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State News Briefs
Maricopa County Attorney Calls on Napolitano to Enforce Prop 200 June 20, 2008 PHOENIX -- County Attorney Andrew Thomas today filed an amicus curiae, or “friend of the court,” brief in support of a lawsuit challenging the manner in which the governor and attorney general have implemented Proposition 200. The amicus brief supports the plaintiffs in this case, who are asking that the court order Governor Napolitano to adhere to all the provisions of the initiative as passed by the voters. Voters approved the initiative in November 2004. However, an erroneous and narrow reading and implementation by the Governor’s Office and Attorney General’s Office have largely gutted these reforms. The “Arizona Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act,” better known as Proposition 200, passed with 56 percent of the vote. Among its provisions is a requirement that individuals present proof of citizenship before being able to register to vote or to apply for public benefits in the state. “I was among the few political leaders who supported Proposition 200 in 2004,” said Thomas. “I continue to support it because the people have spoken, and they believe these changes were necessary to deal with our illegal immigration problem. Government officials cannot be permitted to undermine voter-approved reforms.” In 2004, Napolitano’s office claimed that Proposition 200 was intended to be implemented broadly. She has now taken the opposite position as she and the attorney general claim the scope of the reform to be very limited. Among the key parts of the referendum that have been incorrectly redefined, according to the brief, are areas that concern the restriction of “state and local benefits.” The governor and attorney general have interpreted the law as applying only to a handful of relatively minor programs. This allows illegal immigrants to continue drawing the public resources that the voters sought to deny by passing Proposition 200. Board of Nursing to Allow Nurses to Perform Abortions By Cathi Herrod,
President, Center for Arizona Policy PHOENIX -- On Wednesday, Planned Parenthood convinced the Board of Nursing to declare that surgical abortions are within the scope of practice for the state's 2,600 nurse practitioners. Not content with killing over 10,500 babies per year in Arizona, the abortion industry is undertaking a concerted effort to expand abortion in our state with no regard for the health and safety of women. With the Board's ruling, Arizona becomes the first state in the country with a published ruling that surgical abortion is within the scope of practice for nurse practitioners. Planned Parenthood testified to the Board that many abortion doctors are retiring and many younger doctors are refusing to perform abortions, so they are seeking to expand the pool of abortion providers. Here's how these outrageous events have developed over the last few months: Complaint to Board of Nursing In November 2007, the Board of Nursing reviewed a complaint involving a nurse practitioner named Mary Andrews who has been performing first and second trimester surgical abortions at Planned Parenthood in Tucson for at least eight years. The Board could not reach a conclusion as to whether surgical abortion was within the nurse practitioner's scope of practice, so they decided to wait and consider the case again at the next meeting. However, in the meantime, they allowed Mary Andrews to continue performing abortions! Legislation Filed, Passed House Board Decides Surgical Abortions Okay for Nurse Practitioners The members reasoned that nurse practitioners have the motor skills to perform biopsies, sutures, and toenail removals, so there should be no restriction on them performing surgical abortions. As one member stated, "Our ability defines the authority for what we can do, not the other way around." The Committee also dismissed the seriousness of complications from abortions, even though a Planned Parenthood doctor from Tucson admitted that complications like a perforated uterus are underreported. The doctor went on to say that a perforated uterus is not a big deal, but she failed to acknowledge that an Arizona woman died in the late 1990s from excessive bleeding from a perforated uterus caused by an abortion. Board Dismisses All Charges CAP submitted a letter and testified before the Board, explaining that non-physicians are not legally permitted to perform abortions in Arizona and in 46 other states. You can read CAP's letter to the Board here. We will continue to work on HB 2269 and other legal options to protect women and prevent the expansion of the abortion industry in Arizona. The Arizona Court of Appeals ruled yesterday that the scholarship programs for disabled and foster students to attend the schools of their parents' choosing are unconstitutional. The court ruling came from Division Two (Tucson) and ignored the well-established principle that private individuals can choose to use government funds at religious schools without violating the state or federal constitutions. The decision will be appealed to the Arizona Supreme Court so that parents' rights to choose schools that best serve their children can be preserved. National Day of Prayer Observances in Arizona May 1 April 15, 2008 PHOENIX – As we honor the 57 th Annual National Day of Prayer, people will join at the State Capitol, City Halls, and churches to pray for our nation -- government leaders, media, military, schools, churches, businesses and families.The Greater Phoenix National Day of Prayer Task Force invites citizens around the state to come together in unity and strength to celebrate this year’s observance at the following events scheduled on Thursday, May 1, 2008: 1. Noon Rally for Kids – Noon – 1:00 p.m., Phoenix City Hall Atrium, 200 W. Washington St. BRING YOUR KIDS - Children from all over the Valley will be attending the AZ National Day of Prayer Noon Rally for Kids. Morning Host Chris and Emilee Danielson from KFLR are scheduled to host this year's event. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon will be present to give the Mayoral Proclamation and the Luke Honor Guard will present our flag. Three local Elementary schools will perform and children will be praying on the seven points of prayer. Everyone is welcome! Contact: Brenda Eneboe at (602) 261-8182 or brenda.eneboe@phoenix.gov2. Courthouse Event – 7 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. 1700 W. Washington St. Meet at the main flag pole in the mall for the annual Arizona State Capitol prayer walk for the National Day of Prayer led by Guy Chadwick of Arizona Call to Prayer. 