Arizona Attorney General-Elect Mark Brnovich Adds Three Key Staff Members

(Phoenix, AZ) Attorney General-elect Mark Brnovich’s administration continues to gain momentum as he added three key members to his staff this week. Brnovich will assume office January 5, 2015.

John Johnson joins Brnovich's team as the Division Chief of the Child and Family Protection Division, Leslie Welch will serve as Director of Operations, and Kristen Keogh takes the role of spokesperson.

"With these additions, the Attorney General's Office has acquired highly accomplished talent, and I am pleased to have them on my team when I take office next month," said Brnovich.

John Johnson, a former Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Maricopa County Attorney will bring years of experience in the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse with him as he leads the Child and Family Protection Division.

Brnovich says, "Johnson's experience and passion for protecting children is exactly what the Attorney General's Office needs. We will fight harder than ever to protect the most vulnerable members of our community."

Leslie Welch will become the Director of Operations after 16 years of extensive work in state government management. Welch previously excelled in multiple roles at the Arizona Department of Gaming. Most recently, she worked at the Arizona Department of Administration where she served as the state’s Deputy Procurement Administrator, managing 12 chief procurement officers providing guidance on procurement policies to state departments, including the Governor’s Office. Welch's experience with human resources, office management, strategic planning, and public outreach made her the clear choice for the Director of Operations role.

Kristen Keogh will serve as spokesperson for the Attorney General's Office, transitioning from a career in television news. An Arizona native, Keogh recently left her role as an anchor/ reporter at Fox 10 News in Phoenix. "I am honored to be a member of this team and know General Brnovich will make my home state of Arizona an even better place to live," Keogh said. 

Brnovich added, "We appreciate the hard work and service of staff members who are already at the Attorney General's Office, and I believe the recent additions demonstrate that this team is ready to raise the bar as high as possible." 

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AZ GOP Chairman Robert Graham Unedited Response To Questions Asked

Via MCRC Briefs

Robert Graham's Response to YOUR Questions, unedited

• Posted by Arizona Freedom Alliance on December 15, 2014 at 8:18am in Arizona News
• Back to Arizona News Discussions

[AFA Editor:  You may have read the list of valid questions we sent via email to AZGOP Chairman Robert Graham last week, requesting a response to clear the air.  We believe he is using the official PC email list because many of you told us you have never been on Graham's personal or campaign email list before but are now getting the emails from him.  It's against the governing Bylaws for anyone to use these emails for personal benefit as they are reserved ONLY for official business of the AZGOP and were provided to AZGOP in good faith.]  So below, please read the full response from Chairman Graham to your questions (SEE QUESTIONS HERE:http://arizonafreedomalliance.ning.com/group/arizona-news/forum/top...):

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     Arizona Freedom Alliance  http://arizonafreedomalliance.org

Related:http://www.americanfreedombybarbara.com/2014/12/open-letter-to-azgop-chairman-robert.html

http://maricopacountyrepublicans.blogspot.com/2014/12/open-letter-to-azgop-chairman-robert.html

Commissioner Tom Forese Endorses Robert Graham for Chairman of Arizona Republican Party

News Release

December 18, 2014

info@grahamforarizona.com

 

Commissioner Tom Forese Endorses Robert Graham for Chairman of Arizona Republican Party

PHOENIX – Arizona Corporation Commissioner Tom Forese today endorsed Robert Graham for a second term as Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party. Forese was recently elected to statewide office after serving four years in the state legislature. Graham is up for reelection at the biennial meeting of the State Committee onJanuary 24, 2015 at the Grace Community Church in Tempe.

Forese said, "I am proud to support Robert Graham for a second term as state party chairman. As Doug Little and I won the primary and entered an incredibly hostile race against the Democrats, Robert was there every step of the way putting time, strategy and resources behind us. Under Robert's leadership, the Republicans in Arizona won every statewide office. Looking to the 2016 elections we must hold a U.S. Senate seat and elect a Republican president of the United States. Robert is the man for the job! I look forward to working with him to keep Arizona red."

