When I was younger (a year or two ago :) ), one of the coolest shows on broadcast TV was NBC's Friday Night Videos.
OK, it was "cool" for people who didn't have cable and access to MTV back when they took the "M" in "MTV" seriously and still played music...but I digress... :))
So it is with that as background, I announce the start of a new series of posts.
Once per week, on Friday nights, I'll feature the best in new political videos (What? You were expecting Lady Gaga or Katy Perry? ...not that a Katy Perry vid would be a bad thing...something to think about for after the election cycle is over... :) )
For the premiere video in this series (drumroll, please)...
Vulture, featuring David Schweikert.
More info at Your loss, his gain.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Brewer campaigning on wishful thinking. Now she's insisting that Arizona's economy is healthy.
From the Arizona Republic -
Ummm...just a few numbers for everybody's perusal -
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Arizona's unemployment rate in January 2009 (when Brewer ascended to the governor's office): 8.0%
Arizona's unemployment rate in July 2010 (the month with the most current info available): 9.6%
Number of unemployed people in Arizona in January 2009 - 252,224
Number of unemployed people in Arizona in July 2010 - 305,941
From the US Courts website:
Number of Arizona bankruptcy filings for the quarter ending December 31, 2008 (the last period before Brewer became governor): 5,792
Number of Arizona bankruptcy filings for the quarter ending March 31, 2010 (the most recent period for which data is available): 9,652
From the website of Arizona Indicators, from the Morrison Institute for Public Policy:
Monthly taxable sales in January 2009 (when Brewer took office): $4.831 billion
Monthly taxable sales in April 2010 (most recent available data): $3.64 billion
From the website of the Arizona Legislature's Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC):
The State of Arizona's General Fund revenues in January 2009: $662.5 million
The State of Arizona's General Fund revenues in July 2010 (latest date available): $622.1 million, including $64.6 million from the sales tax increase enacted by the voters in May. (Revenue would have been $557.5 million if the voters of Arizona hadn't stemmed the bleeding.)
Home prices are still declining in Arizona, with no real indication of when the housing market is going to stabilize:
AZRepublic article, dated August 15, 2010, on the continuing decline in Phoenix home prices here; EV Tribune article on the lagging housing market in Arizona here; ABC15 piece here.
So let's summarize the economic performance of Jan Brewer so far -
Unemployment - UP
Bankruptcies - UP
Economic activity - DOWN
Home prices - DOWN
State finances: STILL PLUMMETING
Insisting that there is an economic recovery in Arizona isn't the same thing as there actually being an economic recovery in Arizona.
Her performance on economic issues is like her performance in debates with Terry Goddard -
Nonexistent.
Gov. Jan Brewer and Attorney General Terry Goddard, fresh off primary-election victories this week, shared the podium at the annual League of Arizona Cities and Towns meeting Thursday, painting completely opposite pictures of the state's economy and direction.
Brewer, a Republican, and Goddard, a Democrat, are vying for election to the Governor's Office in November.
In her remarks, Brewer described Arizona as a state in the midst of a comeback and touted her economic-development efforts and her work to bring thousands of new jobs to the region.
Ummm...just a few numbers for everybody's perusal -
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Arizona's unemployment rate in January 2009 (when Brewer ascended to the governor's office): 8.0%
Arizona's unemployment rate in July 2010 (the month with the most current info available): 9.6%
Number of unemployed people in Arizona in January 2009 - 252,224
Number of unemployed people in Arizona in July 2010 - 305,941
From the US Courts website:
Number of Arizona bankruptcy filings for the quarter ending December 31, 2008 (the last period before Brewer became governor): 5,792
Number of Arizona bankruptcy filings for the quarter ending March 31, 2010 (the most recent period for which data is available): 9,652
From the website of Arizona Indicators, from the Morrison Institute for Public Policy:
Monthly taxable sales in January 2009 (when Brewer took office): $4.831 billion
Monthly taxable sales in April 2010 (most recent available data): $3.64 billion
From the website of the Arizona Legislature's Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC):
The State of Arizona's General Fund revenues in January 2009: $662.5 million
The State of Arizona's General Fund revenues in July 2010 (latest date available): $622.1 million, including $64.6 million from the sales tax increase enacted by the voters in May. (Revenue would have been $557.5 million if the voters of Arizona hadn't stemmed the bleeding.)
Home prices are still declining in Arizona, with no real indication of when the housing market is going to stabilize:
AZRepublic article, dated August 15, 2010, on the continuing decline in Phoenix home prices here; EV Tribune article on the lagging housing market in Arizona here; ABC15 piece here.
So let's summarize the economic performance of Jan Brewer so far -
Unemployment - UP
Bankruptcies - UP
Economic activity - DOWN
Home prices - DOWN
State finances: STILL PLUMMETING
Insisting that there is an economic recovery in Arizona isn't the same thing as there actually being an economic recovery in Arizona.
Her performance on economic issues is like her performance in debates with Terry Goddard -
Nonexistent.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Jan Brewer admits that SB1070 is bad for Arizona...
...but instead of using her words to do it, she's using our money...
From ABC15's website -
It turns out that the $100K contract is for outreach to "traditional media relations in targeted domestic markets as well as Mexico City and Northern Mexico." (emphasis mine)
Jan and her clan have spent months (hell, *years*) demonizing Mexicans and anybody with skin that is a shade other than lily-white, and now that she has figured out that perhaps her kowtowing to the nativist wing of her base has done severe damage to Arizona's national and international image, she wants to spend our money to clean up her mess?
From ABC15's website -
The state hopes a public relations agency can convince people to travel to Arizona despite concerns they might have about the state’s immigration law.The PR firm's press release on the subject is here.
The Arizona Governor’s Task Force on Tourism and Economic Vitality hired HMA Public Relations to come up with a campaign to help tackle any negative backlash caused by Senate Bill 1070.
It turns out that the $100K contract is for outreach to "traditional media relations in targeted domestic markets as well as Mexico City and Northern Mexico." (emphasis mine)
Jan and her clan have spent months (hell, *years*) demonizing Mexicans and anybody with skin that is a shade other than lily-white, and now that she has figured out that perhaps her kowtowing to the nativist wing of her base has done severe damage to Arizona's national and international image, she wants to spend our money to clean up her mess?
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
A seat in the AZ lege isn't the steppingstone it is in other states...
...at least not for Republicans, anyway.
Last night, former legislators Rusty Bowers, Jim Waring, Pam Gorman, Sam Crump and Jonathan Paton lost primaries in Congressional races, bringing the record of Republican state legislators looking to jump to the federal level to an abysmal 0 for at least 2. As in at least 2 decades (with a minor caveat that I will discuss in a moment.)
- Former state senator Bowers lost to dentist Paul Gosar in the CD1 primary by almost 12,000 votes.
