Human Events: David Schweikert is Master of the Budget Numbers

Great article in Human Events about David Schweikert. Did you know David Schweikert met his wife Joyce in a Starbucks? That shouldn't surprise anyone who knows him!

Schweikert says -

“And, oh, yes, one day I was in Starbuck’s going through one of my books on accounting,” he said with a laugh, “and this beautiful young woman came up to me and said ‘My accounting book is different from yours.’ Her name was Joyce, she had a background in finance and administration and ran a surgery center. Within a short time, we were married.”

Holding up his wedding picture, Schweikert smiled and said, “How many married couples do you know who met over accounting books in a Starbuck’s? God has a reason for everything.”

Read the entire article

Tonight on the Alexander and Goldman Show: The recall effort against Russell Pearce, and the left going after Christians

Join us tonight on the Alexander & Goldman Show from 6-7pm AZ/MST as we discuss the recall effort against Senator Russell Pearce. The person behind the recall effort is Dee Dee Blase, who calls herself "Somos Republicans," which appears to consist of nothing more than herself sending out nonstop press releases bashing Republicans. Latino Republican organizations around the country, including the Arizona Latino Republican Association, which supports Pearce, are uniting against her claims to represent them.


For the second half of the show, we will discuss the left's latest efforts to attack Christians.

Please call in at 602.508.0960 and let us know your thoughts. Tune in locally to KKNT 960 AM or listen live online at KKNT960.com. 

Latino GOP kicking off the Año Nuevo with Gun rights expert author Alan Korwin Saturday

Arizona Latino Republican Association Kicking off the Año Nuevo!
Arizona Latino Republican Association will gather:
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Garcia's restaurant
2212 N. 35th Avenue (south of Thomas)
Phoenix, AZ

4:00PM to ????

GUEST SPEAKER:  ALAN KORWIN - gun rights expert/author

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMstF4fKZBo

Please RSVP to alicelara@hotmail.com

Buffet is $16 includes drink

Goldwater Institute: The path to jobs is not through the red ribbon

by Byron Schlomach, Ph.D.

Since 2007, Arizona has lost 300,000 jobs, more than 10 percent of total employment. So it’s understandable our elected officials are anxious to bring more jobs to the state. Governor Jan Brewer and other state officials want to create a Commerce Authority armed with $25 million for grants to businesses as enticements to locate here. They often point to the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) as a model. A close look at the TEF, though, raises questions about how effective it really is.

The TEF makes grants to private companies to encourage them to locate in Texas. From 2004 to 2010, Texas gave $412 million to various enterprises ranging from a mattress company to Frito-Lay to Facebook. According to state statistics, these giveaways directly “bought” 54,269 jobs, which means each of these jobs cost Texas taxpayers an average of $7,600, assuming these jobs would not have been created anyway.

Making the model especially popular among politicians is TEF’s claim that a single $2 million grant resulted in a $3.5 billion investment in oil refinery expansion. This stretches credibility when Texas is already a top refining state and $2 million is a mere drop in a $3.5 billion bucket.
At $7,600 per job, $25 million would buy fewer than 3,300 jobs when we need 100 times that many. But that's not a call to increase the fund budget. With a 2012 deficit of $1.1 billion, we simply can’t afford this. Not to mention that the money for the fund would come from tax revenues paid by businesses who are already here. Nothing like forcing people to subsidize their competition...
Arizona would do well to follow Texas’s most effective economic development policies, including a reduction in income taxes, elimination of excessive business regulations, and more use of our natural resources. Those policies might not come with ribbon-cutting ceremonies that allow elected officials to take credit, but they do bring jobs.
Dr. Byron Schlomach is director of the Goldwater Institute’s Center for Economic Prosperity.
Learn More:
Texas Comptroller: An Analysis of Texas Economic Development Incentives 2010
Texas Governor: Texas Enterprise Fund Grant Listing
The Economist: America’s Future: California v Texas

CAP: Governor Brewer unveils School Choice Website

ArizonaSchoolChoice.com helps parents discover their school options and more.

In celebration of National School Choice Week, Governor Jan Brewer announced the launch of a new statewide initiative to assist parents in finding the best educational opportunities for their children.ArizonaSchoolChoice.com is a free service aimed at helping parents navigate their options.

