Institute for Justice: Regulation for Regulation's Sake

Should ballot initiatives be regulated like candidate campaigns? By Bill Maurer Even though campaign finance laws interfere with constitutional rights of free speech and association, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that the government may impose regulations on financial contributions to campaigns if it has a good enough reason to do so. The Court has recognized only one justification for curtailing the right to engage in political activity without governmental interference. That justification is combating corruption or the appearance of corruption. But what if there is no one to corrupt? In ballot questions like initiatives and referenda, the people are the legislature and it is impossible to corrupt every voter. The Supreme Court therefore has recognized that the government can't restrict contributions to campaigns on ballot questions. But, the Court's recognition of this fundamental notion raises more questions than it answers. If voters can't be corrupted, what justification is there for any restrictions on political speech in the ballot initiative context? Are campaign finance laws that regulate ballot questions legitimate attempts to improve democracy or simply regulation for regulation's sake? These questions will be debated by a distinguished panel of attorneys at the next Phoenix Federalist Society event. But there is no need to wait until the debate for the punch line. When it comes to regulating contributions to ballot initiatives, to ask the question is to answer it. William R. Maurer is the executive director of the Institute for Justice Washington Chapter and will be a panelist at the Federalist Society event. Mr. Maurer recently achieved a unanimous opinion in the Washington Supreme Court holding that talk radio commentary could not be treated as a campaign contribution subject to restriction under Washington's campaign finance laws. To register for the event, go to www.fed-soc.org/events/eventID.195/event_detail.asp.

Learn More Institute for Justice: Silencing Political Speech:Colorado's Campaign Finance Laws Stifle Political Debate Institute for Justice: The Abuse That Follows "Campaign Finance Reform" Goldwater Institute: Pressing Issue

Contact William R. Maurer Executive Director Institute for Justice Washington Chapter wmaurer@ij.org www.ij.org/washington

Rally this Wednesday, Oct. 3 for initiative to eliminate Phoenix's sanctuary city policy

Interesting, the REAL Pachyderm (as opposed to the nude elephants Pachyderm) is involved in this.

ANTI ‘SANCTUARY’ INITIATIVE GAINS MOMENTUM

Phoenix, AZ, October 2, 2007

Summary

What: A press conference, rally, and fundraiser will be held in support of the family of fallen Phoenix Police Officer Nick Erfle. We the people call upon the Phoenix City Council to end its ‘Sanctuary City’ policy, i.e., Operations Order 1.4.3, and are providing the grieving public an opportunity to sign the state ballot initiative petition know as ‘Support Our Law Enforcement’ (SOLE). The intention of the initiative is to prohibit sanctuary policies throughout the State of Arizona

Why: Yet another law enforcement officer was slain at the hands of an illegal alien. This remembrance commemorates the 25,000+ Americans, including law enforcement officers, murdered by illegal aliens since September 11^th, 2001. Of which, 5 of the last 7 police officers murdered in the Greater Phoenix area were killed by illegal aliens. The City of Phoenix ‘Sanctuary City’ policy is in itself illegal, irresponsible, and reckless. The policy harbors foreign nationals illegally residing in the U.S., while continuing to place law enforcement officers and the public at large in grave danger

When: Wednesday October 3^rd, 2007; from 2pm until 6pm

Where: Phoenix City Hall, 200 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85003 (the plaza on the east side of the building)

By Whom: United for a Sovereign American (USA) in conjunction with Riders Against Illegal Aliens, You Don’t Speak for Me, RidersUSA, Pachyderm Coalition, Patriots Border Alliance, the John Birch Society, the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, and others

Speakers: Colonel Al Rodriguez (Ret.) of YDSFM
Carl Seel, Pachyderm Coalition
Al Garza, National VP of MCDC
Rusty Childress, United for a Sovereign America
Bob Wright, President of Patriot Border Alliance
Chris Farrell, Director of Investigations and Research, Judicial Watch

Contact: ‘Buffalo’ Rick Galeener

Organization: United for a Sovereign America
Phone: 602.992.4578
Email Address: Buffalorick@mac.com
Web site address: www.immigrationbuzz.com

Goldwater Institute Finds Arizona Health Insurance Rates Inflated

Group says Arizonans should have access to more affordable plans from other states

While health insurance costs continue to rise nationwide, policymakers can do more to bring more affordable health insurance to Arizona, according to a new Goldwater Institute report released today.

