Saturday, May 31, 2014

AZ Rep John Kavanaugh Endorses Jay Lawrence For LD23 State Representative Video

Jay Lawrence - Welcome 2
VIEW VIDEO
About Jay
Jay's Endorsements

Is Phoenix Building the Taj Mahal?











Taj Mahal vs Affordable Housing
























More Government Waste Exposed

Phoenix voted to spend $32 million to build “affordable” apartments. One phase will cost you $281,000 for each apartment – that is $80,000 more than the cost of a single family home.

This is how Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and some on the Council voted to spend your hard earned tax dollars

YES, that's TWO-HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS per apartment.  “Affordable” for the politicians-not for you.

This vote followed the $650,000 they spent on a study of your personal garbage.  This was done in the face of a $38 million deficit, cut police pay and Phoenix received the first credit downgrade ever in history.

As elected leaders, we have an obligation to only spend what we need. We can do better.  We must focus on core needs and protecting you and your family must be the first priority.

Big Tax increases coming your way:

                  *$9,500,000 new water tax
                  *New parking tax/fee for our parks
                  *New fees on seniors for services
                  *New grocery bag tax being discussed

Please help me get the word out to everyone you know!  With your help we can get Phoenix back on the right track.

Sal DiCiccio 

Phoenix City Councilman, District 6

Can you help? Mark Brnovich AZ AG Candidate

Can you help?

There are only 12 hours left in the current campaign finance cycle and any contributions I receive before midnight tonight will be counted towards this filing quarter.

So many of you have generously sacrificed and have already donated and I can't thank you enough. Your contributions will be used to fund items like yard signs, street signs, campaign literature and direct mail.

We need to get our message out across Arizona and I can't do it without your help.

Will you donate to my campaign today? $5, $10, $20, $50 - whatever you can do before the end of May is greatly appreciated.

If you donate before midnight tonight you will help us show a strong campaign finance quarter. We are only $2,300 short of our quarterly fundraising goal and I'm doing everything I can on the phones to help us hit that mark.

Please consider donating today. Any amount is greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for everything you are already doing!



Please visit: www.Mark4AZ.com or follow me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Mark4AZ or on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/Mark4AZ.

14 Hours!

As May draws to a close, I wanted you to know that there’s still time to submit your contribution to help us meet our May fundraising goal!

We are just $2375 away from our monthly goal with 14 hours left in the month! Please take a moment to donate $33, $53, $73, $173 or even $1733! It will go a long way toward spreading our conservative message and taking back Arizona’s 1st Congressional District.


Thanks!




Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions exceed $200 in an election cycle. Contributions from foreign nationals and corporations are prohibited.


Contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes

TODAY! Help me finish STRONG!


LET'S FINISH STRONG!
I need your help TODAY

Today is May 31st and it is the last day of the campaign reporting period. The donations in this report will send a message that voters in LD23 want PRIORITIES OVER POLITICS!

Please help me finish STRONG!

Your donation today will send a message: 

You want to change the negative headlines, the lack of attention to education, public safety, and the economy and you want that change to include
JEFF SCHWARTZ
Any donation will go a long way in supporting my candidacy for AZ State Senate in LD23. Your support is critical as we move into the next phase of the election - and with your support we will win the Primary on August 26th!

Please use the button below to make a contribution TODAY. $5 - $2,000, whatever you can do is greatly appreciated!

~Jeff Schwartz

PS: PLEASE send this to family, friends, anyone who wants change - ask them to donate today!

Friday, May 30, 2014

Ken Bennett for Governor Newsletter May 30, 2014

Ken Bennett for Governor
Growing up, one of the greatest influences on my life was my involvement in the Boy Scouts. Among the many values they taught me, the underlying theme was determination and perseverance.  Those principles have served me well throughout my private sector career and two decades of public service.
Whether it was running a small family business in northern Arizona, or serving as the leader of the state Senate, ideals instilled by the Boy Scouts provided me a foundation from which we were able to achieve great success.  As CEO of Bennett Oil, we were determined to provide quality jobs in a rural community.  As Senate President, perseverance allowed us to pass the largest tax decrease in the state’s history.  
Over the next 3 months, more than 250 candidates are determined to earn your vote.  From Bullhead City to Bisbee, community leaders have answered the call of public service and thrown their hat in the ring. As one of those candidates, I share their desire to shape Arizona’s future and get our state back on track.  
Through determination and perseverance, we can restore a sense of pride in our state government.  But we cannot do it without your help. Please visit www.BennettArizona.com to learn about my vision, and join the effort to change our state for the better.
Sincerely,
Ken's signature
Ken Bennett