"Every child deserves to have an education tailored to meet their needs and parents deserve the right to make that choice," said Governor Brewer. "I have always fervently believed in the role of parents and their right to direct their child's education. This is just one of the critical reforms needed in my pursuit of education reform and increased student achievement."

Arizona is a national leader in school choice - having passed landmark legislation for open enrollment and charter schools in 1994 - and is now a leader in providing an array of high quality public schools, public charter schools, private schools, online learning environments, and homeschooling options. More than 30,000 students last year benefitted from private school scholarships provided through individual and corporate tax credits.

"ArizonaSchoolChoice.com empowers parents to make the best decision on where and how to educate their children," said Cathi Herrod, President of Center for Arizona Policy. "I applaud Governor Brewer for her ongoing efforts to advance school choice and improve Arizona's education system."

For more information, visit ArizonaSchoolChoice.com or azpolicy.org.

NetworkingPhoenix.com first signature event of 2011 is Thursday night

The first Signature Event of 2011 is finally here! Join us tomorrow evening along with 1,500 other business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals for the most popular networking event in town. If you haven't already done so, please RSVP to be eligible for door prizes and feel free to invite your friends and associates that you think would benefit by attending.

If you're interested in attending Dave Sherman's Ready, Get Set, Network!seminar right before the event, please click here for all the details.

Networking Passport members get free attendance to Dave's networking seminar, one free drink ticket, expedited check-in and admission into the VIP Passport Lounge. If you're not familiar with the Networking Passport program, please click here for details. Sign up with this month's discount code and receive your first month for only $5! Click here.

General Info:

• Expected attendance: 1,500 business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals
• Exciting door prizes! Must RSVP in order to be eligible.
• Networking Passport members get expedited check-in, access to the VIP Passport Lounge and one free drink ticket
• Cash bar
• Appetizers: Chips & Salsa, assorted warm dips and cocktail breads
• Dress business casual and bring lots of business cards
• Plenty of free parking around the Resort; limited valet parking is available for $2

WHEN: Thursday, January 27th 6pm - 9pm

WHERE: Scottsdale Fairmont Princess, 7575 E. Princess Rd 

COST: FREE

Big thanks to Metro Studios for producing the video event invite! And a special shout out to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and their great staff. Their entire team has been incredible to work with and I can't thank them enough for their hospitality!

Happy Networking,
Gelie & Team

Connect with Gelie:
        

REP. SCHWEIKERT COSPONSORS BILL TO PREVENT A DEFAULT ON THE DEBT

Washington, D.C. – Congressman David Schweikert made the following statement as an original cosponsor of H.R. 421, the Full Faith and Credit Act. This bill has also been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Pat Toomey:

“We have heard time and again that America has a spending problem.  No issue is more indicative of this problem than that of our national debt limit.  The reason Congress is being forced to deal with the debt is because of a massive increase in irresponsible spending, bailouts, and failed stimulus packages.

“The Full Faith and Credit Act directs the United States Treasury to pay principal and interest due on public debt before making any other payments if the debt ceiling is reached. This will avoid the potential of a sovereign debt crisis and will require us to have an honest conversation about the policies that require Congress to continually re-visit the debt limit year after year.  It will also hold Secretary Geithner accountable to set aside politics and address our real problem of runaway federal spending so default is not even an option. 

“This bill will ensure that the government honors the many individuals and institutions who have invested in U.S. securities.  These investors deserve better treatment and their investment in our nation’s future should not be held to the political whims of the Obama Administration.

“We must keep good on our obligation to pay off our debt, protect taxpayers, grow our economy, and stop the out-of-control spending that got us here in the first place.”

Gov. Brewer's brilliant speechwriter Mark Genrich has written 334 pieces so far

Great interview in the Republic with the brilliant writer Mark Genrich. In less than two years, he's written 334 speeches, talking points, or short addresses for her. I'm a writer and I couldn't even pound out that many pieces! Mark has done an excellent job for the governor; he writes very well, Brewer made a wise choice hiring him. Read the full interview here.

CAP: Arizona "Most-Improved State" in the Nation for Passing Pro-Life Laws

On the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Americans United for Life recognizes Arizona for "highly-successful legislative session"  

for protecting life.