602-570-4162 guy@arizonacalltoprayer.net3. Phoenix Prayer Pavilion of Light – Thursday, May 1, from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Phoenix 1st Assembly of God Church, 13613 N Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. Join us for all day prayer at the new Phoenix Prayer Pavilion of Light as we pray for our Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family. Contact Pastor Saeed Hosseini at 602-404-7422 or prayer@phoenixfirst.orgThis year’s theme, “Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield” is based on Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.Arizona State Coordinator, Jim Phillips states, ” Our vision is to see masses of Christians of all denominations and all ethnic backgrounds unite for prayer, praise, and worship at numerous events all over Arizona.Visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org to learn more and www.aznationaldayofprayer for more information on local events--To schedule media interviews or to receive a media packet contact Jim Phillips at jim.phillips@aznationaldayofprayer.org or (480) 250-6149.Crime Victims Advocates to Hold Big Rally Monday at State Capital April 13, 2008 PHOENIX -- Arizona Voice for Crime Victims and The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is hosting a rally Monday, April 14 at the State Capitol to raise awareness of crime victims’ rights both at the Capitol and across Arizona. The keynote speaker will be Sharon Kuntson-Felix, the 100 Club of Arizona Executive Director. The 100 Club supports the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters in times of need. Sharon is the widow of DPS Officer Doug Knutson, who died in the line of duty in 1998. The week of April 13-19 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which was first designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. This annual observance seeks to increase public awareness of, and knowledge among crime victims and survivors about, the wide range of rights and services available to people who have been victimized by crime. The theme of this year’s awareness program is “Justice for Victims, Justice for All.” The community awareness project is being conducted in conjunction with the US Justice Department through the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators. Steve Twist, President of Arizona Voice for Crime Victims, co-host for the rally said, “While we have come very far in our fight for justice for crime victims, we still have very far to go if we are to have a truly victim centered justice system. The Maricopa County Attorney is a strong leader in this cause and AVCV is honored to join with him for this important event.” County Attorney Andy Thomas said, “While the legal system is adept at making sure suspects are aware of their rights, the rights of victims must also be protected. We hope our efforts will increase awareness of victims’ rights.” For additional information about the statewide rally, or crime victims’ rights and services, visit the website at www.JusticeForVictimsAZ.com. For information about Arizona Voice for Crime Victims, visit their website at www.voiceforvictims.org. For information about national efforts to promote 2008 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, please visit the Office for Victims of Crime website at http://www.ovc.gov/ncvrw/welcome.html. Maricopa County Attorney to Defend Prop 100 against ACLU April 8, 2008 PHOENIX -- Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas is promising to defend voter-approved Proposition 100 from yet another challenge—this time from the ACLU. Prop 100 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 led the campaign in favor of Prop 100. Seventy-eight percent of Arizona voters approved the measure, which passed by the widest margin of any proposition on the ballot that year. In 2007, Thomas’ office led the effort to ensure judges and commissioners in Maricopa County enforced Prop 100 after many refused to do so. That year, all three branches of state government united to pass reforms ensuring that the Maricopa County judiciary complied with Prop 100. The Arizona Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is challenging Prop 100 in federal court, along with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund. If successful, the lawsuit would lift the requirement that illegal immigrants accused of serious felonies be denied bail, thereby freeing them to flee the country before trial. Thomas said, “Just as I helped draft and led the fight for passage of Proposition 100, I will also vigorously defend this measure in federal court. Prop 100 ensures that illegal immigrants accused of major crimes aren’t able to post bond and flee justice. Without Prop 100, our porous border becomes an escape route for felons who could then illegally re-enter Arizona and commit more crimes.” Court Clears Way for 'Choose Life' Plates; Big Loss for Gov. Napolitano Jan. 28, 2008 PHOENIX -- Today, the United States Circuit Court for the Ninth District, San Francisco, ruled that Gov. Janet Napolitano had denied the Arizona Life Coalition's constitutional rights as it cleared the way for Arizonans to purchase "Choose Life" license plates. In a unanimous ruling, the Court cleared the way for Choose Life license plates to be made available to the public. This victory resulted from a joint legal effort involving Peter Gentala, general counsel for the Center for Arizona Policy and the Arizona Life Coalition, and Alliance Defense Fund attorneys Jeff Shafer and Gary McCaleb. Shafer argued the case before the Ninth Circuit last October. This case dragged out in the courts for years after Napolitano blocked the issuance of the plates, claiming that the words "Choose Life" are "divisive." It was an example of mean-spiritedness and pettiness on the part of the governor, who absorbed a major policy loss today.The Arizona Life Coalition had sought since 2002 to participate in a program that allows nonprofit organizations to obtain a "special organization license plate," which includes the organization's name, logo, and slogan. Proceeds from plate sales go to support the organization's work in the community. In 2003, the Arizona License Plate Commission denied the Life Coalition's application. Life Coalition filed a federal lawsuit, and a federal judge upheld the Commission's decision in 2005. Today's decision from the Ninth Circuit reverses that decision. The Ninth Circuit judges agreed unanimously with Arizona Life Coalition's claim that the Choose Life plate application had been denied due to discrimination against the pro-life viewpoint, stating: "Consequently, because abortion-related speech falls within the boundaries of Arizona's limited public forum, and because the Commission clearly denied the application based on the nature of the message, we conclude the Commission's actions were viewpoint discriminatory. We also hold that the Commission acted unreasonably by denying Life Coalition's application for reasons not statutorily based or related to the purpose of the limited public forum." Criminal Complaint Filed Against Accused Chandler Rapist Jan. 15, 2008 Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas announced today that Santana Batiz-Aceves, 39, has been charged in connection with the Chandler Rape Case. He faces 47 charges, including child molestation, sexual conduct with a minor, kidnapping, aggravated assault and burglary. If the defendant were convicted on all of those charges he would be looking at a minimum sentence of more than 250 years. Batiz-Aceves was arrested for the