Big MO

Scott Smith for Governor 2014
Supporter's of Mayor Smith,
Wow – the momentum for Mayor Scott Smith's campaign for Governor is surely building!

In the past 10 days alone, our campaign has:

  • Filed over 12,000 signatures to place Mayor Smith's name on the Republican Primary Ballot.
  • Received endorsements from Mayors all across Arizona.
  • Campaigned in Tucson, Yuma, Marana, Mesa, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, and Phoenix.
  • Put up over 250 Smith for Governor signs.
  • Maintained our advantage in the polls against candidates who have already spent over $1 million dollars.
  • Stood up for Veterans as the only Republican candidate for Governor to call for VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to resign.
  • Called on President Obama to end the "Greyhound Bus Immigration Strategy" that drops off illegal immigrants from Texas at Phoenix and Tucson bus stations. Again, Scott was the only Republican candidate for Governor to exert leadership on this issue.
  • Met with national Latino leaders.
  • Volunteers have recorded over 500 hours!
As you can tell, the campaign is in full swing and we must continue to keep the momentum building to help elect Mayor Scott Smith Governor of Arizona.

The next big test for the campaign is the May 31st financial reporting period. This report will be looked at by reporters and political pundits as a sign of strength for the Mayor's chances of winning the Republican nomination and then the General Election.

That is why the campaign is asking you to click here now to make your most generous donation!

A donation of $50 pays for two signs to be printed and installed.

A donation of $250 will pay for 500 voter contacts.

A donation of $4,000 will help pay for a television ad.

Please click here now to show your support for Mayor Scott Smith and his campaign for Governor of Arizona. The deadline is midnight on Saturday.

Thank you and please let me know if I can answer any questions about the campaign.

Max Fose
General Consultant

I Need Your Help To Be YOUR VOICE ON CITY COUNCIL!


Two weeks ago I was the first candidate to file my nominating papers and 1,727 petition signatures (1000 are required) with the City Clerk to get my name on the ballot for City Council.  My heartfelt thanks to all of you who collected so many signatures for me!
My campaign to be Your Voice On Council is off to a great start, but I need your help.  When I fought the third-of-a-billion-dollar property tax increase last fall, my PAC was outspent by the special interests 52 to 1! I expect those same special interests will be just as generous to my opponents in this campaign  - they will work hard to keep me off the City Council.

Please donate today.  Any amount will make a difference. In this election cycle contributions are limited to $2,500 for individuals, but any amount you can afford will help.  You can donate online via your credit card or PayPal account by clicking on the button above.  If you prefer to donate by mail please print and fill out the attached Donation Form and mail it along with your check (made out to “Littlefield for Council”) to 8926 E. Sheena Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

If you have any questions, would like more information about my campaign or would like to help, my web site is www.kathylittlefield.com and my phone # is 480-951-2549. Thank you for your support.


http://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/576443/a46f29a875ef5524e8a6dfd5f0fe4ae7/image/pngKathy Littlefield

Women supporting Doug Ducey For Arizona Governor

I am so proud that Doug has earned the endorsements of conservative women this week:
— AZ Sen. Nancy Barto (LD 15)
— AZ Rep. Debbie Lesko (LD 21)
— AZ Rep. Michelle Ugenti (LD 23)
— Concerned Women Political Action Committee
It is great to know that other women have come to see what I see in Doug: his exemplary work ethic, his proven leadership skills, and above all, his servant’s heart.  He believes the people are best served when their politicians understand the fact that the government works for the citizens, not the other way around.
If Doug has the honor to serve as the next governor of Arizona, you can trust that he will work hard to improve our economy, attract the best teachers for our schools, defend the values we hold dear, and keep taxes as low as possible for Arizona families. 
Please join me in supporting Doug this August, and help spread the word using the links below.
Yours truly,

Angela

Arizona:Andrew Walter for Congress Releases New Web Video, "2,587"

Andrew Walter Releases New Web Video "2,587"
Today, Andrew Walter for Congress released a web video, "2,587." In it, Andrew explains his vision for the district and that this is not merely the start of a campaign, but a movement for real leadership in Arizona's 9th district.

