Tea Party all Suped up against ‘RINO’ Republicans
February 12, 2012
Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
Who'd have thunk it? "Sugar Ray" Carroll, Pima County Supervisor in District 4, has a Tea Party primary opponent for the first time. The Tucson Weekly reports, Pima County Supervisor Faces First Challenger in 13 Years | The Range:
In the 13 years Carroll's been in office he's been reelected every election in 2000, 2004 and 2008 — all without opposition. Until now.
According to the Quail Creek Republican Club newsletter, Carroll's challenger for the District 4 seat is Sean Collins, a U.S. Air Force veteran who owns the Vail Dairy Queen with his wife Tracy. "Collins was in the Air Force for almost 22 years, stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base from 1999 until he retired as a senior non-commissioned officer in 2003." (He'll be speaking at the group's meeting on Friday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. at the Quail Creek Madera Clubhouse).
We called Collins and are waiting to find out more from him regarding his interest in running or politics. However, political buzz is that this is what happens when you take a stand against Rosemont Copper Mine.
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Arizona's current tea bag political climate could make Carroll more vulnerable than previous campaigns. We were told Rick Grinnell, a failed mayoral candidate, self-described Rosemont lobbyist, and a member of the delusional state-appointed Rio Nuevo board, along with failed gubernatorial candidate John Munger, are driving the Collins' campaign boat and raising thousands of dollars to put Carroll down.
However, Grinnell told us today that he's not involved in Collins' campaign. Still waiting to hear back from Munger.
Munger! the GOP troika of John Munger, Bruce Ash and Jim Click are behind all things right-wing crazy in Pima County. They have killed off the endangered RINO (Republicans in Name Only), i.e., moderate Republicans. My sources have suggested that GOP bundler Jim Click may also be a money player in this race in addition to Rosemont Copper.
Obama 2012 campaign gets a song from The Boss
February 12, 2012
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, has a new release coming out on March 6, titled Wrecking Ball. One of the cuts is a song for the Obama 2012 campaign: Bruce Springsteen – We Take Care Of Our Own – YouTube Music Video (with sing-a-long lyrics). Springsteen drops video for Obama 2012 song: ‘We Take Care … Read more
Three’s Company . . .
February 12, 2012
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Sen. Paula Aboud (D-LD 28) told Saguaro Eastside Democrats at their "I Love Liberty Party" on Saturday that she would announce she is running for Congress in CD 2 on Monday. When asked if she intends to resign to run or would run from her Senate seat, Aboud stated that there are … Read more
Mark your calendars: Attack on civil servants up for committee consideration on Thursday, February 16
February 11, 2012
By Craig McDermott, cross-posted from Random Musings Strap in folks, the ride is only going to get bumpier from here… On Thursday, the House Committee on Employment and Regulatory Affairs is holding a a special meeting at 2 p.m. There is one item on the agenda – HB2571 public employees; unlawful acts; termination … Read more
Seriously?
February 11, 2012
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by David Safier No, I'm not kidding. SB1467 would make FCC broadcasting standards the touchstone for what can be taught in the classroom. If the FCC says you can't broadcast it, Arizona says you can't teach it. This law, by the way, would apply to Pre-K through Grad School. Yes, it includes public community colleges … Read more
Radioactive satire wars rage in Tucson. Everybody wins
February 11, 2012
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by David Safier If you haven't done so already, just read Tom Danehy's column in the Weekly: Five years from now, a student writes a letter. Learn about the Al Melvin Secular Charter School, where: . . . we don't need electric lights in the classrooms, because the glow coming off the walls makes everything … Read more
The Goldwater Institute — and ALEC — get long overdue media attention
February 10, 2012
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by David Safier
I don't know how many years I've been writing my "Fools Gold" posts about the inner workings of the Goldwater Institute. Years. But in the media, G.I. has mainly been a source of quotes to round out articles and little more. While the Institute was working behind the scenes to shape Arizona's Republican agenda, the media either wasn't paying attention or wasn't interested.
That's beginning to change. A news report by Brahm Resnik on Phoenix's Channel 12 News covered the union rally at the Capitol protesting anti-worker legislation making its way through committees and onto the floor. The report said, the protest focused more on the Goldwater Institute's hand in the legislation than the legislators.
You can watch the video on the azcentral website or below the fold.
The union protester featured in the piece said this:
"It is an issue of peole who are willing to be controlled by the Goldwater Institute, which is in turn controlled by ALEC, which is in turn controlled by the corporate raiders."
Cut to G.I. President Darcy who says, basically: Shucks, G.I. is just a little ol' group trying to get its heartfelt ideas out there. Cut to the committee meeting where G.I. experts are testifying and others are reading statements written on G.I. stationery.
Resnik does an excellent job of letting the facts do the talking. The more he shows of G.I.'s denials, the clearer it is, they're the power behind the anti-worker bills.
The bad news is, G.I. and ALEC are more powerful than ever. The slightly more positive news is, the media is beginning to catch on and reporting about the puppet masters and not just the legislative marionettes dancing on a string.
Watch the video below the fold.