attacks January 12, 2008 by Chandler Police whose officers worked tirelessly to make an arrest in the attacks of six young girls. The attacks happened between June 2006 and November 2007. Deputy County Attorney Angela Andrews has been working with a police special task force for nearly a year. Thomas said, “Our office salutes the Chandler Police Department for making the arrest and providing us with valuable evidence to help make this case in court.” According to police in the Sacramento area, Batiz-Aceves was deported from the United States in 1999 and again in 2003. While in California he had been arrested on drug and burglary charges. Thomas said, “This incident again underscores the very troubling link between crime and illegal immigration in Arizona. Our border crisis continues to directly impact public safety.” Minutemen Had Warned of Threats Nov. 27, 2007 PHOENIX, AZ — The Minuteman Civil Defense Corps today encouraged Washington lawmakers to act in expediting the construction of the physical border fence on all U.S. land borders they have already approved, in light of media reports which indicate that Middle Eastern terrorists planned to enter our country and attack Fort Huachuca, Arizona, assisted by international drug cartels. For several years, Minutemen volunteers have warned state and federal lawmakers of the need to secure our borders in order to prevent possible terrorist attacks similar to those described in these media reports, as well as to halt the infamous drug and sex trafficking which routinely occurs across our porous borders. “Our government’s failure to secure our borders is pathetic,” said Chris Simcox, president of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps. “Now that we have this most recent high-profile example of how our unprotected borders can lead to terrorist attacks within our country, every citizen should be pressuring our government to secure the borders before Christmas. Americans deserve to spend time with our families during the holiday season reasonably free of fear of violent incidents and catastrophic events.” For years, the Minutemen, U.S. Border Patrol agents and residents of our nation’s embattled border states have documented how our nation’s porous borders provide a pathway into the United States for terrorists, drug cartels, rapists, MS-13 gang members and a host of violent individuals from over 200 countries with deleterious designs on America. The Minutemen will continue to assist the U.S. Border Patrol in monitoring our borders until they are secured, so terrorist plots like the one planned on Fort Huachuca do not become a reality. In October 2007, the Minutemen held their month-long Border Muster entitled “Operation Secure America” and continued the operation through last weekend. The most recent results of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps border watch for illegal alien activities include:
Simcox said: “The men and women of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps who patrol the southern border and witness the illegal alien invasion on a daily basis will continue to voice their concerns. We will not allow our warnings to fall on deaf ears, even though our government seems determined to find ways to stall and delay the construction of a physical border fence. Moreover, we will not be drowned out by the open borders lobby who advocate amnesty programs, driver’s licenses for illegal aliens, and unsafe Mexican trucks being driven on our nation’s highways. Unlike the U.S. government, the Minutemen have already been implementing a plan for border security that is more than “virtual” and that includes an effective material barrier—by volunteering their time, energy and personal funds in order to build highly effective demonstration security fencing on private ranch land, expensed through private donations obtained from thousands of citizens nationally. To educate the public and force federal government attention to the realities of border security, Minuteman volunteers have taken steps to build this fence along the border designed to utilize state of the art technology with the fiber optic mesh produced by FOMGuard, USA, also currently in use on U.S. military installations, the DMZ in Korea and the West Bank in Israel, and recently featured in National Geographic magazine. Arizona Court of Appeals Supports Restrictions on Sexually-Oriented Business Hours
By Cathi Herrod, President, Center for Arizona Policy PHOENIX -- Today, the Arizona Court of Appeals ruled that a CAP-supported law limiting the hours of operation of sexually-oriented businesses is constitutional! This crucial legal victory is due to God's faithfulness. There were many, many miracles along the way. In 1998, Len Munsil and I worked very hard urging the Arizona Legislature to restrict the hours that sex businesses remain open. The Legislature weighed the evidence and concluded that sex businesses carry with them harmful effects that threaten every community where they locate. The Legislature passed and Gov. Hull signed into law SB 1162, which required that sex businesses close between 1 a.m. and 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday. But the fight for this law was just beginning! Lawyers for the sex industry in Arizona filed lawsuits in both state and federal courts. In 2003, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the law is consistent with the federal Constitution. The Ninth Circuit got it right, but the result from our own state courts was very disappointing. In 2002, Division Two of the Arizona Court of Appeals - which sits in Tucson - ruled that part of the law was unconstitutional under the Arizona Constitution. Even though Division Two decisions are not controlling throughout Arizona, this one court ruling effectively allowed all sex businesses statewide to ignore the law. The 2002 decision is an example of judges imposing their own version of the Constitution-one that "lives" and changes over time. That court ruled that the Arizona Constitution gives more leeway to the sex industry than the U.S. Constitution. The framers of the Arizona Constitution in 1910 did not establish "super protection" for sexually-explicit materials and businesses. In fact, at the time the Arizona Constitution was drafted and ratified such materials were illegal! Thankfully, the matter did not end there. Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas brought charges against two sex-business owners for remaining open between 1 a.m. and 8 a.m. This led to today's ruling by Division One of the Arizona Court of Appeals, which sits in Phoenix. In August-thanks to your faithful support and the support of our friends at the Alliance Defense Fund-CAP General Counsel Peter Gentala submitted a "friend of the court" brief, arguing that the Court of Appeals should return to the original meaning of the Arizona Constitution. Today, the Court reached the right result: [T]he Arizona Constitution provides no more protection for sexually-explicit speech than does the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. We further hold that A.R.S. § 13-1422, as applied to sexually-oriented businesses that do not feature live entertainment, does not violate the free speech provision in the Arizona Constitution. You can read the court's opinion here and CAP's amicus brief by clicking here. Minutemen Criticize Mexican Presidente Calderone Nov. 17, 2007 PHOENIX —The Minuteman Civil Defense Corps (MCDC) call into question the propriety of interference in the 2008 U.S. presidential election cycle by Mexican President Felipe Calderon, who has chosen to criticize American political discourse and debate regarding border security, immigration issues and the illegal immigration crisis. Calderon complained that our nation is treating illegal immigrants as “thematic hostages.” The Mexican President, who recently was quoted as saying “Mexico doesn’t end at its borders,” is planning to launch a media campaign to influence U.S. presidential candidates from both major parties in order to diminish support for illegal immigration controls in our country. Increased border security and no amnesty legislation for illegal aliens is presently the clear, expressed will of voters nationwide. “Mr. Calderon should spend more time educating his own politicians about job creation and the rule of law, before he begins interfering in our elections and pointing his finger at U.S. politicians and the American electorate. U.S. citizen taxpayers are fed up with the illegal alien invasion and wide open border lawlessness along our Southern frontier, and they demand that our sovereign American territory be secured and our immigration laws enforced,” states MCDC Executive Director Al Garza. “It is disrespectful for the Mexican President to expect our citizens and their elected officials to bear the burden of responsibility for eradicating poverty in Mexico, when his solution is to encourage Mexican citizens to illegally enter the United States, take jobs and send money back to Mexico without regard for the sovereignty of our country.” The Mexican government has a well documented history of encouraging its citizens to enter the United States illegally, by providing maps to those making the journey and leaving water in the desert for the illegal entrants. Moreover, Mexico, whose gross national product is primarily based on the drug trade, has on numerous occasions demanded the U.S. government punish our federal border patrol agents for stopping drug smugglers. The Mexican economy benefits greatly by wholesale violation of American law—receiving billions of dollars annually from illegal immigrants who wire money from the U.S. to their families in Mexico. In response to Calderon’s presumptuous and inappropriate interference in America’s internal affairs, the Minutemen will specifically dedicate this month’s regular musters to confirming the principle that “Mexico DOES stop at its borders.” MCDC will continue to stand watch on the U.S-Mexico border in order to deter illegal crossings, drug running and sex trafficking by Mexican-based and other international criminal enterprises. The results of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps border watch for illegal alien activities since the most recent month-long October Muster include:
Unlike the U.S. government, the Minutemen have already been implementing a plan for border security that is more than “virtual” and that includes an effective material barrier—by volunteering their time, energy and personal funds in order to build highly effective demonstration security fencing on private ranch land, expensed through private donations obtained from thousands of citizens nationally. To educate the public and force federal government attention to the realities of border security, Minuteman volunteers have taken steps to build this fence along the border designed to utilize state of the art technology with the fiber optic mesh produced by FOMGuard, USA, also currently in use on U.S. military installations, the DMZ in Korea and the West Bank in Israel, and recently featured in National Geographic magazine. Garza concludes, “For
years we have warned U.S. citizens that our national security, public
safety, our prosperity and very sovereignty are imperiled—that our
country is being illegally colonized and given away to lawbreakers and
alien criminals by the politicians we’ve elected to protect us. The
statement by President Calderon verifies our concerns over his
unwillingness to stem the tide of illegal intruders from Mexico into our
country. We therefore call upon our Washington lawmakers to heed the
warning of it citizens, and respect the needs of law-abiding Americans
over the political ambitions of the Mexican President—and build a fence
on our Southern Border.” Nov. 13, 2007 PHOENIX -- The Arizona Federation of Taxpayers is asking taxpayers to contact their Arizona state Legislators and tell them to stop over-spending. In their quest for ever-expanding government programs, the governor and the big spenders in the Arizona Legislature have emptied the state’s wallet. The state’s budget deficit has now climbed to $900 million, exceeding the money in the state’s rainy day fund. Click here to contact your lawmakers. To “fix” the deficit, the big spenders plan to raid the rainy day fund, use accounting gimmicks, and transfer funds from dedicated revenue sources (such as state highway money). Some of the big spenders are even talking about raising taxes--taking even more money out of taxpayer wallets! But there is no need for gimmicks, fund transfers, or for raiding the rainy day fund. The FY2007 budget, for the fiscal year that ended on June 30th, was $9.7 billion. The FY2008 trial budget, which the Legislature and Governor approved in June, is $10.6 billion. The Legislature can fix the deficit and save $900 million by spending the same amount it did last year. No spending cuts are necessary. Voter-approved formulas require increased spending in some program areas, but those departments can offset those spending increases with reductions in non-formula areas. The overall FY2008 budget can be the same as it was in FY2007. No spending cuts, but no spending increases, either. To stop overspending in the future, legislators must give voters a chance to lower the state's existing constitutional spending limit. The current limit is 7.41 percent, which was helpful back in the big-spending days of Jimmy Carter, but we do not want state government to ever get that big again! Click here to contact your lawmakers. The state’s spending limit should be reduced to no more than 6.5 percent of state personal income, which is a little less than what the government is currently spending. That way, if the economy grows, the government can grow with it -- but the government should not be allowed to grow faster than the economy. Last session, the spending limit bill was sponsored by Reps. Russell Pearce (R-Mesa), Trish Groe ( R-Lake Havasu City), Rick Murphy (R-Glendale), Kirk Adams (R-Mesa), Andy Biggs (R-Gilbert), Sam Crump (R-Anthem), and Michelle Reagan (R-Scottsdale), as well as by Sens. Jack Harper (R-Surprise) and Karen Johnson (R-Mesa). This coming year, we need every state legislator to sign on and support the spending limit reduction.
