A few days ago, I posted a snark-filled piece full of speculation on possible Republican candidates for governor in 2014.
Out of a sense of fairness, I'm now doing one on potential Democratic candidates.
Out of a sense of partisanship, it will be less snarky...at least, less snarky toward the Democratic candidates. :)
As with the prior post, no actual discussions with the potential candidates took place in the production of this post. In no way does a mention in this post indicate that someone is planning or interested in running for governor of Arizona, nor does lack of a mention in this post indicate that someone is *not* planning or interested in running for governor of Arizona.
As with the previous post on this topic, the names mentioned are those who have held office previously or who have otherwise made an impact on the metaphorical public square.
On to the speculation:
Terry Goddard, former attorney general and candidate for governor:
- Con: has run for governor and lost, twice.
- Pro: both of the ultimate victors of the races for governor (Fife Symington, Jan Brewer) that he was in have brought great national ridicule down upon Arizona. The voters may finally be ready to choose competence over ideological blathering.
- Con2: This is Arizona. Don't hold your breath.
Janet Napolitano, former governor:
- Con: she resigned as governor in 2009 to take a position in President Barack Obama's cabinet, leaving Arizona fading in her rear-view mirror.
- Pro: regardless of the outcome of the 2012 presidential election, she may be interested in moving on - - if the Rs win, a whole new cabinet will be brought in to DC; if Obama wins, pretty much the same will happen. Second term presidential cabinets are usually very different than the cabinets for the first term of the same president. And three-plus years of "Governor Jan Brewer" have only served to increase the amount of respect people have for Napolitano.
- Con2: as Secretary of Homeland Security, Napolitano has only had to deal with terrorists, spies, and grave threats to America. As governor, she might not be willing to again deal with scourges upon society like the Arizona legislature, the Goldwater Institute, and the Center for Arizona Policy.
Gabrielle Giffords, former member of Congress:
- Con: still recovering from a horrific assassination attempt that took the lives of six people, including a small child, and injured more than a dozen other people.
- Pro: if her recovery, already nothing short of miraculous, progresses well enough for her to handle the rigors of the job, and she actually wants the job, the election will be less a contest than a walk-over.
Harry Mitchell, former member of Congress:
- Con: after nearly five decades of public service, he may have reached the point of his life where he is ready to leave the "top of the ballot" stuff - walking precincts and making appearances on the rubber chicken circuit to those with younger legs and digestive tracts.
- Pro: one of the most respected people in Arizona politics, and one of the few left where the respect genuinely crosses partisan lines.
Phil Gordon, former mayor of Phoenix -
- Pro: still has an effective organization and base of support in what is the largest city and county in the state.
- Con: the Rs despise him, and he is far from popular with grassroots Ds, even in Maricopa County, outside of Phoenix.
Greg Stanton, current mayor of Phoenix -
- Pro: also has an effective organization and base of support in what is the largest city and county in the state. In addition, he is so new that he hasn't had time to tick off grassroots Ds.
- Con: the Rs despise him, despite knowing next to nothing about him (other than that he isn't one of them), and he is young by political standards.
- Pro2: he may be too young/new for an effective run in 2014, but 2018 and 2022 are well within the realm of realistic possibility.
Felecia Rotellini, 2010 candidate for attorney general -
- Pro: while she didn't win in 2010, she had the best performance of any D candidate during that cycle and garnered a lot of respect across the political spectrum. She's smart, energetic, and universally well-liked among Democrats. It helps that the guy who won the 2010 election, Tom Horne, is widely considered to be a sleazeball and is under federal investigation for campaign finance violations.
Con - while she's been a public servant before, she has never actually held elected office. Like Napolitano before her, a term as AG might be necessary to elevate her name recognition among the general public before running for the top spot.
Sandra Kennedy, current member of the Arizona Corporation Commission -
- Pro: intelligent, experienced and one of only two Democrats to hold statewide elected office.
- Con: as with Brenda Burns in the previous post, the ACC isn't the highest-profile perch from which to launch a run at a high-profile job. Unlike Burns however, Kennedy actually does some good work for the people of AZ, and as such, she doesn't have access to scads of corporate money.
Other names that may come up in conversation:
Rep. Chad Campbell, House minority leader: smart but young enough that like Stanton above, 2014 may be too soon; Kyrsten Sinema, former state legislator and current candidate for Congress: also young, and has her sights set much higher than the 9th floor of the Executive Tower; Steve Gallardo, state legislator: could go for it in 2014, but young enough to wait until 2018/2022 and use the time to both consolidate and expand his base of support; Ruben Gallego, state legislator: if the others are young by political standards, he's a bambino. A bambino with ambition, however. 2014 is too soon, and 2018/2022 may also be too soon, but after that...?; Neil Giuliano, former Republican and former mayor of Tempe: made noises about a run in 2010, but was pretty much unknown outside of Tempe. Would need to elevate his name rec among the general public.
A couple of wildcards:
Sue Gerard and Kris Mayes, the former head of the state Department of Health Services and chair of the Arizona Corporation Commission, respectively. They're Republicans who have actually done good work for the people of Arizona. As such, they'd never get through a Republican primary in the current political environment. Not likely to even consider becoming Democrats, but given the amount of respect that people have for them, they could make things interesting.
Later...
Showing posts with label Napolitano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Napolitano. Show all posts
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Monday, April 05, 2010
An imminent opening on the Supreme Court, Janet Napolitano in D.C...
...and AZ's Republicans start sweating from their eyeballs...
From NPR -
Let the screaming begin. :)
From NPR -
Regarding the resignation of Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, it's now a matter of when, not if. Weeks away from his 90th birthday, Stevens is the court's senior justice in both terms of age and service; he was named by President Ford in 1975. An official announcement is expected soon.
{snip}
Stevens is a liberal, and Obama will certainly name a like-minded successor... thought to be on the list is Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano...
Let the screaming begin. :)
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
GOP Senator sacrifices America's safety (and GOP credibility) on the altar of his anti-worker ideology
Lost in the cacophony of the Republican echo chamber's clamor for Janet Napolitano's resignation (over something she didn't have any control of) is their total silence regarding one of their own (over something he has absolute control of - his own actions).
From the Washington Post -
So...it's OK to criticize the Secretary of Homeland Security for failures that took place outside of her control in a system that was set up by Republicans, all because she is a Democrat and a woman, but a "good ol' boy" Republican gets a free pass on something that he specifically chose to do that creates a disruption in the aforementioned system and endangers Americans?
It's obvious that even though they are in the minority, the principle of IOKIYAR remains one of the GOP's guiding lights.
I wonder if any conservative pundits have checked with the people of South Carolina to find out if they sent DeMint to D.C. to make sure America isn't safe from foreign terrorists but is safe from unionized American workers?
If the GOP wants to show that they have America's safety at heart, they'll call for Jim DeMint's resignation as loudly as they call for Secretary Napolitano's.
They won't though - DeMint is hardly the only good ol' boy in the GOP.
From the Washington Post -
Republican senator DeMint holds up nomination for TSA chief
An alleged attempt to blow up a transatlantic flight from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas would be all-consuming for the administrator of the Transportation Security Administration -- if there were one.
Instead, the post remains vacant because Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) has held up President Obama's nominee in an effort to prevent TSA workers from joining a labor union.
DeMint, in a statement, said Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's alleged attempted attack in Detroit "is a perfect example of why the Obama administration should not unionize the TSA."
So...it's OK to criticize the Secretary of Homeland Security for failures that took place outside of her control in a system that was set up by Republicans, all because she is a Democrat and a woman, but a "good ol' boy" Republican gets a free pass on something that he specifically chose to do that creates a disruption in the aforementioned system and endangers Americans?
It's obvious that even though they are in the minority, the principle of IOKIYAR remains one of the GOP's guiding lights.
I wonder if any conservative pundits have checked with the people of South Carolina to find out if they sent DeMint to D.C. to make sure America isn't safe from foreign terrorists but is safe from unionized American workers?
If the GOP wants to show that they have America's safety at heart, they'll call for Jim DeMint's resignation as loudly as they call for Secretary Napolitano's.
They won't though - DeMint is hardly the only good ol' boy in the GOP.
Monday, December 28, 2009
To Arizona's Republican bloggers: be careful what you wish for...
...'Cuz you just might get it...
