Cheeto orders many voters to be disenfranchised. State-level elections officials push back.

And some folks, like AZ's Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, think that Cheeto may have another endgame in mind, one that goes beyond disenfranchising those who disagree with him.

From AP -

Trump signed an order to reshape how elections in the US are run. Is it constitutional?

With the stroke of his pen, President Donald Trump restructured the way Americans can register to vote and when they can cast their ballots. Or did he?

After the president signed his executive order Tuesday calling for broad election changes, such as proof of citizenship for voter registration and an Election Day return deadline for mailed ballots, election officials, state attorneys general and legal experts said it would face legal challenges for encroaching on state powers outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

Nope, some folks believe that his ultimate goal is to disenfranchise *everyone.*

From Democracy Docket (emphasis added by me) -

Trump Anti-Voting Order Draws Furious Pushback

[snip]

Fontes called Trump’s order a “cheap substitute” for the SAVE Act — the GOP’s nationwide proof of citizenship bill — that he doesn’t think will pass through the Senate, but also offered a particularly nefarious reading of its true purpose: setting up a way to cancel the 2026 midterm elections.

“I genuinely believe that the Trump administration wants to cancel the 2026 elections so that he and his party can stay in power,” he said. “And we have to fight like hell against that by every means available.”

So State Sen. Jake Hoffman is a multitasker

He HATES almost everything.

In this week's schedule post, I observed that certain bills that were going before a legislative committee would be subjected to a striker, and that the text of those strikers hadn't been posted on the lege's website at that time.

Well, the content of those strikers have been posted (mostly).

Going before Senate Government tomorrow morning...

A striker to HB2233 that seeks to hobble the ACC.  Proposed by Hoffman.

A striker to HB2872 that seeks to hobble the governor.  Proposed by Hoffman.

A striker to HCR2037 that goes after school boards, city councils, town councils, county boards of supervisors, and state officers.  Proposed by Hoffman.

(Senate Military Affairs and Border Security was supposed to hear a striker on Monday, but the underlying bill was held in committee...and the text of the striker was never posted).

Hoffman is the chair of Senate Government.

Legislative schedule - week starting 3/23/2025

Lots of strikers this week as this is the final week for bills to be heard in committee, but that comes with one big caveat: the Appropriations committees of both chamber can still meet and consider bills.  So instead of members kissing the butts of "making nice with" most committee chairs so the committees will hear a bill, it'll just be the chairs of Appropriation.

The Appropriations chairs *love* this time of year.

Caveat: All information about strikers being on  (or not being on) a particular agenda are as of this writing.  Things can, and probably will, change at a moment's notice.

Note: HHR refers to a hearing room in the House building; SHR refers to one in the Senate building.

Note2: Generally, I'll only specify bills that look to spread propaganda.  Other bills may be more conventionally bad (think: corrupt or other misuses of public monies and/or authority).  My recommendation is that if an agenda covers an area of interest to you, read the entire agenda.

Note3: Each chamber's respective Rules Committee meets on Monday, the House's in HHR4, generally at 1 p.m. and the Senate's in Senate Caucus Room 1, generally also at 1 p.m.  Both committees serve as rubber stamps for bills leadership wants to be advanced and gatekeepers for measures that leadership wants stopped.

Note4: Meeting start times may be listed, but are flexible.  Before journeying to the Capitol or viewing the meeting online, verify the start time.

Note5: Watch for strikers, or strike everything amendments.  Those involve inserting language that replaces the entirety of a bill.  Those can be introduced at any time and can make a previously harmless bill become a very bad one. 

On Monday, 3/24 

-

House and Senate Rules meet at 1 p.m. in their respective rooms.  On the agendas: many bills.  They may meet more than once this week, but, as of now, they're on the schedule once.

Senate Federalism meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR2,  On the agenda: one bill.

Senate Finance meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR1.  On the agenda: 10 bills.  Includes proposed strikers for HB2125 and HB2654.