County Attorney Angered at
Mexican Extradition Conditions, Favors Death Penalty for Convicted
Killer PHOENIX -- Rodrigo Cervantes-Zavala (09/17/1970) has been sentenced to 113 years in prison for the deaths of an East Valley family, County Attorney Andrew Thomas announced today. That is the absolute maximum penalty allowed. In August 2007, a jury convicted Cervantes-Zavala of three counts of first-degree murder, one count of Burglary and two counts of Custodial Interference. 51-year-old Trinidad Castro Acosta, 63-year-old Saul Lopez Acosta and 17-year-old Jesus Manuel-Acosta were murdered in July 2005. Cervantes-Zavala entered the Queen Creek home of his ex-girlfriend, Isabel Acosta. Isabel was not there, but her parents and brother were home along with the former couple’s children. Cervantes-Zavala shot Isabel’s parents, Trinidad and Saul, in the head. He shot the brother, Jesus, in the chest. All three died. Cervantes-Zavala then took the children, Jennifer, who was three years old, and Bryan, who was 18 months, and fled to Mexico. Eight days later police in Mexico found the children and Cervantes-Zavala in Puerto Vallarta. The children were immediately reunited with their mother. Three months later, the Mexican government agreed to extradite Cervantes-Zavala to Arizona, provided the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office would not seek the death penalty or life in prison. Cervantes-Zavala is a citizen of Mexico and was in the United States illegally at the time of the killings. “While I am pleased the defendant received a substantial prison sentence, I still believe a Maricopa County jury should have had the opportunity to consider imposing the death penalty for these murders,” said Thomas. “The Mexican government should not take the death penalty off the table as a condition for extraditing accused murderers to the United States.” PRO-PAC Picnic Set for Nov. 11 Nov. 8, 2007 SCOTTSDALE -- The Principled Reaganesque Outcomes-Political Action Committee (PRO-PAC) invites all who share Ronald Reagan's vision for the state and nation to attend a free picnic at Cactus Park (NE corner of Shea/Cactus roads) in Scottsdale Sunday, Nov. 11, from 2-4 p.m. Len Munsil, the founder of PRO-PAC, issued the following invitation:
"Are
you discouraged about the state of politics in our nation, and in
Arizona? Are you frustrated, angry, disgusted, or disappointed with
political leaders of both parties who fail to keep promises and seem
more concerned with promoting themselves and bashing each other than
with offering solutions? Then we need you! The fact that you have such a
strong reaction is good -- it means you really do care. But what can you
do about it? Here's one clue -- quitting is not an option -- there is
too much at stake! Find out how you can get involved in a principled way
and begin changing the political dynamic in Arizona and the nation!"
At 3 p.m., Munsil will share some
exciting information about what PRO-PAC will be doing between now and
the elections in 2008, and beyond. Please invite others you know who
were involved as campaign staff or volunteers, phone bank callers, sign
installers, house party hosts, etc. for the 2006 Munsil for Governor
campaign - or anyone else interested in advancing conservative
principles. Champion Tax
Cutter to Keynote Taxpayer Awards Luncheon PHOENIX--The Arizona Federation of Taxpayers, a state chapter of Americans for Prosperity Foundation (AFT-AFPF), announced today that former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson will be the keynote speaker at the group's annual "Friend of the Taxpayer" Awards Luncheon, which will take place Saturday, December 15, at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort. In his eight years as governor, Johnson cut state taxes on income, gasoline, and capital gains. He also vetoed 750 pieces of legislation, thereby restraining the rate of budget growth in New Mexico. Further, Johnson's fiscal restraint allowed Gov. Bill Richardson in 2003 to enact $36 billion in income and capital gains tax cuts. "Gary Johnson's achievements are a shining example of how pro-growth, fiscally conservative policies lead to greater prosperity," said AFT-AFP chairman Chad Kirkpatrick. AFT-AFPF executive director Tom Jenney contrasted Johnson's fiscal performance with that of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. From 1994 to 2002, Johnson held the line against a big-spending Legislature, and prevented the New Mexico state government from taking a larger slice of the state's economic pie, as measured by personal income. Under Gov. Napolitano, Arizona state government's portion of the state economy has grown by 27 percent, threatening the state with huge budget deficits and making it more difficult to cut taxes. "Johnson's record outshines that of Napolitano, who has not only failed to stop runaway government spending but is one of the worst offenders," Jenney said. "Johnson can help remind Arizonans what a fiscally conservative governor looks like." AFT-AFPF predicts an excellent turnout for the luncheon, which will be timed with the release of this year's "Friend of the Taxpayer" Legislative Scorecard. The group has also received a good deal of attention recently with the release of its new report card on local tax and budget policy. "The Local Government Scorecard has really stirred people up," said Kirkpatrick. "They can see that someone is finally holding city and county politicians accountable for their taxing and spending habits." Last year, over 200 taxpayer activists came from around the state to the AFT awards luncheon, at which Wall Street Journal writer Steve Moore spoke. This year, the group aims to get 400 people to attend. "This will be the grassroots event of the year," said Kirkpatrick. AZ Central and 12 News Post County Attorney’s Personal Information on Internet; Thomas Reacts Angrily Oct. 23, 2007 PHOENIX -- Ultra-left media depravity has sunk to a new low. In online articles posted on AzCentral and the 12 News websites, both media agencies committed the unconscionable act of posting Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas’ address and the names of his wife and children. The article’s stated purpose was to demonstrate how someone with enough time and skill could obtain this information. In doing so, these news agencies enabled criminals to readily obtain information about the county attorney and his family in the same manner in which the New Times endangered Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Thomas’ office prosecutes some 40,000 felony cases a year. These include cases against members of some of the most violent street and prison gangs in America. Thomas has been the target of credible threats