From Pearce to Pierce: New Senate President

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Republicans today selected Sen. Steve Pierce (Prescott) as their new Senate President. From Pearce to Pierce: Prescott rancher elected new Senate President – Arizona Capitol Times (subscription required):

In choosing Pierce as Senate President, the upper chamber picked a conservative Republican and pragmatic legislator, a bona-fide cowboy from Prescott.

The other contenders were Senate Majority Leader Andy Biggs, Gilbert Republican and Sen. Steve Yarbrough, a Republican from Chandler. Biggs and Pierce were the only ones to be nominated, and Pierce beat him out by one vote, 11-10.

The caucus also selected Sen. Frank Antenori, R-Tucson, as majority whip. Biggs will remain Majority Leader.

So I am guessing that the majority whip position was the quid pro quo that Sen. Frank Antenori got in exchange for dropping his objection to the removal of AIRC Chair Colleen Mathis unless the amendment or repeal of Prop. 106 was referred to the ballot next February at the time of the GOP presidential Primary. Or maybe this is an additional sweetener to something else.

Press Release from the Democratic Legislative Caucus:

State Capitol, Phoenix – Senate Minority Leader David Schapira and House Minority Leader Chad Campbell released the following statements today in response to the selection of Senator Steve Pierce as the new Senate president.

Senate Minority Leader David Schapira:

"I congratulate Senator Pierce and I truly hope that he will work with us to end the partisanship and solve the serious problems that face our state," said Schapira.

"It's time for a new direction. We must use this opportunity to make a fresh start toward focusing on good ideas to get folks back to work and improve our schools so our kids can compete for the jobs of the future."

House Minority Leader Chad Campbell:

"I congratulate and look forward to working with Senator Pierce in his new role as President. Arizona's families are looking for leadership from the legislature to create jobs, rebound our economy and ensure our children have every educational opportunity they deserve,” said Campbell.

“I hope that President Pierce will reject the partisanship and extremism that has been standard operating procedure in the legislature these past few years and work together with all legislators to find solutions to the many challenges facing Arizonans."