Conservative bloggers and pundits all over the country have been jumping on the anti-Napolitano bandwagon over this weekend's abortive terror attack on an international flight into Detroit. They're looking at her initial statement that "the system worked" followed by a retraction of that statement as evidence that she should be blamed for the attack. Some are even hinting that she should lose her job over this.
I'm not so sure that will happen - no one was hurt and the security failures occured overseas in other countries that were, are, and will continue to be out of her jurisdiction - but let's just assume for the moment that the Obama Administration decides that they need a scapegoat for this andfires her accepts her resignation.
If she becomes unemployed, she again becomes the favorite over John McCain in next year's election for a seat in the U.S. Senate.
With all due respect to Tucson City Councilman Rodney Glassman, he's got a better chance to win the seat if JD Hayworth is successful in his quest to knock off McCain in a primary.
McCain would be a tough, almost unbeatable, opponent in the general election; Hayworth less so.
Far less so.
Anyway, back to the main point...Napolitano was the Democrats' best bet at dethroning McCain before she went to D.C. with Obama. She's shown that she can win statewide elections (3 of them! 2 without winning Maricopa County!) and was smart enough to keep the loons in the lege in check while she occupied the 9th Floor.
While there was no guarantee that she *would* have won a race against McCain, it was a race that most political junkies in AZ wanted to see in the same way that fans of the two biggest-name heavyweight boxers from rival promotions want to see their fighters face off.
That all went away when Napolitano took the promotion to Secretary of Homeland Security.
If she ends up losing that job over something out of her control, she would then have the time on her hands for a run at the Senate seat held by McCain.
And while the Republican blogosphere in AZ hates John McCain with a fiery passion, something tells me they'd hate the idea of "Senator Napolitano" even more.
BTW - I'm not exactly Napolitano's biggest fan. Hindsight being 20/20, she *never* should have left AZ. While the state would still face the same fiscal crisis, I firmly believe that "Governor Napolitano" would have done a far better job of wrangling the legislature into fiscal sanity than "Governor Brewer" has.
Conservative bloggers and pundits all over the country have been jumping on the anti-Napolitano bandwagon over this weekend's abortive terror attack on an international flight into Detroit. They're looking at her initial statement that "the system worked" followed by a retraction of that statement as evidence that she should be blamed for the attack. Some are even hinting that she should lose her job over this.
I'm not so sure that will happen - no one was hurt and the security failures occured overseas in other countries that were, are, and will continue to be out of her jurisdiction - but let's just assume for the moment that the Obama Administration decides that they need a scapegoat for this and
If she becomes unemployed, she again becomes the favorite over John McCain in next year's election for a seat in the U.S. Senate.
With all due respect to Tucson City Councilman Rodney Glassman, he's got a better chance to win the seat if JD Hayworth is successful in his quest to knock off McCain in a primary.
McCain would be a tough, almost unbeatable, opponent in the general election; Hayworth less so.
Far less so.
Anyway, back to the main point...Napolitano was the Democrats' best bet at dethroning McCain before she went to D.C. with Obama. She's shown that she can win statewide elections (3 of them! 2 without winning Maricopa County!) and was smart enough to keep the loons in the lege in check while she occupied the 9th Floor.
While there was no guarantee that she *would* have won a race against McCain, it was a race that most political junkies in AZ wanted to see in the same way that fans of the two biggest-name heavyweight boxers from rival promotions want to see their fighters face off.
That all went away when Napolitano took the promotion to Secretary of Homeland Security.
If she ends up losing that job over something out of her control, she would then have the time on her hands for a run at the Senate seat held by McCain.
And while the Republican blogosphere in AZ hates John McCain with a fiery passion, something tells me they'd hate the idea of "Senator Napolitano" even more.
BTW - I'm not exactly Napolitano's biggest fan. Hindsight being 20/20, she *never* should have left AZ. While the state would still face the same fiscal crisis, I firmly believe that "Governor Napolitano" would have done a far better job of wrangling the legislature into fiscal sanity than "Governor Brewer" has.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
The silence is deafening...
Remember when, less than two months ago, the former Governor of Arizona and current Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano came in for some rather vicious criticisms from Republicans and the right-wing echo chamber over the release of a study on the rise of right-wing extremism and the growing threat of right-wing-based domestic terrorism?
The wingers ignored the facts that the report in question was commissioned by the Bush administration while it was in office and that a similar report on left-wing extremism and possible domestic terrorism was done in January.
Even "responsible" and "professional" members of the GOP (i.e. - elected officials) called for her resignation.
AZ's Trent Franks called the report "disgraceful" and demanded an apology from Napolitano.
So, in light of the assassination of Dr. George Tiller in Kansas by a member of extreme anti-government and anti-choice groups, the "responsible" Republicans must be reconsidering their previous outrage, right?
Look at all of the mainstream conservatives quickly jumping to condemn the violence and express their support of Secretary Napolitano -
...Yeah, I couldn't find any either.
Later...
The wingers ignored the facts that the report in question was commissioned by the Bush administration while it was in office and that a similar report on left-wing extremism and possible domestic terrorism was done in January.
Even "responsible" and "professional" members of the GOP (i.e. - elected officials) called for her resignation.
AZ's Trent Franks called the report "disgraceful" and demanded an apology from Napolitano.
So, in light of the assassination of Dr. George Tiller in Kansas by a member of extreme anti-government and anti-choice groups, the "responsible" Republicans must be reconsidering their previous outrage, right?
Look at all of the mainstream conservatives quickly jumping to condemn the violence and express their support of Secretary Napolitano -
...Yeah, I couldn't find any either.
Later...
Monday, May 11, 2009
Plop plop, fizz fizz
That's the sound echoing all around AZGOPer-Land tonight after they read the following blurb from MSNBC.com this morning -
For those of you unfamiliar with the "plop plop, fizz fizz" reference, check out this YouTube video.
Blog for Arizona coverage from AZBlueMeanie here. Like AZBlueMeanie, I don't truly expect Napolitano to get the nod, though it will be fun watching the Reps scream about the mere possibility.
It'll serve as high entertainment for at least a week, more maybe, depending on how long before the MSM latches on to another name as a viable "dark horse" candidate for the USSC.
Later...
The co-frontrunners [for the spot on the Supreme Court soon to be vacated by the retiring Justice David Souter] (in no particular order): Diane Wood of the 7th Circuit, Solicitor General Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor of the 2nd Circuit, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Merrick Garland of the DC Circuit Court of Appeals...Keep an eye on Napolitano. For this pick, it would be surprising if Obama named someone he didn't either know well or trust personally...As for Napolitano, remember that she endorsed Obama early on (despite Emily’s List pressure to do otherwise). And from people familiar with the president's thinking, he's been as impressed with Napolitano as anyone in his cabinet. They click.
For those of you unfamiliar with the "plop plop, fizz fizz" reference, check out this YouTube video.
Blog for Arizona coverage from AZBlueMeanie here. Like AZBlueMeanie, I don't truly expect Napolitano to get the nod, though it will be fun watching the Reps scream about the mere possibility.
It'll serve as high entertainment for at least a week, more maybe, depending on how long before the MSM latches on to another name as a viable "dark horse" candidate for the USSC.
Later...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Please Janet - Do as we say, not as we do
From AZCentral.com -
But where are your criticisms of President Bush's actions during the final days of his administration? Of the rules changes favoring uranium mining in the Grand Canyon, weakening the Endangered Species Act, weakening worker rights, and more?
Oh wait, what's that you say? It's just another example of "It's OK if you're a Republican"??
Ahhh. I understand now.
Never mind.
BTW - Jane Hull issued her share of executive orders on her way out the door in 2003. As did the Fifester and Ev Mecham before her.
Caveat - due to the rather "unplanned" nature of their departures from office, Mecham and Symington didn't have many executive orders overall, much less last-minute ones.
Ummm, Senator Burns? Representative Adams? Your opinion of Governor Napolitano's actions during what are expected to be her final days as Arizona's governor is clear, and of course, you are entitled to have and express it.Incoming Republican legislative leaders are asking Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano not to sign any further executive orders, including one she's considering that would empower union representatives of state employees.
Senate President-elect Bob Burns, R-Peoria, and House Speaker-elect Kirk Adams, R-Mesa, issued a joint statement Wednesday calling on Napolitano to hold off on that executive order and any other she may be contemplating before leaving office.{snip}
"It would be unprecedented for an outgoing governor to issue last-minute executive orders that tie the hands of the incoming administration," Adams said in a statement.
