Arizona

The Glow: Lighted art walk in Oracle tonight (video)

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by Pamela Powers Hannley
The Glow— a lighted art walk and whimsical extravaganza at the Triangle L Ranch— is tonight, Sept. 29.
I know this is a political blog and not an art blog, but everyone has to get away and chill sometime. What a better thing to do on a balmy September evening than wander the lighted paths of the Triangle L Ranch, listen to some cool music, and admire the full moon.
So, put on a light jacket and walking shoes, grab a friend and a flash light, and drive up to Oracle tonight. The festivities start at 7 p.m., so there's plenty of time to stop for dinner at one of the restaurants along the route. (A word to the wise– watch out for the multiple speed traps on the way. The speed limit must change at least 10 times between Ina Road and Oracle.)
Here is a link to the music schedule and more photos from past years.
Glow video after the jump.

GOP gives up on Gabby (Mercer, that is)

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by Pamela Powers Hannley The GOP has been targeting Congressman Raul Grijalva for removal for years. Remember Ruth McClung? The Democrats initially dismissed the young, blond "rocket scientist" with the fiery, Sarah-Palin-style speechifying, but in the end, the new-comer nearly whooped the Congressman's ass in 2010. Fast forward to 2012, the Republicans are running another attractive … Read more

Undocumented protesters arrested outside of Democratic Convention

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by Pamela Powers Hannley

Ten undocumented protesters from Arizona were arrested late Tuesday afternoon outside of the Time Warner Arena in uptown Charlotte, as Democratic National Convention delegates watched.

Chanting in Spanish and English, the protesters– surrounded by media and conventioneers with smart phone cameras– quickly marched toward the arena where First Lady Michelle Obama was scheduled to speak.

As throngs of convention delegates bustled down the sidewalk, the small band of Latinos laid a large yellow mat decorated with butterflies in the middle of the intersection and sat in protest of US immigration policies. Just as quickly, they were surrounded by police on foot and on bicycles. Although it was difficult for passersby to see them, we could hear their stories and feel the passion. 

More details and video after the jump.

NOW endorses Raul Grijalva & Kyrsten Sinema

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by Pamela Powers Hannley In a year of unprecedented attacks on the rights of women in the US, an endorsement from the National Organization for Women (NOW) carries a lot of weight for us feminists because it tells us who are friends really are and who will stand up for women. As usual, when there … Read more

Will the Open Primaries initiative be on the Nov 2012 ballot or not? (video)

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by Pamela Powers Hannley

Backers of the Open Primaries initiative knew from the beginning that changing Arizona's two-party primary system to an open, "top two" primary system wouldn't be easy. They expected challenges from Democrats and Republicans, and that's what they got.

Earlier in the summer, Governor Jan Brewer and the Arizona Legislature tinkered around with ideas to change or stop it. Secretary of State Ken Bennett tried to stop it by saying that it was unconsitutionally broad, but the courts squashed his attack. 

As of mid-August, Open Primaries was back on the ballot, until this week, when Maricopa County said that there were an extraordinary number of bad signatures.

The latest news is that the Open Primaries/Open Government folks have filed a suit to get the initiative back on the ballot. Supporters claim that Maricopa County erroneously rejected.

Stay tuned for the next volley in this ping pong game.

For more background on the Open Primaries initiative– just in case you actually get to vote on it– check out the video debate between former State Rep. Dr. Ted Downing (pro) and former Mayor Tom Volgy (con). The event was sponsored by Progressive Democrats of American Tucson Chapter.

Videos after the jump.