Arizona has been recognized by the nation's leading pro-life organization as the country's "most-improved state" for passing life-affirming legislation. In Americans United for Life's annual Life List, Arizona is awarded the title for making huge strides in 2010 to protect the preborn.

In 2010, the Arizona Legislature passed four pro-life bills into law including a bill that made it the first state in the nation to opt out of the taxpayer-funded abortion mandate created under the new national healthcare law.

"Arizonans and their policymakers have made protecting life a priority," said Cathi Herrod, President of Center for Arizona Policy. "They recognize the importance of preserving life from its very beginning to its natural end."

Arizona was ranked 18th overall on the Life List, up from the number 22 spot in 2009, and 29 in 2008. Looking ahead, pro-life advocates hope to continue this trend in 2011. Already three CAP-supported pro-life bills have been introduced at the Arizona Legislature:

• HB 2416 protects women considering an abortion by banning the practice of abortion-via-webcam and requiring that an ultrasound is performed before an abortion.
• HB 2384 prohibits taxpayer dollars from directly or indirectly funding organizations that promote, provide referrals for, or train individuals to perform abortion.
• SCR 1017 acknowledges the profound and positive impact of Arizona's pregnancy care centers that provide help and resources for women and young girls with crisis pregnancies.

Americans United for Life released the list on the 38th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to legalize abortion in Roe v. Wade. Herrod and other pro-life leaders will be speaking at Arizona's annual March for Lifethis Sunday, January 23, at 1 p.m. at Steele Indian School Park. 

Anti-John McCain candidate Tom Morrissey wins race for Arizona State GOP Chair

Tom Morrissey, the Tea Party-backed candidate who dislikes John McCain, has won as State GOP Chair with 677 votes. He won by 1 vote. I was disappointed that my friend Robert Graham did not win, but he jumped into the race at the last minute and most candidates had already lined up support. Good luck to Morrissey!

Round 2 vote in AZGOP Chair race - Morrissey still in the lead

From the Arizona Capitol Times -

1354 ballots cast in round 2, so now maj is 678 #AZGOP round 2 vote: Morrisey: 641 Carmichael: 591 Graham: 88 Hermanson: 32. Hermanson is now out of the race.

1st round of votes in from AZ GOP Chair race

H/T Michelle Marini

First round of ballots: Morrissey 550, Carmichael 542, Graham 142, Hermanson 131 - 687 votes needed. On to round 2.

Interesting, Robert Graham just jumped into the race a couple of days ago and got more votes than Hermanson. 

Tonight on the Alexander & Goldman Show: The left goes after radio talk show host Jon Justice in Tucson over ethnic studies. Bad Gilbert land deals

Join us tonight on the Alexander & Goldman Show from 6-7pm AZ/MST as we interview radio talkshow host Jon Justice about the left's attempts to shut down his show because he has been speaking out against ethnic studies in the Tucson school district. Justice is also being attacked for carting around a caricature of radical activist Isabel Garcia. What you don't hear is why he did it - after demonstrators whacked a pinata of Sheriff Arpaio with sticks until it exploded, below (video was removed), Garcia picked up the decapitated head and carried it around.

For the second half of the show, we will discuss some sketchy land deals which took place in Gilbert under some members of the Town Council. Some land was bought for $300,000 per acre, a price experts said was "out of tune" with market conditions. Similar land went for $35,000 to $40,000 per acre!! That's more than 7 times as much!!! An independent appraisal confirmed the town overpaid by about $15.4 million for the land and by $8.6 million for the entire package.

Please call in at 602.508.0960 and let us know your thoughts. Tune in locally to KKNT 960 AM or listen live online at KKNT960.com.  The archived show is now available here.

New Tea Party Tribune site

Check out the new site launched by my friend Tim Selaty, Sr. He's done a great job! And if you like it and need a top of the line website built, hire him.

House Speaker Kirk Adams won't participate in state pension system

House Speaker Kirk Adams has withdrawn from the Elected Officials' Retirement Plan, saying he does not want to benefit from Arizona's best public-pension system when he is trying to overhaul it along with three other statewide retirement programs that also are financially troubled.
"I felt compelled to remove myself from the state retirement system. I felt it was important to put my money where my mouth was," said Adams, a vocal critic of the pension systems.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2011/01/21/20110121house-speaker-kirk-adams-arizona-pension-system.html

Robert Graham jumps into the AZ State GOP chair race!