But where are your criticisms of President Bush's actions during the final days of his administration? Of the rules changes favoring uranium mining in the Grand Canyon, weakening the Endangered Species Act, weakening worker rights, and more?
Oh wait, what's that you say? It's just another example of "It's OK if you're a Republican"??
Ahhh. I understand now.
Never mind.
BTW - Jane Hull issued her share of executive orders on her way out the door in 2003. As did the Fifester and Ev Mecham before her.
Caveat - due to the rather "unplanned" nature of their departures from office, Mecham and Symington didn't have many executive orders overall, much less last-minute ones.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Short Attention Span Musing
From the "who says I don't pick on Democrats when they deserve it" file...
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) ignored his staff and spouted off about the fragrance of tourists visiting the Capitol.
From The Hill -
Like other high-profile Democratic senators before him (John Kerry, anyone?), Reid simply cannot tell a joke.
He *really* should have listened to his staff.
Of course, compared to Governor Ed Rendell's (D-Foot in Mouth Disease) gaffe, Reid was positively eloquent.
From AZCentral.com -
He has since apologized (sort of) for his comment that disparaged Napolitano's single status, but the damage has been done. He has ticked off single people (and many married ones) all across the country.
...From the "PleasepleasepleasepleasePUHLEEZE" department...
There are some rumors going around that John McCain will face a primary challenge in 2010 from none other than everybody's favorite loudmouthed nativist, JD Hayworth (Paul Giblin at the EV Tribune).
The idea has AZ's rightwing blogosphere all breathlessly aflutter at the thought of their darling Hayworth taking on McCain, but like Tedski at R-Cubed, I don't think it will happen. McCain has earned respect from all over AZ (misplaced though I may think that respect may be, it does exist) while Hayworth doesn't have any respect from anybody outside of his own nativist wing of the Republican Party.
That demographic fits a slot on radio, not in the senior chamber of Congress.
On the other hand, if Hayworth does go for it, maybe we can talk Harry Mitchell into running for the Senate seat.
Just for the sheer joy of watching JD's head explode at the mere possiblity of losing to Mitchell yet again. :)
For the record, I don't think Mitchell would be even remotely interested in a Senate run, even if Hayworth does run. For that matter, if it looks like a pure ideologue such as Hayworth will end up as the Rep nominee, Democrats from all over AZ will be elbowing each other hard for a shot at the seat.
...And from the "can we root for both of them to lose" department...
From AP -
Let's see...Rick Perry is best known for his perfectly-coiffed hair (Molly Ivins nicknamed him "Governor Goodhair") and Hutchinson is best known as a Bush cheerleader of Kyl-esque proportions.
Maybe Kinky Friedman can run again. He's not perfect, but he's more interesting than either of those two.
Later!
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) ignored his staff and spouted off about the fragrance of tourists visiting the Capitol.
From The Hill -
Reid’s comment came as he noted the long lines of tourists who come to visit the Capitol during the bitter cold of winter and sweltering heat of a Washington summer. By constructing the CVC, lawmakers hoped to provide a more comfortable and educational introduction to the Capitol with tighter security measures.
"Tourists line up in summer and winter," said Reid. "In the summertime, because of the high humidity and how hot it gets here, you could literally smell the tourists coming into the Capitol."
Like other high-profile Democratic senators before him (John Kerry, anyone?), Reid simply cannot tell a joke.
He *really* should have listened to his staff.
Of course, compared to Governor Ed Rendell's (D-Foot in Mouth Disease) gaffe, Reid was positively eloquent.
From AZCentral.com -
Rendell made the comment Tuesday at a meeting of the National Governors Association in Philadelphia that featured President-elect Barack Obama.
Rendell said Napolitano is "perfect for that job. Because for that job, you have to have no life. Janet has no family. Perfect. She can devote, literally, 19-20 hours a day to it."
He has since apologized (sort of) for his comment that disparaged Napolitano's single status, but the damage has been done. He has ticked off single people (and many married ones) all across the country.
...From the "PleasepleasepleasepleasePUHLEEZE" department...
There are some rumors going around that John McCain will face a primary challenge in 2010 from none other than everybody's favorite loudmouthed nativist, JD Hayworth (Paul Giblin at the EV Tribune).
The idea has AZ's rightwing blogosphere all breathlessly aflutter at the thought of their darling Hayworth taking on McCain, but like Tedski at R-Cubed, I don't think it will happen. McCain has earned respect from all over AZ (misplaced though I may think that respect may be, it does exist) while Hayworth doesn't have any respect from anybody outside of his own nativist wing of the Republican Party.
That demographic fits a slot on radio, not in the senior chamber of Congress.
On the other hand, if Hayworth does go for it, maybe we can talk Harry Mitchell into running for the Senate seat.
Just for the sheer joy of watching JD's head explode at the mere possiblity of losing to Mitchell yet again. :)
For the record, I don't think Mitchell would be even remotely interested in a Senate run, even if Hayworth does run. For that matter, if it looks like a pure ideologue such as Hayworth will end up as the Rep nominee, Democrats from all over AZ will be elbowing each other hard for a shot at the seat.
...And from the "can we root for both of them to lose" department...
From AP -
WASHINGTON (AP) — Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison on Thursday took the first step toward a run for governor, setting the stage for a contentious challenge in 2010 against fellow Republican Rick Perry, the longest-serving leader in state history.
Let's see...Rick Perry is best known for his perfectly-coiffed hair (Molly Ivins nicknamed him "Governor Goodhair") and Hutchinson is best known as a Bush cheerleader of Kyl-esque proportions.
Maybe Kinky Friedman can run again. He's not perfect, but he's more interesting than either of those two.
Later!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
D17's Rep. Ed Ableser quoted in the Washington Post
Too bad it was about some sad news.
From the WaPo article about possible replacements from New York for Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate (and, obviously, ramifications of Obama's other cabinet appointments in other states) -
Later!
From the WaPo article about possible replacements from New York for Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate (and, obviously, ramifications of Obama's other cabinet appointments in other states) -
In Arizona, Gov. Janet Napolitano, nominee for secretary of homeland security, will be replaced by Secretary of State Jan Brewer (R). Arizona has no lieutenant governor.
Arizona state Rep. Ed Ableser (D) said losing a Democratic governor to a Republican one will change politics considerably, given the overwhelmingly GOP legislature. He compared it to a hockey team losing its goalie.
"It's somewhat frustrating that we're already hearing talk about cutting education, health care and vital programs to the needy," Ableser said. "It's sad knowing Governor Napolitano won't be there to help us with these fights."
Later!
Monday, December 01, 2008
Governor Napolitano's message on her appointment to Obama's cabinet
Courtesy an email -
Tedski at R-Cubed has a couple of takes on today's developments here and here; legislator-elect Daniel Patterson has his take here.
The Republican blogosphere is, in a word, *giddy* about today's announcement - Sonoran Alliance here, Mesa Issues here.
Later...
Monday, December 1, 2008
Dear Friends,
Today, I have accepted President-elect Barack Obama’s offer to join his administration as the Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security. I am humbled by the invitation, and proud to accept it, but it was by no means an easy decision.
Over the past six years, together, we have accomplished a great deal in Arizona. We moved our state in a new direction, strengthening our schools with voluntary full-day kindergarten, higher teacher pay and higher standards for our students. We expanded access to children’s health insurance and saved Arizonans millions of dollars with one of the largest free prescription drug discount programs in the country. And we’re rebuilding Arizona’s economy with a focus on high-wage, high-tech jobs of the future.
Yet, I believe that when called upon to serve in a new way – particularly at such a critical time in the history of our country – it is my duty as a citizen to step forward and say, “Yes.”
Arizona also faces a time of challenge, and I intend to carry forward with my most important responsibilities as the leader of this state. In just a few weeks, I will deliver my State of the State address, and shortly thereafter, I will present to the Arizona Legislature a balanced budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2010.
In the weeks that follow, upon my confirmation as Secretary by the U.S. Senate, I will tender my resignation as Governor of Arizona. Secretary of State Jan Brewer will then take over. In the meantime, specific members of my staff will be designated to oversee the Arizona transition, to ensure that power and responsibility are transferred seamlessly.
So, while our work here at the Governor’s office is not over, I want to take this opportunity to say, “thank you.” You entrusted me to run this state to the best of my ability, and I have tried with all my being to do so. I will continue to work toward what is best for Arizona and Arizonans, but from a different place and with a different charge.