"This is more than just names on a page. This is about a vision for Arizona's 9th district. I'm determined to hold Kyrsten Sinema accountable and bring real leadership to Washington."
 WATCH THE VIDEO
Watch the Video
About Andrew Walter
Andrew Walter is a native Arizonan and starred at quarterback for Arizona State University (ASU) where he earned a BA in Communications.  Andrew was selected in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders and finished his career with the New England Patriots.  Following his professional sports career Andrew earned his MBA from ASU, with an emphasis in finance.  Andrew has had great success in the private sector as the Principal of Andrew Walter Holdings, a senior secured lending firm, and as a credit analyst for MidFirst Bank.

After Shinseki Resignation, It's Time For Tough Questions and Answers

May 30, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
After Shinseki Resignation, It’s Time For Tough Questions and Answers
Office of Inspector General has conducted 18 reports on the VA over the last eight years.

In a statement released by Ann Kirkpatrick yesterday, she acknowledged that, “in the last eight years, there have been 18 Inspector General reports pointing to these systemic problems.” Kirkpatrick is Arizona’s only member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and is the Ranking Member of its Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.

“General Shinseki’s resignation is a good first step to fixing our broken VA system, but it does not absolve President Obama, Ann Kirkpatrick or Washington politicians on both sides of the aisle from their responsibility to fix this mess. It’s time that we start asking tough questions of members of our House Veterans Affairs Committee,” said Tobin. “Ann Kirkpatrick acknowledges that the Office of the Inspector General has conducted 18 reports on the problems at the VA over the past eight years. When did she discover that the non-existent waiting lists were putting our veterans at risk? When was she planning on doing something about it? It is her duty as ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee to demand accountability and action at the first sign of trouble, not after our veterans have been tragically waiting for care that never came. It’s time for answers.”

ABOUT ANDY TOBIN:
Andy Tobin and his wife of 28 years, Jennifer, are the proud parents of five children- three daughters and two sons. Tobin is a small business owner who has devoted his life to positively affecting his community through job creation, public service and advocating for conservative principles. Tobin’s focus has been on creating sustainable jobs, helping small businesses succeed, building a stronger middle class and putting Arizona back on track. While serving as Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, Tobin drastically cut government by 25 percent, balanced Arizona’s budget and presided over the largest tax cuts in Arizona’s history, saving Arizona taxpayers millions of dollars.

Tobin has fought for your family’s freedoms, your prosperity and your community for the past six years while serving in the Arizona Legislature. He continues to lead the fight to stop the implementation of the disastrous ObamaCare. As your Representative in Congress, Andy Tobin will represent your voice, and lead the charge in fighting for you against the wasteful spending, government intrusion, and out-of-touch insiders that are taking away your freedoms.

Join Andy Tobin today!
###

For more information, please contact Tobin for Congress Campaign Manager Craig Handzlik at press@andytobin.com or 928-275-1417

THE McCAIN UPDATE: VA SCANDAL, AZ DEFENSE, JUDGES


The McCain Update
May 2014
Veterans Affairs ControversyThis month brought Memorial Day, a sacred observance in America's democracy on which the nation honors and thanks those who have worn the uniform of the United States and have served and sacrificed in its defense. It is therefore the height of shame and tragedy that at this time the nation is seized with the unfolding scandal of the government's failure to meet its highest responsibility to veterans and wounded warriors. At least 42 Department of Veterans Affairs health-care facilities are under investigation for chronic mismanagement, deceitful and self-serving behavior, and inadequate provision of care. Whistleblowers allege that these and other failures at VA facilities may have led to the deaths of some 40 veterans. Simply put, America's veterans are losing confidence in the one government agency that exists solely to care for them.
This week, the VA Inspector General released a deeply troubling interim report on the allegations of gross mismanagement and neglect at the Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS). The report details delays in care and manipulation of record that are ‘systemic throughout’ the VA and states that officials in Phoenix may have misreported data to headquarters to cover up wait times which averaged 115 days for initial primary care appointments. The IG’s report today tells a far different story than the one I received in a letter from Secretary Shinseki responding to an inquiry I made regarding these allegations last month. I now believe that now is the time for Secretary Shinseki – a career soldier, a Vietnam combat veteran and a man whose career of service I have long admired – to step down from his post.