- Former state senator Waring lost to Ben Quayle in the CD3 primary by more than 3,000 votes.
- Former state senator Gorman lost to Quayle by more than 9,000 votes.
- Former state representative Crump lost to Quayle by more than 11,000 votes.
- Former state senator Paton lost to Jesse Kelly in the CD8 primary by more than 6,000 votes.
That's in 2010. In 2008...
- Former state rep David Schweikert lost to Democrat Harry Mitchell (CD5) by almost 27,000 votes in the general election. Schweikert's back for another go, so he may be the one to break the dry spell. Of course, even if he does, he'll have gone through another office (Maricopa County Treasurer) and a losing race first.
- Now former state senator Tim Bee lost to Democrat Gabrielle Giffords (CD8) in the same general election by more than 39,000 votes.
- Now former state representative Mark Anderson lost in the CD5 primary by almost 9,000 votes to Schweikert.
- Former state representative Laura Knaperek lost in the same primary by nearly 7,000 votes.
In 2006...
- Former state rep Randy Graf lost to Democrat Gabrielle Giffords in the CD8 general election race by more than 30,000 votes.
- Former state rep Steve Huffman lost to Graf in the CD8 primary by almost 3,000 votes.
And so on.
In fact, the last R legislator to win a seat as one of AZ representives in the U.S. Congress was Trent Franks, who first won election in 2002. Of course, he had left the lege in 1986, so he had time to get past whatever stench attaches itself to Republican legislators.
As for the other Republican members of the AZ delegation -
- John Shadegg once worked for the lege, but he was never a member.
- Jeff Flake once headed the Goldwater Institute, where he may have served as a de facto member of the lege, but he wasn't elected to it.
- Former Congressman Rick Renzi went to college in AZ, but he never served in the lege here or in his real home state of Virginia.
- Former Congressman JD Hayworth went straight from a TV sports desk to Congress in 1994, with no legislative experience.
However fruitless the quest has been for Republican legislators looking to move up, the same isn't true for Democratic legislators.
In 2006, former state senators Harry Mitchell and Gabrielle Giffords won their elections in CD5 and CD8, respectively.
In 2008, former state representative Ann Kirkpatrick won her election in CD1.
Hmmm...that pattern brings to mind two possibilities.
One, as bad as the AZ legislature is for Democrats, it seems to serve as a good training ground for the rigors of a campaign for Congress. Maybe some of the more ambitious Rs should consider becoming Democrats. OK, so that probably isn't going to happen. :)
Two, maybe the Rs who care more about their furthering their careers than furthering the interests of Arizona will pass on the legislature. OK, so that probably isn't going to happen either. :(
Later...
Last night, former legislators Rusty Bowers, Jim Waring, Pam Gorman, Sam Crump and Jonathan Paton lost primaries in Congressional races, bringing the record of Republican state legislators looking to jump to the federal level to an abysmal 0 for at least 2. As in at least 2 decades (with a minor caveat that I will discuss in a moment.)
- Former state senator Bowers lost to dentist Paul Gosar in the CD1 primary by almost 12,000 votes.
- Former state senator Waring lost to Ben Quayle in the CD3 primary by more than 3,000 votes.
- Former state senator Gorman lost to Quayle by more than 9,000 votes.
- Former state representative Crump lost to Quayle by more than 11,000 votes.
- Former state senator Paton lost to Jesse Kelly in the CD8 primary by more than 6,000 votes.
That's in 2010. In 2008...
- Former state rep David Schweikert lost to Democrat Harry Mitchell (CD5) by almost 27,000 votes in the general election. Schweikert's back for another go, so he may be the one to break the dry spell. Of course, even if he does, he'll have gone through another office (Maricopa County Treasurer) and a losing race first.
- Now former state senator Tim Bee lost to Democrat Gabrielle Giffords (CD8) in the same general election by more than 39,000 votes.
- Now former state representative Mark Anderson lost in the CD5 primary by almost 9,000 votes to Schweikert.
- Former state representative Laura Knaperek lost in the same primary by nearly 7,000 votes.
In 2006...
- Former state rep Randy Graf lost to Democrat Gabrielle Giffords in the CD8 general election race by more than 30,000 votes.
- Former state rep Steve Huffman lost to Graf in the CD8 primary by almost 3,000 votes.
And so on.
In fact, the last R legislator to win a seat as one of AZ representives in the U.S. Congress was Trent Franks, who first won election in 2002. Of course, he had left the lege in 1986, so he had time to get past whatever stench attaches itself to Republican legislators.
As for the other Republican members of the AZ delegation -
- John Shadegg once worked for the lege, but he was never a member.
- Jeff Flake once headed the Goldwater Institute, where he may have served as a de facto member of the lege, but he wasn't elected to it.
- Former Congressman Rick Renzi went to college in AZ, but he never served in the lege here or in his real home state of Virginia.
- Former Congressman JD Hayworth went straight from a TV sports desk to Congress in 1994, with no legislative experience.
However fruitless the quest has been for Republican legislators looking to move up, the same isn't true for Democratic legislators.
In 2006, former state senators Harry Mitchell and Gabrielle Giffords won their elections in CD5 and CD8, respectively.
In 2008, former state representative Ann Kirkpatrick won her election in CD1.
Hmmm...that pattern brings to mind two possibilities.
One, as bad as the AZ legislature is for Democrats, it seems to serve as a good training ground for the rigors of a campaign for Congress. Maybe some of the more ambitious Rs should consider becoming Democrats. OK, so that probably isn't going to happen. :)
Two, maybe the Rs who care more about their furthering their careers than furthering the interests of Arizona will pass on the legislature. OK, so that probably isn't going to happen either. :(
Later...
Musings on yesterday's primary results...
Since I so willingly spouted off with predictions before the vote results came in, it's only right that I dissect the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of those predictions.
On to the post-mortem...
R Senate primary prediction: McCain, with a caveat that it might not be the blowout that it should be. Reality: At a 24 point margin (almost 122K votes), this race *was* the blowout it should have been.
D Senate primary prediction: Parraz in a squeaker, though I left open the possibility that Glassman could hold on. Reality: turns out that the caveat about Glassman was a good one. He, in fact, did hold on to win...over Cathy Eden. Parraz came in fourth, and it wasn't even a close fourth. Even though I knew better (internal poll numbers are *always* suspect...argghhhh!), I bit hard on the numbers that the Parraz campaign released showing him in a solid second place, within the margin of error.
I can promise that I won't make that mistake again during this election cycle.
R CD3 prediction: "Got no clue, other than it won't be Quayle. Even R primary voters want more substance in a candidate." Reality: an even bigger miss than with Parraz in the D Senate primary. That's what I get for overestimating Republican voters.
I can promise that I won't make that mistake again, during this or any other cycle.
