Roslyn Silver who had voided the law.
The filers of the suit said that the matching funds provisions of Clean elections infringed on their free speech rights.
I say that the provision only infringes on their abilities to buy elections, something that is *not* protected under the U.S. Constitution.
For the first time in a long time, common sense won out in a matter related to Arizona. Enjoy the moment...
Saturday, May 01, 2010
The coming week....
As usual, all info gathered from the websites of the relevent political bodies/agencies, except where noted, and subject to change without notice.
Ahhhh...the first lege-free week of the year...ahhhhhhhhhhhh
...In D.C. -
- The House looks to have a relatively quiet week this week. The agenda is very heavy on memorials and congratulations and such, while light on substantive legislation.
- The Senate will continue to consider reform of financial regulations. In addition, the Senate's committee schedule is here. The item of most interest to Arizonans could be Wednesday's hearing of the United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control. The topic will be "Drug Trafficking Violence in Mexico: Implications for the U.S."
Edit on 5/2 to add: The AZ Republic has an article up documenting that while nativist rhetoric about cross-border violence is up, there hasn't actually been an increase in border-related violence in Arizona.
End edit.
...Back here in Arizona...
- The Arizona Corporation Commission won't be meeting this week, but their hearing schedule is here.
- The Board of Directors of the Central Arizona Project will be meeting on Thursday. Rate-related items and the Navajo Generating Station dominate the agenda this time around. CAP's Public Policy Committee agenda (preceding the full Board meeting) is here.
- The Tempe City Council will have an active week. They will be part of a special meeting on Thursday to seek public comment on and give preliminary approval to Tempe's budget for the coming fiscal year. Budget-related coverage from the AZ Republic here. The agenda for the Council's regular meeting is here. The Council's calendar is here.
- The Scottsdale City Council will be meeting Tuesday. The agenda includes the likely hiring of the City's next future ex-City Manager. AZ Republic coverage here.
Not scheduled to meet this week: Arizona Board of Regents, Citizens Clean Elections Commission, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Board of Directors of the Maricopa Integrated Health System, Governing Board of the Maricopa County Community College District.
Ahhhh...the first lege-free week of the year...ahhhhhhhhhhhh
...In D.C. -
- The House looks to have a relatively quiet week this week. The agenda is very heavy on memorials and congratulations and such, while light on substantive legislation.
- The Senate will continue to consider reform of financial regulations. In addition, the Senate's committee schedule is here. The item of most interest to Arizonans could be Wednesday's hearing of the United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control. The topic will be "Drug Trafficking Violence in Mexico: Implications for the U.S."
Edit on 5/2 to add: The AZ Republic has an article up documenting that while nativist rhetoric about cross-border violence is up, there hasn't actually been an increase in border-related violence in Arizona.
End edit.
...Back here in Arizona...
- The Arizona Corporation Commission won't be meeting this week, but their hearing schedule is here.
- The Board of Directors of the Central Arizona Project will be meeting on Thursday. Rate-related items and the Navajo Generating Station dominate the agenda this time around. CAP's Public Policy Committee agenda (preceding the full Board meeting) is here.
- The Tempe City Council will have an active week. They will be part of a special meeting on Thursday to seek public comment on and give preliminary approval to Tempe's budget for the coming fiscal year. Budget-related coverage from the AZ Republic here. The agenda for the Council's regular meeting is here. The Council's calendar is here.
- The Scottsdale City Council will be meeting Tuesday. The agenda includes the likely hiring of the City's next future ex-City Manager. AZ Republic coverage here.
Not scheduled to meet this week: Arizona Board of Regents, Citizens Clean Elections Commission, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Board of Directors of the Maricopa Integrated Health System, Governing Board of the Maricopa County Community College District.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Coming Week - Everybody Else Edition
As usual, all info gathered from the websites of the relevent political bodies/agencies, and subject to change without notice...
In DC...
...The House's agenda is here. It looks fairly quiet thus far, though H.R. 2499 (Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2009) and H.R. 5013 (Implementing Management for Performance and Related Reforms to Obtain Value in Every Acquisition Act of 2010, aka IMPROVE Act) may generate some controversy.
It looks like that after the healthcare reform dust-up earlier this year, the leadership; in the House is going to take it easy on the really controversial stuff.
...Over in the Senate, much of their week will be consumed by consideration of financial regulation overhaul (S. 3217). Call me cynical, but much of the contention on this one seems to be over deciding between faux reform (Senate Ds) and no reform (Senate Rs). The Senate's committee schedule is here.
Here in Arizona...
...The Arizona Corporation Commission is holding a utilities-related meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, agenda here. On Friday, they'll be holding a special open meeting in Globe to solicit public comment on line extension policies of electric utilities.
The ACC's hearing schedule is here.
...The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is meeting this week. Their "informal" meeting on Monday has been cancelled, however, Wednesday's "formal" meeting is still on tap.
...The Citizens Clean Election Commission is meeting on Thursday. No agenda posted as yet.
...The Governing Board of the Maricopa County Community College District will meet on Tuesday, with an executive session at 5:30 p.m. and the regular session at 6:30 p.m. Agenda here.
...The Board of Directors of the Maricopa Integrated Health System is meeting on Wednesday. The executive session agenda is here; regular session agenda here.
...The Tempe City Council isn't meeting this week. Their calendar of events is here.
...The Scottsdale City Council has a regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday and a special meeting scheduled for noon on Friday to interview finalists for the City Manager's position. The City's Community Meeting Notice is here.
Not meeting this week: Arizona Board of Regents, Board of Directors of the Central Arizona Project
In DC...
...The House's agenda is here. It looks fairly quiet thus far, though H.R. 2499 (Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2009) and H.R. 5013 (Implementing Management for Performance and Related Reforms to Obtain Value in Every Acquisition Act of 2010, aka IMPROVE Act) may generate some controversy.
It looks like that after the healthcare reform dust-up earlier this year, the leadership; in the House is going to take it easy on the really controversial stuff.
...Over in the Senate, much of their week will be consumed by consideration of financial regulation overhaul (S. 3217). Call me cynical, but much of the contention on this one seems to be over deciding between faux reform (Senate Ds) and no reform (Senate Rs). The Senate's committee schedule is here.
Here in Arizona...
...The Arizona Corporation Commission is holding a utilities-related meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, agenda here. On Friday, they'll be holding a special open meeting in Globe to solicit public comment on line extension policies of electric utilities.
The ACC's hearing schedule is here.
...The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is meeting this week. Their "informal" meeting on Monday has been cancelled, however, Wednesday's "formal" meeting is still on tap.
...The Citizens Clean Election Commission is meeting on Thursday. No agenda posted as yet.
...The Governing Board of the Maricopa County Community College District will meet on Tuesday, with an executive session at 5:30 p.m. and the regular session at 6:30 p.m. Agenda here.
...The Board of Directors of the Maricopa Integrated Health System is meeting on Wednesday. The executive session agenda is here; regular session agenda here.
...The Tempe City Council isn't meeting this week. Their calendar of events is here.
...The Scottsdale City Council has a regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday and a special meeting scheduled for noon on Friday to interview finalists for the City Manager's position. The City's Community Meeting Notice is here.
Not meeting this week: Arizona Board of Regents, Board of Directors of the Central Arizona Project
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