Responding to the endorsement Graham said, "I'm incredibly grateful for Tom Forese's support. Tom showed real grit on our tours around the state, working tirelessly to meet voters. He showed real caring and concern for all the voters he met and his message of growing our economy, and of his ancestor's coming to this country in search of the American dream resonated with all audiences. Tom helped our entire ticket by his work ethic and the respect he displayed to grassroots activists, donors, and every voter he encountered across Arizona. I'm grateful to have the support of leaders like Tom." 

	Tom Forese Commissioner, Arizona Corporation Commission

Endorsements

Bruce Ash National Republican Committeeman	Diane Douglas Superintendent of Public Instruction-Elect
Sharon Giese National Republican Committeewoman	Seraphim Larsen Pinal County Republican Committee Chairman
Joe Arpaio Maricopa County Sheriff	Delos Bond Apache County Republican Committee Chairman
Russell Pearce Former Arizona Senate President	Jonathan Lines Yuma County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Gary Morris Gila County Republican Committee Chairman	Eric Morgan Legislative District 22 Chairman
Rim Country Republican Club	Joan Lang Palo Verde Republican Women President
Representative Brenda Barton R-Payson	Donna Alu Tucson Republican Women President
Lolly Hathhorn Gila County Republican Committee Vice Chairman	Jeff Oravits Flagstaff City Council Member
Representative Warren Petersen R-Gilbert	Andy McKinney Star Valley Town Council Member
James Dutton Yavapai County GOP Chairman Jean McGrath Maricopa Community College District Board Membe This email was sent by: Graham for Arizona 4833 E. Cielo Grande Ave Phoenix, Arizona 85054 Maricopa County Republicans Has NOT received any compensation to  post this information,it is a courtesy post

LD15 Chairman David Henderson endorses Aaron Borders

 LD 15 Republican Chairman David Henderson endorsed Aaron Borders for 2nd Vice Chair of the Maricopa County Republican Committee. Henderson joins the chairs of LD 19, 21, 25, 27 and 29 in endorsing Borders for the MCRC post.

 

Henderson said, "As the chair of LD 15, I understand the importance of the MCRC leading the way to help Republicans win elections. There is still a lot of work to do in this next election, and that is why I believe we need Aaron Borders as our 2nd Vice Chair. Aaron has great ideas and he will do what it takes to move forward assistance of our conservative candidates. He is a staunch conservative. I'm endorsing Aaron Borders for 2nd Vice Chair of the MCRC, and I hope that you will vote for him on January 10th, 2015."

 

"I am extremely thankful for David's endorsement and for his example of solid conservative leadership that he has set forth in LD 15," Borders stated. "I look forward to working with him should I be elected as 2nd Vice Chair of the MCRC."

--------------------------------------------

Aaron Borders is married to Shelly Borders, a fourth-generation Arizonan. They have four young children. Aaron is a business owner, a board member of the West Valley Youth Sports Commission, and a licensed financial specialist. In his limited free time, Aaron enjoys serving at his church, spending time with his family and coaching his sons in football. Aaron has been endorsed by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Arizona House Majority Leader-elect Steve Montenegro, Arizona House Majority Whip-elect David Livingston, Representative Darin Mitchell, Senator Kelli Ward, Senator Don Shooter, Maricopa Community College At-Large-elect Tracy Livingston, former LD 16 Chairman Constantin Querard and many other active Maricopa County Precinct Committeemen.

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Two more LD Chairs endorse Aaron Borders

Phoenix - Two more Republican district chairs endorsed Aaron Borders for 2nd Vice Chair of the MCRC. Kevin Payne (LD 21) and Ian Murray (LD 25) threw their support behind Borders' candidacy, joining the chairs of LD 19, 27 and 29 who had previously endorsed Aaron Borders.