Senate Military Affairs and Border Security meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR109.  On the agenda: two bills.  HB2687 is supposed to have a striker proposed but the text isn't yet available.  According to the committee agenda, it has the rather ominous working title of "government".

House Health & Human Services meets at 2 p.m. in HHR4.  On the agenda: 15 bills.  Includes proposed strikers for SB1347 and SB1555.

House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs meets at 2 p.m. in HHR3.  On the agenda: 11 proposals.   Most read as if they were written by industry lobbyists. Includes proposed strikers for four bill - SB1150, SB1350, SB1706, and SB1709.

House Public Safety & Law Enforcement meets at 2 p.m. in HHR1.  On the agenda: 11 bills.  Includes proposed strikers for two bills - SB1233 and SB1714.  Also includes SB1053, Wendy Rogers' scheme to allow discharging a firearm closer to an occupied structure.

On Tuesday, 3/25 

-

Senate Appropriations meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR109.  On the agenda: 10 bills, no strikers listed.  Includes HB2606, a plan to to redirect $50 million from the state's General Fund to DPS to fund bigotry "border support."

Senate Natural Resources meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR1.  On the agenda: 23 proposals,  Most read like they were written by industry lobbyists but at least a couple are pure MAGA propaganda.  Includes a proposed striker for HB2091, from the "lobbyist" genus.

House Commerce meets at 2 p.m. in HHR5.  On the agenda: 12 bills, many pure propaganda.  Includes proposed strikers for two bills - SB1229 and SB1057.

House Education meets at 2 p.m. in HHR1.  On the agenda: 12 bills, no strikers as yet.

House Natural Resources, Energy & Water meets  at 2 p.m. in HHR3.  On the agenda: 11 bills.  Most bills and amendments read like they were written by industry lobbyists.  Includes proposed strikers for three bills - SB1134, SB1444, and SB1521.

House Regulatory Oversight meets at 2 p.m. in HHR4.  On the agenda: four bills, no proposed strikers as yet.  Two of the bills are anti-LGBTQ specials from Sen. John Kavanagh.  They would impact schools, but were never assigned to the House Education Committee.  Instead, they were assigned to House Government, and in perhaps a search for a more receptive committee, withdrawn from that committee and given to this one.

Hmmm...

On Wednesday, 3/26 

-

House Judiciary meets at 8 a.m.in HHR4.  On the agenda: 22 bills.  Lots of propaganda.  Includes one striker, to SB1227 (text not available as yet), working title "ACJC; continuation; revision".

Senate Government Committee of Reference meets at 8 a.m. in SHR1.  On the agenda: no bills, one sunset review.

Senate Government meets at 8:05 a.m. in SHR1.  On the agenda: 12 proposals.  Lots of propaganda.  Includes four proposed strikers (text not available as yet).  The proposed amendments for HB2233, HB2872, and HCR2037 have the same working title - "government."  The one for HB2868 is a same subject striker for a with a working title of "preferential treatment; discrimination; policies".

House International Trade meets at 8:30 a.m. in HHR1.  On the agenda: one bill.

House Government meets at 9 a.m. in HHR5.  On the agenda: 21 bills.  No strikers as yet.  *Lots* of propaganda here, but my personal favorite is SB1649, increasing legislative authority over membership of many state boards and commission and removing subject matter expertise as a criteria for membership on a lot of them.

Senate Health and Human Services meets at 9 a.m. in SHR2.  On the agenda: 10 bills.  Includes a prosed striker for HB2434 (text not available as yet), working title - "interoperability grants; health care; appropriation".

Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency meets at 9 a.m. in SHR109.  On the agenda: seven bills.  Includes one striker, to HB2033, (text not available as yet), working title - "building permits".

House Ways & Means meets at 10 a.m. in HHR3.  On the agenda: four proposals.  No strikers.  Brief agenda, but it makes up for that by being 100% bad.

Senate Education meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR1.  On the agenda: 10 bills.  Two proposed strikers - HB2067, (text not available as yet), working title - "school district governing boards"; and HB2172, (text not available as yet), working title - "parent training; schools; K-8 students".

