Thursday, October 2, 2014

Read Chairman AZ Rep Matt Salmon’s Opening Statement

Congressman  Matt Salmon
Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere
“Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi: Our Marine in Mexican Custody”
Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Welcome, everyone, to this important hearing on Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, our Marine in Custody in Mexico.  I want to thank Chairman Royce and all my colleagues who have come back to Washington to take part in this hearing.  And I want to thank our witnesses, particularly Mrs. Tahmooressi, who has been a steadfast and strong advocate on behalf of her son.  Montel Williams and Pete Hegseth, your work on behalf of veterans is noble and important and it is a pleasure to have you hear speaking on behalf of Andrew.  And finally, retired Marine Sergeant Robert Buchanan, who served with Andrew in Afghanistan, we sincerely appreciate you appearing on behalf of your friend, and I would like to personally thank you for your service to our nation. 
Not long after the VA scandal story broke in my hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, exposing widespread mismanagement of veteran care on the part of the VA, I first traveled down to Tijuana, Mexico to visit Sgt. Tahmooressi in prison.  I had been following his story—how he had served with distinction in the U.S. Marine Corps on the battlefields of Afghanistan, returning to the United States with the physical and psychological scars of war.  How he made his way to Southern California, where he was diagnosed with PTSD, living mostly out of his truck where he carried all of his belongings, including his three registered guns.  And how he got turned around and found himself at the Mexican border where it is illegal to carry guns. 
By the time I visited Andrew back in late May and again in June with Chairman Royce, he had been through a lot; he had attempted to escape and take his own life—haunted by the hyper-vigilance that is the hallmark of his PTSD.  Even so, he was polite and soft-spoken; a brave American who had defended this country and now needed our help to return home. 
Interesting anecdote:  on my way back from visiting Andrew the first time, just as I was crossing the border back into the United States, I learned of the news that the Obama administration had negotiated with the Taliban for the release of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.  Sgt Tahmooressi's circumstances are obviously very different than Sgt. Bergdahl's.    But it still struck me then that Sgt. Tahmooressi had served his country with honor twice in Afghanistan, and now finds himself in a Mexican prison after getting turned around, probably in great part, due to his PTSD. Clearly, President Obama couldn’t find time between negotiating with terrorists to call our ally, the Mexican President, to appeal to him on behalf of our Marine.  If we in Congress don't do everything in our power to try to get Sgt. Tahmooressi, an injured war hero, back to the States for treatment, then what are we doing here?  Making sure that our combat veterans are taken care of when they return is one of our most important obligations.
As Chairman of this Subcommittee, I have been consistently supportive of our bilateral relationship with Mexico, committed to our security partnership, and to helping Mexico reform and improve its justice system.  Our commercial relationship with Mexico is strong and vital.  Today, I feel the same way.  I am optimistic about Mexico's energy reforms, the growth of its middle class, and the increasingly close trade and diplomatic relationship we share. 
But our significant and growing bilateral cooperation must also come with the ability to resolve important issues, particularly along our shared border.  I firmly believe that Sgt. Tahmooressi meant no harm, nor did he willfully violate Mexican law when he crossed the border. Now, he has spent over 6 months in prison for what amounts to a wrong turn. I’m disappointed that more could not be done to address this situation in a more timely manner.  The fact is that Mexican citizens violate U.S. law on a regular and continuing basis, illegally crossing our Southern border. Mexican officials respond by asking the U.S. for compassion and amnesty for their citizens to remain in the U.S.  But frankly, compassion goes both ways.  Mexico does not have the ability to provide Sgt. Tahmooressi with the care he needs.  Our war hero needs to come home.
Last week, I spoke with the Mexican Attorney General who explained that while Sgt. Tahmooressi had broken Mexican law by approaching the border with weapons, his combat-related PTSD could not be adequately treated in Mexico. The good news is, the Attorney General explained to me, and, I understand, to Chairman Royce separately, that he has the authority within Mexican law to dismiss Sgt. Tahmooressi’s case on humanitarian grounds once he has expert testimony that verifies his combat-specific PTSD diagnosis.  Chairman Royce and I obtained the appropriate expert medical reports and forwarded them to the Mexican Attorney General’s desk this past Friday. 
In addition, at the court hearing yesterday, a Mexican psychologist submitted his official diagnosis confirming Andrew’s PTSD.  Now with all the information available to him, I am confident that Attorney General Murillo Karam will very soon order the release of Andrew so that he can begin his treatment and move forward with his life back home with his family and friends.
Once again, we are asking our men and women in uniform to embark on the mission of fighting on behalf of our nation in our war against the terrorist organization, ISIS.  Making sure that Sgt. Tahmooressi is brought home and provided the treatment he needs demonstrates to our military men and women who are in harm’s way that America stands up for their soldiers and Marines.  That is how it should be. 
I look forward to hearing from all the witnesses and thank you all again for being here.
Rep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05) serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Kathy Littlefield New Campaign Videos, Please Pass Them On