 

 "Aaron Borders is a young, hard-working conservative - and needed for MCRC leadership," Payne said. "Aaron will work with the rest of the MCRC leadership team to help Republicans win elections in 2016, and he will also help protect and maintain the conservative principles that our Party has stood for. Please join me in voting for Aaron Borders for 2nd Vice Chair of the Maricopa County Republican Committee on January 10th."

 

Murray said, "Legislative District 29 is a heavily Democrat District and normally there are no Republican candidates. However, Aaron Borders stepped up to take on the Democrats and nearly won.  This is the type of individual we need on the Maricopa County Republican Committee, and I fully endorse Aaron Borders for MCRC 2nd Vice Chair."

 

"I am so fortunate to have earned the endorsement of Kevin Payne and Ian Murray - two chairmen of very influential Republican districts in Maricopa County," Borders stated. "I am excited to start working with Kevin and Ian and all of the other Republican leaders and precinct committeemen in Maricopa County should I be elected as 2nd Vice Chair of the MCRC." --------------------------------------------

Aaron Borders is married to Shelly Borders, a fourth-generation Arizonan. They have four young children. Aaron is a business owner, a board member of the West Valley Youth Sports Commission, and a licensed financial specialist. In his limited free time, Aaron enjoys serving at his church, spending time with his family and coaching his sons in football. Aaron has been endorsed by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Arizona House Majority Leader-elect Steve Montenegro, Arizona House Majority Whip-elect David Livingston, Representative Darin Mitchell, Senator Kelli Ward, Senator Don Shooter, Maricopa Community College At-Large-elect Tracy Livingston, former LD 16 Chairman Constantin Querard and many other active Maricopa County Precinct Committeemen.

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Boyer and Kern Endorse Aaron Borders for 2nd Vice Chair of the MCRC

Phoenix-- Today, Representative Paul Boyer and Representative-elect Anthony Kern endorsed Aaron Borders for 2nd Vice Chair of the Maricopa County Republican Committee. Representative Boyer is the incoming House Education Committee Chair. Both Representative Boyer and Representative-elect Kern represent Arizona Legislative District 20. Boyer said, "Party leadership is a responsibility we cannot entrust to simply anyone. We need competent, principled and hard workers in these positions. Aaron Borders fits this mild and would be a fabulous addition to the next MCRC team. I highly endorse Aaron's candidacy for 2nd Vice Chair of the MCRC, and I hope you will join me in voting for him on January 10th." Kern said, "The Maricopa County Republican Committee is very fortunate to have a man of Aaron Border's caliber step up to run for 2nd Vice Chair. Though the 2nd Vice Chair usually doesn't get much publicity for his actions, his contributions to the Party are invaluable to their operations and long-term success. Aaron posses the qualities, convictions and work ethic that will make him a great 2nd Vice Chair. I endorse him, and I hope that you will vote for him in January." "Receiving these endorsements from these two leaders has made me extremely grateful, and I will work as hard as I know how to continue to earn their trust and support," Borders stated. "As I promised to them, I promise to the Republican precinct committeemen of Maricopa County that I will work hard for Republican victories in 2016 and that I will uphold our platform."------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aaron Borders is married to Shelly Borders, a fourth-generation Arizonan. They have four young children. Aaron is a business owner, a board member of the West Valley Youth Sports Commission, and a licensed financial specialist. In his limited free time, Aaron enjoys serving at his church, spending time with his family and coaching his sons in football. In addition to Representative-elect Kern and Representative Boyer, Aaron has been endorsed by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Arizona House Majority Leader-elect Steve Montenegro, Arizona House Majority Whip-elect David Livingston, State Senator Kelli Ward, Representative Darin Mitchell, Senator Don Shooter, Maricopa Community College At-Large-elect Tracy Livingston, former LD 16 Chairman Constantin Querard and many other active Maricopa County Precinct Committeemen.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah

A Wonderful and Joyous Hanukkah & Christmas Season to One and All!!  May the warmth of this season fill your body and soul with the renewal and re-birth of those blessings we all so need.  May we be renewed, and a new spirit reborn within each heart this special time of year! ALREADY A NEW YEAR AND NEW OFFICE! We are getting close to the 2015 Legislative Session and the era of a new governor.  Briefly I’ll tell you what I’ve been doing to prepare for the coming new year and the work that’s been keeping so many of us busy! The election closed and the very next day a new leadership team was elected.  The new team has been busy organizing new committees, planning new member training, and even laying out a new parking plan!  In the meantime, freshman are getting ready for a new year like they’ve never had before, while senior members have been working quietly on their legislation and agenda. As for your Representative, I finished Thanksgiving with family only to head into Scottsdale to moderate a panel on water issues hosted by the National Leaders Policy Conference.  While I understood the water issue in California was dire, I didn’t realize how self-inflicted it appeared to be.  That ended on Monday and Tuesday morning I was on a flight to Washington DC for more meetings, conference work, and of course, more discussions on the topic of public lands and water in Arizona.  Returning Saturday evening, Monday found me at the Capitol in Phoenix meeting with both my staff, new House members, and my new committee (Ag, Water & Lands).  By the middle of the week, I was tending to details regarding the other two committees I serve on (Energy, Environment & Natural Resources, and Rural Affairs & Economic Development).  I have kept my schedule closed from December 20 through the end of the year, when I will be representing Arizona at the State Agricultural Rural Leaders Conference come January 2, 2015.  Are you tired yet? Then on January 12, 2015 the 52nd Regular Session of the Arizona Legislature opens!  But one minor thing I can’t forget, I’m moving and I have to have my new office ready in time!  I’m moving down the hall to office 114. I’ll say Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah. I’ll see you in the New Year!  but I will leave you with this: A CLOSING THIS YEAR, FROM ANOTHER TIME AND ANOTHER PRESIDENT... “In this holiday season, we celebrate the birthday of one who, for almost 2,000years, has been a greater influence on humankind than all the rulers, all the scholars, all the armies and all the navies that ever marched or sailed, all put together. He brought to the world the simple message of peace on Earth, good will to all mankind. Some celebrate the day as marking the birth of a great and good man, a wise teacher and prophet, and they do so sincerely. But for many of us it's also a holy day, the birthday of the Prince of Peace, a day when “God so loved the world” that He sent us His only begotten son to assure forgiveness of our sins.  The Yuletide season is characterized in our country by the giving of gifts, a spirit of charity, and, yes, good will, more so than at any other time of the year. Already traditional programs are underway, drives to collect food and clothing for those who are in need. This holiday season, as we work our way out of a recession, too many still find themselves without jobs, forced to cut back on things that they once thought of as their normal pattern of living. They aren't statistics; they're people. They're our neighbors, friends, and, yes, family, and they make up that group that right now we call the unemployed. Their number's greater than it has been for some time past. How about those of us who are employed making sure that those who aren't will nevertheless have a Merry Christmas. This is something that needs doing at the community level—neighbor helping neighbor. The people we're talking about may be members of your church, brothers and sisters in your local union, or that family across the street or down the block in your neighborhood. Surely, we can find a way to make Christmas merry for that one who temporarily can use our help. But remember, time is growing short, and Christmas is almost here. In Ephesians we read that "Each of us has been given his gift, his portion of Christ's bounty." Well, let us share our bounty this Christmas season. Let us offer not only our hearts and prayers but a generous hand to those who need our help. And as we light this tree, let us brighten the lives of those here at home and around the world whose Christmas may not be as glowing and as cheerful as ours.” President Ronald Reagan December 16, 1982

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Open Letter To AZGOP Chairman Robert Graham

Reprint From MCRC

Original on AFA

Open Letter to Robert Graham

Dear Mr. Chairman:

Many of the AFA members and Republican Precinct Committeemen are asking: why are you using the AZGOP e-mails to campaign for re-election?  LDs statewide provided email addresses of their PCs to the AZGOP office trusting they would be used only for AZGOP business.

