A three judge panel of the U. S. District Court will hear arguments that certain aspects of the Clean Elections process compel office seekers, personally opposed to the measure, to campaign using public monies in order to remain competitive. Opponents maintain that the practice effectively dilutes free speech. Martin will be represented by attorney Tim Keller, of the Institute for Justice. Court dates have yet to be announced.
Arizona has the dubious distinction of being the only state in the nation to have a duly elected office holder removed from his post—absent impeachment, recall or being criminally charged—by an unelected Clean Elections panel.
Sheriff says illegal immigrant reporting mechanism will remain operational
Latino leaders and faith-based groups urge dismantling of controversial technique.
“There’s nothing unconstitutional about putting up a hotline,” Arpaio said, pointing out that U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement have similar hotlines.
Operational since Friday, the hotline has received about 300 calls.
The truth is, implementation of employer sanctions and hotlines provide the virtual fences that will make this country a less hospitable place for illegals to enter.
The East Valley Tribune reports that Sen. Jon Kyl has secured an agreement with Democrats to bolster the Department of Homeland Security’s budget by $3 billion for border enforcement.
Having been thoroughly disappointed with his previous bi-partisan plans, Conservatives will likely wait to see what the final measure encompasses before having expectations raised.
Decreased comfort level for Phoenix fliers; Security administrator placed on leave
After a television report exposed lax enforcement at Sky Harbor Airport, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) put its Phoenix security director on administrative leave.
Local ABC affiliate KNXV-TV 15 aired footage taken during the pre-dawn hours each day when Sky Harbor security guards, not federal inspectors, checked employees entering secured areas. The hidden camera footage showed a guard repeatedly allowing workers to pass after merely showing badges. TSA inspectors conduct more extensive screenings.
Phoenix appears to be the only airport where none of the accepted screening practices have been taking place, according to TSA administrator Kip Hawley.
State Representative Ann Kirkpatrick(D - Dist 3) has joined in the challenge for the CD 1 seat currently held by beleaguered Congressman Rick Renzi. She resigned her legislative seat today.
Kirkpatrick, a Flagstaff lawyer and a lifelong resident of the district, had Renzi firmly in her sights when issuing her statement: “I am excited to bring Arizona’s tradition of success to Washington. We need to restore integrity and dedicated representation to the people of the First District. Corruption and dishonesty have plagued this district and have undermined our confidence in our federal government. The people of rural Arizona deserve to have a leader in Washington that they can trust. They deserve a person who embodies their home-grown, Arizona values. I am ready to be that person,” she said.
Democrats smell a Renzi exit. Howard Shanker, an environmental lawyer who lives in the Valley, but owns a vacation home in Flagstaff, has announced, as has Chandler resident, Mary Kim Titla, a former Channel 12 news reporter. Titla was born on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, where she owns property. They join a growing list of hopefuls desiring to wrest control of the district from Republican hands.
If Renzi doesn’t run, the GOP lineup includes some top-notch folks. Reportedly eyeing Renzi’s seat are former Senate President Ken Bennett of Prescott and Rep. Bill Konopncki (R-Dist. 5) of Safford. Republicans are playing the genteel waiting game while keeping a watchful eye on the seat.
Corporation Commissioner, Kris Mayes, has also expressed interest. Mayes, a former Arizona Republic reporter, served as spokeswoman for Democrat Gov. Janet Napolitano. She is also a financial contributor to the pro-abortion WISH List. Mayes was appointed to the seat by Napolitano when former Commissioner Jim Irvin, stepped down.
The Voters will have a simple choice: Vote for the status quo and 4 more years of the same or a REAL and POSITIVE Change !Mr. Maupin, who campaigned hard to the end, was not certified to the ballot.
Thanks for your ongoing support for a real change in City Government ! Best Regards,
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