in the past, as have other prosecutors in the office. “I am stunned some media outlets would jeopardize the safety of my family in this manner,” said County Attorney Thomas. “I will now be forced to take precautions to protect my family and myself.” The County Attorney’s Office is calling for AzCentral and Channel 12 to remove these documents from their website immediately. Republican Professionals Club Starts Up Oct. 3, 2007 SCOTTSDALE -- The newly-formed Republican Professionals Club aims to provide social networking opportunities for people in their 20s and 30s. Their first event is Thursday, Oct. 4 at Six Lounge in Scottsdale, where Randy Pullen, chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, and former Cong. J.D. Hayworth will speak. The event will run from 6-8 p.m., at 7316, East Stetson Drive in Scottsdale. The event is free and there will be drink specials, prizes and giveaways. “This is an event a lot of people are excited and enthused about," said Charles Jensen, one of the group's organizers. "We’ll be doing an event every month with different prominent Republican personalities and everyone is welcomed to attend.” www.republicanprofessionals.org Minutemen Call for Opposition to DREAM Act Sept. 19, 2007 The Minuteman Civil Defense Corps (MCDC) call upon citizens nationally to join them in opposing both the DREAM Act and STRIVE program, new amnesty proposals being brought forward this week in the U.S. Congress in hopes of officially creating the roadmap to amnesty that President George W. Bush and the “open-borders” lobby continue to espouse. This latest amnesty program has been added as Senate Amendment 2237 to the Defense Department’s 2008 Appropriation Bill by Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and seeks among many of its provisions to grant U.S. citizenship to underage illegal aliens. “The legislation being offered is a lawbreaker assistance program that provides a reward for people who have violated laws, stolen identities and illicitly used social services while remaining in this country illegally,” states Chris Simcox, founder and President of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps. “The unwillingness by Members of Congress and our President to enforce federal immigration laws and hold illegals accountable for crimes committed in the United States is tantamount to amnesty—as are these kind of ‘heartugger’ bills ‘for the children’ which in fact provide a blanket pardon for millions of lawbreakers.” The Minutemen urge citizens to immediately contact their U.S. Representatives and demand that they oppose the DREAM Act, which is simply amnesty for underage illegal aliens. During debate on the Defense Appropriations Bill, scheduled for this week, Members of Congress should not permit amnesty to be tacked on to a “must pass” piece of legislation. They should address the needs of national defense and national security, and empower and enforce the funding of a fence on our nation’s borders through the already enacted Secure Fence Act of 2006. Amnesty is provided through the DREAM ACT if: · the illegal alien can demonstrate continuous presence in the U.S. for five years and was not yet 16 years old upon initial entry; · the illegal alien is of "good moral character" and is not inadmissible on criminal grounds or because the illegal alien is a national security risk; an · the illegal alien has been admitted to an institution of higher education, has attained a high school diploma, or has obtained a GED in the U.S. In an effort to curtail the “amnesty surge” presently underway and the increase in illegal border crossings and drug trafficking that is traditionally highest during the months of April and October, Minutemen border watch volunteers will muster nationally for thirty days next month to monitor our embattled border line. Minutemen will watch along the U.S.-Mexican border in California, Texas, New Mexico and Washington State in order to support U.S. Border Patrol agents, who are overworked since the departure of thousands of National Guard troops the President recently withdrew from deployment on the U.S.-Mexico border. Unlike the U.S. government, the Minutemen have sustained border security as their top priority, and continue to implement a plan to reduce incursions that is more than just “virtual” and has garnered impressive results. Along with their border watches, it includes an effective material barrier—achieved by volunteering their time, energy and personal funds in order to build highly effective demonstration security fencing spans on private ranch land, expensed through private donations obtained from thousands of citizens nationally. To provide a doable model of fencing, educate the public and force federal government attention to the realities of border security, Minuteman volunteers have taken steps to build this fence along the border which will utilize state of the art technology with the fiber optic mesh produced by FOMGuard, USA, also currently in use on U.S. military installations, the DMZ in Korea and the West Bank in Israel, and recently featured in National Geographic magazine. Simcox said, “The Minutemen are watching our government’s alleged ‘progress’ on the border day-by-day; but we are not waiting on the feds, nor on Congress. The people have rejected amnesty, in all its guises; if Senator Durbin thinks otherwise, then he is dreaming. Let Congress beware at election time if it defies the American voters on this matter. And if the Bush administration truly wants the American people to believe it understands the importance of border security first, then they are doing a terrible job of selling it to the public. We need a real fence—and President Bush is already behind schedule on the 70 miles he owes us by the end of this month.” AZ GOP Calls for Move.on.org Apology for Irreverent Remarks on Iraq Commander Sept. 10, 2007 PHOENIX -- Arizona GOP chairman Randy Pullen today zapped leftist organization Move.on.org and its Democratic base for dishonoring General Petraus, commander of armed forces in Iraq. “I understand that the people at Moveon.org had hoped the Democrat Congress would have surrendered in Iraq, surrendered to the terrorists and apologized to the rest of the world for Americans being American long before now – but they need to learn they can’t always get their way,” Pullen Pullen said. Move.on.org referred to General Petraus as "General Betray-us." Furthermore, Pullen said: “Democrat U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has surrendered to anyone in the Middle East with at least a slingshot and a bad attitude causing doubt among troops and confidence among the enemy – so Moveon.org may yet get its way if Democrats can pull-out a pre-election