The Arizona Court of Appeals ruled today that the Governor was not immune to legal action for hiding behind a non-binding legal opinion, issued by Attorney General Terry Goddard, stopping the implementation of the benefits section of Proposition 200, “Protect Arizona Now.” Arizona Republican Party Chairman Randy Pullen was pleased with the court’s ruling.
“No longer can Janet Napolitano use Attorney General Goddard as a shield as she seeks to skirt the rule of law,” said Pullen. “This court ruling shows that the Governor cannot set state policy based on non-binding legal opinions by the Attorney General, no matter how much she dislikes what the voters have willed.”
This appeal was filed after the trial court ruled that their was no civil recourse regarding the Governor’s Proposition 200 proclamation directing the state executive branch on how to enforce the proposition. The Court of Appeals has now ruled that parties can bring suit against the Governor and state agencies on their failure to enforce Proposition 200.
For more information, please contact Brett Mecum at 602.957.7770 or at bmecum@azgop.org.
Friday, June 29, 2007
AZ Taxpayers 2007 Legislative Wrap-up
2007 Arizona Legislative Wrap-Up
(A version of this wrap-up will be published in this week's edition of the Arizona Capitol Times, http://www.azcapitoltimes.com/)
Using last year's adopted budget of $10.1 billion as a baseline, this year's budget of $10.6 billion means a five percent increase in spending -- in line with the ten-year average yearly growth of population plus inflation. If we just look at this snapshot (and ignore a "one-time" transportation spending increase of $340 million), this year's budget does not look so bad.
That said, this year's budget comes as a brief rest after a four-year run of fiscal irresponsibility, in which state spending increased by an average of more than 12 percent per year -- more than double the rate of growth of population plus inflation (the conservative upper limit on spending growth). 12 percent is also significantly higher than the average rate of growth of state personal income over the past decade (7.6 percent), which means that state government has been growing much faster than the ability of Arizonans to pay for it.
The trend of overspending is unlikely to reverse itself. The principal drivers of state spending are education (both K12 and higher ed), health care, and transportation, which saw increases this year of at least 10 percent, 6 percent, and 25 percent, respectively. Apologists for runaway spending argue that prices in those sectors are rising more rapidly than prices in other sectors of the economy. But why do prices rise so rapidly in education, health care, and transportation? Answer: Those sectors are dominated by government spending, and the suppliers in those sectors are not forced by competitive market discipline to achieve efficiencies and control costs.
The solution is to move as much of education, health care, and transportation as possible into the private sector. Sadly, almost nothing of significance was achieved in these areas during this legislative session. There was almost no progress whatsoever on school choice this year (other than a tax deduction for contributions to 529 college savings accounts), and there was no forward movement on removing the costly mandates on health insurance that keep many of the uninsured from buying low-premium policies.
In transportation, the solution is not to continue throwing one-time cash at projects, but to rely on the private sector for the financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of new highway capacity. Senators Ron Gould (R-Havasu) and Pamela Gorman (R-Anthem) introduced important legislation to enable private projects to go forward, only to see it shot down by local political interests pushing the creation of new taxing districts.
What we got in the FY 2008 budget was a little more government. What we needed was a lot less government.
Major Progress:
Thanks to pressure from taxpayer activists, the Legislature passed a bipartisan reform that will penalize cities in Maricopa and Pinal Counties that carve out special tax giveaways for politically-connected developers. Kudos to Sen. Ken Cheuvront (D-Phoenix) and Rep. Rick Murphy (R-Glendale), who led the charge.
Some Progress:
The budget agreement included a provision that will allow state tax deductions for families that make donations to 529 educational savings accounts.
The Legislature made some incremental progress on reducing the assessment ratio for taxation of business properties.
No Progress:
No progress on prohibiting governments and government agencies from using taxpayer money to lobby the Legislature ("No Taxpayer Money for Lobbyists").
No progress on giving voters a chance to lower the state's existing constitutional spending limit from 7.41 percent to 6.4 percent of state personal income. Without reform of the state's spending limit, more gigantic budget increases are sure to come.
No progress on allowing private financing, construction, operation and maintenance of new highway capacity.
No progress on permanently zeroing-out the county equalization property tax rate.
No progress on reducing the rate of Arizona's job-killing corporate income tax.
No progress on further reducing Arizona's personal income tax rates.
No progress on vouchers or tax credits, including a tax credit proposal that would have allowed donors until April 15 th to make scholarship donations for the previous tax year, and a proposed "G.I. Jr." program that would have given school-choice grants to children of US Armed Forces personnel.
No progress on reducing mandates on private health insurance plans, which would make premiums more affordable for many of the uninsured. This bill passed the House in March, but was squashed in the Senate.
About Us About Arizona Federation of Taxpayers
The mission of the Arizona Federation of Taxpayers (AFT) is to expand economic growth and prosperity for all Arizonans. To view AFT's 22nd annual Legislative Scorecard, visit our website. AFT is a state chapter of Americans for Prosperity.
Website: www.aztaxpayers.org
About Americans for Prosperity
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is the nation's premier grassroots organization committed to advancing every individual's right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits.
Website: www.americansforprosperity.org
LOPES, DEMOCRATS STILL HAVE WRONG PHILOSOPHY
The Democrats’ true colors were shown today at the Greater Phoenix of Chamber of Commerce 13th Annual Legislative Wrap Up Breakfast, where Democrat House Minority Leader Phil Lopes was critical of tax relief for Arizona businesses. Arizona Republican Party chairman Randy Pullen said he was disappointed that Lopes and other Democrats were continuing to reject smart and fiscally sound ideas, instead relying on the failed ideas of the past. “Democrats have welfare and big government down pat, but they simply refuse to understand what our economy needs to create jobs, what business needs to create opportunity, and what families need to prosper,” Pullen said.