More broadly, Sens. Richard Burr, Tom Coburn and I are working on legislation that would strengthen the ability of VA administrators to hire and fire those charged with providing care and, most importantly, give far greater flexibility to veterans to get the care they need and deserve, where and when they want it, whether in the VA system or not.

 
Veterans have earned the right to choose where and when they get their medical care, and it is our responsibility to afford them this option. Continuing to require that they rely on a system riddled with dysfunction, while waiting for broader reform, is patently unacceptable.
My staff and I are doubling down on our efforts to help Arizona veterans get the care they deserve. If you know a veteran encountering problems receiving care please contact my office at 602-952-2410 or here
Our nation has a duty to provide the best quality of care to those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf, and we must hold to account those responsible for breaking faith with that solemn obligation.
Arizona Defense and the National Defense Authorization Bill This month, the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) “marked up” the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2015 (the full Senate will vote of this bill later in the year). Eleven of my amendments are included as provisions in the bill, 3 of them are of particular importance to Arizona.
A-10 Amendment:  This provision would keep A-10s flying and fully operational for an additional year. I have been a leader of the fight in the Senate to stop the premature retirement of the A-10. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson is home to the 355th Operations Group, which includes more than 80 A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and hundreds of military and civilian personnel – supporting over 1,000 total jobs in the Tucson area.  By unanimously passing my amendment, SASC recognized the unique value and close-air support capability the A-10 provides our troops in the field, and rejected the President’s proposal to prematurely divest the Air Force of this remarkable aircraft, which has saved so many lives in combat. We have tens of thousands of ground troops in Afghanistan today that depend on the A-10 for close air support. If we did away with the A-10 capability before fielding a suitable replacement, it would dramatically increase the risk to our troops in the conflicts of today and the future.