In my opening comments (Video) at the recent City Council candidate forum hosted by Scottsdale Leadership I made it clear what the upcoming city election is really all about. In my closing comments (Video) I made it clear why I am running for Scottsdale City Council.

Voters need to know what is really happening in this election and how much is at stake for our beloved city. Please pass these videos on to as many of your friends, neighbors and relatives in Scottsdale as you can to help us get the word out.

There are three ways you can help me overcome all of this dark money being spent to defeat me. One of the best things you can do to help my campaign is to organize a meet-and-greet and invite your friends and neighbors to meet me and to learn about my platform. If you can hold one please contact me and we will help you organize it.

Second, I need volunteers to help me by making phone calls to potential voters and passing out flyers and doorhangers. If you can help with these important tasks please contact me.


Third, I need money to counter the tens of thousands of dollars my opponents and their dark-money special-interest allies spent attacking me. 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
Maricopa County Republicans Has NOT received any monies to post this information,it is a courtesy post.

Shawnna Bolick Receives Endorsement From Former AZ State Senator Barbara Leff

Shawnna Bolick - Request a sign for your yard, Donate, Volunteer
Phoenix, AZ- October 1, 2014- Today, Shawnna Bolick, Republican candidate for Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 28, received the endorsement of former State Senator, Barbara Leff.

“I am proud to endorse Shawnna Bolick for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 28,” stated former State Senator Barbara Leff.  “As a State Senator, I specialized in issues relating to quality health care. It is extremely important that doctors and patients make medical decisions. Health care decisions should not be dictated by bureaucrats or lawyers. Shawnna shares my passion for reducing lawsuits and government interference in the practice of medicine.  She will be a champion for patients and a leader in allowing doctors to do what they do best-treat patients.”

“I am honored to have Senator Leff’s endorsement,” said Bolick.  “Barbara understands the value of leadership in our district, and understanding the need for well thought out legislation.  I intend to thoroughly vet bills that come before me with a critical eye for detail, too.”

Shawnna Bolick has lived in Legislative District 28 for 13 years.  Shawnna and her husband, Clint, have two children, Ryne (12) and Kali (9), plus their six year old rescued greyhound, Beary Goldwater. 
###


Shawnna L.M. Bolick can be reached via email at info@bolickforarizona.com, or via cell at 602-842-1912.  For more information about her campaign please visit www.BolickforArizona.com .
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Rotellini’s Record of Failure with State Banking Department

Mortgage Fraud Skyrocketed; Arizona Homeowners Lost Everything

The Arizona Department of Financial Institutions (ADFI) exists to protect consumers and ensure “the safety and soundness of the financial services industry in Arizona.”

But, under Democrat Felecia Rotellini’s watch as agency Supervisor (2006-2009), the State of Arizona became Ground Zero for the kinds of mortgage fraud and lending scams that ultimately brought the entire housing market crashing down.

According to the Mortgage Asset Research Institute Fraud Index, a comprehensive measure of lending fraud, Arizona ranked 21st in the country for this kind of illegal activity in 2005. By the time Rotellini resigned from her post as financial watchdog for ADFI in summer 2009, Arizona’s rate of mortgage fraud had skyrocketed to 4th in the nation, trailing only Florida (1), New York (2) and California (3).