In my first inaugural speech, I said, “Our strength lies in our diversity and it lies in our heritage. And we must draw on both of these gifts in the days ahead.” Those words are still true and still useful today. We will face change together, and continue to stand together as “One Arizona.”
Yours very truly,
Janet Napolitano
Governor
Tedski at R-Cubed has a couple of takes on today's developments here and here; legislator-elect Daniel Patterson has his take here.
The Republican blogosphere is, in a word, *giddy* about today's announcement - Sonoran Alliance here, Mesa Issues here.
Later...
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The Southwest looks to be well-represented in the Obama cabinet
First came the news that AZ's own Governor Janet Napolitano has been tabbed to take over the Department of Homeland Security.
Then came the strong rumors that Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ7) will be selected as Secretary of the Interior.
Now today comes the news that New Mexico governor Bill Richardson has been tapped to be Secretary of Commerce.
While all of those selections (if they become official) are good ones, both for the desert Southwest and for the country as a whole, the most significant for the Southwest is that of longtime environmental and progressive activist Grijalva, not that of the higher-profile Napolitano or Richardson. Grijalva has long been involved with southwestern and national environmental issues, serving as a member of the House's Committee on Natural Resources and chairing that committee's National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee. In short, he brings the right disposition and experience to the job once held by prominent Arizonans Bruce Babbitt (1993 - 2001) and Stewart Udall (1961 - 1969).
Over 50% of Arizona's land area is under federal control, as is Utah's, over 40% of New Mexico is federal land and over 80% of Nevada is. Colorado is slacking - a little over 30% of it is under federal jurisdiction.
Note: not all of the land areas mentioned above are under Interior's jurisdiction, such as that which is under military control. Still, a huge percentage of the Four Corners states and Nevada are federally-controlled.
In other words, there's definitely a need for a native of the southwest to be overseeing the Department of the Interior.
While both are longtime westerners and have served ably as governors of southwestern states, Napolitano and Richardson bring the sort of experience and temperment that lends itself to more generalization. In fact, both were rumored to have been considered for other posts before the proposed ones were settled on - Napolitano for Attorney General or White House Counsel and Richardson for Secretary of State (and with all due respect to Senator Clinton, Bill Richardson has way more qualifications for the job.)
On to consideration of more mundane ramifications...
Of the three seats, the Democratic Party is most likely to lose the AZ governorship. Not only would a Republican, Jan Brewer, ascend to the office upon Napolitano's move to D.C, but the Republicans have a registration advantage in AZ. That advantage will have to be overcome by the eventual Democratic nominee (Terry Goddard???) in 2010.
However, in AZCD7, the Democrats have an almost 2-1 registration advantage, so unless there's a brutal Democratic primary battle as part of a possible special election and the eventual winner is weakened significantly, the Dems will hold on to that seat.
In New Mexico, there are over 200,000 more registered Dems than Reps, so the Democratic Party *should* keep the NM governor's office. I say "*should*" because western Democrats are rather independent, which is why New Mexico is considered a battleground state during presidential elections.
Later...
Then came the strong rumors that Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ7) will be selected as Secretary of the Interior.
Now today comes the news that New Mexico governor Bill Richardson has been tapped to be Secretary of Commerce.
While all of those selections (if they become official) are good ones, both for the desert Southwest and for the country as a whole, the most significant for the Southwest is that of longtime environmental and progressive activist Grijalva, not that of the higher-profile Napolitano or Richardson. Grijalva has long been involved with southwestern and national environmental issues, serving as a member of the House's Committee on Natural Resources and chairing that committee's National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee. In short, he brings the right disposition and experience to the job once held by prominent Arizonans Bruce Babbitt (1993 - 2001) and Stewart Udall (1961 - 1969).
Over 50% of Arizona's land area is under federal control, as is Utah's, over 40% of New Mexico is federal land and over 80% of Nevada is. Colorado is slacking - a little over 30% of it is under federal jurisdiction.
Note: not all of the land areas mentioned above are under Interior's jurisdiction, such as that which is under military control. Still, a huge percentage of the Four Corners states and Nevada are federally-controlled.
In other words, there's definitely a need for a native of the southwest to be overseeing the Department of the Interior.
While both are longtime westerners and have served ably as governors of southwestern states, Napolitano and Richardson bring the sort of experience and temperment that lends itself to more generalization. In fact, both were rumored to have been considered for other posts before the proposed ones were settled on - Napolitano for Attorney General or White House Counsel and Richardson for Secretary of State (and with all due respect to Senator Clinton, Bill Richardson has way more qualifications for the job.)
On to consideration of more mundane ramifications...
Of the three seats, the Democratic Party is most likely to lose the AZ governorship. Not only would a Republican, Jan Brewer, ascend to the office upon Napolitano's move to D.C, but the Republicans have a registration advantage in AZ. That advantage will have to be overcome by the eventual Democratic nominee (Terry Goddard???) in 2010.
However, in AZCD7, the Democrats have an almost 2-1 registration advantage, so unless there's a brutal Democratic primary battle as part of a possible special election and the eventual winner is weakened significantly, the Dems will hold on to that seat.
In New Mexico, there are over 200,000 more registered Dems than Reps, so the Democratic Party *should* keep the NM governor's office. I say "*should*" because western Democrats are rather independent, which is why New Mexico is considered a battleground state during presidential elections.
Later...
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Time for some 2010 speculations...
...especially since "Candie Dates" at Sonoran Alliance got the ball rolling with a post concerning possible candidates to replace Jan Brewer at the Secretary of State's office if she ascends to the governor's office (OK, OK - "when" :( ) and the AZ Rep has an article about how Janet Napolitano's expected move to D.C. would "shake up" the 2010 race for governor.
A couple of caveats -
1. Most of my focus will be on Democrats from Maricopa County because they're who I have the most familiarity with. There are certain to be candidates from Pima, Pinal, Coconino and other counties whose names I haven't heard.
2. This is all pure speculation on my part. None of the potential candidates mentioned has ever spoken to me about their future plans.
3. The underlying assumptions are that Janet Napolitano leaves and does not return to run against John McCain in two years (though a run against Jon Kyl in four years remains a possibility) and that, despite laying the groundwork for a reelection run, McCain chooses not to run again at age 74.
4. The goal of this post is to start a discussion, so if you have some legitimate speculations of your own, feel free to leave a comment (just keep it civil :) ).
On to theidle thoughts random musings... :))
State Mine Inspector - why on God's green earth is this still an elected office? Could someone explain this to me, please?
State Superintendent of Public Instruction -
Speculation elsewhere on possible Republican candidates has focused on State Sen. John Huppenthal and State Rep. Rich Crandall. Both are very conservative; Huppenthal despises public education with a burning passion and Crandall does not.
As for possible Democratic candidates, Slade Mead and Jason Williams, who both ran in 2006 may try again. However, Williams has remained more active in the education field and has a higher profile in that area. Other to consider include Jackie and John Thrasher. Both are career teachers, both lost elections this year and may want to try for different offices in 2010 - it's looking more and more like John is not destined to be the one who unseats Congressman Trent Franks in CD3 and Jackie could make Republicans Jim Weiers and Doug Quelland eat green crow by winning a statewide office after weaselling their way back into office in LD10.
State Treasurer - No clue here. At all.
Attorney General -
On the Republican side, I have no idea, though I expect their nominee to be some party apparatchik.
As for the Democratic possibilities, I don't have much more of a clue here, though Tim Nelson (former candidate for Maricopa County Attorney) is a possibility if he doesn't accompany Napolitano to D.C. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon is a possibility here too, if he chooses to give Terry Goddard an unobstructed run at the Democratic gubernortorial nomination. Long shots to even consider a run, much less win one, are Don Bivens, chair of the AZ Democratic Party, and Mark Manoil, chair of the Maricopa County Democratic Party. Both are practicing lawyers.
Secretary of State -
The Sonoran Alliance post linked above has a pretty good run down of possible Rep candidates for 2010 even though the focus was on possibilities for appointment to replace Brewer in the immediate future. One name that was mentioned over there was former Tempe state Rep. Laura Knaperek. They raved over her because she is so conservative, but I don't see it - she lost her last general election in 2006 against a couple of relatively new Democratic candidates for state lege, and she lost her last primary this year in CD5. Even good candidates can lose *one* election but she has lost three this decade. She may want to consider *not* running for office for a while.