Tomahawk Missile Funding Amendment:  This provision would continue funding for the purchase of Tomahawk missiles. The Obama Administration had planned to halt purchases of Tomahawk missiles without a clear plan to replace them with a next-generation land attack weapon. The Tomahawk is one of the most utilized weapons in the U.S. Navy – it would be a real gamble to halt their production without a replacement weapon available. The production of the Tomahawk missile supports approximately 200 jobs at Raytheon in Tucson.
Army Test and Evaluation Command Amendment:
This provision would prohibit the Army from consolidating Army Test and Evaluation Command programs until the Secretary of the Army submits a report to Congress with a business case analysis of the proposed consolidation, an estimate of the savings, and an assessment by the Director of Test Resource Management Center at the Department of Defense. The Electronic Proving Ground (EPG), which tests some capabilities and missions of the Army Test and Evaluation Command, is based at Fort Huachuca. The EPG supports approximately 150 government jobs at Fort Huachuca and perhaps as many as 400 contractor positions.
Confirmation of 6 Arizona Judges to Federal Bench This month, the Senate confirmed several judges to serve in federal trial courts in Arizona. The U.S. District Court in Arizona has been under tremendous strain due to the fact that 6 of the 13 authorized judgeships were vacant. A declared “judicial emergency” since 2011, the court’s growing caseload and backlog threatened to undermine the timely administration of justice in parts of Arizona.  Although long-overdue, I am proud that the Senate this month confirmed an historic and impressive slate of six judges, which will greatly help this court fully and efficiently carry out its important work.
The vote was the culmination of a long process, aided by the work of a non-partisan judicial evaluation commission in the state, which aimed to identify the best-qualified individuals to fill these vacancies. Congratulations to Steven Logan, Diane Humetewa, John Tuchi, Douglas Rayes, Rosemary Marquez, and James Soto. Each of these individuals understands the true meaning of public service, and their legal knowledge and extensive experiences indicate they will serve ably and fairly from the bench.
The District Court in Arizona made history with the confirmation Diane Humetewa, who will be the first Native American woman to serve as a federal judge. As a member of the Hopi Nation, she will be a welcome voice on a court tasked with deciding crucial issues for Arizona’s Native American tribes.
The confirmation of these six judges marked a tremendous day for these individuals, the federal court, and the entire State.
 In Case You Missed It This Month
  • The Wall Street Journal published my op-ed on the VA Scandal shadowing over us this Memorial Day. 
  • Phoenix and Sierra Vista held moving Memorial Day events on Monday – I was honored and humbled to participate. 
  • Senator Flake and I supported and the President signed into law a bill that enables the Forest Service to correct a mapping error that accidentally placed several homes of the Mountianare community on national forest land. The affected homeowners may not have been able to rebuild if the Slide Fire damaged their homes because, due to this error, they technically did not own the land. The new law allows the homeowners to purchase the underlying federal land directly from the Forest Service.
  • Senator Flake and I applauded the Forest Service’s decision to designate ten locations across Arizona’s six national forests as emergency “insect and disease treatment areas,” which will enable the agency to accelerate forest management projects to mitigate the increased risk of wildfires on about 182,000 acres of Forest Service land that Governor Jan Brewer formally submitted as high-risk for tree mortality due to insect infestation. Last month, we requested the Forest Service give timely consideration to Governor Brewer’s request.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture resumed the inspection of cattle that are exported from Mexico through the port of Douglas, Arizona. Last month, I had a positive discussion with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack during which he assured me that he would implement certain protocols to safeguard the lives of inspectors traveling into Mexico and reopen the Douglas cattle-crossing.
  • I provided opening remarks expressing my outrage and disappointment due to the recent allegations of gross mismanagement, fraud and neglect at a growing number of Veterans Administration medical centers across the country at the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing before VA Secretary Shinseki testified. 
  • The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held at hearing on importance of forest management on Indian reservations – read my opening statement here
  • I held a press conference with other senators opposing the premature divestment of the A-10. 
  • I applauded the House Armed Services Committee’s bipartisan vote to protect the A-10. 
  • Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) unveiled the 2014 Congressional Pig Book, which includes 109 examples of unacceptable government waste totaling $2.7 billion in taxpayer dollars.
  • I was honored to deliver the Weekly Republican Address on the VA scandal that is growing across the country. 
  • Senate Resolution congratulated the success of charter schools as an essential part of meeting the educational needs of students in Arizona and nationwide. I am proud that Arizona is home to the number one charter school in the nation, Basis Charter School.
Event Spotlight: KFYI Veterans Forum This month, I was honored to participate in a KFYI veterans forum with radio host Mike Broomhead. The event was open to veterans and their families to air their grievances, raise awareness of issues at the VA, and receive help from my staff with their particular cases. The room was so full and the outrage among veterans and their families so intense that we had over 75 people listening from the hallway. At the beginning of the event, family members of four veterans who passed away in recent months told their stories – with tears in their eyes, they described how their loved ones suffered because they were not provided the care they needed and deserved. They recalled countless unanswered phone calls and ignored messages, endless wait times, mountains of bureaucratic red tape while their loved ones suffered debilitating and ultimately fatal conditions. Many veterans in the room echoed their concerns and story after story deepened my commitment to do better on behalf of those who have given us so much. My staff stayed for an additional two hours after the event speaking one-on-one with veterans, identifying resources and handing out over 100 forms to initiate casework on their behalf.

 

the democrats are coming!

It was brought to my attention today that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) will be flooding over $3.5 million in advertising into our state this fall!

$2.2 million of that is being spent in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District to defend Ann Kirkpatrick’s support of ObamaCare and to help Nancy Pelosi get back into the Speaker’s chair!


It’s time that Arizonans stand up and say NO MORE to Pelosi and Kirkpatrick. With your help, we can return this district to its conservative values by sending a battle-tested republican fighter like Andy to Washington.