“Felecia Rotellini portrays herself as a fierce and independent prosecutor, but she has a record of failure when it comes to protecting Arizona consumers,” said Mark Brnovich, Republican nominee for Arizona Attorney General. “Arizona became a national leader in lending fraud during Felecia Rotellini’s failed tenure as head of the State banking department, and Arizona families paid the price as foreclosure rates skyrocketed and home values plummeted. These are the facts in black and white. Given the kid-gloves treatment Felecia Rotellini gave these banks, it’s no surprise she left her position as a government regulator and immediately went to work representing these same institutions in front of the State banking department she had just departed.”

Notably, during a televised debated Tuesday evening on KAET-Arizona PBS (FF to 24:10), Ms. Rotellini refused to acknowledge the lending fraud statistics. Immediately following the debate, she told reporters: “I don’t think those facts are right.”

For the record, this is the Fraud Index that Ms. Rotellini wishes didn’t exist: 
ABOUT MARK BRNOVICH

Raised in Arizona, Mark Brnovich is a graduate of Arizona State University. After law school, Mark prosecuted felonies in the Gang/Repeat Offender Bureau of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and worked as an Assistant Attorney General for Arizona and as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. Mark also served his country as the Command Staff Judge Advocate for the 153rd Field Artillery Brigade of the Arizona Army National Guard for eight years. Mark met his wife Susan while both were working as prosecutors. They live in Phoenix with their two daughters.


For more information, please visit www.Mark4AZ.com
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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

City of Scottsdale Mayor & Council Breakfast: Elevating Excellence, Promoting Economic Prosperity

Header Graphic

Register Today!

Mayor W.J. "Jim" Lane and the members of the Scottsdale City Council invite you to join them for an informative and enlightening discussion regarding economic development activities and business successes in our community. This event is free to the public, due to space limitations please RSVP.
Location:
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts


7:15 a.m. Registration & Networking
7:45 a.m. Welcome from Mayor W. J. "Jim" Lane
8:00 a.m. Greetings from Vice Mayor Phillips
8:15 a.m. Economic Development Update
8:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker Paul Heller
9:00 a.m. Event Conclusion
Keynote Speaker:
Mr. Paul Heller, Vanguard
Managing Director and Head of Vanguard's Retail Investor Group


Mr. Heller will discuss Vanguard's success in Scottsdale and plans for future growth in the community as one of our largest local employers.
  Paul Heller
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Longest Serving Arizona Sheriff Endorses Mark Brnovich for AZ Attorney General

Former Coconino County Sheriff Joe Richards Endorses 
Mark Brnovich for Attorney General


Longest Serving Sheriff in Arizona History Supporting Brnovich

Today, Mark Brnovich, Republican candidate for Arizona Attorney General announced that he has been endorsed by former Coconino County Sheriff Joe Richards. Richards, who spent 44 years in law enforcement, served as sheriff of Coconino County for 32 years, the longest serving sheriff in Arizona history.

Richards remarked: “As the longtime sheriff for Coconino County, I understand the importance of being trustworthy, transparent and committed to keeping communities safe. It takes a special person to sign up for a law-and-order job, and it's important for voters to send the right person to enforce the rule of law. This is why I am supporting Mark Brnovich for Attorney General. Mark is experienced, and he is honest. He is dedicated to enforcing the rule of law and keeping families and communities safe. We can count on Mark, and I hope that he can count on us for this upcoming election.”
 

ABOUT MARK BRNOVICH

Raised in Arizona, Mark Brnovich is a graduate of Arizona State University. After law school, Mark prosecuted felonies in the Gang/Repeat Offender Bureau of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and worked as an Assistant Attorney General for Arizona and as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. Mark also served his country as the Command Staff Judge Advocate for the 153rd Field Artillery Brigade of the Arizona Army National Guard for eight years. Mark met his wife Susan while both were working as prosecutors. They live in Phoenix with their two daughters.




For more information, please visit www.Mark4AZ.com
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Believe it or not

Salmon for Congress
Believe it or not, but we are only 35 days away from one of the most important elections in our lifetime.

It's the election that will determine whether we will spend President Obama's final two years in office with Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi in control of Congress, or with a Republican majority in the House and Senate.

