Arizona State Senate
1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007
Sen. Russell Pearce, R-18
Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee
602-926-5760
NEWS RELEASE
Oct. 21, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pearce Demands End to Sanctuary City and “Catch and Release” Policies
Legislation would crack down on these illegal practices
(STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX) – State Sen. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas, J.D. Hayworth, Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President Mark Spencer and others today demanded the end to sanctuary city and “catch and release” policies and pledged to deal with recent attempts by the federal government to erode the progress made in Arizona in combating this problem. Pearce announced he will file a citizen’s initiative and has the support of the Governor’s Office to eliminate these illegal practices.
“We pledge to work with the governor to end these ‘catch and release’ policies and remove the political handcuffs on our law enforcement. Enough is enough,” Pearce said. “The Governor’s Office has assured me they will work with us to end these illegal policies and support our law enforcement and our Hometown Heroes.”
Pearce points to the federal government and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano for trying to erode the progress made in Arizona with our tough and effective laws.
“If our leaders want to address the growing disdain, they must first restore trust with the American people. If you say you are going to secure our borders, then secure them, if you say you are going to enforce the law, then enforce it. If you take an oath of office then keep it,” Pearce declared.
Pearce unveiled his legislation, the “Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act,” that would crack down on illegal immigration in the following three ways:
1. Outlawing sanctuary city policies by prohibiting cities and towns in Arizona from limiting or restricting enforcement federal immigration laws to less than the full extent of the law. This state has seen and continues to see various open border special interests groups constantly apply pressure to give illegal immigrants a pass. Outlawing sanctuary cities makes sure the dedicated men and women in Arizona law enforcement are not handcuffed by bureaucrats who would turn a blind eye to the illegal immigration crisis.
2. The second provision would make it a Class 1 misdemeanor for an illegal alien to enter into or be on any public or private land in Arizona if they are in violation of federal immigration law. The charge is elevated to a Class 4 felony if someone is convicted, deported and they return to Arizona. The charge would rise to a Class 2 felony if this person violates this section of the law while committing other crimes involving illegal drugs, weapons or terrorism.
3. The third provision puts some needed teeth in the state’s employer sanctions law. It would give civil subpoena power to prosecuting agencies enabling them to question witnesses and obtained needed documentation. That’s the same type of authority that is used by the Arizona Insurance Department and the Department of Liquor License and Control. This authority will give prosecutors the ability to more efficiently and more quickly investigate claims. It will essentially open the second half of the employer sanctions law that up until now has dealt primarily with criminal complaints against employees.
“We have seen sharp decreases in both crime and illegal immigration, which demonstrates that enforcement works. What we need to do now is safeguard that enforcement by making some much needed changes in state law. Illegal immigration creates one of the greatest hardships on working families who live in neighborhoods impacted by kidnappings, home invasions, gangs, drugs and drop houses. They see their wages depressed by greedy business owners who exploit an illegal work force. This law will also have a deterrent effect. Until the federal government wakes up to the crisis, illegal border crossers will at least be on notice to stay out of Arizona,” Pearce said.
County Attorney Andrew Thomas said “I greatly appreciate Sen. Pearce’s continuing efforts to reign in illegal immigration by giving law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to address this crisis. By strengthening our employer sanctions law, outlawing sanctuary city policies, and making it a crime to illegally immigrate into Arizona, this legislation would send a strong deterrent message to would-be illegal immigrants and the people who hire them.”
Sheriff Joe Arpaio stated, “This new legislation is very important given the fact that the federal government has moved to restrict my authority to enforce illegal immigration laws. Their recent action in doing so makes this legislation even more critical to ensure that state laws are in place so I can continue to do my job.”
Officer Mark Spencer, president of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association stated, “It’s never wrong to support the rule of law. Phoenix Police officers see a clear connection between illegal immigration and the quality of life in the city of Phoenix. When it comes to illegal immigration, rank and file Phoenix police officers have paid a heavy price protecting our communities. Over 80 percent of PLEA members are supportive of legislation that gives them the discretionary ability to enforce immigration statutes.”
Pearce shifted his plan to address this crisis from a call for an immediate special session to filing a citizen’s initiative and letting the voters decide. He remains open to tackling it in a special session or in the regular session that begins in January. He is pleased to have the support of the Governor’s Office to end these illegal practices.
