Dems go after Brewer about private prison lobbyists

by David Safier

AzBlueMeanie posted, and I reposted, about a great story run by KPHO Phoenix, ABC 5 CBS 5 [I apologize to KPHO for originally putting down the wrong network], detailing the lobbyist connections between the Accidental Guv and the private prison industry. If you haven't watched it yet, you should.

How upset was Brewer? She pulled her ads from the TV station. That should be catnip for other media outlets. There's a story there or Brewer wouldn't have blinked.

Now the Arizona Democratic Party has chimed in demanding that Brewer get rid of her "lobbyist-in-chief" Chuck Coughlin.

Dem chairman calls for Brewer’s lobbyist-in-chief to step down

Governor’s top lobbyist is now punishing media outlets that dare question who profits from private prisons

PHOENIX — Last night, news broke that Gov. Brewer’s campaign chief — private-prison lobbyist Chuck Coughlin – canceled all of the governor’s campaign advertising on CBS 5 News. Why? Because the reporters were doing their job.

Apparently, they were asking too many questions about whether Brewer’s actions as governor are reaping profits for lobbyist Coughlin and his private-prison client, Corrections Corporation of America. Brewer’s campaign staff and governing staff are both overrun with lobbyists, particularly those connected to prison privatization.

“If Jan Brewer’s top adviser is punishing media outlets for asking legitimate questions about his lobbying influence over her, it raises another question: Has she given unchecked power to an unelected lobbyist?” said Don Bivens, Arizona Democratic Party chairman. “Jan Brewer can put an end to questions about special-interest lobbyists profiting from her tenure – she should ask her top lobbyist to step down.”