Current Corporation Commissioner Kris Mayes may consider a run here, too. While her non-political experience is in journalism, she has degrees in law and public administration. Since she is rumored to be interested in moving to the ninth floor (aka - the Governor's office), this office would be a logical steppingstone.
As for Democrats, Sandra Kennedy has been rumored to have interest in the job, though her recent victory in the AZ Corporation Commission race probably means she won't go for this in two years. There are a couple of termed out state legislators who may be interested, and perhaps some not-so-termed-out ones, if it doesn't look like the Dems will improve their representation in the lege in two years.
Governor -
The list is long and varied here. The Republican possibilities are discussed in the AZ Rep article, though Jan Brewer has to be considered the early favorite whether or not she ascends into the governorship within a few weeks. A dark horse here could be Congressman Jeff Flake, whose interest in the job has been the subject of rumors in the past. While the governor's job pays less than U.S. Rep, he wouldn't have to fly back and forth to D.C. every weekend and wouldn't have to sleep in his office to save money for his kids' college education.
On the Democratic side, current Attorney General Terry Goddard is considered the presumptive front-runner for the Democratic nomination with Phil Gordon the primary threat to that. Former AZ Dem chair and former candidate for U.S. Senate Jim Pederson is also mentioned frequently. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has been the subject of rumors here, but she seems more likely to take a run at John McCain's Senate seat at this point.
Arizona Corporation Commission (2 seats) -
No clue as for the Republican possiblilities, and the only Democratic names that I can think of right off the top of my head are Sam George and Kara Kelty, both of whom were candidates this year.
U.S. Senate -
If McCain doesn't run again, the field is wide open on both sides of the aisle.
Republican possibilities include current Congressmen John Shadegg (CD3) and Jeff Flake (CD6), though there are sure to be other names floated (Mayes' name might fit here, too, but she passed on a run in CD1 this year. She may not be interested in federal office.)
Democratic possibilities include whichever of the Goddard/Gordon duo doesn't run for governor, Jim Pederson (again) and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (CD8). Giffords may be a possible candidate even if McCain runs again - many people in AZ believe that a strong female candidate would have the best chance of unseating the popular McCain.
U.S. Congress -
There is a frequent rumor that Congressman Ed Pastor (CD4) could face a primary challenge in two years from Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox. If that actually happens, it would be an interesting, and probably heated, contest between two entrenched west Phoenix political machines.
As for the other CDs, I've got no idea, though any special-election winning replacement for rumored-to-becoming-U.S. Secretary of the Interior Raul Grijalva (CD7) is certain to face some strong challengers.
Other names that could fit into one of these potential races include Dennis Burke (former Napolitano chief of staff and rumored U.S. Attorney-to-be), state legislators David Lujan (D), Kyrsten Sinema (D), Chad Campbell (D) and Michelle Reagan (R) and outgoing Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross.
Later!
A couple of caveats -
1. Most of my focus will be on Democrats from Maricopa County because they're who I have the most familiarity with. There are certain to be candidates from Pima, Pinal, Coconino and other counties whose names I haven't heard.
2. This is all pure speculation on my part. None of the potential candidates mentioned has ever spoken to me about their future plans.
3. The underlying assumptions are that Janet Napolitano leaves and does not return to run against John McCain in two years (though a run against Jon Kyl in four years remains a possibility) and that, despite laying the groundwork for a reelection run, McCain chooses not to run again at age 74.
4. The goal of this post is to start a discussion, so if you have some legitimate speculations of your own, feel free to leave a comment (just keep it civil :) ).
On to the
State Mine Inspector - why on God's green earth is this still an elected office? Could someone explain this to me, please?
State Superintendent of Public Instruction -
Speculation elsewhere on possible Republican candidates has focused on State Sen. John Huppenthal and State Rep. Rich Crandall. Both are very conservative; Huppenthal despises public education with a burning passion and Crandall does not.
As for possible Democratic candidates, Slade Mead and Jason Williams, who both ran in 2006 may try again. However, Williams has remained more active in the education field and has a higher profile in that area. Other to consider include Jackie and John Thrasher. Both are career teachers, both lost elections this year and may want to try for different offices in 2010 - it's looking more and more like John is not destined to be the one who unseats Congressman Trent Franks in CD3 and Jackie could make Republicans Jim Weiers and Doug Quelland eat green crow by winning a statewide office after weaselling their way back into office in LD10.
State Treasurer - No clue here. At all.
Attorney General -
On the Republican side, I have no idea, though I expect their nominee to be some party apparatchik.
As for the Democratic possibilities, I don't have much more of a clue here, though Tim Nelson (former candidate for Maricopa County Attorney) is a possibility if he doesn't accompany Napolitano to D.C. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon is a possibility here too, if he chooses to give Terry Goddard an unobstructed run at the Democratic gubernortorial nomination. Long shots to even consider a run, much less win one, are Don Bivens, chair of the AZ Democratic Party, and Mark Manoil, chair of the Maricopa County Democratic Party. Both are practicing lawyers.
Secretary of State -
The Sonoran Alliance post linked above has a pretty good run down of possible Rep candidates for 2010 even though the focus was on possibilities for appointment to replace Brewer in the immediate future. One name that was mentioned over there was former Tempe state Rep. Laura Knaperek. They raved over her because she is so conservative, but I don't see it - she lost her last general election in 2006 against a couple of relatively new Democratic candidates for state lege, and she lost her last primary this year in CD5. Even good candidates can lose *one* election but she has lost three this decade. She may want to consider *not* running for office for a while.
Current Corporation Commissioner Kris Mayes may consider a run here, too. While her non-political experience is in journalism, she has degrees in law and public administration. Since she is rumored to be interested in moving to the ninth floor (aka - the Governor's office), this office would be a logical steppingstone.
As for Democrats, Sandra Kennedy has been rumored to have interest in the job, though her recent victory in the AZ Corporation Commission race probably means she won't go for this in two years. There are a couple of termed out state legislators who may be interested, and perhaps some not-so-termed-out ones, if it doesn't look like the Dems will improve their representation in the lege in two years.
Governor -
The list is long and varied here. The Republican possibilities are discussed in the AZ Rep article, though Jan Brewer has to be considered the early favorite whether or not she ascends into the governorship within a few weeks. A dark horse here could be Congressman Jeff Flake, whose interest in the job has been the subject of rumors in the past. While the governor's job pays less than U.S. Rep, he wouldn't have to fly back and forth to D.C. every weekend and wouldn't have to sleep in his office to save money for his kids' college education.
On the Democratic side, current Attorney General Terry Goddard is considered the presumptive front-runner for the Democratic nomination with Phil Gordon the primary threat to that. Former AZ Dem chair and former candidate for U.S. Senate Jim Pederson is also mentioned frequently. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has been the subject of rumors here, but she seems more likely to take a run at John McCain's Senate seat at this point.
Arizona Corporation Commission (2 seats) -
No clue as for the Republican possiblilities, and the only Democratic names that I can think of right off the top of my head are Sam George and Kara Kelty, both of whom were candidates this year.
U.S. Senate -
If McCain doesn't run again, the field is wide open on both sides of the aisle.
Republican possibilities include current Congressmen John Shadegg (CD3) and Jeff Flake (CD6), though there are sure to be other names floated (Mayes' name might fit here, too, but she passed on a run in CD1 this year. She may not be interested in federal office.)
Democratic possibilities include whichever of the Goddard/Gordon duo doesn't run for governor, Jim Pederson (again) and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (CD8). Giffords may be a possible candidate even if McCain runs again - many people in AZ believe that a strong female candidate would have the best chance of unseating the popular McCain.
U.S. Congress -
There is a frequent rumor that Congressman Ed Pastor (CD4) could face a primary challenge in two years from Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox. If that actually happens, it would be an interesting, and probably heated, contest between two entrenched west Phoenix political machines.
As for the other CDs, I've got no idea, though any special-election winning replacement for rumored-to-becoming-U.S. Secretary of the Interior Raul Grijalva (CD7) is certain to face some strong challengers.
Other names that could fit into one of these potential races include Dennis Burke (former Napolitano chief of staff and rumored U.S. Attorney-to-be), state legislators David Lujan (D), Kyrsten Sinema (D), Chad Campbell (D) and Michelle Reagan (R) and outgoing Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross.
Later!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
I *really* hope that CNN is wrong on this one..