R CD5 prediction: Dead on with Schweikert. Questioned whether Ward would hold on to 2nd place, which he is right now by approximately 570 votes over Bitter Smith.
D SOS prediction: Wercinski. Reality: Deschene, and it wasn't close. The margin is more than 60K votes right now. Wercinski ran an energetic campaign, and I saw more of his campaign than of Deschene's. Turns out that there is more to the state than Maricopa County. Who knew? :)
D AG prediction: Rotellini. Reality: so far correct, but Rotellini's lead over Lujan is only 1375 votes.
R AG prediction: Horne. Reality: Horne's ahead, but this race makes the Democratic race look like a blowout. Horne is currently up 454 votes statewide. Attribute the closeness of this one to Thomas' fame (and access to Joe Arpaio's deep campaign coffers) in the largest county in Arizona, Maricopa. Thomas finished ahead in Maricopa County by 4669 votes.
R Superintendent of Public Instruction prediction: Huppenthal. Reality: Huppenthal. I didn't think it would be close, and it wasn't.
D Superintendent of Public Instruction prediction: too close to call. Reality: Kotterman easily. The margin surprised me, but Kotterman's victory did not. The reason for my hesitance when making predictions was that four years ago. Slade Mead seemed to have the D nod locked up and most observers underestimated Williams' campaign skills. Yes, I made a mistake, but it was an understandable and even reasonable one, I think.
R Maricopa County Attorney prediction: Romley, though Montgomery could make it interesting. Reality: Montgomery won easily. The biggest surprise was that while this was a "turnout" win (meaning that the hard right wing of the Republican Party was motivated to get out and vote), it didn't help JD Hayworth (politically, very similar to Montgomery). In the Senate race, Hayworth lost Maricopa County by 24 points, the same margin as he lost statewide.
For at least the next two years, Joe Arpaio has another patsy in the CA's office.
Overall evaluation of my predictive abilities: Mixed. Mostly OK, with appropriate caveats in the races I wasn't sure about, but also made a couple of glaring pure misses (Parraz not finishing higher in the D Senate race, Quayle winning in CD3).
Live and (hopefully) learn...
On to the post-mortem...
R Senate primary prediction: McCain, with a caveat that it might not be the blowout that it should be. Reality: At a 24 point margin (almost 122K votes), this race *was* the blowout it should have been.
D Senate primary prediction: Parraz in a squeaker, though I left open the possibility that Glassman could hold on. Reality: turns out that the caveat about Glassman was a good one. He, in fact, did hold on to win...over Cathy Eden. Parraz came in fourth, and it wasn't even a close fourth. Even though I knew better (internal poll numbers are *always* suspect...argghhhh!), I bit hard on the numbers that the Parraz campaign released showing him in a solid second place, within the margin of error.
I can promise that I won't make that mistake again during this election cycle.
R CD3 prediction: "Got no clue, other than it won't be Quayle. Even R primary voters want more substance in a candidate." Reality: an even bigger miss than with Parraz in the D Senate primary. That's what I get for overestimating Republican voters.
I can promise that I won't make that mistake again, during this or any other cycle.
R CD5 prediction: Dead on with Schweikert. Questioned whether Ward would hold on to 2nd place, which he is right now by approximately 570 votes over Bitter Smith.
D SOS prediction: Wercinski. Reality: Deschene, and it wasn't close. The margin is more than 60K votes right now. Wercinski ran an energetic campaign, and I saw more of his campaign than of Deschene's. Turns out that there is more to the state than Maricopa County. Who knew? :)
D AG prediction: Rotellini. Reality: so far correct, but Rotellini's lead over Lujan is only 1375 votes.
R AG prediction: Horne. Reality: Horne's ahead, but this race makes the Democratic race look like a blowout. Horne is currently up 454 votes statewide. Attribute the closeness of this one to Thomas' fame (and access to Joe Arpaio's deep campaign coffers) in the largest county in Arizona, Maricopa. Thomas finished ahead in Maricopa County by 4669 votes.
R Superintendent of Public Instruction prediction: Huppenthal. Reality: Huppenthal. I didn't think it would be close, and it wasn't.
D Superintendent of Public Instruction prediction: too close to call. Reality: Kotterman easily. The margin surprised me, but Kotterman's victory did not. The reason for my hesitance when making predictions was that four years ago. Slade Mead seemed to have the D nod locked up and most observers underestimated Williams' campaign skills. Yes, I made a mistake, but it was an understandable and even reasonable one, I think.
R Maricopa County Attorney prediction: Romley, though Montgomery could make it interesting. Reality: Montgomery won easily. The biggest surprise was that while this was a "turnout" win (meaning that the hard right wing of the Republican Party was motivated to get out and vote), it didn't help JD Hayworth (politically, very similar to Montgomery). In the Senate race, Hayworth lost Maricopa County by 24 points, the same margin as he lost statewide.
For at least the next two years, Joe Arpaio has another patsy in the CA's office.
Overall evaluation of my predictive abilities: Mixed. Mostly OK, with appropriate caveats in the races I wasn't sure about, but also made a couple of glaring pure misses (Parraz not finishing higher in the D Senate race, Quayle winning in CD3).
Live and (hopefully) learn...
More coming out about Schweikert's predatory dealings
During the primary season in CD5, one of the Republican candidates for the nomination sent out a hit piece targeting Schweikert's vulture investment fund that targeted "distressed homeowners" facing fiscal difficulty in Arizona's depressed economy.
Greg Patterson of Espresso Pundit led the chorus of support for Schweikert, criticizing Salvino for criticizing a fellow Republican for doing something that they all consider to be acceptable.
The matter quickly faded in the tumult of a heavily contested primary. There were always dozens of other things clamoring for the attention of voters.
Well, it turns out that Patterson and the other R voters in CD5 should have paid closer attention.
Much closer.
As this website, sponsored by the Arizona Democratic Party, documents, Schweikert's vulture fund entered already devastated neighborhoods (full list of properties here) and driven them further downhill (long list of citations from the City of Phoenix here).
Part of Schweikert's campaign platform is that he is running to stand "up for Arizona values."
OK, I'll accept that from him. All he has to do is show me where the initiating and profiting from the predatory destruction of Arizona's neighborhoods for fun and profit is an "Arizona value."
More on this later.
"Your Loss, His Gain." Worth a visit.
Greg Patterson of Espresso Pundit led the chorus of support for Schweikert, criticizing Salvino for criticizing a fellow Republican for doing something that they all consider to be acceptable.
The matter quickly faded in the tumult of a heavily contested primary. There were always dozens of other things clamoring for the attention of voters.
Well, it turns out that Patterson and the other R voters in CD5 should have paid closer attention.
Much closer.