“Arizona is the fastest growing state in the country and Phoenix has just passed Philadelphia as the nation’s fifth most populous city,” said Pullen. “Yet Arizona Democrats from Janet Napolitano to Phil Lopes to their rank and file candidates refuse to accept recent decades of proof that lower taxes and limited government create growth and prosperity.
“If Mr. Lopes wants Arizona to mimic other states, where taxes are high, government is big, and the environment is anti-business, then he should continue to advocate tax hikes and more government spending. However, I prefer, and most Arizonans prefer creating a business friendly environment with lower taxes and less regulation that foster job creation and a higher quality of life.
“Today’s Republican Party is working with business, community and political leaders to develop economic policies that will create new jobs, create new growth, increase income, reduce government regulation, reduce taxes, and make this state more business friendly.” concluded Pullen.
For more information, please contact Brett Mecum at 602.957.7770 or at bmecum@azgop.org.
“Arizona is the fastest growing state in the country and Phoenix has just passed Philadelphia as the nation’s fifth most populous city,” said Pullen. “Yet Arizona Democrats from Janet Napolitano to Phil Lopes to their rank and file candidates refuse to accept recent decades of proof that lower taxes and limited government create growth and prosperity.
“If Mr. Lopes wants Arizona to mimic other states, where taxes are high, government is big, and the environment is anti-business, then he should continue to advocate tax hikes and more government spending. However, I prefer, and most Arizonans prefer creating a business friendly environment with lower taxes and less regulation that foster job creation and a higher quality of life.
“Today’s Republican Party is working with business, community and political leaders to develop economic policies that will create new jobs, create new growth, increase income, reduce government regulation, reduce taxes, and make this state more business friendly.” concluded Pullen.
For more information, please contact Brett Mecum at 602.957.7770 or at bmecum@azgop.org.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
When neither the facts nor the law are on your side, attack the prosecutor, the victims and the family dog.
Arizona Political Heat has posted an amusing rebuttal by Barnett Lotstein from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office regarding Superior Court presiding judge Barbara Mundell's recent op-ed defending her decision not to enforce Prop. 100, no bail for illegal immigrants. Lotstein notes that Mundell runs separate race-based courts for Spanish-speaking defendants who have committed DUIs; this seems to reflect part of a pattern by Mundell which favors certain races over others - and is obviously unconstitutional. He thinks Mundell wrote the op-ed in order to influence other judges.
Time running out today to stop the Kennedy amnesty bill
from the state GOP - we need to stop the Senate from the 2nd cloture vote today
GRASSROOTS ACTION ALERT
JUNE 27, 2007
Dear Friends,
First-Last-Party-Address-Telephone--FAX
AK Ted Stevens R 522
AK Lisa Murkowski R 709
AR Blanche Lincoln D 355
AR Mark Pryor D 257
AZ John McCain R 241
AZ Jon Kyl R 730
CA Dianne Feinstein D 331
CA Barbara Boxer D 112
CO Ken Salazar R 702
CT Christopher Dodd D 448
CT Joseph Lieberman D 706
DE Joseph Biden D 201
DE Thomas Carper D 513
FL Bill Nelson D 716
FL Mel Martinez R 317
HI Daniel Inouye D 722
HI Daniel Akaka D 141
IA Tom Harkin D 731
ID Larry Craig R 520
IL Richard Durbin D 332
IL Barack Obama D 713
IN Richard Lugar R 306
KS Sam Brownback R 303
KY Mitch McConnell R 361A
MA Edward Kennedy D 317
MA John Kerry D 304
MD Barbara Mikulski D 503
MD Benjamin Cardin D B40B
ME
ME Susan Collins R 461 Dirksen Senate Office Building 202-224-2523; 202-224-2693
MI Carl Levin D 269
MN Norm Coleman R 320
MN Amy Klobuchar D C4
MO Claire McCaskill D 825A
MS Trent Lott R 487
NC Richard Burr R 217
ND Kent Conrad D 530
ND Byron Dorgan D 322
NE Charles Hagel R 248
NE Benjamine Nelson D 720
NH Judd Gregg R 393
NJ Frank Lautenberg D 324
NJ Robert Menendez D 502
NM Pete Domenici R 328
NM Jeff Bingaman D 703
NV Harry Reid D 528
NV John Ensign R 356
NY Charles Schumer D 313
NY Hillary Clinton D 476
OH George Voinovich R 524
OH Sherrod Brown D C5
OR Ron Wyden D 230
PA Arlen Specter R 711
PA Bob Casey D B40C
RI Jack Reed D 728
RI Sheldon Whitehouse D B40D
SC Lindsey Graham R 290
SD Tim Johnson D 136
UT Robert Bennett R 431
VA John Warner R 225
VA James Webb D C1
VT Patrick Leahy D 433
WA Patty Murray D 173
WA Maria Cantwell D 717
WI Herb Kohl D 330
WI Russell Feingold D 506
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Shadegg sends out strange panicky email with errors
Did anyone else catch the panicky tone and mistakes in the email Congressman Shadegg sent out yesterday? He says he's never heard about a Democrat challenging him this early on in a term, and thinks it's because the Democrat Party has chosen him for targeting. The email text was crossed out at the end, and the body of the email contained two different colored typefaces; it looked like it hadn't been finished editing before it got sent out. (we weren't able to get the email to show up correctly, below, but you get the gist)
Home | About John | Energy Committee | On The Issues | News & Views | Action Center | Events | Contribute | Contact
 | ||
 |
Dear Shadegg Insider:
| |
|
AZ ACLU free immigration forum tonight
Note there is no one representing the other side on the illegal immigration issue. Guess the ACLU would prefer not to put on a fair and balanced debate.
ACLU of Arizona Central Chapter Presents a community forum entitled:
Immigration: A Civil Liberties Perspective
to raise awareness about state and federal immigration policies that impact the constitutional rights o f immigrants in Arizona.