From my good friend Robert Graham.This puts an interesting spin on the race, since Graham, a former candidate for Governor and successful businessman, is very conservative.

Still as relevant as it was the day it went public last summer, is one of Robert Graham’s videos, “Rise Up, Unify & Fight!”

The Arizona Republican Party doesn’t need someone who constantly lingers in the ’60′s and talks about his history with old or dead politicians.

Republicans don’t want to hear, “In the old days we used to…” Republicans want to see and hear, “In the future we will…”

This Arizona Republican Party needs someone with youth, passion, energy and success who will fight for this State and for our great Republic!

REP. SCHWEIKERT HOLDS FIRST LISTENING SESSIONS

Washington, D.C. – Congressman David Schweikert will host his first "Congress Listening Sessions" this weekend.  Please share the times and locations in the community:

Friday, January 21, 9:00am-11:00am
Tempe Pyle Adult Recreation Center (Prescott Room)655 E. Southern Ave
Tempe, AZ 85282

Saturday, January 22, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Pecos Community Center (Classroom 3)17010 South 48th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85048

For more information on these events, contact Jesse Hernandez.  He can be reached at Jesse.Hernandez@mail.house.gov or by calling Rep. Schweikert's District Office at 480-946-2411.

Gun Control Efforts in the Wake of Jared Lee Loughner

The tragic shootings in Tucson have sparked new cries from gun control advocates for more restrictive gun laws. The gun control lobby is hoping the emotions stirred up over the senseless killings will generate a wave of support and favorable Congressional treatment since the most high-profile victim was a member of Congress.

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., and Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.Y. are proposing banning gun clips that hold more than 10 rounds. Loughner's gun held 30 rounds. But this bill would not prohibit the sale of used clips with more than a 10-round capacity, and a killer could simply carry more than one gun to avoid having to take time to reload.

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., one of a few anti-gun Republicans in Congress, is proposing a prohibition on firearms within 1000 feet of a president, vice-president, member of Congress or federal judge. A law like this would be impossible to enforce.

Read the rest of the article at Townhall.com

REP. SCHWEIKERT VOTES TO REPEAL OBAMACARE

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House voted in favor of H.R. 2, a bill that repeals ObamaCare. Congressman David Schweikert released the following statement after the vote:

“Today we made good on our promise to the American people. It is clear that House Republicans heard the message of last November loud and clear. The American people do not want a massive government bureaucracy nor its $2.7 trillion price tag.

“Arizonans are now one step closer to economic freedom with a healthcare plan that does not jeopardize every corner of the free enterprise system or restrict an individual’s right to healthcare choices.

“In the weeks ahead, we will work to reduce costs while creating systemic changes in the patient-doctor relationship. Today, we repealed a law that put a bureaucracy in the doctor’s office, increased our debt and limited individual freedom. Tomorrow, we will vote to replace it with new legislation that will keynote patient-focused health reforms that will allow hard working Americans access to affordable care.”

Draft Mike Pence for President effort starts

Mike Pence for President January 17, 2011 5:32 P.M. By Kathryn Jean Lopez       The America’s President Committee wants Indiana congressman Mike Pence to run for president. The group — which is made up of former Republican congressman Jim Ryun and Ralph Benko, a former Reagan-administration aide and author of the book The Websters’ Dictionary: How to Use the Web to Transform the World — has set up a new site, The Conservative Champion, dedicated to the concept of Pence for President. Benko spoke to NRO about the motivation behind the site. Read the interview with Ralph Benko at National Review

Conservative bloggers' meetup with Speaker Kirk Adams this Friday

Speaker Kirk Adams is hosting a meet and greet with Arizona's conservative bloggers this Friday at the State Capitol at 4pm. Stop by if you are a conservative blogger in Arizona to exchange ideas and get a sneak peak of some of the things brewing at the Legislature this session.

Alexander & Goldman show tonight: Net Neutrality and Gun Control after Jared Lee Loughner

Join us tonight on the Alexander & Goldman Show from 6-7pm AZ/MST as we discuss Net neutrality and the calls for gun control in the wake of Jared Lee Loughner's tragic shootings. Net neutrality is the federal government's latest attempt to regulate and censor the internet, and it's a bad idea. The FCC passed new rules in December prohibiting internet providers from charging more for certain applications/websites that use heavy bandwidth.