As this website, sponsored by the Arizona Democratic Party, documents, Schweikert's vulture fund entered already devastated neighborhoods (full list of properties here) and driven them further downhill (long list of citations from the City of Phoenix here).
Part of Schweikert's campaign platform is that he is running to stand "up for Arizona values."
OK, I'll accept that from him. All he has to do is show me where the initiating and profiting from the predatory destruction of Arizona's neighborhoods for fun and profit is an "Arizona value."
"Your Loss, His Gain." Worth a visit.
Cherny challenges Ducey to a series of debates
Andrei Cherny, former Assistant Arizona Attorney General, White House staffer, and Democratic nominee for Arizona State Treasurer, in a letter today challenged the Republican nominee Doug Ducey to a series of debates.
The letter, from an emailed press release -
The letter, from an emailed press release -
Dear Douglas,Yes, you can tell that primary season is over - Democrats and Republicans are going after each other directly now. Keep the popcorn handy. :)
Congratulations on your victory last night in the primary. Yesterday’s outcome sets up the clearest choice Arizonans have ever had in a Treasurer’s race and I look forward to a vigorous discussion of our respective backgrounds and approaches to the position.
This new campaign gives you the opportunity to come clean with the people of Arizona and release a full disclosure of your financial and business holdings. I ask you to not only comply with the letter but the spirit of Arizona's Public Official Financial Disclosure Law. Arizonans deserve to have a full picture of each candidate’s financial history, so they have all the information they need to decide who is best suited to protect the billions of dollars of state assets held in trust and to guard against conflicts of interest.
In order to fully discuss all the important issues facing our state, I am proposing a series of four or more debates over the next 69 days before the general election. These debates would be held in different parts of the state with a different theme for each debate. I am proposing debates around the topics of job creation, government transparency, investment strategies, and using the audit power of the Treasurer's office.
My campaign manager, Bill Scheel, will be in touch with your staff to begin making arrangments for these debates. Thank you in advance for being willing to discuss these important issues with Arizonans.
Sincerely,
Andrei
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Preliminary results
It's still to early to call most of the primaries in statewide races, but here are some results from the East Valley part of Maricopa County (OK, and a little bit on statewides...can't resist)... :)
- University Lakes Justice of the Peace: With 33 of 47 precincts reporting, outgoing Democratic State Sen. Meg Burton Cahill has a comfortable lead over Kathy Hayden, 2554 - 1388. I'm comfortable calling that one for Burton Cahill.
- In the D SOS primary, Chris Deschene is up solidly over Sam Wercinski.
- In the D AG primary, David Lujan and Felecia Rotellini are running neck and neck, with Rotellini current ahead by approx. 2400 votes.
- In the R AG primary, it's virtually a dead heat with Andrew Thomas ahead of Tom Horne by 410 votes. Recount coming if it stays this close.
- In the R primary for state treasurer, scandal-plagued businessman Doug Ducey looks to be cruising to the nod.
- In the D primary for Superintendent of Public Instruction, Penny Kotterman looks to be swamping 2006 nominee Jason Williams by a 2 - 1 margin.
- In the R primary for the same office, John Huppenthal looks to be doing even better over his Republican opponents, with a margin of more than 2 - 1 over his nearest competitor.
- In the R US Senate primary, McCain is up 25 points with 8 counties reporting, and has declared victory over JD Hayworth.
- In the CD8 R primary, tea partier Jesse Kelly is ahead of establishment candidate (and darling of the payday loan industry) Jonathan Paton.
- In the CD3 R primary, Ben "Brock Landers" Quayle has a comfortable (but not insurmountable) lead over businessman Steve Moak and former state senator Jim Waring, 13448 - 10624 (Moak) - 10523 (Waring), with 200 of 249 precincts reporting.
- In the CD5 R primary, David Schweikert looks to be cruising to a second consecutive nomination to take on Democratic incumbent Harry Mitchell. With 204 of 248 precincts reporting, he has 20858 votes to Susan Bitter Smith's 13399 and Jim Ward's 13704.
- In the LD8 R primary for state rep, incumbent John Kavanagh and tea partier Michelle Ugenti have large leads for the two nods, but only 32 of 76 precincts have reported. Kavanagh will win one nod, while Ugenti could be upended if the remaining precincts are strongholds for Michael Blaire or Paula Pennypacker. Probably not...
- In the LD7 R primary for state rep, once-ousted (for Clean Elections violations) legislator David Burnell Smith looks like he will get on of the R nods.
- In the LD22 R state rep primary, Eddie Farnsworth looks to be well on his way to a return to the state house, but only 26 of 62 precincts have reported.
- In the Republican primary for West Mesa Justice of the Peace, former state rep Mark Anderson leads Clayton Hamblen 1628 - 927, 16 of 16 precincts reporting.
- In the D primary for Corporation Commission, the race is too close to call. David Bradley and Jorge Luis Garcia have slight leads over former Commissioner Renz Jennings.
- In the R primary for the same seats, Brenda Burns and Gary Pierce look to be cruising to the nominations over Barry Wong.
And in the worst news of the night, Bill Montgomery (R-Arpaio's patsy) leads Rick Romley in the race to serve the next two years in the Maricopa County Attorney's office, 117436 - 89390. Withdrawn candidate Boyd Dunn, who endorsed Romley upon his withdrawal from the race, has received 28644 votes. (739 of 1142 precincts reporting.
These numbers could, and probably will,change by tomorrow. I'll update then.
- University Lakes Justice of the Peace: With 33 of 47 precincts reporting, outgoing Democratic State Sen. Meg Burton Cahill has a comfortable lead over Kathy Hayden, 2554 - 1388. I'm comfortable calling that one for Burton Cahill.
- In the D SOS primary, Chris Deschene is up solidly over Sam Wercinski.
- In the D AG primary, David Lujan and Felecia Rotellini are running neck and neck, with Rotellini current ahead by approx. 2400 votes.
- In the R AG primary, it's virtually a dead heat with Andrew Thomas ahead of Tom Horne by 410 votes. Recount coming if it stays this close.
- In the R primary for state treasurer, scandal-plagued businessman Doug Ducey looks to be cruising to the nod.
- In the D primary for Superintendent of Public Instruction, Penny Kotterman looks to be swamping 2006 nominee Jason Williams by a 2 - 1 margin.
- In the R primary for the same office, John Huppenthal looks to be doing even better over his Republican opponents, with a margin of more than 2 - 1 over his nearest competitor.
- In the R US Senate primary, McCain is up 25 points with 8 counties reporting, and has declared victory over JD Hayworth.
- In the CD8 R primary, tea partier Jesse Kelly is ahead of establishment candidate (and darling of the payday loan industry) Jonathan Paton.
- In the CD3 R primary, Ben "Brock Landers" Quayle has a comfortable (but not insurmountable) lead over businessman Steve Moak and former state senator Jim Waring, 13448 - 10624 (Moak) - 10523 (Waring), with 200 of 249 precincts reporting.