Currently, Arizona law prohibits Arizonans from buying a health insurance plan from another state. The new report, Health Care Choice: Giving Arizonans More Health Insurance Options, recommends changing the law so residents can buy health insurance from other states. The report was co- authored by Noah Clarke, an economist formerly with the Goldwater Institute, and Dr. Eric Novack, a Phoenix- area surgeon.

Arizona Congressman John Shadegg introduced legislation in the U.S. Congress that would force states to open up their insurance markets, but Arizona doesn't have to wait on Congress; it can act unilaterally.

Health insurance premiums in Arizona are below the national average, but eight nearby states offer similar health insurance plans for less. For example, individual annual health insurance premiums average $2,440 in Arizona, but a similar policy is available for $555 less in California.

"It's time to give these archaic regulations the boot," says Goldwater Institute president Darcy Olsen. "Arizona doesn't have to wait on Washington to bring better health care coverage to Arizonans. Lawmakers can unilaterally open up the health insurance market so Arizonans can choose from hundreds of insurance plans across the country."

Opening up the health insurance market could help reduce the number of Arizonans without insurance by increasing affordability and portability.

• Affordability: Letting companies from other states offer lower cost plans in Arizona could help lower premiums on both individual and employer- sponsored plans.
• Portability: Researchers at the University of Michigan found that "losing coverage that came with a job is the single largest explanation for how people become uninsured." When people can afford to purchase their own health insurance, there will be greater continuity of coverage, even when they experience changes in employment.

"No single change will alleviate all of the problems with the health care system, but Arizona can and should take steps to provide more choices, more affordability, and more continuity in health insurance," said Dr. Novack.

Health Care Choice: Giving Arizonans More Health Insurance Options is available online or by calling (602) 462-5000. The Goldwater Institute is a nonprofit public policy research and litigation organization whose work is made possible by the generosity of its supporters. Please click here to make a tax- deductible contribution.

Contacts: Starlee Rhoades Director of Communications srhoades@goldwaterinstitute.org (602) 462-5000 x 226

Arizona Immigration Caucus

Don't Miss The Arizona Immigration Caucus Oct. 20th

Plan now to attend the Arizona Immigration Cacus October 20, 2007 at Sunnyslope Highschool 35 W. Dunlop Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona. The event runs from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Featured speakers include Michael Cutler, Terry Anderson, Rep. Russell Pearce, Don Goldwater, Col. Rodriguez and Chris Simcox. Cost is $26 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, please goto azgrassroots.com or call Willa at 602 748 4551.

Michael Cutler to headline the Arizona Immigration Caucus

Michael Cutler, a Fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, an advisor to the "911 Families for a Secure America," and a consultant, retired in 2002 after a distinguished career with the INS of over 30 years, including 26 as a Special Agent. In 1991, he was promoted to the position of Senior Special Agent and was assigned to the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and worked with members of other federal and state law enforcement agencies as well as law enforcement organizations of other countries. The task force's investigations of aliens involved in major drug trafficking organizations ultimately resulted in the seizure of their assets and prosecutions for a wide variety of criminal violations. Mr. Cutler has testified as an expert witness at nine Congressional hearings on issues relating to the enforcement of immigration laws having been called by members of both political parties. Mr. Cutler also furnished testimony to the Presidential Commission on the Terrorist Attacks of September 11. Mr. Cutler has appeared on numerous television and radio programs including the O'Reilly Radio Factor, O'Reilly's No Spin Zone, Fox News and the Lou Dobbs Tonight Program on CNN to discuss the enforcement of immigration laws and has participated in various public debates and panel discussions on issues involving the enforcement and administration of immigration laws. Among the areas of concern that he is able to speak about authoritatively are the nexus between immigration and national security, the impact of immigration on the criminal justice system, strategies to combat illegal immigration, and why amnesty for illegal aliens is wrong.

