Whenever someone talks about a renewed commitment to impressive vision in Scottsdale the proposed Desert Discovery Center for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve usually comes up. As envisioned it would further enlighten preserve visitors and hikers, and aid Scottsdale tourism efforts. There is such a thing as an idea whose time has come. There are also those ideas whose time has … Read More
Public Policy Polling News Release on SB 1062 & AZ Gov's Race
Raleigh, N.C. – PPP’s new Arizona poll finds not only that voters in the state agree with Jan Brewer’s veto of Senate Bill 1062, but that they also for the first time support legalizing gay marriage in the state. Only 22% of Arizonans say they support Senate Bill 1062, compared to 66% who opposed it. Opposition to the bill is … Read More
Why I Support Religious Liberty In Arizona
By State Senator Al Melvin Arizona’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) has been law since 1999. SB1062’s sole purpose was to update two sections of it. First, to clarify the definition of “person” to include all types of businesses and legal entities. Arizona laws largely conform to that, but more clarity was best. Second, to address the infamous photographer case … Read More
Tipping (Over) Point For State Rep. John Kavanagh?
Other titans of Arizona’s illegal immigration wars have fallen. Andrew Thomas. Russell Pearce. Even Sheriff Arpaio’s last election was close. And although lesser known the smart, affable State Rep. John Kavanagh is likely next on the target list. Word is that determined moderate Republican and former Scottsdale Planning Commissioner Jeff Schwartz is set to challenge the House Appropriations Chairman as … Read More
Standing Their Red Ground
MSNBC Host Rachel Maddow is really liberal. And annoying. And she’s a partisan. But one can’t say she doesn’t bring it with passion. It’s worthy of respect even while it reminds those not like-minded why we are right. That’s why a shout out is in order for SeeingRedAZ.com, one of the most influential and longest-running political blogs in Arizona. Its … Read More
Demise of SB1062. Return Rise Of Sheriff Paul Babeu
He was one of the brightest Republican stars in Arizona history before the Phoenix New Times unveiled his whole new meaning of “Jose, Can You See?” He is Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. Once the darling of Fox News and Arizona Republican Party voters alike. Just several years ago most anything was politically possible for Babeu. Then came the troubles. … Read More
From US News and World Report: Doug Ducey Is a GOP Rising Star in Arizona
By Peter Roff There’s a battle underway in the West to determine who Arizona’s next governor will be. Among the crowded field of Republicans vying for the nomination is one who is already being talked about as a potential national leader, the kind of politician that can restore the public confidence in the GOP who, if he wins, will soon … Read More
GOP Candidates Waving White Flag In Culture War?
A recent article discussed fear within the Christian community that Christians were losing the culture war and would soon be losing their rights as well. The writer interviewed Jim Phillips, the senior pastor of North Greenwood Baptist Church, to find out why events are moving against Christians with such speed. “Sadly, Christians have often wimped out and grown silent instead … Read More
These Cottonwoods Not Looking So Good For Paradise Valley Despite The Spring
Amazing. Just amazing. Following the Paradise Valley Planning Commission’s rejection of a plan to supersize the unremarkable Cottonwoods Hotel in town, backers are now saying they can magically reduce the rejected plan’s proposed density by thirty five percent. It’s amazing what can happen when you just say no. We opined about the flawed Cottonwoods proposal back in October. Here is … Read More
No Miracle In West Mesa
The 1988 Democratic nominee for President Michael Dukakis talked a lot about the “Massachusetts Miracle,” touting his perceived Bay State successes. But by the time the campaign ended voters weren’t looking so kindly on such claims. It’s a lesson that could play out this year in the 2014 Arizona gubernatorial campaign, either by Mesa Mayor Scott Smith’s GOP opponents, or … Read More