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Viewing Category: Democrats
Head of state Democratic Party to resign Aug. 10State Democratic Party Chairman David Waid will resign Aug. 10 so he can devote more time to his family and his fledgling public affairs firm.His departure is a serious blow to the state party, which Waid shepherded through a 2006 election cycle that was the most successful in recent memory for Arizona Democrats. The party easily hung on to the Governor's and Attorney General's offices, and gained seven legislative seats and two congressional seats.
Waid said the three things he's most passionate about are the Democratic Party, his family and his consulting firm, adding, "I'm just finding that I really need to be able to put a little more attention on the latter two."
Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Political Parties]
Posted by Editor at 09:38 AM
Giffords, Mitchell not in lockstep with Dems' leadershipWASHINGTON - Six months into the new Congress, neither of Arizona's two freshmen House members seems to be easing into the job.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Giffords, Mitchell]Both former Arizona state senators, Harry Mitchell of Tempe and Gabrielle Giffords of Tucson came to Washington as part of a wave of new lawmakers chosen in the Democratic sweep of last fall's elections. Now, both are trying to balance the demands of their party's majority against the challenges inherent in representing swing districts - where many of their constituents are Republicans - as Congress's overall approval ratings sink to near-record lows in national polls.
"If you had to place them on a scale within the Democratic caucus, they'd probably be right in the middle as far as ideology between the party's liberals and the party's moderate-to-conservative members," said David Wasserman, who analyzes House races for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report in Washington. "I think that serves them well in the districts they represent."
Posted by Editor at 04:43 PM
Will Dems have strength to fight war?Public opinion polls show the American people hated everything about the Senate immigration reform bill, except for what it actually proposed.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Iraq, Security]Path to citizenship for illegal immigrants? Sure. Tougher border enforcement? Absolutely. Workplace enforcement? Go get 'em.
A bill that contains all that? No way.
Posted by Editor at 04:38 PM
Union ads touting Giffords follow GOP's May blitzNo need to check your calendar. It's still 2007 — but as far as political types are concerned, it's already 2008.Permalink [Filed under: Ads, Democrats, Elections, Giffords]That's why this weekend you might catch some television commercials supporting Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who isn't up for re-election for another 16 months.
The ads are paid for by the Service Employees International Union, which is spending $400,000 nationwide this weekend on ads supporting 12 incumbent Democrats. The focus: health-care and minimum-wage accomplishments.
Posted by Editor at 07:32 AM
Clinton helps Arizona Democrats raise $600,000Speaking at a fundraiser Monday night, former President Bill Clinton expressed concern about the environment, class differences and said the U.S. should take a more European approach to key issues.The former president headlined the event at the at the swanky Phoenician Resort helping Arizona Democrats raise more than $600,000. Clinton derided Bush administration tax cuts for the wealthy and big business and downplayed recent economic growth as disproportionately helping the wealthy.
"Most of the economic expansion has been fueled by maxed out credit cards and second mortgages on homes," Clinton added, pointing to flat median wages. "This is an unequal recovery."
Permalink [Filed under: Democrats]
Posted by Editor at 08:28 AM
Democrats, nurses to host 'Sicko' screeningsThe Maricopa County Democratic Party and a group of Phoenix nurses affiliated with the California Nurses Association will host screenings of Moore's film "Sicko."Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Health Care]The left-wing filmmaker examines issues including private insurance coverage, how America's profit-based, private health system compares to government-run systems that offer universal care in Europe, Australia and Japan.
The nurses will host a screening of "Sicko" on June 29 at the AMC Ahwatukee 24 theaters.
Posted by Editor at 07:59 AM
Tucson legislator debating Pat Buchanan on TV todayPHOENIX — A Tucson lawmaker will appear on national television this morning to debate Arizona's crackdown on illegal immigrants.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Immigration]State Rep. Steve Farley, a Democrat, is scheduled to debate Republican commentator Pat Buchanan at 10:30 a.m. on MSNBC.
Farley, who represents Midtown Tucson, voted against an employer-sanctions measure last week, saying it will seriously hurt small businesses. He was recommended for the show by House Democratic leadership and suspects much of the discussion will focus on employer sanctions.
Posted by Editor at 07:49 AM
Clinton holds Democratic fundraiser in ValleyFormer President Bill Clinton told a sold-out crowd at Monday's annual Heritage Dinner that the country gave Democrats a chance, not a mandate, in last year's midterm elections."It's a good time for us," Clinton said. "The country is coming to us again."