A Good Man Looking For A Good Job

I normally don't pass resume's on but I have met this young man several times. He is a strong self starter, presents well and ready for strong challenges and responsibilities. Click HERE for Michael's full Resume'

As the Arizona Immigration Caucus program grows I will be updating you with additional speaker Bio's and information on the raffle and prizes such as a flat screen HD television, photographs and more. For more information please visit our web site at azgrassroots.com or call Willa at 602 748 4551.

Sincerely,

Don Goldwater

Great Coffee Great Cause

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Illegal immigrants moving out

By Emily Bazar, USA Illegal immigrants living in states and cities that have adopted strict immigration policies are packing up and moving back to their home countries or to neighboring states. The exodus has been fueled by a wave of laws targeting illegal immigrants in Oklahoma, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia and elsewhere. Many were passed after congressional efforts to overhaul the immigration system collapsed in June. Immigrants say the laws have raised fears of workplace raids and deportation. "People now are really frightened and scared because they don't know what's going to happen," says Juliana Stout, an editor at the newspaper El Nacional de Oklahoma. "They're selling houses. They're leaving the country." Supporters of the laws cheer the departure of illegal immigrants and say the laws are working as intended. For the full story please click HERE.

A press conference, rally, and fundraiser will be held in support of the family of fallen Phoenix Police Officer Nick Erfle.

We the people call upon the Phoenix City Council to end its 'Sanctuary City' policy, i.e., Operations Order 1.4.3, and are providing the grieving public an opportunity to sign the state ballot initiative petition know as 'Support Our Law Enforcement' (SOLE). The intention of the initiative is to prohibit sanctuary policies throughout the State of Arizona

For the full story and details please click HERE.

Proposition 100 upheld by state appeals court

Now that both the state court of appeals and the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, neither of which are liberals, have upheld Proposition 100, which was passed with 78% voter approval, it will be fairly difficult for anyone in the legal community to continue trying to thwart its implementation.

from the County Attorney's office -

The Arizona Court of Appeals has upheld the constitutionality of Proposition 100 in a case brought by a defendant who was denied bail under the voter approved law. County Attorney Andrew Thomas announced today that the Arizona Court of Appeals filed its opinion denying relief to the petitioner, Melvin Omar Hernandez. The defendant has since pled guilty to a forgery charge.

In the case, Hernandez v. Lynch (State), the defense claimed that Proposition 100 is unconstitutional under either the Equal Protection or Due Process Clauses of the United States Constitution. The Arizona Court of Appeals ruled against the defense and upheld Proposition 100.

Prop 100 is the voter-approved initiative that denies bail for illegal immigrants accused of committing serious felonies in Arizona. The measure amended the state constitution.

Thomas’ office drafted Proposition 100 and lobbied the Arizona Legislature to refer the reform to the ballot. In 2006, Thomas helped lead the fight in favor of passage. Seventy-eight percent of Arizona voters approved Prop 100, which passed by the widest margin of any ballot measure last year.

In a ballot argument in favor of Prop 100, Thomas noted that those persons who meet the criteria of Prop 100 “should not be allowed to make bail and flee the country before standing trial for their crimes.” The Court of Appeals cited Thomas’ arguments and those of other proponents of Prop 100 in discerning the intent behind the measure.

“Prop. 100 was intended to thwart criminals from fleeing justice and accountability in Arizona courtrooms,” said Thomas. “This reform is essential if we are to prevent criminal offenders from coming and going as they please across our southern border.”