The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 27th at the Grace Lutheran Church, 1124 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.acluaz.org
The following prominent, local immigration advocates will speak on these topics: Prop 100/State Anti-Smuggling Law: Tracy Friddle, a Deputy Public Defender at the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office. Before moving into the trenches of criminal immigration defense at the Maricopa County PD, Friddle worked as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Tucson and Phoenix for over 2.5 years, defending immigrants and others accused of federal crimes, including immigration and alien-smuggling offenses. She is currently challenging the constitutionality of Prop 100 through a petition for special action filed with the Arizona Court of Appeals. Friddle filed the petition on behalf of Melvin Omar Hernandez, who was arrested for an open-container violation, prosecuted for possession of false work documents, and then denied bail because of Prop 100. The new law makes undocumented immigrants who commit certain offenses ineligible for bond. While the referendum was originally approved by voters to deny bond to undocumented immigrants who commit serious felony offenses, people are being denied bond for minor offenses such as forgery. Friddle is arguing Prop 100 violates immigrants due process and equal protection rights under the U.S. and Arizona Constitutions.
Racial Profiling in Immigration Enforcement: Judy Flanagan, an immigration lawyer in Phoenix who represented the "Wilson Four. Flanagan will discuss the cases of four students who were detained in June 2002 by immigration officials at the U.S.-Canada border while on a Wilson Charter High School field trip in Buffalo, N.Y. A judge later threw out their convictions bec ause of racial profiling and coercion. The four students were brought into the United States from Mexico by their undocumented parents. Students Luis Nava and Manuel Espinoza-Vazquez both of whom were victims of racial profiling by police also will attend the forum. Luis was a member of the Wilson Four and Miguel is an Arizona State University who is facing deportation after a Gilbert officer stopped him on March 9th for making an improper right turn. He has lived here for most of his life, never missed a day of high school, earned a scho larship to ASU, and is now being deported to a country he knows nothing about.
Immigration Detention/Conditions of Confinement: Raha Jorjani, Staff Attorney Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, will discuss issues related to conditions of confinement of immigrants in detention, including lack of medical care, mental health issues and indefinite detention. The event will be moderated by Bob McWhirter, an expert on immigration law and a public defender with the Maricopa Legal Defenders Office.
Following the presentations, there will be a short question-and-answer session with audience members. The American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona is freedom's watchdog, working daily in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The ACLUs local chapters are often the first line of defense against civil liberties violations. Consisting of volunteers who donate their time and energy to combat civil liberties abuses in their communities, the ACLU of Arizona has active chapters in Phoenix and Tucson, where most of our 8,500 members and supporters reside.
ACLU of Arizona Central Chapter Presents a community forum entitled:
Immigration: A Civil Liberties Perspective
to raise awareness about state and federal immigration policies that impact the constitutional rights o f immigrants in Arizona.
The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 27th at the Grace Lutheran Church, 1124 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.acluaz.org
The following prominent, local immigration advocates will speak on these topics: Prop 100/State Anti-Smuggling Law: Tracy Friddle, a Deputy Public Defender at the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office. Before moving into the trenches of criminal immigration defense at the Maricopa County PD, Friddle worked as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Tucson and Phoenix for over 2.5 years, defending immigrants and others accused of federal crimes, including immigration and alien-smuggling offenses. She is currently challenging the constitutionality of Prop 100 through a petition for special action filed with the Arizona Court of Appeals. Friddle filed the petition on behalf of Melvin Omar Hernandez, who was arrested for an open-container violation, prosecuted for possession of false work documents, and then denied bail because of Prop 100. The new law makes undocumented immigrants who commit certain offenses ineligible for bond. While the referendum was originally approved by voters to deny bond to undocumented immigrants who commit serious felony offenses, people are being denied bond for minor offenses such as forgery. Friddle is arguing Prop 100 violates immigrants due process and equal protection rights under the U.S. and Arizona Constitutions.
Racial Profiling in Immigration Enforcement: Judy Flanagan, an immigration lawyer in Phoenix who represented the "Wilson Four. Flanagan will discuss the cases of four students who were detained in June 2002 by immigration officials at the U.S.-Canada border while on a Wilson Charter High School field trip in Buffalo, N.Y. A judge later threw out their convictions bec ause of racial profiling and coercion. The four students were brought into the United States from Mexico by their undocumented parents. Students Luis Nava and Manuel Espinoza-Vazquez both of whom were victims of racial profiling by police also will attend the forum. Luis was a member of the Wilson Four and Miguel is an Arizona State University who is facing deportation after a Gilbert officer stopped him on March 9th for making an improper right turn. He has lived here for most of his life, never missed a day of high school, earned a scho larship to ASU, and is now being deported to a country he knows nothing about.
Immigration Detention/Conditions of Confinement: Raha Jorjani, Staff Attorney Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, will discuss issues related to conditions of confinement of immigrants in detention, including lack of medical care, mental health issues and indefinite detention. The event will be moderated by Bob McWhirter, an expert on immigration law and a public defender with the Maricopa Legal Defenders Office.
Following the presentations, there will be a short question-and-answer session with audience members. The American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona is freedom's watchdog, working daily in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The ACLUs local chapters are often the first line of defense against civil liberties violations. Consisting of volunteers who donate their time and energy to combat civil liberties abuses in their communities, the ACLU of Arizona has active chapters in Phoenix and Tucson, where most of our 8,500 members and supporters reside.
PULLEN LAUDS SENATE REPUBLICANS FOR DEFEATING UNION CARD CHECK
Randy Pullen, chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, was elated that the entire Republican Conference held together and defeated a cloture vote on the so-called Employee Free Choice Act, which Pullen dubbed “the Democrats egregious anti-business, anti-jobs payback for unions who funded Democrats’ campaigns in 2006.”
“This sends a strong message to the American people that the Republican Party will continue to defend your right to a secret ballot and will continue to protect American workers from union threats and intimidation.”