- In the CD5 R primary, David Schweikert looks to be cruising to a second consecutive nomination to take on Democratic incumbent Harry Mitchell. With 204 of 248 precincts reporting, he has 20858 votes to Susan Bitter Smith's 13399 and Jim Ward's 13704.
- In the LD8 R primary for state rep, incumbent John Kavanagh and tea partier Michelle Ugenti have large leads for the two nods, but only 32 of 76 precincts have reported. Kavanagh will win one nod, while Ugenti could be upended if the remaining precincts are strongholds for Michael Blaire or Paula Pennypacker. Probably not...
- In the LD7 R primary for state rep, once-ousted (for Clean Elections violations) legislator David Burnell Smith looks like he will get on of the R nods.
- In the LD22 R state rep primary, Eddie Farnsworth looks to be well on his way to a return to the state house, but only 26 of 62 precincts have reported.
- In the Republican primary for West Mesa Justice of the Peace, former state rep Mark Anderson leads Clayton Hamblen 1628 - 927, 16 of 16 precincts reporting.
- In the D primary for Corporation Commission, the race is too close to call. David Bradley and Jorge Luis Garcia have slight leads over former Commissioner Renz Jennings.
- In the R primary for the same seats, Brenda Burns and Gary Pierce look to be cruising to the nominations over Barry Wong.
And in the worst news of the night, Bill Montgomery (R-Arpaio's patsy) leads Rick Romley in the race to serve the next two years in the Maricopa County Attorney's office, 117436 - 89390. Withdrawn candidate Boyd Dunn, who endorsed Romley upon his withdrawal from the race, has received 28644 votes. (739 of 1142 precincts reporting.
These numbers could, and probably will,change by tomorrow. I'll update then.
It's Up To Me AZ: A Day of Civic Action
On Thursday, September 23, a group of civic organizations, including Arizona Town Hall, the Arizona Foundation for Women, Center for the Future of Arizona, Girl Scouts - Arizona Cactus Pine Council, and The OʼConnor House, will hold an all-day event at the Wyndham in Phoenix. The goal of the event is to bring together Arizonans interested in working to improve Arizona through civil discourse and civic engagement.
The day's activities begin at 7:30 a.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m.
They include:
Who Votes? Who Helps? Who Speaks for Arizona? at 7:30 a.m.
The Status of Women in Arizona: A Special Report and Call to Action by the Arizona Foundation for Women at 9:15 a.m.
Arizona Town Hall Fall Luncheon, activities starting at 10:30 a.m., lunch at noon.
It’s Up To Me AZ: The Action Starts Now starting at 1:45 p.m.
Inspiration & Action for AZ, reception and dinner starting at 5:30 p.m.
Sign up and get more info here. Interested folks can sign up for the entire day's slate ($200) or can pick events a la carte (as low as $free).
While I haven't participated in any events put on by any of these particular organizations, I have been part of the last two sessions put together by Project Civil Discourse (a May discussion of the sales tax question that was on the ballot then, and one this month on immigration). The discussions were perceptive and yes, heartening. If only because while we didn't all agree on the issues under discussion, we could *talk* and not *yell.*
After covering the lege for years, that was definitely refreshing. :)
Anyway, it's worth a look.
Later!
The day's activities begin at 7:30 a.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m.
They include:
Who Votes? Who Helps? Who Speaks for Arizona? at 7:30 a.m.
The Status of Women in Arizona: A Special Report and Call to Action by the Arizona Foundation for Women at 9:15 a.m.
Arizona Town Hall Fall Luncheon, activities starting at 10:30 a.m., lunch at noon.
It’s Up To Me AZ: The Action Starts Now starting at 1:45 p.m.
Inspiration & Action for AZ, reception and dinner starting at 5:30 p.m.
Sign up and get more info here. Interested folks can sign up for the entire day's slate ($200) or can pick events a la carte (as low as $free).
While I haven't participated in any events put on by any of these particular organizations, I have been part of the last two sessions put together by Project Civil Discourse (a May discussion of the sales tax question that was on the ballot then, and one this month on immigration). The discussions were perceptive and yes, heartening. If only because while we didn't all agree on the issues under discussion, we could *talk* and not *yell.*
After covering the lege for years, that was definitely refreshing. :)
Anyway, it's worth a look.
Later!
Fun with campaign signs - Primary Day edition
Pic taken at approx. 8:45 a.m. The woman on the right is CD5 R candidate Susan Bitter Smith with some campaign operatives (hers mostly, but at least one was a Salvino volunteer) looking at the signs in the dumpster at the Scottsdale Elks Club on Oak St. Turns out that while the Elks are willing to allow their facility to be used as a polling place, they are not willing to allow campaigns to put up signs on their property. Signs that were placed on the property itself were removed and disposed of.
Bitter Smith et. al. were "undisposing" of some. :)
BTW - This is the polling place for her precinct, so her personal presence isn't much of a surprise.
Pic of the Mills sign taken in Tempe, though I've seen them elsewhere and heard of them being elsewhere. Didn't he drop out of the race?
BTW - I didn't see any Brewer signs at polling places during my travels this morning.
Pic NOT taken at a polling place, but on a high traffic corner. As such, I'm not going to say where I saw it, but can say that tens of thousands of commuters are able to see the upside down Schweikert sign.
Every day. :)
Monday, August 23, 2010
Primary Day is here: prediction time
Greg at Espresso Pundit went all in with his predictions, and Donna at Democratic Diva steadfastly and with dignity declined to make any predictions to avoid undermining/offending the ultimate winners in the Democratic primaries.
While I am not the "pundit" that Patterson is, neither am I as dignified as Donna (hey, I'm a Red Sox fan, and *you* try shouting "Yankees Suck!!" while maintaining proper decorum :) ). As such, I'm going to make my own predictions.
Disclaimer: My predictions are not an indication of a preference in Democratic primary races; in fact, I'll be predicting a winner who is other than the candidate I voted for in a couple of the races. In addition, my predictions in Republican races are based on very distant observations, not on any knowledge of how R primary voters think.
In other words, no wagering allowed on any of this. :)
On to the fearless predictions...
R Senate - McCain over Hayworth easily. It may not be the blowout that it should be, but it won't be that close.
D Senate - This one is tough. I'll go with Parraz over Glassman in a very close race. The info about Glassman's campaign, however, may have come out too late to affect the outcome since early ballots were sent out, and returned, weeks before the info came to light.
R CD5 - Schweikert. Far from a perfect candidate but he's run a solid primary campaign. I think the big question is if Ward will hold on to second. Look for Bitter Smith or Salvino to possibly sneak into the silver medal position.