For more information contact: Mike Anthony Scerbo, Public Information Officer (602) 506-3170 (office) or (602) 489-6913 (cell)

Recap of Horizon's Friday night Journalists' Roundtable

Sonoran Alliance had a good post yesterday describing a portion of Friday night's Journalists' Roundtable which discussed Attorney General Terry Goddard's stonewalling of the corruption investigation into Goddard's office. The Yellow Sheet (subscription-only) picked it up, see article below. In addition, the Roundtable discussed Governor Napolitano's visit to Mexico to meet with border governors. It was observed that although Napolitano might agree with the border governors on some things, ultimately she is accountable to the voters of Arizona, not Mexico.

The journalists next discussed Pima County prosecutor Barbara LaWall's refusal to handle Prop. 100 cases (no bail for illegal immigrants accused of serious crimes) where an employer is already involved in some type of case with her office. One of the reporters, Mark Flatten, said that he'd spoken with a prominent legal ethics attorney in town who told him that he didn't see any conflict. It was speculated that leaders like LaWall are trying to come up with things in order to avoid having to enforce the law. It isn't going to work, the presiding judge of the Superior Court already tried that and lost.

There was a discussion about Hillary's fundraiser in Tucson, which is tonight. A new poll in Arizona shows Hillary surging in the polls. However, it also found that 37% of registered voters would never vote for her. That leaves a large number of independents she'll have to reach in the general election in order to win. It was noted that McCain is barely ahead of Giuliani in the poll, probably because of McCain's position on illegal immigration.

'Liberal journalists' shy away from Goddard?

ARTICLE POSTED 10.1.2007 | 2:38 PM

A conservative Tucson blog site says Arpaio's probe into the Petersen-Goddard matter is causing "liberal journalists" to distance themselves from the AG.

Sonoran Alliance uses Horizon's coverage Friday on The Journalists Roundtable as an example. "[T]he liberal journalists hung Goddard out to dry," the blog stated.

That's not how others who watched the program see it.

"Well, [Tribune reporter Mark] Flatten did say it ‘appears' Goddard is trying to hide something from the sheriff, but Flatten added there is no evidence he made a deal with Petersen for a light sentence," said a regular viewer of the show.

The blogger continued, "It will be interesting to continue watching this investigation unfold and see whether the Valley's papers subtly continue distancing themselves from Goddard."

The viewer said one only has to pick up Sunday's Viewpoints section in The Republic for an answer to that question: A Goddard column on fraud occupied nearly all of the page.

Goldwater Institute: Myths and Misperceptions

Lavish spending doesn't guarantee a lavish education

by Tom Patterson, M.D.

At his recent swearing in, State Representative Tom Chabin declared that an "investment in our public schools," would be his passion as a legislator. Like other well-meaning lawmakers, he assumes that lavish spending is the key to improving our schools.

Unfortunately, as Jay Greene points out in his book Education Myths, the notion that public schools are burdened with declining and inadequate funding is demonstrably false. Sixty years ago, Americans spent $1,214, adjusted for inflation to 2002 dollars, per public school student. That number rose to $8,745 in 2002, an astounding growth of nearly 800 percent.

Even so, teachers' unions and some educators continue to insist that more spending is necessary. Yet we never see the promised results.

According to National Assessment of Educational Progress, a standardized test administered since the 1970s, test scores and dropout rates remain unchanged in spite of a fourfold increase in per student spending.

On the other hand, private schools overall have superior records of achievement, without increased spending. In 2000, public school spending averaged $8,032 per student, while mean private school tuition was $4,689, and just $3,236 in Catholic schools.

Competition drives schools to do well. Underperforming schools in Florida and Arizona improved academically when faced with the prospect of their students receiving vouchers. Moreover, studies of the effect of vouchers on the recipients reveal statistically significant improvements in learning rates.

Ultimately, there is no chance of improving our educational system using reforms based on myths and misperceptions.

Dr. Tom Patterson is chairman of the Goldwater Institute, a former state legislator and emergency room physician.