Senate Judiciary and Elections meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR2.  On the agenda: 20 proposals.  Lots of MAGA propaganda here.  Four proposed strikers - HB2129, (text not available as yet), working title - "election procedures"; HB2137, (text not available as yet), working title - "medical records"; HB2256, (text not available as yet), working title - "domestic proceedings"; and HB2680, (text not available as yet), working title - "sentencing enhancements; vulnerable; incapacitated; adult".

Senate Public Safety meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR109.  On the agenda: six bills.  One proposed striker - HB2894, (text not available as yet), working title - "silver alert; criteria; notification".

House Appropriations meets at 2 p.m. in HHR1. On the agenda: 11 bills, no strikers.

House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections meets at 2 p.m. in HHR4.  On the agenda: 10 bills, no strikers.  Lots of propaganda on this one.

House Science & Technology meets at 2 p.m. in HHR5.  On the agenda: three bills, no strikers

House Transportation & Infrastructure meets at 2 p.m.in HHR3.  On the agenda: 12 bills, no strikers.

On Thursday, 3/27 - Nada.

On Friday, 3/28 

-

Joint Legislative Audit Committee meets in SHR109.  On the agenda: four reviews of audits.

Think Kari Lake has too much time on her hands now that VOA has been dismantled by Vlad's lackey?

 From The Bulwark -

Kari Lake Accosted Ruben Gallego at a Posh D.C. Club

INSIDE NED’S CLUB WASHINGTON, DC—the swanky new private members’ club featuring vintage gold and green furnishings, a renowned chef and mixologist, and a rooftop with views of the White House—cable news figures can often be seen holding court alongside an array of Democrats and Trump administration officials taking meetings, all of them free to relax in the same space outside the view of the public.

A recent chance encounter there between bitter 2024 campaign rivals, however, reveals how the overheated political climate is becoming less and less hospitable to cross-partisan bonhomie, particularly when immigration is a chief concern.

As Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) headed toward the elevator to leave on a recent late-winter day, he ran into his former opponent, the infamous Trump acolyte Kari Lake. As Gallego went for a handshake, Lake accepted it with both hands—a gesture that usually accompanies a warm greeting.

What she said was anything but that.

“How does it feel,” she asked, “to be bought and paid for by the cartels?”

Gallego was taken aback, according to a person familiar with the exchange. So, too, was Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), who was within earshot of two and blasted Lake—whom Trump tapped to lead Voice of America before dismantling it this week—for speaking that way to a U.S. senator.

My guess is that Lake isn't going away - she's going to run for *something* next year...and, like State Senator Wendy Rogers, every cycle until she wins something.

Is deputy dog catcher in La Paz County an elected position?

The men who would be governor and attorney general only care about one part of the population...

...(hint) and Democrats and Independents ain't part of it.

From the Phoenix New Times, written by T.J. L'Heureux -

A GOP congressman will speak at a town hall — for Republicans only

Tuesday night, voters will have a chance to hear directly from their elected officials. U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen and Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan — all Republicans — will speak at a town hall in Chandler.

There’s one catch: If you’re not a Republican, you can’t get in.

The town hall billing — written as “townhall” — comes from a flyer posted to the Legislative District 12 Republicans website. The Maricopa County Republican Committee is also listed as an organizer of the event, which will take place at 7030 W. Oakland Street.

From the website of the LD12 Republicans (pic taken in case they take it down) -

Biggs has started a committee for a run at Arizona governor while Petersen has his sights set on a run for Arizona attorney general.

If one, or both, is successful in gaining the office/object of his desire, expect government of the people, by a Republican, and for Republicans.

Even Trumpkins like Marco Rubio don't like criminals

Of course, he may not really believe that applies to Cheeto, Musk, himself, or their ilk, but he's on record as saying criminals don't belong here.

