Can’t we all just get along? Guess not.
by David SafierLet me try to sort this out. Dem legislators don't like the R budget. Guv doesn't like the R budget. R legislators don't like Guv's sales tax increase, and they won't even dignify the Dem budget with a comment. Dem legislators don't like Guv's sales tax increase, because it's the wrong tax increase. … Read more
You can’t take this guy anywhere
by David SafierIt was a solemn, bipartisan moment at the state legislature. A bust of the late Jake Flake was unveiled. Flake was known as a gentleman in the legislature, and people on both sides of the aisle spoke warmly about him. But first came Al Melvin. According to Daniel Scarpinato's blog, [Melvin] didn’t mention … Read more
Republican budget raises property taxes
by David Safier According to the Arizona Guardian (I finally got me a subscription, so I get to read the whole article, not just the opening paragraph), A late addition to budget bills rushed through the Legislature last week would ease the tax burden on businesses by shifting it on to homeowners. Here's how it works. … Read more
Poll: One in Three Republicans Have Soured on Their Party
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: A USA Today/Gallup poll out Tuesday bears some scary results for GOP leadership: As much as one-third of their constituent Republicans view the party unfavorably. Poll: One in three Republicans sour on their party (h/t The Raw Story): Ever see an elephant cry? The poll shows 33 percent of Republicans have soured … Read more
What, are Graham and Lieberman in the photos?
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: The Raw Story is reporting that at a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joe Lieberman (I-C.T.) threatened to shut down the Senate by blocking any further legislation unless their bill preventing the release of any further detainee abuse photos is passed. Graham, Lieberman threaten Senate shut down over … Read more
Norquist and Pullen go at it
by David SafierThe back-and-forth between Americans for Tax Reform president Grover Norquist (No New Taxes, Ever!) and Chair of the AZ Republican Party Randy Pullen got a little snippy over the past few days. On June 4, Norquist accused Pullen of being part of an orchestrated, $225,000 media campaign, agreed to by Brewer, to target … Read more
What’s going on?
by David SafierI'm confused. The Republicans, led by Paton, are ramming a bill through that would change the way our city council is elected. And all but one Democrat voted for it in committee. Forget about whether they're right or wrong, whether nonpartisan is better than partisan, whether elections by ward are better than citywide … Read more