AZ Life Times - State Fair volunteers, upcoming events, ASU Students for Life

Arizona Life Times Internet Edition October 2007 Dear Friend of Life, The fruits of a succesful State Conference are being seen this month as Arizonans hit the streets, courthouses, and churches to defend life. Below are just a few of the ways the pro-life cause is being advanced this month as well as many ways you can help. In This Issue Volunteers Still Needed for State Fair "Choose Life" Plates Go To Court 40 Days for Life Underway Pro-life Speaker Training Available Upcoming Events! Volunteers Still Needed for State Fair Volunteers are still needed for the Arizona Right to Life booth at the Arizona State Fair this October. The state fair provides an unprecedented platform to share the pro-life view with thousands of Arizonans. For example, every day at the fair children guide their parents towards our models of unborn children with cries of "look mommy, baby!" Many skeptical adults are instantly disarmed by the simple truth a child can grasp, an unborn child isn't a "choice," he or she is a baby. Many of these adults sign our petition to endorse "Choose Life" license plates in our state or volunteer to help at upcoming AZRTL events. However, this outreach and public education cannot occur without your help, so please consider signing up for a shift at the fair. Training for newcomers and veterans who want to brush up on their skills will be held at the AZRTL office on Saturday, October 6th from 2:00-3:30pm and Tuesday, October 9th from 7:00-8:30pm. If you would like to volunteer please choose a date between October 12th and November 4th (excluding Mondays) and indicate whether you prefer a morning, afternoon, or an evening shift. You can reply to this email directly or email trent@arizonarighttolife.org. "Choose Life" Plates Go To Court On October 15th representatives of the Arizona Life Coalition will be arguing in favor of Arizona permitting the distribution of "Choose Life License Plates." Lifenews.com summarizes the conflict well, "The coalition of pro-life groups, which includes Arizona Right to Life, the Center for Arizona Policy, and several crisis pregnancy centers, submitted the plate application in January, 2002 and sued the state in September, 2003 after the commission denied the plate. In September, 2005, U.S. District Judge Paul G. Rosenblatt upheld the commission's decision and said the Arizona Life Coalition failed to show that its right to free speech was denied. Rosenblatt said the commission acted reasonably and tried to avoid the appearance of political favoritism in an otherwise nonpublic forum. Now, the pro-life groups want a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to rule in their favor. . . Proceeds from the sale of the Choose Life plates would have benefited pregnancy centers that help women find abortion alternatives." Please support the AZ Life Coalition as they undertake this tremendous feat. To learn more, visit our friends at The Center for Arizona Policy whose general counsel Peter Gentala will be arguing the case. 40 Days for Life Underway Two local pro-life groups have joined with a national grassroots campaign to end abortion in our nation. 40 days for life focuses on prayer, fasting, and constant vigil at abortion facilities that recruits pro-lifers to action and simultaneously reduces abortion rates in local areas. If you are interested in helping and live in the Tucson area please contact Sunny Turner at the Tucson's AZ Right To Life Message Line at 520-326-1542 or AZRTLSUNNYT@aol.com If you live in Phoenix click here to visit the Phoenix 40 Days for Life Message Board or email Annie Metzger at anniemetz@gmail.com. Pro-life Speaker Training Available Arizona Right to Life and the Life Educational Corp. will be hosting training for individuals interested in learning how to defend the pro-life viewpoint. On October 24th program specialist Trent Horn and event specialist Chris White will be hosting an informational seminar entitled "How to talk about abortion with anyone." Both Chris and Trent have experience traveling the country speaking at college campuses about this highly charged issue. They teach audiences how to not argue, but instead effectively dialogue and persuade people to accept the pro-life view. After the talk they will offer information about the steps to take in order to become a public speaker who addresses this topic, along with other topics like stem cell research and euthanasia, at local churches and other organizations. For more information or to RSVP please email trent@arizonarightotlife.org or reply to this email directly. Thank you for taking the time to read Arizona Right to Life's monthly e-newsletter. As a concerned member of our state we look forward to hearing from you about how we can better promote life in your community as well as provide you with opportunites to do the same. Please take a moment to forward this email (by clicking on the "forward email" link below) to one of your friends in order to help us reach other people who have a desire to defend human life. Once again, thank you for your time and your commitment to being a "Friend of Life." Newsletter Editor: Trent Horn Upcoming Events! Upcoming Local Pro-life Events Pro-life Booth at the AZ State Fair October 12th - November 4th. Contact trent@arizonarighttolife.org or call the AZ Right to Life office at 602-285-0063 if you would like to volunteer at this event. Northwest Valley Right to Life is promoting a talk being given by Angela Cosentino, a 16 year old pro-life advocate. Angela's talk will take place at St. Jerome's Parish located on 10815 N 35th Ave. on October 2nd at 7:00pm. Angela is an engaging and intelligent speaker you won't want to miss! For more information contact Armand Barone 623-875-1520. ASU Students for Life is hosting its "Working for Women" month this October, beginning with a candle-light vigil in remembrance of the lives lost to abortion: 6:30-7:30pm Monday, October 1st on the Hayden Library Lawn. Other events during the month will include Joan Maloof from Silent no More speaking on campus October 11th at 6:00pm, as well as a donation drive to benefit Maggie's Place from October 22nd - 26th. For more information email ASU Students for Life at studentsforlife.asu@gmail.com NAU Students For Life is offering pro-life training on Thursday, October 4th from 5:30-7:30pm in Cline Library, screening room A, and they are holding a car wash to raise funds for campus activities and to benefit Hope CPC on October 20th from 9-4 in the KFC parking lot at Milton and University. [map]. For more info contact naustudentsforlife@yahoo.com Mesa Right-to-Life presents its third annual pro-life dinner "United We Stand . . . for Life" Tuesday, October 23, 2007 from 6:00pm - 10:00pm at the Mesa Country Club. $60 Per Person Donation. RSVP by October 17, 2007 to Joe and Jinny Perron at 480-807-2834 or jjkp4life@cox.net. "A Christian Worldview in the Biotech Century" November 3, 2007 Presented by the Center for Arizona Policy The annual AZ Pro-life Rally January 20, 2008 www.azliferally.com If you would like your pro-life events posted in our monthly newsletter email us at trent@arizonarighttolife.org Quick Links About Us Make a Donation