Supporters of this legislation include the following members of the Arizona Legislature:
Rep. Frank Antenori
Rep. Cecil Ash
Rep. Ray Barnes
Rep. Andy Biggs
Rep. Judy Burges Rep. Steve Court
Rep. Rich Crandall
Rep. Sam Crump
Rep. Doris Goodale
Rep. David Gowan
Rep. Laurin Hendrix
Rep. John Kavanagh
Rep. Debbie Lesko
Rep. Lucy Mason
Rep. Nancy McLain
Rep. Steve Montenegro
Rep. Rick Murphy
Rep. Warde Nichols
Rep. Franklin Pratt
Rep. Michele Reagan
Rep. Carl Seel
Rep. David Stevens
Rep. Andy Tobin
Rep. Jerry Weiers
Rep. Jim Weiers
Rep. Vic Williams
Rep. Steve Yarbrough
Sen. Sylvia Allen
Sen. Bob Burns
Sen. Ron Gould
Sen. Linda Gray
Sen. Jack Harper
Sen. John Huppenthal
Sen. Al Melvin
Sen. Jonathan Paton
Sen. Steve Pierce
Sen. Thayer Verschoor
Sen. Jim Waring
Additional supporters of the “Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act” include:
Latest poll: 89 percent of the public
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio
Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas
Mark Spencer, president, Phoenix Law Enforcement Association
Ed Tuffly, Local 2544 president, National Border Patrol Council
Brian Fieros Thomas Hardie, Local Union No. 394 Plasterers' and Cement Masons
Arizona Republican Party by a unanimous resolution
Rob Haney, Maricopa County Republican Party Chairman
Tom Husband, Maricopa County Republican Party executive director
Sandy Doty, member-at-large, Maricopa County Republican Party
Pinal Co. Sheriff Babeu
Mohave Co. Sheriff Sheahan
Yavapai Co. Sheriff Waugh
Cochise Co. Sheriff Dever
Gila Co. Sheriff Armer
Navajo Co. Sheriff Clark
Graham Co. Sheriff Allred
Greenlee Co. Sheriff Tucker
The Maricopa Deputy's Law Enforcement Association
Arizona Highway Patrol Association
Bryan Stoller, Arizona Fraternal Order of Police
Col. Albert Rodriguez , president of You Don't Speak for Me
Arizona African American Republican Club
Arizona Republican Assembly
Anna Gaines, president, American Citizens United
NAILEM
The Pachyderms
9-11 Families for a Secure America
United Sovereign America (USA)
Showing posts with label Thayer Verchor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thayer Verchor. Show all posts
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Shadegg to Attend Tea Party
Just got information from "Friends of Thayer Verschoor," that Congressman John Shadegg will participate in the Phoenix Tea Party at the Arizona State Capitol on Wednesday, April 15th, from 5:30 to 7:pm.
In a April 2 news release Shadegg had this to say about the federal budget, “Follow the path set forth in this budget and the children of the ‘Greatest Generation’ may be known by their own children as the ‘Reckless Generation’ – the generation that squandered the wealth of the greatest and most prosperous country on Earth.”
In a April 2 news release Shadegg had this to say about the federal budget, “Follow the path set forth in this budget and the children of the ‘Greatest Generation’ may be known by their own children as the ‘Reckless Generation’ – the generation that squandered the wealth of the greatest and most prosperous country on Earth.”
Monday, April 6, 2009
Town Hall set for April 16
The Maricopa County Republican Committee (MCRC) will be conducting a Town-hall to discuss the state budget at 5:45 PM, April 16 in the Scottsdale Civic Center Library Auditorium, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale.
Confirmed speakers for the event are: Sen. Russell Pearce, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Rep. John Kavanaugh, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee; President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Senator Thayer Verschoor; and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Gray.
Topics to be discussed include; the impact of illegal immigration, alternative solutions to raising taxes and, why the Democratic party plan will hurt taxpayers.
MCRC Executive Director Tom Husband said, "It is very important that we conduct town-halls throughout the county to better inform voters and taxpayers as to the status of the state budget. We need to talk directly with our legislators. We are facing difficult economic times, as well as increasing alarm at what is transpiring in Washington."
Husband continued by saying that, "Republicans need to come to these town-halls and express their opinions to elected officials. Legislators are subjected to the pleas of special interest groups and paid lobbyist on a constant basis, but the taxpayers, who carry the burden of financing government, must also be heard. Come out and remind elected officials that they were elected to work for us and we intent to hold them accountable."
At a recent meeting of concerned citizens in Peoria, it was standing room only. "People are very concerned - not only about their personal budget but with what elected officials are doing with city, county, state, and national funds," Husband said.
Sandy Doty, is a Member-at-Large of the MCRC and is the person in-charge of organizing the event. She echoed Husbands thoughts, "People must get involved. We have scheduled some of our best legislators in a facility to seat a large group. If you really want to know what is going on down at the capitol you need to talk directly to your legislators. Unfortunately, the media is not giving us the whole story. We are hoping to get the other side of some of the budget problems out to the public," Doty said.
A $5 donation will be taken at the door and the Town Hall is open to the public. For information please contact Sandy Doty at 480-883-1097.
Confirmed speakers for the event are: Sen. Russell Pearce, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Rep. John Kavanaugh, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee; President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Senator Thayer Verschoor; and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Gray.
Topics to be discussed include; the impact of illegal immigration, alternative solutions to raising taxes and, why the Democratic party plan will hurt taxpayers.
MCRC Executive Director Tom Husband said, "It is very important that we conduct town-halls throughout the county to better inform voters and taxpayers as to the status of the state budget. We need to talk directly with our legislators. We are facing difficult economic times, as well as increasing alarm at what is transpiring in Washington."