Thanks!
Craig Handzlik
Campaign Manager

IT'S OFFICIAL-Jeff Schwartz is on the ballot! HELP HIM FINISH STRONG!


WE ARE OFFICIAL!
After personally knocking on over 1000 doors, 
Jeff Schwartz filed 1230 signatures - officially placing him on the ballot for AZ Senate LD23!

THANK YOU
to each and every person 
who took the time to sign our petitions! 
YOU made it happen!
~WHAT'S NEXT?~

May 31st is the close this campaign reporting cycle.
 Will you please help us finish STRONG?


 Please donate today. Any amount will make a difference and will send the very important message that 
Jeff Schwartz is the change LD23 needs. 

"We can't change the what at the Capitol until we change the who that we send there."
~Jeff Schwartz
  
Thank you for your continued support of Jeff Schwartz 
for State Senate LD23

Thursday, May 29, 2014

AZ Gubernatorial Candidate Mayor Scott Smith Calls For New Leadership For U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Scott Smith for Governor 2014
PHOENIX — Republican candidate for Arizona Governor Mayor Scott Smith today called on President Barack Obama to appoint new leadership atop the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, saying that "the present VA leadership has lost all trust and credibility when it comes to taking care of America's wounded soldiers."

Smith, the recent past president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, called the VA Ofice of the Inspector General's report on wrongdoing in Phoenix, released this morning, "the last straw - and absolutely unconscionable treatment of America's veterans."

The administrative regime put in place by the Obama Administration, including Secretary Eric Shinseki, has lost the trust and confidence of veterans and the American public, said Mayor Smith.

Said Smith: "It's unacceptable to see this Administration first deny that this scandal existed, and only now - a full eight weeks after a Congressional hearing broke this news to the world - begin to take seriously its investigation into how wounded soldiers in need of care have been neglected by the VA system. We need new leadership from the top down, because clearly we have a broken organization - one that has broken faith with the soldiers in their care.

"This issue is far too serious for the Administration to delay," said Smith. "The report released today shows 1,700 veterans in need of care who never made it on to the VA's waiting list in Phoenix. We cannot condone such neglect."

A successful private sector CEO who brought the same problem-solving approach to elected leadership, Mayor Smith believes that any solution to the VA scandal must be founded on full public disclosure, accountability for all involved and innovative, efficient problem-solving. As an example of one possible solution, said Smith, he supports Sen. John McCain's suggestion of vouchers that would allow veterans to go to hospitals outside the VA system for necessary medical care.

"We need new ideas and we need them right now," said Smith. "Last week, the President basically told Arizona and America, 'I'm sending a guy out to Phoenix and he's going to figure out what happened.' Now we see that, indeed, where there has been smoke, there is fire. Waiting is not good enough. We're beyond 'wait and see' mode, and we're beyond having faith that Secretary Shinseki and his team can adequately investigate a problem created on their watch.

"I have enormous respect for the Secretary's long service to this country," said Mayor Smith. "But as a CEO, the buck has to stop with you. The VA current leadership has failed America's veterans too deeply and too often. This Department needs to start over and solve this systemic failure so it never, ever happens again. You can't do that with same leadership team that caused the problem still in place."

To learn more about Mayor Smith and to follow his campaign, visit his campaign website, www.votescottsmith.com.
###

Arizona Governor Brewer Signs Landmark Child Safety Reform Legislation



Governor Brewer Signs Landmark Child Safety Reform Legislation
Creates Department of Child Safety, Ensures Transparency & Accountability
PHOENIX – Fulfilling her cornerstone policy priority for the 2014 legislative session, Governor Jan Brewer today signed into law the most significant and meaningful child safety reform in Arizona history.

The legislation, passed this week during a special session of the Arizona Legislature, statutorily creates and funds the new Department of Child Safety (DCS) – a permanent, stand-alone agency with the express mission of safeguarding Arizona’s abused and neglected children – and mandates transparency and accountability. Director Charles Flanagan, who has been invaluable in the state’s efforts to revamp our child safety system, will lead the new agency.

Statement from Governor Brewer

“It is a momentous day for Arizona, as we take the boldest and most meaningful step in state history to reform and replace our problem-plagued child welfare system. This new agency, under the devoted, tireless and passionate leadership of Charles Flanagan, is a critical step forward in creating a child safety system that lives up to its name and mission.

