Jim Pederson tests the waters for governor race

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Jim Pederson, former Arizona Democratic Party chairman and a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2006, has been "exploring" running for governor.

Pederson tests the waters with this recent guest opinion in the East Valley Tribune Pursue better choices for state budget

By Jim Pederson, Commentary – 4.18.09

I cannot stand quietly by and only watch what is happening to Arizona. It is time to speak out.

Barely three years ago, we were talking about Arizona’s future, its spectacular growth potential and how we would best manage and leverage that growth. We were talking about transportation, better jobs and more jobs in important growth sectors: high-tech, bio-tech, innovation, science and sustainability.

Then the national economy tumbled. Since so much of our economy has been driven by construction and tourism, Arizona has been hit especially hard and more than ever we need clear heads and leadership from our elected representatives.

Unfortunately, the governor has not proposed a budget and is still muddling through, trying to decide whether she will offer one. Republican legislative budget negotiators are stuck. They are conducting their talks in secret, excluding even members of their own party.

Worse yet, their priorities are wrong.

Continue reading Pursue better choices for state budget

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