Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu’s weekend confirmation that he is gay makes him the fourth openly gay or bisexual candidate seeking a congressional seat in Arizona this year. (with video)... Read more»
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The chairman of the state Democratic Party, Andrei Cherny, announced his resignation Monday morning in an email to party members. He’s expected to announce a run for a Tempe-area Congressional seat.... Read more»1
Much like a monsoon haboob or a lengthy speech by an East Valley Republican, 2012 promises more dust-ups and hot air in the local political arena. Here’s one take on what the year holds: on wry, hold the pickle.... Read more»5
As state Sen. Kyrsten Sinema sees it, Arizona began taking “unconstitutional and unconscionable” action Friday against some of the state’s most-vulnerable residents. But as Chic Older of the Arizona Medical Association sees it, the state action is regrettable — but unavoidable.... Read more»
The state Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that would ban the use of public funding or tax credits to support any group that provides, promotes, pays for or gives referrals for abortions. HB 2384 would also ban public universities and community colleges from using state funding or tuition dollars to train students to perform abortions.... Read more»1
A state senator wants stiffer penalties for owners or renters of properties that are used for drop houses, saying it would make them more likely to turn against leaders of smuggling rings.... Read more»
Members of the armed services should be able to serve overseas without fearing that courts will change their child custody agreements while they’re away, a state lawmaker said.... Read more»
A Republican legislator is pushing for a state law cutting off public housing benefits for undocumented immigrants even though the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development already requires applicants to prove citizenship or legal residency.... Read more»
Facing a $450 million hole in their plan to close the state’s budget deficit, GOP lawmakers are likely to respond to the failure of Propositions 301 and 302 with cuts to education, two economists said.... Read more»
Arizona voters have approved a ballot measure to eliminate affirmative action programs in state and local governments.... Read more»
Supporters of Proposition 106 say allowing Arizonans to opt out of any federal or state health care mandate would preserve the right of individuals to make their own decisions. Opponents say that since a federal plan would trump anything at the state level, it would most likely set Arizona up for a costly and unsuccessful legal battle.... Read more»
Proposition 107 seeks to amend the Arizona Constitution to ban state government and municipalities from giving preferential treatment on the basis of sex, race, color, ethnicity or national origin. This includes everything from state-funded programs that help women and minorities in areas where there is a disparity, such as science education, to hiring quotas in the state university system.... Read more»
Most Arizona voters are dissatisfied with the way the Legislature has handled the state budget and taxes, according to a poll released Thursday. When asked if they believe that the state Legislature has the wrong priorities, 63 percent of Republicans and 71 percent of Democrats agreed.... Read more»
A 1 percent sales tax hike is coming to a ballot near you this spring. Meanwhile, things like parking garages, driving schools and dog grooming will stay tax-free. Arizona’s tax laws include $9.1 billion in exemptions. Democrats think it’s time to close some of those loopholes to help ease the state’s budget woes.... Read more»
Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Phoenix, wants state law to clarify who makes final decisions about what’s done with remains of service members who die on active duty, saying that confusion can lead to lawsuits.... Read more»
To get its fair share of federal funding and congressional representation out of the U.S. census, Arizona must alleviate fears and generate interest among Latino residents, Democratic leaders and community activists said Friday.... Read more»
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