Pullen continued, “I think that US Senate Republican Leader McConnell along with our own Arizona Senators, John McCain and Jon Kyl, did a tremendous job of derailing this anti-worker and anti-American bill.”
The motion for cloture on the “Employee Free Choice Act” failed in the senate by a vote of 51-48 with all Republicans voting against the measure. The measure had previously been passed by the House of Representatives by a vote 241-185 on March 1, 2007.
During passage in the House, Arizona’s two freshmen Democrat members, Harry Mitchell and Gabrielle Giffords, voted with Nancy Pelosi and the liberal extremist wing of the Democrat Party to approve this anti-jobs legislation.
For more information, please contact Brett Mecum at 602.957.7770 or at bmecum@azgop.org.
“This sends a strong message to the American people that the Republican Party will continue to defend your right to a secret ballot and will continue to protect American workers from union threats and intimidation.”
Pullen continued, “I think that US Senate Republican Leader McConnell along with our own Arizona Senators, John McCain and Jon Kyl, did a tremendous job of derailing this anti-worker and anti-American bill.”
The motion for cloture on the “Employee Free Choice Act” failed in the senate by a vote of 51-48 with all Republicans voting against the measure. The measure had previously been passed by the House of Representatives by a vote 241-185 on March 1, 2007.
During passage in the House, Arizona’s two freshmen Democrat members, Harry Mitchell and Gabrielle Giffords, voted with Nancy Pelosi and the liberal extremist wing of the Democrat Party to approve this anti-jobs legislation.
For more information, please contact Brett Mecum at 602.957.7770 or at bmecum@azgop.org.
Reaction from state GOP to Senate voting for cloture on immigration bill
The U.S. Senate today voted 64-35 to invoke cloture on the comprehensive immigration reform legislation.
Randy Pullen, chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, was disappointed by the Senate’s move. “Anyone who voted yes on cloture on this legislation is essentially voting its final passage,” said Pullen. “It has been shown time and again that this bill is fatally flawed. The latest Rasmussen polling data suggests that only twenty-two percent of the American people support passage of this legislation.
“This is certainly not representative of the will of the people of Arizona, and I don’t believe it is in the best interests of our nation,” concluded Pullen.
The bill is now headed for debate and final vote in the United States Senate.
For more information, please contact Brett Mecum at 602.957.7770 or at bmecum@azgop.org.
Randy Pullen, chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, was disappointed by the Senate’s move. “Anyone who voted yes on cloture on this legislation is essentially voting its final passage,” said Pullen. “It has been shown time and again that this bill is fatally flawed. The latest Rasmussen polling data suggests that only twenty-two percent of the American people support passage of this legislation.
“This is certainly not representative of the will of the people of Arizona, and I don’t believe it is in the best interests of our nation,” concluded Pullen.
The bill is now headed for debate and final vote in the United States Senate.
For more information, please contact Brett Mecum at 602.957.7770 or at bmecum@azgop.org.
State GOP Tusk Times
IN THIS ISSUE:
CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE
FROM 1st VICE CHAIR JOHN RUTLEDGE
TIM BEE: LEGISLATOR'S KEPT SPENDING LOW WHILE ADDRESSING PUBLICS NEEDS
FROM STATE TREASURER DEAN MARTIN
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
AZGOP - "..in the news"
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
<http://images.emailgop.com/0817469d-1a0c-4e.jpg>
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
Dear Friends,
The first campaign school of the 2007-2008 election cycle was a great success this past weekend, with more than one hundred attendees and guests ranging from candidates to campaign managers to grassroots activists filling the Colter Center at the Community Church of Joy in Glendale.
Our thanks go out to GOPAC, Ed Brookover of Greener and Hook and David Avella of Donatelli-Avella (and GOPAC), Maricopa Treasurer David Schweikert, State Elections Director Joe Kanefield and House Speaker Jim Weiers for their words of wisdom. And, of course, our collective thanks go out to our wonderful staff and amazing volunteers who put together an event that kept growing from 60 students to 85 students to eventually over 100 in just a matter of weeks! Our volunteers are truly the strength of our state party operations and we thank you so very much!
In the political world, much as been dominated of late by the immigration debate, and rightly so. Thanks to the efforts of many Arizonans (Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike), the Senate has yet to take action on the so-called “grand compromise” legislation we’ve simply come to call “the Kennedy Amnesty Bill.” CLICK HERE <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe931c717262057f76&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=> if you haven’t already and sign US Senator Jim Inhofe’s petition for border security (joining tens of thousands of your fellow Americans in this crusade to stop the flow of drugs, guns, criminals and even terrorists from crossing our southern border!).
In addition to the border security/immigration debate, Republicans are making headlines in other important areas: President Bush has garnered the support of 147 House Republicans who have pledged to uphold his vetoes over the Democrats runaway spending bills. And, US Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) has introduced legislation that would allow television coverage of US Supreme Court hearings (just as today there is C-Span coverage of congressional debates), further opening up to our public another great American deliberative body.
Incidentally, for those looking for a chuckle or two, CLICK HERE <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe921c717262057f71&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=> to read the Arizona Report, a new blog we just learned about which pokes fun of, well, just about everyone and is downright hilarious (if we can’t laugh at ourselves, we’re taking it all too seriously).
As always, it’s a tremendous honor to serve you as chairman.
Sincerely,
RANDY
FROM AZGOP 1st Vice Chairman John Rutledge
Dear Mr. President:
This letter is a plea on behalf of thousands of Republicans not only in Arizona, but across the country. These are the Republicans who worked countless hours on your behalf in 2000 and 2004. These are the same Republican who donated many dollars, made an untold number of phone calls, and knocked on thousands upon thousands of doors so that you might lead our “shining city upon a hill.” Although this letter man not represent all Republicans that fit those descriptions, it does however represent a majority based on the number of phone calls, faxes, e-mails, and conversations that have occurred over the past several weeks.