defeat from the jaws of victory.” Pullen called for Moveon.org to apologize to the American people and Democrats, like Arizona Democrat freshmen members of Congress, Gabrielle Giffords and Harry Mitchell, "should return any and all campaign contributions received from this group,” he said. “I think the Democrats might actually be better off taking money from fugitives from justice than pinning their election hopes on a group better described as a bunch of thugs, rather than a special interest group. Moveon.org and their Democrat cohorts will smear anyone, say anything or do whatever it takes to win elections no matter who they have to hurt in the process. Just when you think Democrat politics has reached rock-bottom, it turns out they can sink even further, Pullen said. State Rep. Pearce Exploring Run at Cong. Flake Sept. 5, 2007 MESA -- Longtime State Rep. Russell Pearce announced today that he has begun an exploratory committee for a possible run at Congressional District 5, a seat held by Jeff Flake since 2000. Following is the message posted on Pearce's website: Together we have won many battles in our ongoing efforts to secure our borders and protect our nation from the scourge of illegal immigration. Whether the battle was Proposition 200 to deny public benefits from those here illegally and to protect the sanctity of the ballot box, our most recent success in passing employer sanctions at the State Legislature, or our successes in between, our combined efforts have turned the tide here in Arizona. The real danger, as always, lies in Washington, D.C., where in the last few months we have seen open-border and cheap-labor advocates, working hand-in-hand with racist groups like La Raza, try to pass legislation that would grant amnesty to nearly 20 million illegal aliens, while opening our borders and systems to further abuses. Together, we rallied and defeated their attempts to pass this for the remainder of this year and next, but I remain deeply concerned about what the next Congress will do and what position our next President will take. Clearly, Hillary Clinton and the Democrats favor amnesty as a solution, as do a few of the Republican candidates as well. What was most disappointing in this year’s struggle, and what I fear most in the next round of battles, was how the pro-amnesty position was primarily championed by Republicans. Sure, Ted Kennedy was there (isn’t he always?), but prominent Republicans, including Arizona Republicans like Sen. John McCain and Rep. Jeff Flake were there as well, leading the charge. What a terrible and misleading signal it sends when border state officials claim that we cannot secure our borders or worse, that we should not even try to secure them. Ultimately, no matter how much we do here in Arizona, this battle will be won or lost in our nation’s capitol. That is why I have listened to so many of you when you have asked that I consider running for Congress, and that is why I have formed this Exploratory Committee! Our first goal is to raise $25,000 to pay for critical research and polling so that we can be sure that this race is winnable. If we determine that it is, then we can formally begin a campaign to take back this district for the people of Arizona, and perhaps inspire a movement to take back America one state at a time. Let me know how you can help and please, if you are able, make a contribution. As soon as we raise the $25,000 we will do our work and report directly back to you what we have found. My friends, I do not take this contest lightly. I am a 5th generation Arizonan (on both sides of my family) and I am deeply committed to our great state and the founding principles of this great nation. While Congressman Flake and I may agree on a whole host of fiscal and social issues, we have profound and fundamental differences on the critical issues of national security, sovereignty and the rule of law. Please accept my humble thanks, in advance, for anything you are able to do. God bless, and in God we still trust. Faith, Family and Freedom above all else, RP Arizona Life Coalition to Argue for Choose Life Plates in Frisco Oct. 15 Sept. 4, 2007 PHOENIX -- Last week the Arizona Life Coalition received notice that the Choose Life license plate case has been scheduled for oral arguments in front of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco October 15. Two years ago, the
Federal District Court of Arizona ruled against the Arizona Life
Coalition in its lawsuit against the state's License Plate Commission.
The commission had denied the coalition's request to produce "Choose
Life" plates because their message was deemed to be "offensive." The
commission had previously issued custom license plates for a number of
other non-profit organizations. Pullen Tells Cong. Mitchell Desert No Place for 'Trained Seal' Aug. 8, 2007 PHOENIX -- Arizona Republican Party Chairman Randy Pullen characterized Democratic Congressman Harry Mitchell (CD-5) as little more than a Sea World performer, after the rookie lawmaker flip-flopped on a House vote and supported benefits for border invaders. “Harry Mitchell has proven to be little more than Nancy Pelosi’s trained seal,” Pullen said at a press conference yesterday. Mitchell initially voted with Republicans to send the Agriculture bill back to committee on August 2, 2007 because of the provisions in the bill allowing federal funds for the employment and housing of illegal immigrants. However, when it was clear that the Republicans were on the verge of victory, Mitchell suddenly switched his vote, sending the chamber into political upheaval. Standing at a podium, with the Arizona Republican Party seal prominently displayed, Pullen made his comments with an oversized picture of Harry Mitchell to his right with the caption “November 2006,” an oversized photo of a seal balancing a ball its nose on his left with the caption “August 2007,” and a banner with the words, “Because the Desert is no place for a Trained Seal,” behind him. Pullen went on to describe several of Mitchell’s votes in Congress including his vote to strip away workers privacy rights in the union formation process, his multiple votes to surrender in Iraq, and his support of egregious pork barrel spending. “Mitchell has clearly demonstrated that he is out of touch with his constituents and the people of Arizona. Ninety percent of the time, Harry Mitchell votes with San Francisco liberal Nancy Pelosi – and against his Arizona district. Ninety percent of the time, Harry Mitchell puts politics ahead of his own campaign promises. This isn’t the same Harry Mitchell I’ve known in the past.” Yesterday, Mitchell’s spokesman responded, “Nobody in Democratic leadership ever talked to the congressman, period.”