From the transcript of CBS' Face the Nation -

[snip]

I don't know how hard that is to understand. We want people- we don't want people in our country that are going to be committing crimes and undermining our national security or the public safety.

Under that standard (which doesn't seem to be Constitutionally sound, BTW), should we say "bye" to co-presidents Cheeto and Elon, or should we just wave as they leave?

And our waves will have more than one finger.  Trust me. :)

Can You Be Deported for What You Say?

From CNN -

Can You Be Deported for What You Say?

A Trump administration effort to deport prominent Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has sparked fear on college campuses across the country that other international students could be targeted for their views. A year after student protests unsettled the nation, we look at the new administration’s moves on college campuses and hear from someone worried even US citizens could soon be caught up in the crackdown.

Guests: Belinda Davis, Rutgers University Professor of History

Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895.

Short answer: In Trumpworld the First Amendment, and the rest of the U.S. Constitution doesn't apply.

So, *yes.*

,

AZ icon Raul Grijalva has passed. Now the horse race begins

Pic from https://www.commondreams.org/news/raul-grijalva

Long-time Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva passed away this past week after a long battle with cancer.

His family and friends may be focused on their grief and mourning his loss (as they should be), but for the rest of us, the focus is on filling his seat in Congress

From KOLD, written by J.D. Wallace -

Amid mourning, new election set for Grijalva congressional seat

The passing of Rep. Raul Grijalva has many in mourning and paying their respects.

During this difficult time, the process of electing the next member of Congress must continue.

On Friday, Gov. Katie Hobbs announced that a special primary election will be Tuesday, July 15, and a special general election is set for Tuesday, Sept. 23.

One person who announced they will not be in the race is Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. Pima County Supervisor Dr. Matt Heinz has also said he will not run.

[snip]

Romero has already said she will not run while a campaign aide to Secretary of State Adrian Fontes has said he is interested in running. Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva, daughter of the late congressman, has yet to announce intentions either way as she mourns his passing.

On Friday on KAET's Horizon, the journalists there speculated that Romero, Heinz, (Adelita) Grijalva, and former state legislator (and aide to Congresswoman Gabby Giffords) Daniel Hernandez will look at the race to replace Congressman Grijalva.  Heinz and Romero have already said they won't run this year.

Thus far, eight people have filed statements of interest with the AZ Secretary of State; only one since his passing:

David Bies (D) 12/10/2024

Daniel Butierez (R) 12/17/2024.

Jimmy Rodriguez (R) 1/7/2025

Jorge Rivas (R) 1/30/2025

Andrew Becerra (D) 2/1/2025

Abdul Ghulam Habib (D) 2/12/2025

Raul Verdugo (R) 2/20/2025

Manuel Vega (D) 3/14/2025

Only two people have formed committees with the FEC, Rivas (see above), and Richard Grayson (No Labels) on 3/15/2025.

Both things will probably change this coming week.

My expectations/predictions:

1. It wouldn't be a surprise if Adelita Grijalva (or another Grijalva) is elected to serve out the remainder of Raul Grijalva's term in Congress.  This isn't a commentary on the internal politics of the district (it's not my district and I know very little about it), just an observation that Americans have a long history of electing spouses/children to serve out the truncated terms of late members of Congress.

2. No matter what happens this year, there *will* be a Democratic primary battle in 2026.  The district is a safe D seat, and those don't become available too often, not in Arizona.

3. 2026 will be an interesting year in AZ politics. and not just in this district.  If current AZ SOS Adrian Fontes gets in this race, that move will open up that race, too.

4 Someone from southern AZ politics who hasn't been speculated about will get in the race.

Let the horse race begin.

Legislative schedule - week starting 3/16/2025

There are some strikers this week, but more can be added at any time.

Also, an agenda for the Senate committee on Giving Jake Hoffman a Platform for Criticizing Governor Hobbs on the Taxpayer Dime on Director Nominations is not on the schedule, but given recent history, it wouldn't be a surprise to see one added.

Note: HHR refers to a hearing room in the House building; SHR refers to one in the Senate building.