The left is already clamoring for more gun control laws, and members of Congress are proposing new restrictions that would close the gunshow loophole and prohibit anyone with a gun from coming within 1000 feet of a member of Congress, the president, vice-president or federal judges. These are all bad ideas, but fortunately with Republicans in control of the House, and a trend nationwide in recent years of protecting the Second Amendment, probably none of these proposed restrictions will go anywhere. 

Please call in at 602.508.0960 and let us know your thoughts. Tune in locally to KKNT 960 AM or listen live online at KKNT960.com. Our January 1st 4-hour show with James Allen going over the top news stories of 2010 is now available here. 

Goldwater Institute: Clint Bolick called one of Arizona's 2010 intriguing Arizonans, John Shadegg joins GI

IN THIS ISSUE:

Rep. John Shadegg joins the Goldwater Institute

How one community college is anti-competition

Arizona is becoming an open book

What ASBA doesn't want you to know

Robert A. Levy speaks at the Goldwater Institute

From Other Pens:
Clint Bolick called one of 2010's Intriguing Arizonans

Expect more states to challenge the health care bill

Snowplow slowdowns could be come the norm

AFP: Upcoming events for AZ taxpayers and tea partiers

Dear Arizona Taxpayer, There are many events of interest to Arizona Taxpayers and Tea Partiers this month, and you can find most of them here: http://tinyurl.com/2466rog Below are some of the highlights: January 19 – Education Revolution Town Hall (Phoenix) with Dick Morris and Mike Gallagher, part of the National School Choice Week celebration January 19 – Protest against the proposed water rate hike by the Phoenix City Council January 25 – Screening of the school choice movie The Cartel, and Q&A afterwards with director Bob Bowdon (Phoenix) January 28-29 – AFP Foundation’s RightOnline new media grassroots activist training conference (San Diego). Rooms in the AFPF room block are available. Learn more at http://bit.ly/SanDiegoRO And be sure to mark your calendars…  The Arizona chapter of Americans for Prosperity has secured the House and Senate lawns at the Arizona Capitol for a giant Feet to the Fire Tea Party, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on the evening of April 15, 2011.  On Tax Day in 2009, we brought a crowd of over 7,000 people to the Arizona Capitol.   Our goal was to let fed-up Tea Partiers know that the Arizona Legislature actually does have a core of solid fiscal conservatives.  Thanks in large part to local Tea Party groups around the state, the Legislature now has even more conservatives.  But we cannot simply trust them to do the right thing.  On Tax Day in 2011, we must hold their Feet to the Fire.  AFP-Arizona has very specific reform goals for state government.  Here are the big ones: •  By April 15, we expect that the Arizona Legislature will have referred to the 2012 ballot a proposition to lower the state government’s constitutional spending limit from 7.41 percent of state personal income to no more than 6.4 percent.   •  By April 15, we expect that the Arizona Legislature and Governor Brewer will cut at least $2 billion in baseline spending from the Fiscal Year 2011 and 2012 budgets. •  By April 15, we expect that the Arizona Legislature and Governor will push back against federal ObamaCare mandates on Medicaid spending. •  By April 15, we expect that the Arizona Legislature and Governor will cut K-12 administration and capital spending, while preserving jobs for classroom teachers.  We expect the Legislature and Governor to stand up for children, parents, and teachers, and stand against the Arizona Education Association, the Arizona Association of School Business Officials, the Arizona School Boards Association, and other K-12 spending lobbies. •  By April 15, we expect that the Arizona Legislature and Governor will pass a pro-growth tax cut package, WITHOUT corporate-welfare handouts for politically favored companies and industries. •  By April 15, we expect that the Arizona Legislature and Governor will produce balanced budget plans for Fiscal Year 2011 and 2012 that do NOT include tax hikes, fee increases, or burden shifts to local governments. If our Legislators and Governor have successfully achieved these goals, AFP-Arizona and allied Tea Party organizations will pledge to support them in the tough battles they face against the leftist media and the spending lobbies.  If our Legislators and Governor have not achieved these goals, we will be there to ask them WHY, and to ensure that these goals are achieved by the end of the legislative session.  We will hold their Feet to the Fire. For an overview of AFP-Arizona’s 2011 Legislative Policy Plan, go to www.aztaxpayers.org and scroll down on the left under “What’s New.” (The above lists of policy goals are not exhaustive.  We strongly encourage our allies in local Tea Party organizations to make their own policy goals known to our Governor and Legislators, and to reiterate their expectations at the Feet to the Fire event on April 15.) Be sure to check back for event updates here:  http://tinyurl.com/2466rog Or, you can go to our home page, www.aztaxpayers.org, and look for our events list on the left side of the page, under “What’s New.” For Liberty, Tom Tom Jenney Arizona Director Americans for Prosperity www.aztaxpayers.org