Pullen rejected this assertion from Mitchell’s office.
The YouTube video of last Thursday’s House debacle can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y08iTaGcm0. Goldwater Institute Sues Phoenix over Corporate Welfare Aug. 8, 2007 PHOENIX --
The Goldwater Institute today filed a
lawsuit challenging the City of Phoenix's $97.4 million subsidy to the
developer of a planned mall in north Phoenix known as CityNorth. The
lawsuit, Turken v. Gordon, was filed in Maricopa County Superior
Court and seeks an injunction against the subsidy and to restore the
constitutional ban on subsidies. AZ GOP Calls for Lib Mayor Gordon to Resign over Airport Security Breeches July 23, 2007 PHOENIX -- Arizona GOP Chairman Randy Pullen is pointing at liberal Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon for the security breeches at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. And calling for his resignation. “Who knew the greatest security threat to western civilization was not Osama bin-Laden, but Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon?” Pullen asked. Pullen’s comments come in response to revelations by Channel 15 news of a massive security breakdown at Sky Harbor Airport over the last two years. “For the safety of all Arizonans and all Americans, we need a thorough investigation of the situation, if it is found that the Mayor knew of this security failure, he ought to resign. “The citizens of Phoenix gave their trust and confidence that Mayor Gordon would keep them safe and secure, this security failure is beyond incompetent, it’s beyond gross negligence, it’s borderline criminal,” Pullen said. “Planes from Phoenix travel all over the nation, and from there, all over the world. This security threat is simply incredible and the Mayor must answer for it.” Arizona GOP Criticizes 'Stop Trying' Congressional Democrats for Cowardly Voting to Cut and Run July 14, 2007 PHOENIX -- Just hours after the White House released an interim assessment report on the situation in Iraqi, Democrats in Congress, including Arizona’s four Democrat U.S. House Members, voted to pull U.S. troops from their war against terror by spring. Arizona Republican Party chairman Randy Pullen said the vote put American troops and American lives at risk. “History will show that at 6:12 (EDT) in the evening on July 12, 2007, Harry Mitchell, Gabrielle Giffords, Raul Grijalva and Ed Pastor voted to surrender the nation of Iraq to the terrorists,” said Randy Pullen, chairman of the state Republican Party. “On November 4, 2008, the voters will have their chance to say exactly how they feel about Arizona Democrats who surrender to anyone." Pullen questioned the Democrats' resorting to pulling U.S. troops out of Iraq when the Iraqi government has provided the three brigades of troops they fulfilled their commitment to provide. “How many times do Democrat U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Democrat US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have to call for our surrender to terrorists before Harry Mitchell, Gabrielle Giffords and others figure out that Congress should not be trying to run the war?" Pullen asked. "Their job is to support our troops. This isn’t just a do-nothing Congress, it’s a stop-trying Congress, and that’s more than just cowardly. It’s the reason why only 14 percent of American voters approve of the job this Democrat-controlled Congress is doing, and it’s the reason next year’s elections couldn’t come soon enough.” Maricopa County Attorney Thomas Dismisses Prop 100 Special Actions July 10, 2007 PHOENIX -- In the wake of new legislation signed by the governor and new rules governing Proposition 100 issued by the state’s highest court, the County Attorney’s Office has dismissed special actions filed with the Arizona Supreme Court and the Arizona Court of Appeals. County Attorney Andrew Thomas expressed his confidence that the legislation and court rules should bring Maricopa County courts into compliance with Proposition 100, eliminating the need for the special actions. As a result, it is anticipated that illegal immigrants accused of serious felonies in Maricopa County now will be held without bond. When liberal Gov. Janet Napolitano last week signed Senate Bill 1265, the new law established probable cause as the standard for determining a defendant’s immigration status. The bill also mandated that eligibility for bail be determined at the time of the defendant’s initial appearance. This legislation was designed to ensure full judicial compliance with Proposition 100, which was approved by 78 percent of Arizona voters in 2006 and which ended the right to bail for illegal immigrants accused of serious felonies. On July 3, the Arizona Supreme Court announced modifications the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure. These changes, made effective immediately, implemented the probable cause standard and initial appearance requirements of Senate Bill 1265. The new rules ended the so-called Simpson hearings, which were previously held to determine a defendant’s release status under Proposition 100. A recent study by the County Attorney’s Office under the old rules showed that 94 percent of illegal immigrants were being granted bail or release at Simpson hearings by Maricopa County judges and judicial officers. The new legislation and the supreme court rule changes ensure a probable cause standard applies when determining a defendant’s immigration status. Previously, the courts applied a standard of “proof evident or presumption great.” County courts were interpreting this standard so narrowly that confessions from illegal immigrant defendants were not considered sufficient evidence for these defendants to be denied bail or release. Thomas said, “By dismissing our special action requests, I am expressing hope and confidence that Prop 100 now will become a reality in our county court system. Given the recent actions by all three branches of state government to address these matters, I do not see the need to burden the Arizona Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals with litigation prompted by the county courts’ former noncompliance.”
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