Because if they're right, we are weeks, possibly days, away from having the Arizona chapter of the Flat Earth Society running completely unchecked over Arizona.
CNN is reporting that anonymous sources within the Obama transition team have told them that Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano is slated to be his nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security.
For her part, Governor Napolitano denied that she is seeking a position in the Obama Administration while not taking her name out of consideration for such a job.
While I respect Governor Napolitano and wish her well in whatever course she chooses for her career, I've got one thing to say about the possibility of her exit from Arizona political scene -
Arrgghhhh!!! Don't go, Janet!!! Please!!!
If she leaves, the only thing that will stand between the depredations of the loons running the AZ lege and the people of Arizona will be...
Governor Jan Brewer???
If that situation comes to pass, God help us all.
The only possible silver lining to a Brewer governorship would be that two years of insanity and pure hell emanating from West Washington will make it easier to elect Democrats to the lege and statewide office in 2010.
Later...
CNN is reporting that anonymous sources within the Obama transition team have told them that Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano is slated to be his nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security.
For her part, Governor Napolitano denied that she is seeking a position in the Obama Administration while not taking her name out of consideration for such a job.
While I respect Governor Napolitano and wish her well in whatever course she chooses for her career, I've got one thing to say about the possibility of her exit from Arizona political scene -
Arrgghhhh!!! Don't go, Janet!!! Please!!!
If she leaves, the only thing that will stand between the depredations of the loons running the AZ lege and the people of Arizona will be...
Governor Jan Brewer???
If that situation comes to pass, God help us all.
The only possible silver lining to a Brewer governorship would be that two years of insanity and pure hell emanating from West Washington will make it easier to elect Democrats to the lege and statewide office in 2010.
Later...
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The 2010 campaigns are already starting
From CNN's Political Ticker -
Of course, it doesn't bode well for couch-sleepers (and McCain allies) John Shadegg and Jeff Flake, who are both rumored to be interested in running for the seat.
Later!
From CNN's Dana BashThis is no guarantee that McCain is going to actually run for reelection, but it does increase the likelihood that he will do so. Now if we can just convince Janet Napolitano to hang out in AZ for two more years - the political geek in me wants to see two of AZ's electoral phenoms face off in two years. :)
(CNN) — CNN has learned that John McCain met Tuesday night with top advisers to start the process of setting up a political action committee.
A senior McCain aide says that was done to send the signal he intends to run for another term as senator from Arizona.
He is up for re-election in 2010.
Of course, it doesn't bode well for couch-sleepers (and McCain allies) John Shadegg and Jeff Flake, who are both rumored to be interested in running for the seat.
Later!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Wow, those superdelegates - they get the best seats in the house!
The DNCC announced today that Arizona's own Governor Janet Napolitano will be onstage at the Democratic National Convention. On Tuesday, August 26, she will be one of the speakers presenting Sen. Barack Obama's economic plan to the convention delegates and to America.
From the DNCC press release -
Other Tuesday speakers include -
Keynote speaker Mark Warner, former Governor of Virginia.
Senator and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton of New York.
Governors Ted Strickland of Ohio and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania will speak about how the failed BushCo economic policies of the last eight years have seriously jacked up our economy (note: "jacked up" is my term, not the DNCC's, and it's a euphemism.)
Senator Bob Casey, Jr. of Pennsylvania and Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts will speak about how Sen. Obama's economic plan has been shaped and influenced by the needs and concerns of middle-class America.
Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana and Federico Peña, former Mayor of Denver and Secretary of both Energy and Transportation will speak on the relationship between energy and America's economic vitality.
Other, previously announced, speakers include Michelle Obama, Craig Robinson (Michelle Obama's brother), Sen. Claire MacCaskill of Missouri, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. They'll speak on the opening night of the convention. Monday night will also feature a tribute to Sen. Ted Kennedy.
On Wednesday, Sen. Obama's as-yet-unannounced pick for VP will speak. The announced theme for Wednesday is national security.
On Thursday, Governor Bill Ritter of Colorado will speak and Sen. Obama will give his acceptance speech at Invesco Field.
Later!
From the DNCC press release -
Tuesday night’s featured speakers include Convention Co-Chair Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, both early supporters of Barack Obama, who will outline his detailed economic plan to grow the economy, create jobs, restore fairness and expand opportunity.
Other Tuesday speakers include -
Keynote speaker Mark Warner, former Governor of Virginia.
Senator and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton of New York.
Governors Ted Strickland of Ohio and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania will speak about how the failed BushCo economic policies of the last eight years have seriously jacked up our economy (note: "jacked up" is my term, not the DNCC's, and it's a euphemism.)
Senator Bob Casey, Jr. of Pennsylvania and Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts will speak about how Sen. Obama's economic plan has been shaped and influenced by the needs and concerns of middle-class America.
Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana and Federico Peña, former Mayor of Denver and Secretary of both Energy and Transportation will speak on the relationship between energy and America's economic vitality.
Other, previously announced, speakers include Michelle Obama, Craig Robinson (Michelle Obama's brother), Sen. Claire MacCaskill of Missouri, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. They'll speak on the opening night of the convention. Monday night will also feature a tribute to Sen. Ted Kennedy.
On Wednesday, Sen. Obama's as-yet-unannounced pick for VP will speak. The announced theme for Wednesday is national security.
On Thursday, Governor Bill Ritter of Colorado will speak and Sen. Obama will give his acceptance speech at Invesco Field.
Later!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
WAG time...
Yesterday, PolitickerAZ's Wally Edge posted a list of potential winners and losers in the fallout if, as rumored, Governor Napolitano accepts a Cabinet position in an potential Obama presidential administration.
I can't argue with his lists (his analysis, though brief, was pretty good), but his list of 'losers' was incomplete.
He missed the group that stands to lose the most - the people of Arizona.
Right now, Gov. Napolitano is all that stands between us and the loons of the Flat Earth Society, Arizona Chapter (aka - the Republican caucus in the lege).
If Napolitano steps down, Republican Secretary of State Jan Brewer ascends to the governor's office.
"Governor Jan Brewer" - God help us all.
However...
This article from the Swing State Project about possible changes to the U.S. Senate after the fall elections got me to thinking.
[Lots of 'ifs' ahead, a sure sign of wild, unsupported speculation. What can I say? I'm bored. :) ]
If Obama wins in November, and John McCain decides that he is tired from his nearly 50 years of public service (military and political) and wants to spend some time with his friends and family and retires after the election (and rumors to that effect have surfaced before), depending on the timing, Gov. Napolitano could accept a job in D.C. *and* protect Arizona's citizens.
If McCain retires, Napolitano would get to appoint his successor. Under AZ law, that appointee must be a member of the same political party as McCain.
Jan Brewer is a Republican (in fact, she's a very partisan one, hence my trepidation at the thought of a Brewer governorship).
Hmm. What to do, what to do??
A possible solution could work like this -
McCain retires, Napolitano appoints Brewer, Napolitano accepts a Cabinet position, and the AZ governorship falls to the next highest-ranked elected statewide official -
Democratic Attorney General Terry Goddard.
Upsides -
- Governor Napolitano gets to go to D.C. and the people of Arizona are still protected from the loons.
- A strong Rep potential candidate for the 2010 race for governor is taken out of the picture.
- The presumptive Democratic nominee in 2010 gets to run as an incumbent.
Downsides -
- Brewer is young enough (early 60s, I think) and ambitious enough to take a shot at a full term in the Senate; this would give her a leg up on any other candidates, Dem or Rep. If Napolitano has any designs on that seat herself, appointing Brewer could make it tough for her to win the seat.
- It would really tick off the Republican leadership in the state lege. They'd still have a Democratic Governor standing in their way.
But wait, they're ticked off now, and that fact isn't really a 'downside.' :)
- Also, while it's been rumored in the past, there's no guarantees that McCain is going to retire if he loses in November, or that Brewer would accept an appointment to serve out his term.
Of course, this could all be moot if the Democrats can overcome McCain's presence on the ballot and win a majority in one or both chambers of the state lege.
Do your part to make an Arizonan U.S. Attorney General or Secretary of Homeland Security - volunteer to help your Democratic legislative candidates!
OK, boredom's over - later!
:))
I can't argue with his lists (his analysis, though brief, was pretty good), but his list of 'losers' was incomplete.
He missed the group that stands to lose the most - the people of Arizona.
Right now, Gov. Napolitano is all that stands between us and the loons of the Flat Earth Society, Arizona Chapter (aka - the Republican caucus in the lege).
