By Michael Bryan The voters specifically took away the Arizona Governor’s veto over redistricting maps when they passed Prop 106 in 2000, establishing the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC). The voters didn’t want the redistricting process to be held hostage by the political powers-that-be; Arizonans want an open and bi-partisan process governed by the public interest. … Read more
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: It looks like Congress is finally willing to take action on the ethically challenged Justice Clarence Thomas. It's about damn time! Joan McCarter reports at Daily Kos: Twenty House Democrats call for investigation of Justice Thomas: Justice Clarence Thomas has been under ongoing scrutiny by activists and members of Congress for what appear … Read more
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: The "first Monday in October" marks the first day of the United States Supreme Court's new Term. The first case, starting at 10 a.m., grows out of challenges by health care providers in California to the state’s several moves to cut reimbursements for providing medical care for the poor and the disabled. … Read more
By Michael Bryan Senator Pearce caused to be published (I suspect his press secretary actually wrote it… it smells of his hand) an op-ed attacking the 9th circuit in general and launching an ad hominem attack on two of the judges. Notably, Pearce did not address any issues of substance, instead merely ranting about some … Read more
The Arizona legislature failed in it's attempt to refer to voters a constitutional amendment that would have effectively ended merit selection of judges in Arizona and made the judiciary a creature of the Executive over time. The President of the Arizona Bar gives and excellent overview of the final version that eventually passed and will … Read more