More Dem hypocrisy: DCCC used map with targets on it it just like Palin did

The Left Hypocritically Exploits Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' Shooting

Just hours after Saturday's tragic shooting incident in Tucson, Arizona, numerous news sources on the left from CNN to the Huffington Post were casting blame upon Sarah Palin, Tea Parties, and Second Amendment supporters. Hoping the shooter had right-leaning views, the Left immediately started portraying Jared Lee Loughner as a right wing nut. Even as information trickled in revealing Loughner had some left-leaning political views, the left ignored it and ran with their own spin, labeling him a product of the right.

Loughner is far from a right winger. A former high school classmate of Loughner's described him as "...left wing, quite liberal...a pot head and into rock, like Hendrix, The Doors, Anti-Flag." Loughner's list of favorite books on his MySpace page include The Communist Manifesto, Hitler's Mein Kampf, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Two YouTube videos he posted include numerous rants about the government and mind control, and reveal he does not believe in God. In one video he states, "No! I won't trust in God!" Another of his 'favorite' videos shows a masked man burning the American flag.

Ignoring these facts about his political persuasions, the Left instead has tried to turn the focus of the shooting to blaming the right and Sarah Palin, trotting out a map Palin created last year "targeting" incumbent Congressional candidates. This is outrageous. There is no comparison whatsoever between "targeting" members of Congress for defeat in elections and attempting to murder them. Right-leaning politicians and activists do not approve of murder. There is also no indication Loughner was inspired by Palin's map, considering his political leanings come from the anarcho-left.

Read the rest of my article at Townhall.com

Sarah Palin? Democrats Forget They Put JD Hayworth in Crosshairs

The Democrats are politically exploiting the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords by attacking Sarah Palin for setting up a list of "targeted" Democrat members of Congress last year. They conveniently forget that defeated Democrat Congressman Harry Mitchell did the same thing to JD Hayworth a few years ago right here in Arizona, running a campaign ad featuring JD Hayworth in the crosshairs of a rifle.

Democrat Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik exploits Gabrielle Giffords shooting for political reasons

It's outrageous that Democrat Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik is exploiting this tragedy for political reasons. He said about Arizona, "We have become the capital, the mecca for prejudice and bigotry." In reality? Loughner's classmate described him as "he was left wing, quite liberal."  Call the Pima County Sheriff's Office at (520) 741-4650 to let them know what you think.

Alexander & Goldman Show tonight: Gabrielle Giffords shooting

Join us tonight on our Phoenix radio show, the Alexander & Goldman Show tonight as we discuss the shooting of Arizona's Democrat Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords earlier today. While Giffords has been given optimistic chances of survival, federal court judge and Bush appointee John Roll has died of a gunshot wound. We'll be giving live updates and analysis of this tragic event here in Arizona. The shooter, Jared Lee Loughner, lists The Communist Manifesto and Mein Kampf among his favorite books, calls himself a terrorist and indicates he has no religious views.

Please call in at 602.508.0960 and let us know your thoughts. Tune in locally to KKNT 960 AM or listen live online at KKNT960.com.
If we have time, we will also discuss efforts by the FCC to impose Net Neutrality on the internet.