I don't have to tell you how high the stakes are. Under Obama, Reid and Pelosi's leadership, our government has increased its control over our healthcare, our children's education and our personal privacy rights. They've allowed thousands of illegal immigrants to unlawfully flood our communities, and they've shown no interest in securing our porous borders once and for all.

In Congress, I've fought tooth and nail against their radically liberal policies. But, I can't continue this important fight without your help.

With 35 days to go, I am asking you today to make a small contribution of $35, or whatever you can give, to help ensure my campaign has the resources it needs to continue fighting for you in Congress.

Donate NowEvery little bit helps, and your financial support has allowed my campaign to spread our message of smaller government to many pro-freedom conservatives all across the district.
But I've never taken any election for-granted, and these final 35 days are critical.

Please click here to send your $35 contribution to my campaign today, or whatever you can afford to give.

It's an honor to serve you in Congress. Thank you again for sending your support today.

Sincerely,

Matt Salmon signature

PS - With 35 days to go, your $35 contribution is critical in these final days before Election Day. Please click here to donate so I can continue to fight for you in Congress. Thanks again!
Maricopa County Republicans Has NOT received any monies to post this information,it is a courtesy post.

AZ US Congressman david Schweikert Why your action today matters:

I'll make it brief because I know your time is precious.
 
Today closes the end of our fiscal calendar.
 
We have just over $6,000 to raise in order to reach our fiscal benchmark.
 
Can I count on your help?
 
 
 
Your action will make a significant impact.
 
It is because of patriots like you that we will take back our country.
 
Thank you in advance,
 
David Schweikert

Maricopa County Republicans Has NOT received any monies to post this information,it is a courtesy post.


Arizona Business Community Supports Michele Reagan for AZ Secretary of State

Helping businesses create jobs has been a priority of mine since I originally took office.  That’s why I have fought for reducing burdensome regulations, lowering taxes so businesses can reinvest and getting government out of the way of private enterprise.
 
I believe every Arizonan has a purpose and every Arizonan should have the opportunity to find rewarding employment.  This philosophy has galvanized the support of the business community behind my campaign.  I am being supported by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National Federation of Independent Business, AZ Association of REALTORS and countless business leaders.  Here are what a few of them are saying about my candidacy:
 
In recent decades, Arizona’s Governor has not finished his or her term for different reasons.  Our Secretary of State is next in line of succession since Arizona does not have a Lieutenant Governor.  It is important for the business community to pay close attention to this important race this year and support a strong candidate.
 
Michele Reagan served in the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives with great distinction.  She has been a tireless leader and supporter of the business community, education, economic development and, as importantly, stood strong in the face of extreme agendas.  No one else in the race has her proven track record.”

– Michael Bidwill, President Arizona Cardinals
Arizona needs a strong Secretary of State representing businessand elections, and Michele is the right person for the job.  As a member of the Legislative Commerce Committee, and as Chairwoman of the Senate Elections Committee, Michele has the necessary experience and is ready to stand for Arizona’s voters and businesses.

 – Don Smith, President and CEO Copper Point Mutual,
formerly SCF Arizona
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"I have known Michele Reagan for years and she has constantly put the needs of small businesses first. As a legislator, she worked to keep government out of my business and helped to lower taxes. As a former small business owner, she understands the struggle that we go through to survive and thrive.  She is by far the most qualified candidate for this position.”

– Margaret Dunn, Owner/Operator of Dunn Transportation
"In meeting with Senator Reagan I found a lawmaker who is focused on business and not partisan gridlock. Her experience as a former small business owner and legislator uniquely qualifies her for the Secretary of State position. Arizona needs more leaders like Michele Reagan."
 
Matt Mandel, Vice President of SunFed

“The Secretary of State in Arizona has a vast role serving the full citizenry and Michele has demonstrated she has the skills necessary to perform that task admirably. Equally as important however is the fact that in Arizona our Secretary of State can be, and has been, tasked by unforeseen events to step up to become our Governor. Michele's legislative resume makes her uniquely qualified to fulfill that obligation should that call ever come. I heartily endorse Michele Reagan for election as our next Secretary of State.”
 
Bill Bridwell, Broker/Owner General Contractor