Note2: Generally, I'll only specify bills that look to spread propaganda.  Other bills may be more conventionally bad (think: corrupt or other misuses of public monies and/or authority).  My recommendation is that if an agenda covers an area of interest to you, read the entire agenda.

Note3: Each chamber's respective Rules Committee meets on Monday, the House's in HHR4, generally at 1 p.m. and the Senate's in Senate Caucus Room 1, generally also at 1 p.m.  Both committees serve as rubber stamps for bills leadership wants to be advanced and gatekeepers for measures that leadership wants stopped.

Note4: Meeting start times may be listed, but are flexible.  Before journeying to the Capitol or viewing the meeting online, verify the start time.

Note5: Watch for strikers, or strike everything amendments.  Those involve inserting language that replaces the entirety of a bill.  Those can be introduced at any time and can make a previously harmless bill become a very bad one. 

On Monday, 3/17 

-

Senate Federalism meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR2.  On the agenda: one proposal. HCR2049. proclaiming the sovereignty of Arizona over matters not specifically delegated to others in the U.S. Constitution.

Senate Finance meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR1.  On the agenda: 10 proposals.  Includes HB2450, reducing the amount of Unemployment Insurance a recipient can be paid.

Senate Military Affairs and Border Security meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR109.  On the agenda: four bills.  Includes HB2606, giving $50 million to DPS for "border support".

House Health & Human Services meets at 2 p.m. in HHR4.  On the agenda: 16 bills. Includes a striker to SB1081 from Selina Bliss that would implement a timeline on complaints sent to a health profession regulatory board.

House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs meets at 2 p.m. in HHR3.  On the agenda: four bills.  Includes SB1066 and SB1109, MAGA propaganda bills relating to foreign entities owning land here.

House Public Safety & Law Enforcement meets at 2 p.m. in HHR1.  On the agenda: six bills.  Includes a striker to SB1231, regarding the voluntary prohibited possessor list; a striker to SB1461 regarding military veteran status and prosecuting agencies; and a striker to SB1610 regarding a home buyer assistance program.

All three seem good and all three have been proposed by Democrat Aaron Marquez.  Which are two reasons why it will be something of a surprise if any of them actually pass.

On Tuesday,  3/18 

- 

Senate Appropriations meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR109.  On the agenda:  11 proposals.  Includes HB2389, seeking to reduce state General Fund revenue (the fiscal note attached to the bill says $73.8 million in FY2033): and HB2814 and HCR2015, which are about the legislature giving itself the authority to allocate federal Community Development Block Grants.

Senate Natural Resources meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR1.  On the agenda: 13 proposals.  Most read as if the were written by industry lobbyists.

House Commerce meets at 2 p.m. in HHR5.  On the agenda: nine bills.  Three are MAGA propaganda, one is very bad, and I'm not sure about the others.

House Education meets at 1:30 p.m.  On the agenda: 10 bills.  Includes SB1301, John Kavanagh's bill bill to include Asian American history in school curricula and SB1694, withholding state funding from higher ed schools that offers courses on DEI.

House Natural Resources, Energy & Water meets at 2 p.m. in HH3.  On the agenda: 11 bills, most of which read as if they were written by industry lobbyists.

House Regulatory Oversight meets at 2 p.m. in HHR4.  On the agenda: four bills.  Includes SB1096, a MAGA propaganda bill mandating the creation  of an "Arizona Bullion Depository"; and SB1237,  barring state employees, with certain exceptions, from doing telework.

House Regulatory Oversight meets at 3 p.m. in HHR4.  On the agenda: one bill.   SB1432 purports to bar geoengineering related to climate control, but it seems so broadly written that it would bar the use of sunscreen in Arizona (I am NOT a lawyer, so if I've misread and misinterpreted this, I expect that a reader who is one will correct me)

On Wednesday, 3/19 

-

House Government meets at 9 a.m. in HHR5.  On the agenda: 10 bills.