Many of us support you and our troops in Iraq and the goals of the United States of America overseas. We pray for your continued steadfast leadership and for the success and safety of our troops. As we watch your presidency wind down to its final days, we truly understand your desire to get “something” done on the issue of immigration reform. We also understand that the Democrats have no intention and no desire of securing the border, now or in the future.
We are not “anti-immigrant” Mr. President. My father came to this country in 1926 from Scotland, while my mother was born in Canada. I spent four years in the Navy, fighting for those freedoms of liberty, justice, and the rule of law that make this country great. After that, I dedicated forty years of my life to the Republican Party. In 1988, I was a delegate for your father to the Republican National Convention. In 2004, I was a delegate for you.
The only “fear mongering” I could be accused of in this multi-cultural neighborhood I have called home for the last twenty-five years would be the four foot by eight foot Bush/Cheney signs I proudly displayed on my lawn in both 2000 and 2004. It hurts Mr. President when my high school aged grandchildren ask what I did that caused you to call me names, simply because we disagree on immigration reform.
Our plea, Mr. President is that before you worry about “illegal immigrants” that you consider the hopes and dreams; the opportunities and goals; and the lives and liberties of the legal citizens, the people of this country that gave you the privilege and responsibility to lead our great nation. Please consider the effect that this legislation will have on our sons and daughters, on our nieces and nephews, and on our grandsons and granddaughters. God bless you Mr. President and God bless the United States of America.
Sincerely,
John Rutledge
1st Vice Chairman
BEE <http://images.emailgop.com/93699c5d-4.gif>
Legislators kept spending low while addressing public's needs
TIM BEE
From the Tuscon Citizen - Published: 06.25.2007
As a third-generation Tucson native, it is easy for me to understand why Arizona has become the fastest-growing state in the nation.
With its beautiful landscapes and variety of housing and business opportunities, there is something for everyone.
However, as we continue to attract people to our state, we must properly address our current and future infrastructure needs.
We began the legislative session with a vision for Arizona's future - where generations to come can enjoy a vibrant economy and an outstanding quality of life.
Our goal for the session was to keep spending low, while at the same time addressing the needs of our growing public.
CLICK HERE <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe911c717262057f70&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=> to read more.
Treasurer Dean Martin Forecasts Historic Increase In Funds For Teachers And Students
Investments Double Money From Education Endowment
(STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX) –Treasurer Dean Martin announced today that improved investment performance in the education endowment fund is likely to DOUBLE distributions next fiscal year.
These new funds will be available to schools for teacher pay raises, class size reduction, AIMS tutoring, teacher training and insurance, and dropout prevention programs.
“I am excited to announce that due to our investment performance, we are likely to more than DOUBLE the funds distributed for education this year,” Treasurer Dean Martin said. “This landmark increase means good news for teachers and students who are the direct recipients of our investments.”
CLICK HERE <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe901c717262057f73&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=> to read more.
<http://www.maricopagop.org/images/libraryDiamondbacksLogo.jpg>
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
The Arizona Diamondbacks would like to invite you to Maricopa Republican Day at ChaseField!!!
Discounted seating for this game is available in the follow locations
Lower Level, Baseline Reserves, Sections 133-134
Lower Level, Bleacher, Section 103
Diamond Level, Club Box, Section 202
***THE ONLY WAY TO GET YOUR TICKETS IS TO LOG ON TO:
www.diamondbacks.com/groups <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe8f1c717262057f72&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=>
Enter republicans for i.d. and ballgame for password.
Sun, August 26, 2007 1:40 pm Chicago Cubs
*$10 Discount on Baseline Reserve and Diamond Level seats
*10,000 Kids’ Lunchboxes designed by ToddMcFarlane
***Seating is limited. All orders will be filled with the best available seats and mailed back to the address provided.***
***All Kids’ giveaways are for those fans 12 and younger.***
<file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/bmecum/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg> <file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/bmecum/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg>
<http://images.emailgop.com/4762595559399.gif>
ARIZONA DAILY STAR: STATE GOP BUZZING OVER BEE'S FUTURE <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe8e1c717262057f7d&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=>
AZGOP HOLD FIRST ANNUAL CAMPAIGN "BOOT CAMP" <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe8d1c717262057f7c&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=>
ARIZONA DAILY STAR: BRINGING DEMS IN HIGHLIGHTS BEE'S YEAR <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe951c717262057e75&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=>
LATEST POLL: CLINTON CAN'T COMPETE WITH GOP FRONTRUNNERS <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe941c717262057e74&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=>
MR. PULLEN GOES TO NEW YORK <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe931c717262057e77&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=>
gingrich <http://images.emailgop.com/36cece94-0.jpg>
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.”
- Newt Gingrich
CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE
FROM 1st VICE CHAIR JOHN RUTLEDGE
TIM BEE: LEGISLATOR'S KEPT SPENDING LOW WHILE ADDRESSING PUBLICS NEEDS
FROM STATE TREASURER DEAN MARTIN
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
AZGOP - "..in the news"
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
<http://images.emailgop.com/0817469d-1a0c-4e.jpg>
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
Dear Friends,
The first campaign school of the 2007-2008 election cycle was a great success this past weekend, with more than one hundred attendees and guests ranging from candidates to campaign managers to grassroots activists filling the Colter Center at the Community Church of Joy in Glendale.
Our thanks go out to GOPAC, Ed Brookover of Greener and Hook and David Avella of Donatelli-Avella (and GOPAC), Maricopa Treasurer David Schweikert, State Elections Director Joe Kanefield and House Speaker Jim Weiers for their words of wisdom. And, of course, our collective thanks go out to our wonderful staff and amazing volunteers who put together an event that kept growing from 60 students to 85 students to eventually over 100 in just a matter of weeks! Our volunteers are truly the strength of our state party operations and we thank you so very much!