If Napolitano steps down, Republican Secretary of State Jan Brewer ascends to the governor's office.
"Governor Jan Brewer" - God help us all.
However...
This article from the Swing State Project about possible changes to the U.S. Senate after the fall elections got me to thinking.
[Lots of 'ifs' ahead, a sure sign of wild, unsupported speculation. What can I say? I'm bored. :) ]
If Obama wins in November, and John McCain decides that he is tired from his nearly 50 years of public service (military and political) and wants to spend some time with his friends and family and retires after the election (and rumors to that effect have surfaced before), depending on the timing, Gov. Napolitano could accept a job in D.C. *and* protect Arizona's citizens.
If McCain retires, Napolitano would get to appoint his successor. Under AZ law, that appointee must be a member of the same political party as McCain.
Jan Brewer is a Republican (in fact, she's a very partisan one, hence my trepidation at the thought of a Brewer governorship).
Hmm. What to do, what to do??
A possible solution could work like this -
McCain retires, Napolitano appoints Brewer, Napolitano accepts a Cabinet position, and the AZ governorship falls to the next highest-ranked elected statewide official -
Democratic Attorney General Terry Goddard.
Upsides -
- Governor Napolitano gets to go to D.C. and the people of Arizona are still protected from the loons.
- A strong Rep potential candidate for the 2010 race for governor is taken out of the picture.
- The presumptive Democratic nominee in 2010 gets to run as an incumbent.
Downsides -
- Brewer is young enough (early 60s, I think) and ambitious enough to take a shot at a full term in the Senate; this would give her a leg up on any other candidates, Dem or Rep. If Napolitano has any designs on that seat herself, appointing Brewer could make it tough for her to win the seat.
- It would really tick off the Republican leadership in the state lege. They'd still have a Democratic Governor standing in their way.
But wait, they're ticked off now, and that fact isn't really a 'downside.' :)
- Also, while it's been rumored in the past, there's no guarantees that McCain is going to retire if he loses in November, or that Brewer would accept an appointment to serve out his term.
Of course, this could all be moot if the Democrats can overcome McCain's presence on the ballot and win a majority in one or both chambers of the state lege.
Do your part to make an Arizonan U.S. Attorney General or Secretary of Homeland Security - volunteer to help your Democratic legislative candidates!
OK, boredom's over - later!
:))
Friday, May 09, 2008
Events Calendar
Monday, May 12 - East Valley Residents are invited to join Governor Napolitano in celebration of Older Americans Month.
Join her to chat over coffee, obtain new resources for senior citizens and mature workers, and to hear about her initiatives for an Aging Arizona.
Place: Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Rd., Scottsdale.
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Contact: Governor's Office on Aging, 602.542.4710.
Tuesday, May 13 - Monthly meeting of the LD17 Democrats
Join fellow Democrats from the Tempe and south Scottsdale area as we hear from speakers Roberto Reveles of Somos America, Tempe City Councilman Mark Mitchell, and Joel Navarro and Corey Woods, candidates for the Tempe City Council.
Place: Pyle Center, 655 East Southern Avenue. Tempe (SW corner of Southern and Rural)
Time: 6:30 info exchange/meet and greet; 7:00 p.m. meeting start
Contact: Doug Mings, LD17 Chair at dougmings[at]gmail.com or 480.628.2481.
Thursday, May 15 - The LD8 Democrats present a 'meet the candidates' night.
Five candidates have accepted D8’s invitation to participate in this first “Meet the Candidates” program: Kara Kelty, Candidate for Corporation Commission; Joel Sinclaire, Candidate for Maricopa County Supervisor; Dan Saban, Candidate for Maricopa County Sheriff; Gerald Richard, Candidate for Maricopa County Attorney; Stephanie Rimmer, Candidate for the Arizona State Legislature.
Place: Country Inn Suites, 10801 N. 89th Pl., Scottsdale.
Time: Reception at 6:30 p.m.; program starts at 7:00 p.m.
Contact: 480.596.8350
Tuesday, May 20 - Election Day in Tempe!
Wednesday, May 21 - Meeting of the Community Involvement Group (CIG) of the North Indian Bend Wash Superfund Site (NIBW)
Place: Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N.Drinkwater Blvd.
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Vicki Rosen, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator, 415.972.3244, rosen.vicki[at]epa.gov
Later!
Join her to chat over coffee, obtain new resources for senior citizens and mature workers, and to hear about her initiatives for an Aging Arizona.
Place: Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Rd., Scottsdale.
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Contact: Governor's Office on Aging, 602.542.4710.
Tuesday, May 13 - Monthly meeting of the LD17 Democrats
Join fellow Democrats from the Tempe and south Scottsdale area as we hear from speakers Roberto Reveles of Somos America, Tempe City Councilman Mark Mitchell, and Joel Navarro and Corey Woods, candidates for the Tempe City Council.
Place: Pyle Center, 655 East Southern Avenue. Tempe (SW corner of Southern and Rural)
Time: 6:30 info exchange/meet and greet; 7:00 p.m. meeting start
Contact: Doug Mings, LD17 Chair at dougmings[at]gmail.com or 480.628.2481.
Thursday, May 15 - The LD8 Democrats present a 'meet the candidates' night.
Five candidates have accepted D8’s invitation to participate in this first “Meet the Candidates” program: Kara Kelty, Candidate for Corporation Commission; Joel Sinclaire, Candidate for Maricopa County Supervisor; Dan Saban, Candidate for Maricopa County Sheriff; Gerald Richard, Candidate for Maricopa County Attorney; Stephanie Rimmer, Candidate for the Arizona State Legislature.
Place: Country Inn Suites, 10801 N. 89th Pl., Scottsdale.
Time: Reception at 6:30 p.m.; program starts at 7:00 p.m.
Contact: 480.596.8350
Tuesday, May 20 - Election Day in Tempe!
Wednesday, May 21 - Meeting of the Community Involvement Group (CIG) of the North Indian Bend Wash Superfund Site (NIBW)
Place: Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N.Drinkwater Blvd.
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Vicki Rosen, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator, 415.972.3244, rosen.vicki[at]epa.gov
Later!
Monday, April 28, 2008
AZ's Democratic Delegation Finalized
At Saturday's meeting of the Democratic State Committee, members selected PLEO (party leader/elected official) and At-Large delegates to this summer's national convention. Some delegates are pledged to Clinton, some to Obama.
The big news of the convention concerned the election of a new 1st Vice-Chair (and automatic superdelegate) of the ADP. Early expectations were that the slot would go to a Clinton supporter, but in a bit of a surprise, Charlene Fernandez, chair of the Yuma County Democratic Party, won the slot after announcing that she supports Sen. Barack Obama for the nomination.
There is an as-yet-unconfirmed rumor (from a state committee member) that one of the Clinton superdelegates may challenge the election of Fernandez. I'll look into this, but if anything comes of it, Tedski will probably have the scoop first (something about him being on the state committee, a brother on the state committee, a mom on the state committee, and so forth :)) ).
The final (pending any challenges) list, courtesy the website of the Arizona Democratic Party (superdelegate endorsement info courtesy PolitickerAZ) -
Uncommitted superdelegates -
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (AZ8)
Congressman Harry Mitchell (AZ5)
State Attorney General Terry Goddard
Chairman of the Arizona Democratic Party Don Bivens
Clinton delegates
Superdelegates -
Congressman Ed Pastor (AZ4)
Democratic National Committee member Janice C. Brunson
DNC member Joe Rios
DNC member Carolyn Warner
PLEO -
Arizona Sen. Amanda Aguirre
Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community President Diane Enos
Arizona Democratic Party Vice-Chairman Tony J. Gonzales
Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley
At-Large -
Arizona Sen. Ken Cheuvront
Fountain Hills Councilwoman Ginny Dickey
Adam Falk
Katie Hobbs
Michael Incorvaia
Amanda Simpson
Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox
At-Large Alternates -
DNC Member-elect and Arizona Democratic Party secretary Judy Kennedy
Arizona Rep. Robert Meza
District level delegates -
Jack Jackson, Jr.