House Judiciary meets at 9 a.m. in HHR4.  On the agenda: nine bills, many bad.  Includes SB1013, barring municipalities and counties from implementing any kind of revenue increase unless the council of a municipality or county does so by a 2/3 vote.

House Ways & Means meets at 9 a.m. in HHR3.  On the agenda: seven proposals, at least five bad ones.

Senate Government meets at 9 a.m.in SHR1.  On the agenda: 15 proposals.  13 bad and/or propaganda.

Senate Health and Human Services meet at 9 a.m. in SHR1.  On the agenda: 12 bills, at least 6 bad and/or propaganda.  Includes HB2438, barring changes to birth certificates resulting from a sex change.

Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency meets at 9 a.m. in SHR109.  On the agenda: 11 proposals, eight bad and/or propaganda.  Includes HB2121 and HB2122, which are about imposing work requirements on SNAP recipients.

Senate Education meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR1.  On the agenda: eight bills, seven bad and/or propaganda, plus there's a presentation from the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools, which I presume will be about how lucrative the grift is how wonderful taking money from public schools and putting it into private pockets is.  Agenda includes HB2640, about the transfer of properties owned by a public school district to private hands.

Senate Judiciary and Elections meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR2.  On the agenda: 16 proposals.  Includes HCR2057, the ploy by the legislative Rs to make things more difficult for voter-based initiatives to become ballot eligible.

Senate Public Safety meets at 1:30 p.m. in SHR109.  On the agenda: 13 proposals.

House Appropriations meets at 2 p.m. in HHR1.  On the agenda: four bills.

House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections meets at 2 p.m. in HHR4..  On the agenda: 10 bills.  Eight bad and/or propaganda,

House Science & Technology meets at 2 p.m.in HHR5.  On the agenda: no bills; three industry-given presentations.

House Transportation & Infrastructure meets at 2 p.m. in HHR3.  On the agenda: six proposals.  Includes SCR1002, Wendy Rogers' scheme to get rid of photo radar traffic enforcement in AZ.

On Thursday, 3/20 

-

Senate Government meets at 9 a.m.in SHR1.  On the agenda: one bill. HB2722 would add a new chapter to AZ law allowing any taxpayer to sue when that taxpayer believes that  a public entity makes an expenditure of a public resource that isn't for a public purpose.

Raul Grijalva passes at 77

 From NBC News -

Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva of Arizona dies at 77

Longtime Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., died Thursday from “complications of his cancer treatment,” his office announced in a statement. He was 77.

Grijalva, who served in the House for more than 20 years, was elected to Congress in 2002. He was chair of the Natural Resources Committee and most recently was the top Democrat on the committee. He also was one of the leading progressive voices on Capitol Hill, and he was the longest-serving co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, from 2009 to 2019.

From the AZ House Democrats (the entire statement is one paragraph, so I'll quote the entire statement) -

 "Raúl Grijalva is the quintessential Arizona story. The son of migrant Mexican Bracero laborers, in a single generation he transformed himself into one of our state's most outspoken, impactful, and longest-serving leaders. He succeeded through education, determination, and his inexhaustible drive to help and serve communities in need, and he showed countless others how to do it as well. His beloved Tucson and communities throughout Arizona will dearly miss the progressive heartbeat of our Congress and the fiercest protector of our wildlands, air, and water. Our Caucus gives our deepest condolences to Congressman Grijalva's incredible family and many loved ones during this heartbreakingly difficult time."

From KPNX (Phoenix Channel 12) -

[snip]

The Arizona State Senate Democratic Caucus responded by saying in part:

"As the son of a bracero — a guest worker who emigrated from Mexico to Tucson — Grijalva understood intimately that what makes this nation great is the people that show up and fight for their neighbors. He took that fight to Congress and never wavered in his belief that we could achieve a better, more equitable future for all." 

The Maricopa County Democratic Party honored Gijalva saying: 

"For over two decades, Congressman Grijalva served Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District with unwavering dedication and courage. From fighting for environmental justice to standing up for immigrant rights, his leadership will not be forgotten by our state nor our nation. He showed us that true leadership means not just speaking up—but listening and taking action."

