Sen. Martin to Run for State Treasurer

NEWS & ANALYSIS

State Sen. Martin Announces Candidacy for Treasurer

March 16, 2006

State Sen. Dean (R-Phoenix) made it official today by announcing that he is a candidate for state treasurer. David Petersen (R) is not seeking reelection for the state post.

Martin issued a release stating, "For the past 6 years, I've had the honor to serve you in the Arizona State Senate. As the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, vice-chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I have a proven record as a fiscal watchdog and taxpayer advocate."

Sen. Martin cited the following highlights of his three terms in the Arizona Senate:

§ Improved public access to government operations and documents to make government more accountable to taxpayers.

§ Sponsored Proposition 103 which amended the AZ Constitution to keep sex offenders behind bars, prohibited them from living next to schools, and strengthened notification statutes.

§ Eliminated the marriage tax penalty in Arizona.

§ Stopped all attempts to raise taxes, and passed legislation to cut your income and property taxes.

§ Repealed a $2 million annual hidden income tax increase.

§ Later this month, my bill to repeal Arizona’s “Death Tax” will be sent to the Governor.

§ This year, my bills SB1289, SB1465, SB1545, and SB1546 will prevent governments from profiting from property valuation increases, repeal $204 million in state property taxes, provide income tax relief, and phase out the tax on investment in Arizona.

The nation’s leading taxpayer group, Americans for Tax Reform, named Sen. Martin a “Hero of the Taxpayers” for his efforts to cut taxes and hold the line against spending. The president of Americans for Tax Reform said, “Sen. Martin’s dedication to stop tax increases and limit government spending is pivotal in securing the economy in Arizona. His leadership has played a key role in providing a competitive job market and benefiting the people of Arizona.”

Sen. Martin said that for more than a year many people have encouraged him to pursue the office and provide new leadership.

"This February, after careful consideration and with the wholehearted support of my wife, family, friends and longtime supporters, I have decided to answer the call, and seek the office of Treasurer of the State of Arizona," Martin said.

It appears that Martin will be the only Republican seeking the office this year. He is organizing across the state and is recruiting additional volunteers to collect signatures, put up and maintain signs, schedule events, make phone calls, register new voters and help with various other campaign needs.

Last weekend, the Martin campaign activities kicked off with volunteers working events in three counties and collecting 1,100 nominating petition signatures. The campaign is 28 percent qualified in Maricopa County and 20 percent qualified in Pinal, Gila and Yuma counties. Martin needs at least 5,500 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot from a minimum of three counties.

Supporters and volunteers can help the Martin campaign by calling (602) 550-2409 or writing to: volunteer@VoteDeanMartin.com.

"I am looking forward to bringing the campaign to all parts of our great State of Arizona," Martin said. "Please let us know if there is a community meeting, event, parade or local party gathering in your area that we should attend. We will also want to set up small gatherings at local businesses or coffees at homes. If you would like to host an event at your home or business, please let us know at events@VoteDeanMartin.com.

Martin is running as a traditional privately-funded candidate.

"I have enough resources to kick off the campaign with a strong start; however, we still need to raise funds to continue the campaign to victory in November," Martin said. "I would appreciate any financial support you may be able to provide."

Martin said it has been an honor to serve in the Senate for six years and he looks forward to bringing his experience as a fiscal watchdog for the taxpayers to the state treasurer’s office.