Breaking: AZ Dem Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords shot, in critical condition

Update from Fox News: Update: While Giffords has been given optimistic chances of survival, federal court judge and Bush appointee John Roll has died of a gunshot wound.  Of the 10 that were brought to the hospital, 5 are in critical condition/surgery, 5 are doing better. One of the 10 has died, a child. The killer has been identified as "Jared Lee Loughner" who lists The Communist Manifesto and Mein Kampf as his favorite book. He implies in a YouTube post that he has no religious beliefs and claims to be a terrorist. A second person in Arizona has been arrested. A photo of the shooter is here.

 Huffington Post has live updates on their blog. Check out the Twitter updates also on Gabrielle Giffords which are breaking even faster (I recommend using the free Tweetdeck). This is very sad and our prayers go out to Giffords and her family. One staffer has been confirmed dead. There may be as many as 6 killed and 12 injured, including a 12-year old girl, Afghan vet, and three staffers. It has also been reported that Federal Judge John Roll was one of the fatalities at the Tucson shooting. The gunman is described as a young male and has been arrested. The shooting took place at a grocery store in Tucson where Giffords was holding an event. Giffords is considered a moderate to left Democrat (self-described blue dog) and generally gets along with most people.

I'm already being attacked on Twitter for exposing the shooter's left wing leanings. The left is back to their hypocritical censorship! PaddyDuffy: "The Intellectual Conservative runs with "Loughner's Favourite Book Communist Manifesto" headline. How in ***** is that relevant?"

Tune in to the Alexander and Goldman Show tonight to follow this.  

One former high school friend Tweeted about knowing the accused gunman:

"He was a pot head and into rock, like Hendrix, The Doors, Anti-Flag," she wrote. "I haven't seen him in person since 2007 in a sign language class. As I knew him he was left wing, quite liberal and oddly obsessed with the 2012 prophecy. He had a lot of friends until he got alcohol poisoning in 2006 and dropped out of school. Mainly a loner, very philosophical."

Screen shots from one of the shooter's YouTube videos:

Maricopa County GOP grassroots teaparty slate for 2011

Rob Haney for Chairman

• 1964, Business Management, Penn State University
• 1964-68, Captain, USAF
• 1996-2010, PC, State Committeeman, County & State Member-at-Large, District Chairman, Current County Chairman 2008-2010, Lincoln Bust Award
• Mesa Right-to-life, Focus on the Family, NRA, Pachyderm Coalition, TEA Party, American Citizens United, AZ Republican Assembly, American Legion Post 75
• Increased Maricopa County PC rolls 40% from 2,079 to 2,884
• AZ Capital Times 2008-Man seen as the leader of AZ Grassroots Republican Movement. Endorsed by Sheriff Arpaio and Senate President Russell Pearce

Janet Contreras for 2nd Vice Chairman

• 2001, Computer Science, Heald College, Calif.
• Wrote Glenn Beck a strong conservative Constitutional letter which he read on his program; letter went viral around the country
• PC, State Committeeman, Heritage Foundation, Tea Party
• Republican Candidate for US Congress, CD 4, 2010
• Endorsed by Sheriff Arpaio and Senate President Russell Pearce

Pat Oldroyd for Secretary

• Married 50 years, 4 children, 10 grandchildren
• Successful business owner 15 years
• LD 19 PC, State Committeeman, County & State Member-at-Large, Dist. 2nd V. Chair 2002-04, Dist. 1st V. Chair 2004-06, Dist. Chairman 2006-2010,
• MCRC Credentials & Tally Chairman for 5 years
• Mesa Right to Life, Goldwater Institute, AZ Republican Assembly, Center for AZ Policy, United Families International, Family Watch
• Lincoln Bust Award, State Party Worker of the year, Governor Pyle State Award

David Ludwig for Treasurer

• 1988, B.S.B.A. University of Arizona
• Small Business Owner since 1990, Fiduciary Advisors Ltd.
• Pension Actuary
• Married 22 years, three children
• Chairman, Board of Trustees, EBT, Wash. Elem School District since 1997, Employee Benefit Trust, Worker’s Comp Trust, Casualty Insurance Trust
• Chairman, Redistricting Task Force WESD – 2007
• Member GUHSD Blue Ribbon Committee 2008/09- Budget Reduction Study
• LD11 PC, State Committeeman, Chairman Credentials & Tally, Served on Nominating Committee
• Member, NRA

Other Recommendation:

Vote “yes” on all Maricopa County Republican Committee Bylaw Amendments