ALEC and the Arizona legislature: State Sovereignty
by David Safier With this post, I'm beginning what I plan as a series of pieces about Arizona bills and resolutions which were taken almost verbatim from ALEC models. Advertisement It's no secret conservative state legislators across the country introduce legislation from the hundreds of model bills compiled by ALEC. That's a primary reason ALEC … Read more
A political novice wants to run with the big dogs
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Some of you have been asking about the political novice who has filed to run as a Democrat against Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in the Democratic Party primary for Congress. I posted in the comments the other day that the Rose Law Group blog had this brief post. Rose Law Group Blog » EarlyBird … Read more
Today’s Gatewood goes to Eric Cantor . . . again
by David Safier [NOTE: I created The Gatewood in honor of Henry Gatewood, the banker in John Ford's 1939 "Stagecoach" who ran off with $50,000 in payroll money and said, while clutching the satchel full of stolen money, "'America for Americans! The government must not interfere with business! Reduce taxes! Our national debt is something … Read more
League of Arizona Cities and Towns 2011 Annual Conference in Tucson
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: The League of Arizona Cities and Towns is holding its 2011 Annual Conference in Tucson at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, from August 30 to September 2. Registration Online registration is now closed. Any registrations received will be processed on site. On-site registration will open at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30. … Read more
Bachmann taking God’s name in vain?
by David Safier Michelle Bachmann on God, earthquakes and hurricanes: "I don't know how much God has to do to get the attention of the politicians. We've had an earthquake; we've had a hurricane. He said, 'Are you going to start listening to me here?' If Bachmann believes that, she's a loon. But at least, … Read more
Widening the scope of vouchers
by David Safier When conservatives saw vouchers were unpopular, they stuck the elephant's trunk in the tent by creating "widows and orphans" laws — vouchers for children with learning disabilities, children in foster homes and children attending failing schools. Who could object to that? Since the 2010 elections, voucher advocates are getting bolder. They're beginning … Read more
Tick, tock Tommy, time to put up or shut up
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: In this Political insider from the Arizona Republic dated July 31, 2011, political opportunist Tom Horne "was quick to announce an investigation into the Independent Redistricting Commission for possible violations of the Open Meeting Law, even as he said he didn't know whether there had been any wrongdoing. . . Horne [said] he's trying … Read more