R Maricopa County Attorney - Should be Romley in a cakewalk, but if Patterson is correct about this being a low turnout election (and I think he is), Montgomery could make it interesting.
R CD3 - Got no clue, other than it won't be Quayle. Even R primary voters want more substance in a candidate.
R AG - Horne in a close one. Thomas is just too damaged by his professional and ethical missteps.
D AG - Just a "feeling", but Rotellini seems to have the support of most of the Ds that I know. Having said that, any of the three Ds running (Rotellini, Lujan, Rabago) would make a better AG than either Horne or Thomas. (Of course, so would I, and my legal experience consists of serving as a juror in a Scottsdale shoplifting case...but I digress. :) )
R Superintendent of Public Instruction - Huppenthal. In any other state he'd have been relegated to the political scrap heap years ago, but in AZ, he's a Republican hero. With the name recognition to go with it among R primary voters.
D Superintendent of Public Instruction - No clue, not even a "feeling". Both Kotterman and Williams are dedicated educators and well-qualified for the position. I just have no idea who is going to win the D nod.
D Secretary of State - Wercinski, though with Deschene's outside-of-Maricopa County contacts, he could make this one a barn burner.
R CD1, CD8, Treasurer - Don't know, don't care. Kirkpatrick, Giffords, and Cherny will be the best choices in November, no matter who the Rs nominate in August.
R Governor (just for kicks) - Brewer. Includimg me, there are maybe 10 people in AZ who realize that Jette is an intelligent, thoughtful candidate. Everybody else's loss. I wouldn't vote for him, but AZ needs more candidates like him who are less chained to an absolutist ideology and more concerned with finding real-world solutions to real-world problems.
CQPolitics has coverage here; FiveThirtyEight.com coverage here.
While I am not the "pundit" that Patterson is, neither am I as dignified as Donna (hey, I'm a Red Sox fan, and *you* try shouting "Yankees Suck!!" while maintaining proper decorum :) ). As such, I'm going to make my own predictions.
Disclaimer: My predictions are not an indication of a preference in Democratic primary races; in fact, I'll be predicting a winner who is other than the candidate I voted for in a couple of the races. In addition, my predictions in Republican races are based on very distant observations, not on any knowledge of how R primary voters think.
In other words, no wagering allowed on any of this. :)
On to the fearless predictions...
R Senate - McCain over Hayworth easily. It may not be the blowout that it should be, but it won't be that close.
D Senate - This one is tough. I'll go with Parraz over Glassman in a very close race. The info about Glassman's campaign, however, may have come out too late to affect the outcome since early ballots were sent out, and returned, weeks before the info came to light.
R CD5 - Schweikert. Far from a perfect candidate but he's run a solid primary campaign. I think the big question is if Ward will hold on to second. Look for Bitter Smith or Salvino to possibly sneak into the silver medal position.
R Maricopa County Attorney - Should be Romley in a cakewalk, but if Patterson is correct about this being a low turnout election (and I think he is), Montgomery could make it interesting.
R CD3 - Got no clue, other than it won't be Quayle. Even R primary voters want more substance in a candidate.
R AG - Horne in a close one. Thomas is just too damaged by his professional and ethical missteps.
D AG - Just a "feeling", but Rotellini seems to have the support of most of the Ds that I know. Having said that, any of the three Ds running (Rotellini, Lujan, Rabago) would make a better AG than either Horne or Thomas. (Of course, so would I, and my legal experience consists of serving as a juror in a Scottsdale shoplifting case...but I digress. :) )
R Superintendent of Public Instruction - Huppenthal. In any other state he'd have been relegated to the political scrap heap years ago, but in AZ, he's a Republican hero. With the name recognition to go with it among R primary voters.
D Superintendent of Public Instruction - No clue, not even a "feeling". Both Kotterman and Williams are dedicated educators and well-qualified for the position. I just have no idea who is going to win the D nod.
D Secretary of State - Wercinski, though with Deschene's outside-of-Maricopa County contacts, he could make this one a barn burner.
R CD1, CD8, Treasurer - Don't know, don't care. Kirkpatrick, Giffords, and Cherny will be the best choices in November, no matter who the Rs nominate in August.
R Governor (just for kicks) - Brewer. Includimg me, there are maybe 10 people in AZ who realize that Jette is an intelligent, thoughtful candidate. Everybody else's loss. I wouldn't vote for him, but AZ needs more candidates like him who are less chained to an absolutist ideology and more concerned with finding real-world solutions to real-world problems.
CQPolitics has coverage here; FiveThirtyEight.com coverage here.
Privatization of Scottsdale city services on deck
The City has posted on its website the agendas for next week's meetings of the Scottsdale City Council, and the Council will be jumping right into controversy upon its return from its summer break.
At the tail end of the agenda for next Monday's meeting is an item titled "Alternative Service Delivery Options for Residential Solid Waste Collection." In other words, "privatizing trash pick up in Scottsdale."
The item is an 18 page analysis of the City's current solid waste collection system (the City does it all) and the possible alternatives - outside vendors bid on the contract, outside vendors and City staff bid on the contract, and the City completely exits the waste collection business, leaving residents totally on their own. It seems clear from the analysis the the City staffers preparing the it that they don't think this is a good idea (from page 2 of the .pdf -
Of course, there another line in the analysis that the Council will probably keep in mind when casting their votes on the matter. Also from page 2 of the .pdf -
That item is titled "Alternative Service Delivery Options for Fleet Parts Management."
Any organization as large as the City of Scottsdale has a large number of motor vehicles in use at any given time that regularly need maintenance. For the sake of efficiency, they keep a supply of auto parts on hand.
Like the previous item relating to solid waste service privatization, there has been no community involvement with this, but it is less relevant - fleet parts management has no direct impact on private citizens.
Also like the previous item, no significant cost savings are anticipated, at least in part because any savings that would be realized would go to "enterprise" funded operations like Solid Waste and Water Resources (enterprise funded operations are funded primarily by fees, not the City's General Fund).
Also on tap for Tuesday: a special meeting with an executive session for the purposes of "evaluating" the City Auditor (Sharron Walker) and City Clerk (Carolyn Jagger). It's a little outside the usual period for employee evaluations - normally they're done right around the end of fiscal years. I may be reading too much into this one, but it's worth keeping an eye on - City Clerk Jagger is the one long-time City Charter Officer who hasn't been forced out/fired since Jim Lane ascended to the Mayor's office.
Later...
At the tail end of the agenda for next Monday's meeting is an item titled "Alternative Service Delivery Options for Residential Solid Waste Collection." In other words, "privatizing trash pick up in Scottsdale."