In the political world, much as been dominated of late by the immigration debate, and rightly so. Thanks to the efforts of many Arizonans (Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike), the Senate has yet to take action on the so-called “grand compromise” legislation we’ve simply come to call “the Kennedy Amnesty Bill.” CLICK HERE <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe931c717262057f76&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=> if you haven’t already and sign US Senator Jim Inhofe’s petition for border security (joining tens of thousands of your fellow Americans in this crusade to stop the flow of drugs, guns, criminals and even terrorists from crossing our southern border!).
In addition to the border security/immigration debate, Republicans are making headlines in other important areas: President Bush has garnered the support of 147 House Republicans who have pledged to uphold his vetoes over the Democrats runaway spending bills. And, US Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) has introduced legislation that would allow television coverage of US Supreme Court hearings (just as today there is C-Span coverage of congressional debates), further opening up to our public another great American deliberative body.
Incidentally, for those looking for a chuckle or two, CLICK HERE <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe921c717262057f71&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=> to read the Arizona Report, a new blog we just learned about which pokes fun of, well, just about everyone and is downright hilarious (if we can’t laugh at ourselves, we’re taking it all too seriously).
As always, it’s a tremendous honor to serve you as chairman.
Sincerely,
RANDY
FROM AZGOP 1st Vice Chairman John Rutledge
Dear Mr. President:
This letter is a plea on behalf of thousands of Republicans not only in Arizona, but across the country. These are the Republicans who worked countless hours on your behalf in 2000 and 2004. These are the same Republican who donated many dollars, made an untold number of phone calls, and knocked on thousands upon thousands of doors so that you might lead our “shining city upon a hill.” Although this letter man not represent all Republicans that fit those descriptions, it does however represent a majority based on the number of phone calls, faxes, e-mails, and conversations that have occurred over the past several weeks.
Many of us support you and our troops in Iraq and the goals of the United States of America overseas. We pray for your continued steadfast leadership and for the success and safety of our troops. As we watch your presidency wind down to its final days, we truly understand your desire to get “something” done on the issue of immigration reform. We also understand that the Democrats have no intention and no desire of securing the border, now or in the future.
We are not “anti-immigrant” Mr. President. My father came to this country in 1926 from Scotland, while my mother was born in Canada. I spent four years in the Navy, fighting for those freedoms of liberty, justice, and the rule of law that make this country great. After that, I dedicated forty years of my life to the Republican Party. In 1988, I was a delegate for your father to the Republican National Convention. In 2004, I was a delegate for you.
The only “fear mongering” I could be accused of in this multi-cultural neighborhood I have called home for the last twenty-five years would be the four foot by eight foot Bush/Cheney signs I proudly displayed on my lawn in both 2000 and 2004. It hurts Mr. President when my high school aged grandchildren ask what I did that caused you to call me names, simply because we disagree on immigration reform.
Our plea, Mr. President is that before you worry about “illegal immigrants” that you consider the hopes and dreams; the opportunities and goals; and the lives and liberties of the legal citizens, the people of this country that gave you the privilege and responsibility to lead our great nation. Please consider the effect that this legislation will have on our sons and daughters, on our nieces and nephews, and on our grandsons and granddaughters. God bless you Mr. President and God bless the United States of America.
Sincerely,
John Rutledge
1st Vice Chairman
BEE <http://images.emailgop.com/93699c5d-4.gif>
Legislators kept spending low while addressing public's needs
TIM BEE
From the Tuscon Citizen - Published: 06.25.2007
As a third-generation Tucson native, it is easy for me to understand why Arizona has become the fastest-growing state in the nation.
With its beautiful landscapes and variety of housing and business opportunities, there is something for everyone.
However, as we continue to attract people to our state, we must properly address our current and future infrastructure needs.
We began the legislative session with a vision for Arizona's future - where generations to come can enjoy a vibrant economy and an outstanding quality of life.
Our goal for the session was to keep spending low, while at the same time addressing the needs of our growing public.
CLICK HERE <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe911c717262057f70&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=> to read more.
Treasurer Dean Martin Forecasts Historic Increase In Funds For Teachers And Students
Investments Double Money From Education Endowment
(STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX) –Treasurer Dean Martin announced today that improved investment performance in the education endowment fund is likely to DOUBLE distributions next fiscal year.
These new funds will be available to schools for teacher pay raises, class size reduction, AIMS tutoring, teacher training and insurance, and dropout prevention programs.
“I am excited to announce that due to our investment performance, we are likely to more than DOUBLE the funds distributed for education this year,” Treasurer Dean Martin said. “This landmark increase means good news for teachers and students who are the direct recipients of our investments.”
CLICK HERE <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe901c717262057f73&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=> to read more.
<http://www.maricopagop.org/images/libraryDiamondbacksLogo.jpg>
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
The Arizona Diamondbacks would like to invite you to Maricopa Republican Day at ChaseField!!!
Discounted seating for this game is available in the follow locations
Lower Level, Baseline Reserves, Sections 133-134
Lower Level, Bleacher, Section 103
Diamond Level, Club Box, Section 202
***THE ONLY WAY TO GET YOUR TICKETS IS TO LOG ON TO:
www.diamondbacks.com/groups <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe8f1c717262057f72&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=>
Enter republicans for i.d. and ballgame for password.