“With this historic legislation, we begin to reverse a longstanding crisis and implement long-lasting change.
Through necessary resources, safeguards, checks and balances and oversight – as well as a clearly-defined core mission of child safety – there will be no room for excuses, secrets or faceless decision makers. There will be no more mixed messages and competing priorities. Finally, Arizona will have a child safety system with the capability and culture to protect our children.

“Certainly, a system that has been broken for decades will take time to repair. Implementing true and lasting reform in any agency – especially one with such a vital mission and vulnerable population – will take time. But for the first time in state history, we are on a clear path to a successful child safety system that will not fail in its mission.
I thank the bi-partisan Child Safety Reform Workgroup, the CARE Team, the stakeholders and advocates, the Legislature and everyone who has played a part in this crucial and overdue cause. This is only the beginning, and it will be incumbent upon future governors and legislators to continue our remarkable progress. But today, we can take pride in knowing that we made history – and we made a difference.”
###

Shinseki must resign

Following recent reports regarding the tragic mismanagement of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), it is critical that we unite in demanding the resignation of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki.

While I respect Shinseki’s service to our country, he has grossly mismanaged the Department of Veterans Affairs, resulting in the senseless deaths of our brave veterans. We must demand accountability and he must resign.

Furthermore, Ann Kirkpatrick should immediately join the 20 House Democrats and the 61 House Republicans in demanding Shinseki’s resignation. Kirkpatrick is Arizona’s only member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee! Again, it appears that Pelosi won't let her stand up to Obama and Shinseki.

When I am elected to Congress, I will never stop fighting for accountability and I will always fight for our veterans. It’s time that Kirkpatrick stand up or we will send her packing… again.

Thanks!


Milestones and Countdowns Randy Pullen On Ballot For AZ State Treasurer

Randy Pullen for Arizona Treasurer
Yesterday, our campaign reached a crucial milestone when I officially filed my petition signatures to appear on the ballot to be your next Arizona State Treasurer!
Randy at Election Services
It was a tremendously important moment for our campaign and would not have been possible without the tireless support of friends, supporters, and volunteers across Arizona. I thank everyone who participated in this important effort, and I look forward to celebrating many more milestones to come!
I’m writing today, because we’re counting down the hours until the end of the month, and we’re just $4,315 short of our May goal.Will you donate $25, $50, $100, or more to ensure we exceed that goal while continuing our march toward victory?
We’ve made tremendous progress by working together and sharing our positive message with Arizona voters. No matter where I travel, I’m met by individuals and families who share our concerns and who are ready to rally behind our campaign to protect taxpayers.
Your support, your generosity, and your guidance have been crucial throughout this campaign and I look forward to doing everything I can to be your next Arizona State Treasurer.
Regards,
Randy

It's official; Re-Elect AZ Matt Salmon US Congress

Salmon for Congress
It's official. This week I filed for re-election at the Secretary of State's office. I am truly humbled that over 5,500 of you signed my petition to get me on the ballot.

Representing Arizona's 5th Congressional District in Washington has been one of the highest honors of my life.

From the day I was sworn into office, I have made it my priority to meet and talk with constituents who wanted to share their concerns or ideas. I have made my priority to vote for bills that cut government spending, balance our federal budget and restore fiscal sanity in Washington. I have made it my priority to support policies that increase jobs by growing the private sector, not the public sector. And, I have made it my priority to get government out of your healthcare, and out of your lives.

As I officially begin my re-election campaign, I invite you to take a look at my newly launched website, www.SalmonForCongress.com. Here, you will find my latest news, my latest endorsements, and how to submit a request for a yard sign. You can also find out where I stand on the important issues of the day.

New Website
  www.SalmonForCongress.com
And, if you aren't doing so already, I encourage you to follow me on Facebook and Twitter, where you can see my latest activity in Washington and Arizona.

I never take an election for granted, so I'll be looking forward to seeing you on the campaign trail soon.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you in Congress, and I hope to earn your vote once again.

Sincerely,

Matt Salmon signature