Upcoming Events!

Upcoming Local Pro-life Events Pro-life Booth at the AZ State Fair October 12th - November 4th. Contact trent@arizonarighttolife.org or call the AZ Right to Life office at 602-285-0063 if you would like to volunteer at this event. Northwest Valley Right to Life is promoting a talk being given by Angela Cosentino, a 16 year old pro-life advocate. Angela's talk will take place at St. Jerome's Parish located on 10815 N 35th Ave. on October 2nd at 7:00pm. Angela is an engaging and intelligent speaker you won't want to miss! For more information contact Armand Barone 623-875-1520. ASU Students for Life is hosting its "Working for Women" month this October, beginning with a candle-light vigil in remembrance of the lives lost to abortion: 6:30-7:30pm Monday, October 1st on the Hayden Library Lawn. Other events during the month will include Joan Maloof from Silent no More speaking on campus October 11th at 6:00pm, as well as a donation drive to benefit Maggie's Place from October 22nd - 26th. For more information email ASU Students for Life at studentsforlife.asu@gmail.com NAU Students For Life is offering pro-life training on Thursday, October 4th from 5:30-7:30pm in Cline Library, screening room A, and they are holding a car wash to raise funds for campus activities and to benefit Hope CPC on October 20th from 9-4 in the KFC parking lot at Milton and University. [map]. For more info contact naustudentsforlife@yahoo.com Mesa Right-to-Life presents its third annual pro-life dinner "United We Stand . . . for Life" Tuesday, October 23, 2007 from 6:00pm - 10:00pm at the Mesa Country Club. $60 Per Person Donation. RSVP by October 17, 2007 to Joe and Jinny Perron at 480-807-2834 or jjkp4life@cox.net. "A Christian Worldview in the Biotech Century" November 3, 2007 Presented by the Center for Arizona Policy The annual AZ Pro-life Rally January 20, 2008 www.azliferally.com If you would like your pro-life events posted in our monthly newsletter email us at trent@arizonarighttolife.org

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