Sun, August 26, 2007 1:40 pm Chicago Cubs
*$10 Discount on Baseline Reserve and Diamond Level seats
*10,000 Kids’ Lunchboxes designed by ToddMcFarlane
***Seating is limited. All orders will be filled with the best available seats and mailed back to the address provided.***
***All Kids’ giveaways are for those fans 12 and younger.***
<file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/bmecum/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg> <file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/bmecum/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg>
<http://images.emailgop.com/4762595559399.gif>
ARIZONA DAILY STAR: STATE GOP BUZZING OVER BEE'S FUTURE <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe8e1c717262057f7d&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=>
AZGOP HOLD FIRST ANNUAL CAMPAIGN "BOOT CAMP" <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe8d1c717262057f7c&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=>
ARIZONA DAILY STAR: BRINGING DEMS IN HIGHLIGHTS BEE'S YEAR <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe951c717262057e75&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=>
LATEST POLL: CLINTON CAN'T COMPETE WITH GOP FRONTRUNNERS <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe941c717262057e74&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=>
MR. PULLEN GOES TO NEW YORK <http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe931c717262057e77&ls=fe6613727066037d7714&m=fef5167777630c&l=ff2c17777d65&s=fe5b157072630d7b7015&jb=ffcf14&t=>
gingrich <http://images.emailgop.com/36cece94-0.jpg>
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.”
- Newt Gingrich
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
New local crime news site - AZNewsRoundup
A local crime news site has just launched, AZNEWSROUNDUP.com. According to an email from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, the site will carry both Maricopa County and Arizona criminal justice news, updated daily. It's about time someone came up with a local alternative to the selection of news provided by the local print media. Between blognetnews (which carries local political blogs), and sites like this and phxnews.com, relying upon the Republic and Tribune for your local news is becoming less and less necessary. AZ News Roundup offers email subscriptions but no RSS feed yet. Let's hope that feature is added, which it probably will be shortly considering the county attorney's other sites (like illegalimmigrationjournal.com) offer RSS. RSS is the wave of the future for news on the internet.
Federalist Society happy hour this Thursday
The Federalist Society For Law and Public Policy Studies Phoenix Lawyers Chapter
Invites you to join other Federalist Society members and invited guests. With Presidential politics getting off to such an early start, there is plenty to discuss! Please feel free to invite your summer clerks along to join us.
When: 5:30-7:30pm, Thursday, June 28, 2007
Where: Rula Bula in Tempe (on Mill Ave. between 3rd and 5th on the east side of Mill)
What: Social happy hour-we’ll provide the snacks, you’ll provide the drinks
Feel free to pass this email along to family, friends and colleagues, this is a great opportunity to meet some of the other local Federalist Society members as well as students and summer law clerks who will join us.
Contact Jennifer Perkins (jperkins@ij.org; 480-557-8316) with any questions.
********************************************************
Upcoming Events
Annual Lawyer-Student Mixer
When: 5:30-7:30pm, Thursday, August 30, 2007
Where: Home of Mark Brnovich, Phoenix Lawyers Chapter Executive Board member.*
Who: This event is not restricted to Federalist Society members, and is intended to be an opportunity for lawyers, judges and students in our legal community to meet and mingle. Feel free to pass the invitation along.
What: The Federalist Society Phoenix Lawyers Chapter, and the Student Chapters at ASU, U of A, and Phoenix School of Law welcome Chief Justice Ruth McGregor as our Special Guest. Chief Justice McGregor will share brief comments with us, over light appetizers and drinks generously provided by our host, Mark Brnovich.
* Please RSVP to Jennifer Perkins (jperkins@ij.org or 480-557-8316) by Tuesday, August 28, and she will provide directions to the Brnovich residence. Your courtesy in responding to Ms. Perkins if you plan to attend is greatly appreciated.
Look for future announcements on the Phoenix Lawyers Chapter’s fall CLE opportunity, and consider attending this year’s National Lawyers Convention in Washington D.C.–this will be the Federalist Society’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, one you don’t want to miss (November 15-17, 2007).
AZGOP HOLDS FIRST ANNUAL CAMPAIGN “BOOT CAMP”
GOPAC holds training seminar for a standing room only crowd
The Arizona Republican Party held a successful campaign school on Saturday, presented by the nationally acclaimed Republican training program, GOPAC. It was a full house, packed with Republican candidates, elected officials, campaign managers, party faithful, and staff as the AZGOP hosted veteran Republican operatives, Ed Brookover, David Avella, and Kevin McNeill. Arizona House Speaker Jim Weiers and Maricopa County Treasurer David Schweikert also spoke. Brett Mecum at 602.957.7770 or at bmecum@azgop.org.
The Arizona Republican Party held a successful campaign school on Saturday, presented by the nationally acclaimed Republican training program, GOPAC. It was a full house, packed with Republican candidates, elected officials, campaign managers, party faithful, and staff as the AZGOP hosted veteran Republican operatives, Ed Brookover, David Avella, and Kevin McNeill. Arizona House Speaker Jim Weiers and Maricopa County Treasurer David Schweikert also spoke.
The in depth training program included detailed presentations on developing a campaign plan, fundraising, communication and media strategies, election law, and pro-business issues.
“This is the first step for our candidates and grassroots as we move forward to win back control of Congress, win a veto proof majority in both houses of the state legislature, keep a Republican residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and when we’re done, we’ll be in a position to reclaim the Governor’s mansion, er, Governor’s condo, as our own in 2010,” said Randy Pullen, chairman of the Arizona Republican Party.
Pullen continued, “We’re going to be running aggressive campaigns across
“The Arizona Republican Party is providing an invaluable resource to its candidates with this early training on how to run for office,” said David Avella, Senior Advisor to GOPAC. “These early efforts will prove a major boost to electing Republicans across the state.”
GOPAC is the premier Republican Education and
Monday, June 25, 2007
AZ GOP to drop the G
A new local political satire site has popped up, The Arizona Report. This is really, really funny, quoting Brett on a plane Mecum. Pullen must be running for governor -
In a surprise move, the Arizona Republican Party announced today that they would be dropping the letter G from their traditional name and going with the new name “Rand Old Party.” This move is an attempt to draw a closer connection between the Arizona Republican Party and its current chairman Randy Pullen.