Greg Kaighn
Dawn Knight
Nikki Basque (alternate)
Bree Boehlke
Debra Boehlke
Robert Boehlke
Matthew Miller (alternate)
Howard Bell
Jim Pederson
Lois Pfau
Lisa White (alternate)
Dana Kennedy
Jose Rivas
Angie Crouse
George Paterakis
Beverly Fox-Miller
Roman Ullman
Elizabeth Brown (alternate)
David Martinez
Gail Beeler
Elly Anderson
Chris Campas
JoJene E. Mills
Bruce Heurlin (alternate)
Obama Delegates
Superdelegates -
Governor Janet Napolitano
Congressman Raul Grijalva (AZ7)
ADP 1st Vice Chair Charlene Fernandez
PLEO -
Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Ned J. Norris
Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez
Arizona Rep. Kyrsten Sinema
At-Large -
Magdalena Barajas
Sen. Dennis DeConcini
Ruben Gallego Arizona
Rep. David Schapira
Brandan Spradling
At-Large Alternate -
Phoenix Councilman Michael Johnson
District level delegates -
Christopher Clark-Dechene
Angela Lefevre
Shirley A. McAllister
Eddie Smith
Mark Manoil
Genevieve M. Vega
David Gass
Katharine Widland
Sean Bowie
Donna M. Gratehouse
Lauren Kuby
James J. Brodie (alternate)
John Chiazza
Kit Filbey
Paul Eckerstrom
Lisa Fernandez
John C. Adams
Patricia L. Canady
Congratulations to everyone, and hope to see you in Denver...
The big news of the convention concerned the election of a new 1st Vice-Chair (and automatic superdelegate) of the ADP. Early expectations were that the slot would go to a Clinton supporter, but in a bit of a surprise, Charlene Fernandez, chair of the Yuma County Democratic Party, won the slot after announcing that she supports Sen. Barack Obama for the nomination.
There is an as-yet-unconfirmed rumor (from a state committee member) that one of the Clinton superdelegates may challenge the election of Fernandez. I'll look into this, but if anything comes of it, Tedski will probably have the scoop first (something about him being on the state committee, a brother on the state committee, a mom on the state committee, and so forth :)) ).
The final (pending any challenges) list, courtesy the website of the Arizona Democratic Party (superdelegate endorsement info courtesy PolitickerAZ) -
Uncommitted superdelegates -
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (AZ8)
Congressman Harry Mitchell (AZ5)
State Attorney General Terry Goddard
Chairman of the Arizona Democratic Party Don Bivens
Clinton delegates
Superdelegates -
Congressman Ed Pastor (AZ4)
Democratic National Committee member Janice C. Brunson
DNC member Joe Rios
DNC member Carolyn Warner
PLEO -
Arizona Sen. Amanda Aguirre
Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community President Diane Enos
Arizona Democratic Party Vice-Chairman Tony J. Gonzales
Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley
At-Large -
Arizona Sen. Ken Cheuvront
Fountain Hills Councilwoman Ginny Dickey
Adam Falk
Katie Hobbs
Michael Incorvaia
Amanda Simpson
Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox
At-Large Alternates -
DNC Member-elect and Arizona Democratic Party secretary Judy Kennedy
Arizona Rep. Robert Meza
District level delegates -
Jack Jackson, Jr.
Greg Kaighn
Dawn Knight
Nikki Basque (alternate)
Bree Boehlke
Debra Boehlke
Robert Boehlke
Matthew Miller (alternate)
Howard Bell
Jim Pederson
Lois Pfau
Lisa White (alternate)
Dana Kennedy
Jose Rivas
Angie Crouse
George Paterakis
Beverly Fox-Miller
Roman Ullman
Elizabeth Brown (alternate)
David Martinez
Gail Beeler
Elly Anderson
Chris Campas
JoJene E. Mills
Bruce Heurlin (alternate)
Obama Delegates
Superdelegates -
Governor Janet Napolitano
Congressman Raul Grijalva (AZ7)
ADP 1st Vice Chair Charlene Fernandez
PLEO -
Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Ned J. Norris
Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez
Arizona Rep. Kyrsten Sinema
At-Large -
Magdalena Barajas
Sen. Dennis DeConcini
Ruben Gallego Arizona
Rep. David Schapira
Brandan Spradling
At-Large Alternate -
Phoenix Councilman Michael Johnson
District level delegates -
Christopher Clark-Dechene
Angela Lefevre
Shirley A. McAllister
Eddie Smith
Mark Manoil
Genevieve M. Vega
David Gass
Katharine Widland
Sean Bowie
Donna M. Gratehouse
Lauren Kuby
James J. Brodie (alternate)
John Chiazza
Kit Filbey
Paul Eckerstrom
Lisa Fernandez
John C. Adams
Patricia L. Canady
Congratulations to everyone, and hope to see you in Denver...
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Thank you, Governor Napolitano
Early today, in a display of fiscal sanity unseen at the legislature, Governor Janet Napolitano vetoed HB2220, the bill to permanently repeal the state equalization tax, a dedicated source of revenue for education. Such a repeal would have eliminated $250 million in education funding.
From her veto letter -
Now if only she could write a letter to force the legislative leadership of Jim Weiers, Tim Bee, and the other Republicans to stop their ideological posturing and actually address the state's budget deficit.
Alas, she is only an elected official, not a miracle worker.
Miracles? For those to happen, voters will have to elect legislators who are more interested in representing their constituents than they are in representing special interests and party-line ideology.
AZ Republic coverage of the veto here.
From her veto letter -
Permanently repealing a tax that supports such basic needs as schools and education during a time of severe bdgetary deficits would be the height of fiscal irresponsibility.
Now if only she could write a letter to force the legislative leadership of Jim Weiers, Tim Bee, and the other Republicans to stop their ideological posturing and actually address the state's budget deficit.
Alas, she is only an elected official, not a miracle worker.
Miracles? For those to happen, voters will have to elect legislators who are more interested in representing their constituents than they are in representing special interests and party-line ideology.
AZ Republic coverage of the veto here.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Time to write to the Governor
On Tuesday, the Arizona State Senate, by a 16 -13 vote, gave final approval to HB2220, the state equalization property tax repeal. (AZ Rep article here)
The bill, if now signed into law by Governor Napolitano, would repeal a dedicated source of funding for education (dedicated to the tune of $250 million). The tax has been temporarily suspended as part of a deal reached in 2006 while the state's treasury was full, and the state could afford to fully fund education via funds from other sources.
Now, the deal to suspend the tax is expiring and the state is facing a huge, $3 billion, deficit.
The Republican caucus in the senate, with the notable exceptions of Sens. Carolyn Allen (R-Scottsdale) and Tom O'Halleran (R-Sedona), voted to place their radical right anti-education ideology above the needs of the state's financial stability and its future. The Republicans were aided by Democratic Senator Ken Cheuvront (D-Phoenix), who gave them the 16th vote that they needed to actually pass the bill.
As noted in the Rep article, the state's business community is mounting a campaign to pressure the Governor to ignore the state's fiscal crisis and sign the bill into law.
Right now, she is only hearing the voices of those concerned with short-term profits or with foisting an extremeist ideology on the rest of society.
Instead, she needs to hear the voices of teachers, students, parents, and anyone who views Arizona as a 'home' to be built, protected, and treasured, not just a 'profit center' to be milked and discarded.
The contact page of the Governor's website is here; keep your message short, polite, and clear -
Veto HB2220.
The bill, if now signed into law by Governor Napolitano, would repeal a dedicated source of funding for education (dedicated to the tune of $250 million). The tax has been temporarily suspended as part of a deal reached in 2006 while the state's treasury was full, and the state could afford to fully fund education via funds from other sources.
Now, the deal to suspend the tax is expiring and the state is facing a huge, $3 billion, deficit.
The Republican caucus in the senate, with the notable exceptions of Sens. Carolyn Allen (R-Scottsdale) and Tom O'Halleran (R-Sedona), voted to place their radical right anti-education ideology above the needs of the state's financial stability and its future. The Republicans were aided by Democratic Senator Ken Cheuvront (D-Phoenix), who gave them the 16th vote that they needed to actually pass the bill.
As noted in the Rep article, the state's business community is mounting a campaign to pressure the Governor to ignore the state's fiscal crisis and sign the bill into law.
Right now, she is only hearing the voices of those concerned with short-term profits or with foisting an extremeist ideology on the rest of society.
Instead, she needs to hear the voices of teachers, students, parents, and anyone who views Arizona as a 'home' to be built, protected, and treasured, not just a 'profit center' to be milked and discarded.
The contact page of the Governor's website is here; keep your message short, polite, and clear -
Veto HB2220.
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