Since you used the official AZGOP email account in violation of  Article II Section 2(10) of the MCRC bylaws which reads:

The PC shall provide the district, county, and state party offices with an email address, if they have one. District, county and state party offices may not allow email addresses to be used for any purpose other than internal party communications and shall not distribute an email address to anyone, including other PCs without the express consent of the affected precinct committeeman. (emphasis added)

to announce your re-election bid for the Chair's job and, since you knew at the time you did that that you would be opposed by at least one other candidate, despite what you have said, and since you used that account at least two more times to send out endorsement announcements, we, and many of our members, believe it is only right that you allow ALL of your challengers to send out at least three campaign notices on that same account.  

And then tell us, did you take those same addresses to your new private account?  We ask because our PC members who never were on your email list before, are now!

We have other questions our members are asking that we believe are valid and deserve your response, as follows:

1. MCRC Chairman LaFaro has been sending out a call for candidates for MCRC positions together with the deadline for Intent to Run letters for over two months, well before he announced he would not stand for re-election.  Why is it that you have never sent out such a call for candidates for AZGOP positions and no one can determine when the deadline is for Intent to Run letters?
2. You ran on being able to personally raise millions of dollars for AZGOP.  Money is needed to help Republican statewide candidates get elected.  Because you have not put out any cash flow statements or balance sheets or Financial Reports to the Executive Committee, we took a look at the campaign finance reports.  What is revealed there can only be fully discerned with additional knowledge that has not been forthcoming from you to your council of advisors made up of elected LD chairmen and elected members-at-large.
3. How much funding on the campaign finance reports came from the RNC and would have come to whoever was chairman?
4. Question: why did you spend so much on the Yes on 122 initiative but so little on statewide candidates with Democrat challengers?  And where did the funding come from and was it specifically earmarked for that expenditure?  We advocated for that initiative, so we are happy that it passed.  But the question needs to be answered.
5. Why did the party lose hundreds of PCs during the last two years?  What have you done to recruit PCs to fill an ever growing number of empty seats?
6. Why is Republican voter registration down by 32,830 in the past two years, years when the GOP was on the ascendancy?  What have you done to increase Republican voter registrations and voter education?  Whatever it was, it was not successful.
7. Why was Arizona number 37 out of 48 contiguous states in Republican voter turnout under your watch?  Getting Republican voters to the polls is job one for the Chairman.
8. Why did we not win Legislative seats in LD4, LD8, LD9, LD10 and LD28 that were very winnable but lacked funds to get across the finish line?  We barely kept the majority and did not add a single new seat to the Republican side of the ledger.  The Superintendent candidate just squeaked by.  There is no entry on your campaign finance reports indicating AZGOP gave any help to Douglas outside of the backside of one mailer with other candidates.
9. Why did you show up to speak at campaign events for Doug Ducey in the Primary?  Did you do the same for conservative candidates like Andrew Thomas, Frank Riggs, Christine Jones and others?
10. Why have you eliminated nearly all volunteers working in the AZGOP office?  Without them, when someone calls that office, they are met by an answering machine on which you have to punch in a code for the person you want to speak with.  If you don't know the code, a message must be left with a prayer that it will be returned.  Many are never returned.
11. Why haven’t you held more than a couple of Executive Committee meetings over the past two years when the AZGOP Bylaws mandate a lot more than that?  
12. Why haven’t you adhered to the AZGOP Bylaws?  For example Article IV F(1) “The state chairman shall be the recognized leader of the state party and, in cooperation with the county chairmen, shall coordinate statewide party activities. (emphasis added)
13. What is the point of having an Executive Committee if you continue to undermine and ignore?
14. And last, why have you ignored State Committeemen who voted overwhelmingly to have closed Primaries?  Forming a “Study Committee” after you are elected for a second term is not action!

Mr. Chairman, these are valid questions that go to the heart of the position of AZGOP Chairman and they deserve your response.

Respectfully,

The AFA Team