“Chairman Pullen is the face of the Arizona Republican Party,” said Brett Mecum, AZ ROP Communications Director, “It’s a simple move that brings the connection even closer together. His name is all over all of our press releases, website, and everything else we are putting out. Why not have the party start with the first four letters of his name?”
The general reaction from the party faithful has been very positive. James Sweetwater, 62, of Sun City said, “Personally, I had hoped that they would go with the RAND OLD PARTY to emulate the way Chairman Pullen always puts his name in capital letters at the end of everything he writes.”
“I think that the term ‘Rand’ is also an old German phrase meaning against illegalimmigration,” explained Susan Timmins, 75, of Scottsdale, “At least, it should mean something like that.”
The party also announced that it would be releasing a new mascot to coincide with their strategic shift. Their logo (pictured) will contain more references to Chairman Pullen and will be featured on all of their materials for the upcoming 2008 election.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Darcy Olsen to debate Kyrsten Sinema & Howie Fischer on Sunday's Square-Off
Goldwater Institute President Darcy Olsen will be debating Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, the most liberal AZ legislator, and Howie Fischer, local leftist reporter, this Sunday on KPNX-NBC's Square-Off at 8:00am (channel 12 on Cox). They'll be discussing the just-passed state budget and APS rate hike (note which ones of your "GOP" Corporation Commissioners voted yes). Should be interesting, Sinema is ok at discussing issues on the surface because she talks fast so she puts up a good fake show, but she is short on substance, so if Darcy gets a little into facts and figures Sinema will flounder.
Pullen asking to support State GOP for efforts against Senate immigration bill
Dear Friends,
RANDY
In Arizona, Bloomberg Would Have Stayed
Nationally, Republicans are going through something of an identity crisis. President Bush (43)’s attempt to seem bipartisan led not to greater enmity with Democrats and Independents (Dubya is, today, the most unpopular president of the modern era among “middle of the road” voters and moderates, and is near-uniformly despised by Democrats across the board).
Nationally, Republicans took a balanced budget left them by the likes of Newt Gingrich, Dick Armey and John Kasich and once again racked up giant budget deficits and more than a $9 trillion national debt.
Nationally, Republicans stood by while President Bush created vast new Medicare entitlements over prescription drugs, oversaw a federal takeover of education with No Child Left Behind, and watched ineffectually while our brave men and women in uniform overthrew a Mid-East tyrant but neglected to bring along diplomats with an exit strategy.
Nationally, Republicans deserved to lose the majority. Certainly, the Democrats seem almost intent on giving it back – what with Harry Reid surrendering in Iraq every 96 hours, Nancy Pelosi negotiating with state-sponsors of terrorism, and the Democrat Congress passing the largest tax hikes in American history. It’s almost enough to make you imagine Democrat and Republican leaders playing “hot potato” with the Speaker’s Gavel, determined not to get burned (or burdened) with actually having to govern in these trying times.
Looking at the national landscape, it’s no wonder New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has embraced NON-partisanship and left the Republican Party for, well, no one.
There’s a saying that floats around the Arizona Republican Party these days I’ve heard on more than one occasion: “We need a lot less Washington in Arizona and a lot more Arizona in Washington.”
If that sentiment were actually true, and not just for Arizona but for the rest of America, Mr. Bloomberg might not be jumping ship. Look at the lessons of Arizona and ponder how they might play out on a national stage:
House Speaker Jim Weiers and Senate President Tim Bee passed a massive $500 million tax cut last year and augmented it with targeted cuts while holding the governor’s spending-spree in relative check in the budget this year. Legislative Republicans railed against sex-offenders, stood up for police and fire fighters, and fought hard to deliver new tools to the men and women of law enforcement on the front lines of our war against meth and other terrible drugs.
Weiers, Bee and the Republicans raised teacher pay, created new jobs and set the stage for another round of needed tax cuts next year – a classic election-year showdown with Arizona’s “tax and spend” Democrats who will surely try to block Republican efforts at reducing the size of government.
Oh, and between the legislative Republican leadership and the state Republican Party, Arizona is one of a handful of states in the nation where its not “un-American” to oppose a bad immigration bill. In fact, it’s downright patriotic – because in Arizona, right is right, wrong is wrong, and the rule of law is important. Arizona Republicans have become national leaders in the fight for border security – and Republicans like Ronald Reagan and Barry Goldwater would be proud.
Yes, in Arizona, Michael Bloomberg would have stayed.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Fred Thompson not so conservative on abortion?
According to an article in Newsmax, GOP presidential candidate (supposed to officially enter the race July 4) Fred Thompson has made a few pro-abortion statements in past political surveys:
On a 1994 Eagle Forum survey, Thompson said he opposed criminalizing abortion. Two years later, on a Christian Coalition questionnaire, he checked "opposed" to a proposed constitutional amendment protecting the sanctity of human life. In a campaign policy statement filed in the archives, he also said he believes "the decision to have an early term abortion is a moral issue and should not be a legal one subject to the dictates of the government." During an interview with the Conservative Spectator, a Tennessee newspaper, he claimed to be pro-life but also said that, "The ultimate decision on abortion should be left with the woman and not the government."His voting record on life issues is ok; although he voted pro-life on most issues that came up involving abortion, he has supported campaign finance restrictions, which earned him an 87% score from National Right to Life in '98-99, 78% in 2000-01, and 33% rating in 2002-03.
MR. PULLEN GOES TO NEW YORK
AZGOP chief addresses “Monday Meeting” in
To the crowd of more than 100 businessman and women of “The Monday Meeting,” Pullen said, “Tonight, I am reaffirming the Republican Party’s commitment to the business community. Because of you,
Pullen continued, “The battle to retake the House of Representatives starts in
The Monday Meeting was founded by Mallory Factor and James Higgins in February of 2002 and has grown rapidly over the past five years. The Monday Meeting is the premier forum of political discussion for the center-right coalition in the
For more information contact,
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
