One of Arizona’s Imagine Schools fires two-thirds of its teachers
May 25, 2012
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by David Safier Imagine Schools' problems have finally surfaced and gotten press in Arizona. According to the Republic, 10 or 11 of the 14 teachers at Imagine Prep at Superstition in Apache Junction have been let go. The reason given is that the school is going in a different direction. Reporters Patrick Ryan and Chelsey … Read more
Fact checking the mendacity of ‘Mittens’
May 25, 2012
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Time once again for Steve Benen's weekly fact checking of the pathological liar, Willard "Mittens" Romney. Chronicling Mitt's Mendacity, Vol. XIX: Campaigning in Iowa yesterday, President Obama reflected on some of Mitt Romney's recent speeches, including last week's remarks in Iowa. "I know Governor Romney came to Des Moines last week; warned … Read more
Willard ‘Mittens’ Romney embraces Birtherism
May 25, 2012
Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
Earlier this week, Willard "Mittens" Romney was asked to admonish the actions of his Arizona campaign co-chairman, Secretary of State Ken Bennett, for embarrassing the state of Arizona by delving into the fringe Birther movement.
To my knowledge, Mittens has not publicly admonished the actions of Ken Bennett. I have not seen any public statement. The failure to object is to condone and to ratify the actions of Ken Bennett.
It gets worse. Also this week, the Romney campaign is promoting a fundraising event with the race-baiting Birther King himself, Donald Trump. Mitt Romney to supporters: Dine with Donald Trump – The Washington Post:
The Romney camp is offering supporters a chance to “Dine with The Donald,” according to a new fundraising missive.
“Donate today and you are eligible for a chance to win: Airport transportation in the Trump vehicle;” a “stay at the Trump International Hotel & Tower New York;” a chance to “tour the Celebrity Apprentice Boardroom;” and an opportunity to “dine with Donald Trump and Mitt Romney,” reads the message on the Romney campaign Web site.
An image on the site tells visitors to “donate $3 and you are entered for a chance to win” — although, as the fine print notes, as with any such campaign offer, no purchase is necessary to enter or win a prize.
In addition, Trump is hosting a Romney fundraiser next Tuesday night at the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Former House speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), who dropped out of the race last month, is also expected to attend, according to spokesman R.C. Hammond.
Republicans want airplanes with rubber band wings, and no air traffic controllers
May 25, 2012
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by David Safier Keep it simple. Get rid of regulations. That pretty much sums up what Jesse Kelly said in the debate and what he's been saying throughout the campaign. Most Republican politicians seem to agree. Ask Kelly about Rosemont mine and he says we should dig the copper out of the ground. That's how … Read more
Wisconsin Update: The Total Recall/Walkergate Debate Friday Night
May 25, 2012
Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
The Madison Capitol Times editorializes today on Friday night's Total Recall/Walkergate Debate. Walker versus Barrett (and John Doe):
Scott Walker and Tom Barrett have had debates before, but . . . It’s different now, as they prepare to debate Friday evening.
Walker is the most controversial governor in the nation, a right-wing firebrand whose attack on collective bargaining rights has provoked mass demonstrations, lawsuits and a recall election that has transformed the politics of Wisconsin. And Barrett is the challenger who carries the hopes of those who would defend labor rights, public education and public services in a historically progressive state.
But the issue that will likely be the most contentious of the first debate of the Wisconsin recall campaign between Walker and Barrett is a John Doe inquiry into felony wrongdoing by Scott Walker’s aides and political donors. The probe, which is led by Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, has already produced felony convictions, and now top aides to Walker when he served as Milwaukee County executive face trials that will raise the question asked recently by a Milwaukee anchorman: “What did the governor know and when?”
Tonight’s debate between Walker and Barrett — which will be aired live statewide at 8 p.m. on Wisconsin Public Television — will be wide-ranging. But Barrett, in television ads and public appearances, has posed two questions that are now unavoidable:
“Governor Walker, will you release all emails, sent and received, between you and the people in your office, who have been charged and pled guilty to criminal wrongdoing? Will you tell us, who is funding your legal defense, which has already paid more than $100,000 to criminal lawyers?”
But we wouldn’t stop there.
To the Star: The time is ripe for a Fact Check — or 2 — or 3
May 25, 2012
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by David Safier Over a third of the mail-in ballots have been sent in. The Star is giving lots of coverage to the Barber/Kelly race, since it's the only race in town. But there's nary a Star fact check in sight. It's time. It's past time. Take a look at the fact checking work Jim … Read more
Mitt Romney and the Goldwater Institute agree: Raise class sizes
May 25, 2012
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by David Safier Class size doesn't matter. How do I know? Mitt Romney and Matthew Ladner, formerly of the Goldwater Institute, tell me so. Romney is a newcomer at this game, so let's go back to Matthew Ladner, circa 2009. Writing for G.I., he said we should pay great teachers — "rock stars," he likes … Read more
Dr. Richard Carmona is ‘Zeus… a political Greek god’
May 25, 2012
Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
Who said this? Jason Rose, Arizona GOP political strategist. No, really.
Pema Levy reports at Talking Points Memo A ‘Political Greek God’: Even Republicans Think Carmona Has a Chance In Arizona:
“Political Greek god,” “amazing” and “tremendous” are all words used to describe Arizona Democratic Senate candidate Richard Carmona — by Republicans.
Many Arizona Republicans think the Democrat who was personally tapped by President Obama to run could be the first Democrat Arizonans send to the Senate in 22 years.
His compelling biography is a big reason why.
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But given the bare-knuckled brawl for control of the United States Senate, which has turned nasty in several other states, it’s rare to find a close race in which members of the opposing party are willing to speak so glowingly about the competition.
“Zeus,” Arizona GOP strategist Jason Rose said, “sent the Democratic Party here a political Greek god.”
“It’s a great story. It’s a beautiful story,” said Grant Woods, a former Republican attorney general of Arizona. “It makes people want to root for him, just like Barack Obama had a great story.”
Carmona is often compared to Janet Napolitano, the most successful Arizona Democrat in recent history, who won three statewide races before being joining the Obama administration to run the Department of Homeland Security.
“She was able to upend Matt Salmon,” said Rose, who advised Mitt Romney in Arizona in 2008 and supports him this time around, referring to Napolitano’s 2002 gubernatorial win in a very Republican year. “Can Carmona repeat what Napolitano was able to achieve? It’s certainly possible.”
“He has the potential to be an even better candidate than Napolitano,” said Woods. “Again that’s potential right now. … Janet, in all three of her statewide races, she executed flawlessly. I mean, there were no missteps. She did an excellent job. But on paper, I think Carmona starts in a much better position as a candidate than she did.”
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“I think [Carmona has] the best resume that has run for political office in Arizona since John McCain in 1982,” said Rose. “You can make the argument that it’s the best bio to ever run for office in Arizona.”
Rose said Carmona is not just good on paper, either. He saw him in person and was “thoroughly impressed.”