Arizona Education Association President Marisol Garcia released a statement on Grijalva's passing that said:

"Arizona educators lost a true champion and ally today. Congressman Grijalva has been committed to progressive change and a fighter for public school educators his entire career. 

From his first elected position on Tucson United School Board to his role on the U.S. Committee on Education & the Workforce, Congressman Grijalva has advocated and fought on behalf of better, safer schools for our students, and better pay and support for our educators. 

I'm saddened by today's news, and I send all the love and support to Congressman Grijalva's family. I'm proud to say I was a friend of Raúl."

From Congressman Greg Stanton -

“Congressman Raúl Grijalva will be rightly remembered as one of the most consequential leaders in Arizona political history.

He dedicated his life to serving the community he loved – as a political organizer, school board member and county supervisor before running for Congress, where he faithfully served the people of Southern Arizona for more than 20 years.

He was an iconic figure in  Arizona politics (and the "iconic" doesn't do him justice and I'm aware of that.) and my deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

On the hot seat Thursday: Jaclyn Rae Johnson

An update this week's legislative schedule post.

On Thursday, 3/13 

-

Senate Committee on Giving Jake Hoffman a Platform for Criticizing Governor Hobbs on the Taxpayer Dime on Director Nominations meets at 9:30 a.m. in SHR109.  On the agenda: no bills.  One director nomination: Jaclyn Rae Johnson, Department of Gaming.

Measles. It's contagious. It kills people.

From the website of the Texas Department of Health Services -

As of this writing, there were no reported cases in Arizona, but it seems to be a matter of time. From Axios, written by Jeremy Duda, dated 3/5/3025 -

Low vaccination rates a warning sign for measles in Arizona

Arizona hasn't had a reported measles case so far this year, but red flags are leading some experts to worry we could see an outbreak like the one in Texas.

Why it matters: Some Arizona counties have lower measles vaccination rates than in west Texas, where the outbreak has infected at least 159 people since it was first reported in early February and has killed one child.

What they're saying: There are "places here where it could spin out of control, just like it has in Texas. The conditions are right here for that to happen in some parts of the state," Arizona Public Health Association executive director Will Humble told Axios.

State of play: A vaccination rate above 95% is needed to prevent measles from spreading, according to the National Institutes of Health.

As of last week, the CDC reported that there were measles cases reported in 12 states.  Add Vermont to that list.

There are a lot of folks who, instead of getting vaccinations for them and their children, seek to elevate their kids' immunity by exposing them to the disease.

Not a bright idea; when I was young  (which was a while ago :) ), our parents would do so when confronted with a case of chickenpox.  So that would be OK, except for one difference.

Chickenpox doesn't kill people.

So, in a word, 

Don't.

Get vaccinated. 

Haven't we heard this one before?  Cheeto is POTUS, a deadly disease is killing folks, a lot of people are lying about it, and he's doing nothing.

Not breaking news: Marlene Galan-Woods is again running for Congress

...On 3/4/2025, 2024 candidate for Congress, filed paperwork with the FEC to run again for AZCD1 in 2026.  This isn't new news, as many outlets covered it last week.

On KAET's (Phoenix Channel 8) Horizon journalists' roundtable on Friday, a couple of the panelists speculated that her early entry into the race was due to two factors:

1. To forestall other entries into the race.

2. To help with her fundraising efforts.

I can't speak to her fundraising efforts, but I don't believe that her early entry won't stop anyone from entering the race - the incumbent, David Schweikert (R-Ethically Challenged), is widely seen as vulnerable, and any candidate with an ego will look at the race.

Caveat: this my district, and as in 2024, I won't make a voting decision until I see who actually on the ballot.

...On 2/3/2025, retired Marine JoAnna Mendoza filed paperwork with the FEC to run for AZCD6.

I didn't find any state-level or Maricopa County-level new committees of note.