The dinner, held at the Phoenician resort, was a fundraiser for the Arizona Democratic Party. Former state Chairman Jim Pederson announced that this year's dinner raised more than $600,000 for the party in Arizona.
Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Political Parties]
Posted by Editor at 08:00 AM
$10.6B budget wins Demo leader's praisePHOENIX — The head of the Arizona Democratic Party praised Gov. Janet Napolitano for signing a $10.6 billion budget — and suggested that the last four she signed were not in the best interests of the state.Permalink [Filed under: Budget, Democrats, Governor, Legislature]In a press release, state party Chairman David Waid called the spending plan, signed Monday by the governor, a "major achievement for Democrats."
"Arizona deserves a balanced and reasonable budget that reflects our priorities and is based on the principles of fiscal responsibility," Waid said. "Democrats worked hard to pass a budget that does that."
Posted by Editor at 07:48 AM
Legislature's Democrats finally find cloutThis was the year that Democrats mattered at the state Legislature.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Legislature]That the state Senate struck a cooperative tone while the House was marked more by confusion and confrontation.
It was kumbaya vs. chaos, with the Senate boasting of a new level of bipartisan cooperation and the House seemingly as divided as ever.
In the end, kumbaya won. Democrats joined with Republicans. Gov. Janet Napolitano, a Democrat, signed on to key legislation, reducing her number of vetoes by more than half.
Posted by Editor at 07:06 AM
Bill Clinton to address Arizona DemocratsFormer President Bill Clinton will serve as the keynote speaker at the Arizona Democratic Party’s annual Heritage Dinner in Phoenix next week.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats]“Having President Clinton speak at this year’s dinner is both exciting and a sure fire sign that the national Democrats see Arizona in play at every level of the ballot in 2008,” state party chairman David Waid said in a statement.
Registration for the fundraiser is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 25, at The Phoenician Resort, 6000 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix.
Posted by Editor at 07:43 AM
No Rematch for Renzi, But Democrats’ Lineup is Still LengthyDemocrats say they are going to go all out next year to try to capture the seat in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District held by Republican Rep. Rick Renzi, whose political future has been clouded by his connection to a pending federal investigation into a land deal.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Renzi, Republicans]But if Democrats do make a serious run in what, on paper, appears a potential partisan swing district, they will have to do it with a fresh candidate: Ellen Simon, whose vigorous but late-starting challenge to Renzi in 2006 fell short, announced Thursday that she is dropping her bid for a 2008 rematch.
Simon, who filed candidacy papers with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) just three weeks ago, said in a statement that she is withdrawing “for personal reasons.”
Posted by Editor at 05:12 AM
Automated GOP calls will target GiffordsThe effort, which includes radio ads and a Web site, seeks to link Giffords with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and paint her as too liberal for Arizona.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Giffords, Political Parties, Republicans]Giffords is not alone. Republicans are similarly targeting other freshman Democrats in competitive or Republican-leaning districts across the country.
The move by the GOP appears to be the first volley in an anticipated fight to reclaim Giffords' seat in 2008. Giffords was elected in November with 54 percent of the vote, replacing Republican Jim Kolbe, who retired after 22 years.
Posted by Editor at 02:44 AM
State Democratic Party teams with energy group backed by Soros, TurnerThe Arizona Democratic Party is joining forces with a new alternative energy advocacy group supported by a cadre of Bush critics, including financier George Soros, former media mogul Ted Turner and groups such as MoveOn.org.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Energy]The Washington, D.C.-based Apollo group is bringing labor unions, environmental groups, elected officials and alternative energy companies together to bolster research and development of clean energy sources. Apollo supporters say the effort will create new jobs, foster clean energy innovation and reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil, especially from OPEC.
Posted by Editor at 01:49 AM
Kyl to Dems: Don't dig in heels over immigrationU.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., issued what sounded like a warning Wednesday to Senate Democrats who might want to stick with the McCain-Kennedy approach to immigration reform passed last year.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Immigration, Kyl]A statement from Kyl states that a consensus bill is the "only chance for immigration reform."
"I am concerned by reports that Senate Democrats may attempt to pass last year's immigration legislation rather than continue working toward a bipartisan solution," Kyl said. "Border security and illegal immigration are enormous challenges that we must address, and they require a thoughtful and fair approach."