The item is an 18 page analysis of the City's current solid waste collection system (the City does it all) and the possible alternatives - outside vendors bid on the contract, outside vendors and City staff bid on the contract, and the City completely exits the waste collection business, leaving residents totally on their own. It seems clear from the analysis the the City staffers preparing the it that they don't think this is a good idea (from page 2 of the .pdf -
"The analysis indicates that changing the means of delivering residential solid waste services would not be likely to result in an overall cost reduction."However, the City Council majority group (Lane, Nelssen, Littlefield, and Borowsky) may have a different opinion.
Of course, there another line in the analysis that the Council will probably keep in mind when casting their votes on the matter. Also from page 2 of the .pdf -
"There has been no community involvement in the preparation of this study."Like Monday's agenda, the last item on Tuesday's agenda concerns privatization of a City operation.
That item is titled "Alternative Service Delivery Options for Fleet Parts Management."
Any organization as large as the City of Scottsdale has a large number of motor vehicles in use at any given time that regularly need maintenance. For the sake of efficiency, they keep a supply of auto parts on hand.
Like the previous item relating to solid waste service privatization, there has been no community involvement with this, but it is less relevant - fleet parts management has no direct impact on private citizens.
Also like the previous item, no significant cost savings are anticipated, at least in part because any savings that would be realized would go to "enterprise" funded operations like Solid Waste and Water Resources (enterprise funded operations are funded primarily by fees, not the City's General Fund).
Also on tap for Tuesday: a special meeting with an executive session for the purposes of "evaluating" the City Auditor (Sharron Walker) and City Clerk (Carolyn Jagger). It's a little outside the usual period for employee evaluations - normally they're done right around the end of fiscal years. I may be reading too much into this one, but it's worth keeping an eye on - City Clerk Jagger is the one long-time City Charter Officer who hasn't been forced out/fired since Jim Lane ascended to the Mayor's office.
Later...
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Central Arizona Project Board of Directors* - 15 candidates, 5 seats available
* = On the ballot, the CAP Board will be listed as the "Central Arizona Water Conservation District."
In a year when many school board races aren't races at all because they have just enough candidates to fill the open spots on the boards (and many other entities, like local fire boards, don't have enough candidates to even fill the open seats; full candidate listing here), the CAWCD has 15 candidates for 5 seats, or three candidates for every single opening.
For a position that is extremely low-profile and unpaid, that is a lot of interest.
There are 15 members of the board, serving six year terms, staggered in such a way that five seats are up every two years. Ten members are from Maricopa County and five are from the other counties that receive water through the Central Arizona Project. 2010 is a "Maricopa County" year.
It's probably too early for a full post listing each candidate's background and qualifications, but here is a brief listing of each candidate (Shaun McKinnon of the Arizona Republic also has a brief rundown here) -
Note: campaign websites were included when I could easily find them, but considering that most of the candidates are running as "$500 Threshold Exemption" candidates, the dearth of campaign websites isn't surprising.
Tim Bray of Scottsdale - an incumbent with a background in real estate
TC Bundy of Glendale, a business "consultant" (in quotes because that is such an amorphous word that it is meaningless)
Frank Fairbanks of Phoenix, the now-retired longtime Phoenix City Manager
Joseph Hobbs of Avondale, a telephone company employee/consultant and former candidate for Arizona Corporation Commission, running on an anti-government platform.
Jim Holway of Phoenix, campaign website here. Long experience in water resources management and urban planning.
Raymond Johnson of Glendale, lousy name for a Google search. He's an insurance broker, according to his campaign paperwork.
Ray Jones of Phoenix, a self-employed "consultant". I think he is a professional engineer working in the area of water resources, but I'm not sure. He used to be the president of Arizona American Water (personal note: given the mess that AZAmWater has created in Scottsdale and elsewhere in this state, his ties to that company alone disqualify him from receiving my vote.)
Arif Kazmi of Chandler, campaign website here. A career professional engineer with wide experience in water resources and water projects.
Karl Kohlhoff of Gilbert, a water consultant and member of the Planning Commission for the Town of Gilbert.
Mark Lewis of Scottsdale, an incumbent. He lists his occupation as Executive Director of the Water Resources Institute LLC, but while I can find evidence of a company by that name lobbying the legislature, I cannot find any records with the ACC or Secretary of State indicating that the organization was established in Arizona.
Cynthia Moulton of Phoenix. She's retired (from what I do not know) and is a Tea Partier.
Brian Munson of Scottsdale, a manager for ASARCO, a mining company with a long and "colorful" history in the southwestern U.S.
John Rosado of Peoria, campaign website here, a retiree who is also running for the Peoria Unified School District board. Running on an anti-enviroment/education platform (depending on the office he is talking about).
Sid Wilson of Phoenix, the former General Manager of CAWCD.
Andy Yates of Scottsdale, a small business owner. Has the resume of a Republican operative/future candidate paying his dues. I'm guessing here, but he seems to intend this as just a stepping-stone.
Since water is the single most important issue impacting Arizona's future (no matter what the Russell Pearces and Jan Brewers of the state say about stopping immigrants), this race merits close attention.
Later...
In a year when many school board races aren't races at all because they have just enough candidates to fill the open spots on the boards (and many other entities, like local fire boards, don't have enough candidates to even fill the open seats; full candidate listing here), the CAWCD has 15 candidates for 5 seats, or three candidates for every single opening.
For a position that is extremely low-profile and unpaid, that is a lot of interest.
There are 15 members of the board, serving six year terms, staggered in such a way that five seats are up every two years. Ten members are from Maricopa County and five are from the other counties that receive water through the Central Arizona Project. 2010 is a "Maricopa County" year.
It's probably too early for a full post listing each candidate's background and qualifications, but here is a brief listing of each candidate (Shaun McKinnon of the Arizona Republic also has a brief rundown here) -
Note: campaign websites were included when I could easily find them, but considering that most of the candidates are running as "$500 Threshold Exemption" candidates, the dearth of campaign websites isn't surprising.
Tim Bray of Scottsdale - an incumbent with a background in real estate
TC Bundy of Glendale, a business "consultant" (in quotes because that is such an amorphous word that it is meaningless)
Frank Fairbanks of Phoenix, the now-retired longtime Phoenix City Manager
Joseph Hobbs of Avondale, a telephone company employee/consultant and former candidate for Arizona Corporation Commission, running on an anti-government platform.
Jim Holway of Phoenix, campaign website here. Long experience in water resources management and urban planning.
Raymond Johnson of Glendale, lousy name for a Google search. He's an insurance broker, according to his campaign paperwork.
Ray Jones of Phoenix, a self-employed "consultant". I think he is a professional engineer working in the area of water resources, but I'm not sure. He used to be the president of Arizona American Water (personal note: given the mess that AZAmWater has created in Scottsdale and elsewhere in this state, his ties to that company alone disqualify him from receiving my vote.)
Arif Kazmi of Chandler, campaign website here. A career professional engineer with wide experience in water resources and water projects.
Karl Kohlhoff of Gilbert, a water consultant and member of the Planning Commission for the Town of Gilbert.
Mark Lewis of Scottsdale, an incumbent. He lists his occupation as Executive Director of the Water Resources Institute LLC, but while I can find evidence of a company by that name lobbying the legislature, I cannot find any records with the ACC or Secretary of State indicating that the organization was established in Arizona.
Cynthia Moulton of Phoenix. She's retired (from what I do not know) and is a Tea Partier.
Brian Munson of Scottsdale, a manager for ASARCO, a mining company with a long and "colorful" history in the southwestern U.S.
John Rosado of Peoria, campaign website here, a retiree who is also running for the Peoria Unified School District board. Running on an anti-enviroment/education platform (depending on the office he is talking about).
Sid Wilson of Phoenix, the former General Manager of CAWCD.
Andy Yates of Scottsdale, a small business owner. Has the resume of a Republican operative/future candidate paying his dues. I'm guessing here, but he seems to intend this as just a stepping-stone.
Since water is the single most important issue impacting Arizona's future (no matter what the Russell Pearces and Jan Brewers of the state say about stopping immigrants), this race merits close attention.
Later...
Friday, August 20, 2010
Congressman Harry Mitchell - Renewing Arizona's Economy
From an email from Congressman Harry Mitchell -
Dear [cpmaz]Later...
Since coming to Congress, I have been working to improve our nation’s energy policy by making investments in clean, green American-made energy, such as solar and wind power. These investments will not only help meet our energy needs, but also be a major and sustainable boost to Arizona’s economy.
In 2008, I successfully fought to extend the 30-percent solar investment tax credit to help our state’s solar industry grow and create jobs. With the help of solar tax credits and grants, Arizona Public Service and Abengoa Solar are developing the world's largest solar energy plant outside Gila Bend. The Solana solar generating station will create an estimated 1,500 jobs and provide clean, emission-free energy for 70,000 homes. Solana is expected to stimulate an estimated $1 billion in local economic development.
I believe that energy policies must shift our focus away from foreign petroleum imports and dirty fuels like coal, towards clean, domestically abundant alternative energies. That’s why last year, I opposed the “cap and trade” bill, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, because instead of investing in carbon-neutral energies like solar, the measure would have doubled down America’s reliance on coal. I believe this was a step backward at a time when it is so vitally important for us to move forward. I was also concerned about a provision that would give the federal government power to overrule Arizona’s decisions about where we choose to place our power lines.
Nevertheless, I believe that we still need to work to find clean, alternative domestic sources of energy. I supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act because, in part, it makes significant investments in our nation's alternative energy infrastructure through both tax incentives and competitive grants. This investment will create more than a half a million green jobs dedicated toward moving America forward. Since coming to Congress, I have been working to improve our nation’s energy policy, by making investments in clean, green American-made energy, such as solar and wind power. These investments will not only help meet our energy needs, but also be an economic boon to our Arizona economy.
I have also supported increased energy efficiency. In 2007, I backed the first increase in fuel efficiency standards in more than a generation, raising federal standards to 35 mpg. I also supported extending personal tax credits to individuals for solar panels on their homes as well as expanded tax credits for people who buy hybrid cars.
As always, I look forward to being able to provide you with regular updates and continue our dialogue in support of clean, renewable energy in the future.
Sincerely,
Harry
AZ employment figures stagnant; Brewer silent.
On AZ's economic situation, as with the (formerly) escaped murderers, Brewer continues her silence, perhaps hoping the problem will go away before she has to demonstrate anything resembling real leadership...or even a simple awareness of the problems facing the average Arizona family.
From the Yuma Sun -
- The official Governor's website doesn't mention the news at all.
- Her campaign website doesn't mention the current news either. In fact, in her list of issues that she considers most important to her campaign, "jobs" is eighth on the list behind things like restricting a woman's access to legal abortions, shrinking the size of government, reducing or eliminating regulations that corporations have to follow, and, of course, demonizing those "darn immigrants."
In fact, the only things lower on her list of priorities are fighting against healthcare reform and protecting education and public safety - like anyone who hasn't watched her in action for the last 18+ months hasn't already figured out that students, teachers, cops and firefighters are last on her priority list (but hey, they are first on hers#!t "do not like" list.)
In short, her list of "priorities" is a shout out to her corporate supporters and to the nativist/misogynist wings of the GOP.
Contrast this with Terry Goddard, the Democratic candidate for Governor.
Number one on his list of priorities is jobs. Full plan here. Press release on Goddard's economic recovery plan here.
Number two on the list is education. Full plan here.
What else is on the list?
Issues that face and affect all Arizonans.
What isn't on the list?
Anything designed to troll for corporate campaign contributions or to appeal to the basest, most extreme factions of the political base.
Maybe the first step in doing a job, any job, well is to *want* to do the job well.
Only one of Arizona's candidates for Governor wants to do the job well, or even cares to do it well.
Vote for Terry Goddard in November.
From the Yuma Sun -
The troubled economy continues to take its toll on jobs in Yuma County, as seen in the area's 22.8 percent unemployment rate for July released Thursday by the Arizona Department of Commerce.On her websites...
That compares to 22.6 percent in June and 20.6 percent in July 2009.
Arizona's unemployment rate remained flat at 9.6 percent for the third consecutive month, according to the Department of Commerce's monthly nonfarm seasonally adjusted unemployment report. Since February, the state's rate has fluctuated only a tenth of a percentage point.
Nationally, the rate remained 9.5 percent.
- The official Governor's website doesn't mention the news at all.
- Her campaign website doesn't mention the current news either. In fact, in her list of issues that she considers most important to her campaign, "jobs" is eighth on the list behind things like restricting a woman's access to legal abortions, shrinking the size of government, reducing or eliminating regulations that corporations have to follow, and, of course, demonizing those "darn immigrants."
In fact, the only things lower on her list of priorities are fighting against healthcare reform and protecting education and public safety - like anyone who hasn't watched her in action for the last 18+ months hasn't already figured out that students, teachers, cops and firefighters are last on her priority list (but hey, they are first on her
In short, her list of "priorities" is a shout out to her corporate supporters and to the nativist/misogynist wings of the GOP.
Contrast this with Terry Goddard, the Democratic candidate for Governor.
Number one on his list of priorities is jobs. Full plan here. Press release on Goddard's economic recovery plan here.
Number two on the list is education. Full plan here.
What else is on the list?
Issues that face and affect all Arizonans.
What isn't on the list?
Anything designed to troll for corporate campaign contributions or to appeal to the basest, most extreme factions of the political base.
Maybe the first step in doing a job, any job, well is to *want* to do the job well.
Only one of Arizona's candidates for Governor wants to do the job well, or even cares to do it well.
Vote for Terry Goddard in November.
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