Posted by Editor at 03:05 AM
3 Dems get heat from their ownPHOENIX — Three Southern Arizona Democrats have been targeted by their own party for supporting a GOP budget proposal — the latest episode in a clash between two cliques in the House Democratic caucus. Reps. Linda Lopez, D-Tucson; Olivia Cajero Bedford. D-Tucson; and Pete Rios, D-Hayden, voted Monday in favor of several Republican budget bills, which include nearly $60 million in tax cuts.Permalink [Filed under: Budget, Democrats]
Posted by Editor at 07:27 AM
Mitchell among targets in GOP e-campaignWASHINGTON - National Republicans are launching an e-campaign today aimed at stirring up negative buzz about Arizona Rep. Harry Mitchell and 10 other freshman Democrats before Congress heads home for a two-week recess.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Mitchell, Republicans, US House]The GOP will e-mail 1 million voters in the districts with links to a new Web site that compares quotes from potentially vulnerable Democrats with their voting records. Recipients will be asked to forward the messages to others, creating what Republican strategists hope will be a backlash against the lawmakers.
Posted by Editor at 07:20 AM
Napolitano takes Dems' heat for war supportGov. Janet Napolitano's recent statements supporting military operations in Iraq and saying she has no plans to call for a troop withdrawal drew criticism from members of the Democratic Party who have lost patience with the war.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Governor, Iraq]Democrat Napolitano made her first visit to Iraq this month at the invitation of Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
After two days of conversations with soldiers, military commanders and other officials, she came away cautiously optimistic about the country's security situation and the potential for success with the recent decision to increase troop strength in Baghdad.
Posted by Editor at 06:44 AM
Democrats say Arizona U.S. Attorney was 'neutral'Former U.S. Attorney for Arizona Paul Charlton was not targeted for ouster after the November elections, according to Bush administration documents released Tuesday. Charlton left the U.S. Attorney post last year and is in private practice at the Phoenix law firm Gallagher & Kennedy.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Federal Government, Judiciary, Political Parties, Republicans]A number of other U.S. Attorneys across the country also resigned or were removed after the election. Congressional Democrats have been investigating why those exits occurred, noting that several of the prosecutors were investigating Republican congressional members or other GOP officials.
Posted by Editor at 06:35 AM
Death threats have state leaders toning down rhetoricIn light of death treats against two Arizona politicians, Democratic state legislators will hold a special meeting Tuesdayto examine the impact of their rhetoric on the immigration debate and urge state leaders to tone it down.House Democratic leader Phil Lopes of Tucson organized the forum with Phoenix Democrat Kyrsten Sinema. She and Safford Republican Bill Konopnicki received death threats earlier this year.
Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Immigration, Law Enforcement, Legislature]
Posted by Editor at 05:37 AM
Arizona congressman to deliver weekly Democratic responseArizona Congressman Harry Mitchell will deliver the Democrats' weekly national radio address March 10 focusing on the poor conditions faced by injured soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Health Care, Military, Mitchell]Mitchell, a freshman representing Scottsdale and Tempe, has been part of Democratic efforts critical of the Bush administration and the Pentagon for conditions at the Washington, D.C., Army hospital.
Posted by Editor at 12:03 AM
Democrat legislators flex some rare muscleIt's not often that Democratic lawmakers have enough power to block the Republican majority, but they are flexing their muscle in blocking a veto override.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Governor, Law Enforcement, Legislature]On Friday, Gov. Janet Napolitano vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for convicted murderer Harold Fish to argue self-defense in a new trial.
Posted by Editor at 12:48 AM
Dems ask Congress' help on immigrationPHOENIX — Attempting to ward off immigration-related bills introduced by Republicans, Democratic leaders in the state House are turning to Arizona's congressional delegation for help.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Federal Government, Immigration, US House, US Senate]In particular, Democrats are hoping Arizona's Republican members of Congress will agree to try to get GOP members of the Legislature to back-off the issue and leave immigration reform to Congress.
Posted by Editor at 12:40 AM
Arizona Democrats back changes in union organizing rulesThe U.S. Chamber of Commerce plans on running television advertisements aimed at Democratic members of Congress -- including Tempe's Harry Mitchell and other Arizona Democrats -- over a controversial plan related to union organizing.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Labor]The U.S. Chamber and other business groups are fighting a Democratic and labor-backed plan that would allow for unions to organize workplaces by having workers sign union cards and not necessarily via a formal union election. Republicans and the Bush adminstration also oppose the measure.
Posted by Editor at 07:16 AM
State GOP upheaval worries DemocratsOK, let's see if we have this straight. The entire staff of the state Republican Party quits after a new chairman is elected, and it's the Democrats who are worried.Permalink [Filed under: Democrats, Political Parties, Republicans]Jumping on Randy Pullen's election as GOP chairman, and the subsequent departure of the party staff, Democrats fired off a letter to their faithful about the "shocking move."
Posted by Editor at 11:32 AM
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