Husband continued by saying that, "Republicans need to come to these town-halls and express their opinions to elected officials. Legislators are subjected to the pleas of special interest groups and paid lobbyist on a constant basis, but the taxpayers, who carry the burden of financing government, must also be heard. Come out and remind elected officials that they were elected to work for us and we intent to hold them accountable."
At a recent meeting of concerned citizens in Peoria, it was standing room only. "People are very concerned - not only about their personal budget but with what elected officials are doing with city, county, state, and national funds," Husband said.
Sandy Doty, is a Member-at-Large of the MCRC and is the person in-charge of organizing the event. She echoed Husbands thoughts, "People must get involved. We have scheduled some of our best legislators in a facility to seat a large group. If you really want to know what is going on down at the capitol you need to talk directly to your legislators. Unfortunately, the media is not giving us the whole story. We are hoping to get the other side of some of the budget problems out to the public," Doty said.
A $5 donation will be taken at the door and the Town Hall is open to the public. For information please contact Sandy Doty at 480-883-1097.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Thayer Verschoor: REDUCE SALARIES BEFORE RAISING TAXES.
With talk of a small temporary tax increase to raise state revenue, Senator Thayer Verschoor asked the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) to calculate the savings associated with reducing state employee salaries to no more then that of the governor, $ 95,000. Verchoor said we should do that before raising taxes.
The JLBC reported back to Verchoor that based on information from the Department of Administration (ADOR) and the Board of Regents (ABOR), reducing state employee salaries to no more then the governor's salary would reduce General Fund expenses by approximately $ 76.2 million.
Under the ADOA system, 390 General Fund employees make over $ 95,000. Reducing their salaries to $95,000 would decrease General Fund expenses by $10.6 million, $ 8.9 million in salaries and $1.6 million in Employee Related Expenses (ERE), such as payroll taxes, agency pro rata charges and retirement contributions. Counting all funding sources, including Federal Funds, a total of 602 employees make over $95,000. Reducing all salaries would decrease total agency expenses by $ 15.4 million, $13.1 million for salaries and $ 2.4 million for ERE.
2,457 UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES MAKE OVER $100,000
For the Universities, JLBC only had salary data recorded in $10,000 bands. As a result, that part of the JLBC analysis looked at salaries over $100,000 instead of $95,000. Counting all funding sources, including tuition, a total of 2,457 university employee make over $100, 000. Counting all salaries over $100,000 would decrease total university expenses by $166.7 million, $ 138.9 million in salaries and $ 27.8 million for ERE. The General fund share of those savings would be $ 65.6 million, $ 54.6 million in salaries and $ 10.9 million for ERE.
In addition to the 2,457 university employees making over $100,000, there are 747 university employees making between $90,000 and $100,000.
The American Conservative Republican believes that Sen. Verschoor may be on to something. $95,000 is a good salary, anyone making that much money is not going to starve or become homeless. Most people making that much are in responsible, leadership positions in the state government and as leaders, they should be willing to take a cut in pay to help the state provide essential government services for the people, such as courts and public safety.
Before putting the hand of the government in the pocket of people struggling to make ends meet, reduce the salary of those responsible for making the government's ends meet.
Bob Haran,
American Conservative Republican
The JLBC reported back to Verchoor that based on information from the Department of Administration (ADOR) and the Board of Regents (ABOR), reducing state employee salaries to no more then the governor's salary would reduce General Fund expenses by approximately $ 76.2 million.
Under the ADOA system, 390 General Fund employees make over $ 95,000. Reducing their salaries to $95,000 would decrease General Fund expenses by $10.6 million, $ 8.9 million in salaries and $1.6 million in Employee Related Expenses (ERE), such as payroll taxes, agency pro rata charges and retirement contributions. Counting all funding sources, including Federal Funds, a total of 602 employees make over $95,000. Reducing all salaries would decrease total agency expenses by $ 15.4 million, $13.1 million for salaries and $ 2.4 million for ERE.
2,457 UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES MAKE OVER $100,000
For the Universities, JLBC only had salary data recorded in $10,000 bands. As a result, that part of the JLBC analysis looked at salaries over $100,000 instead of $95,000. Counting all funding sources, including tuition, a total of 2,457 university employee make over $100, 000. Counting all salaries over $100,000 would decrease total university expenses by $166.7 million, $ 138.9 million in salaries and $ 27.8 million for ERE. The General fund share of those savings would be $ 65.6 million, $ 54.6 million in salaries and $ 10.9 million for ERE.
In addition to the 2,457 university employees making over $100,000, there are 747 university employees making between $90,000 and $100,000.
The American Conservative Republican believes that Sen. Verschoor may be on to something. $95,000 is a good salary, anyone making that much money is not going to starve or become homeless. Most people making that much are in responsible, leadership positions in the state government and as leaders, they should be willing to take a cut in pay to help the state provide essential government services for the people, such as courts and public safety.
Before putting the hand of the government in the pocket of people struggling to make ends meet, reduce the salary of those responsible for making the government's ends meet.
Bob Haran,
American Conservative Republican
Sunday, January 18, 2009
AZ GOP Statutory Meeting
The Arizona Republican Party will be holding it's Statutory meeting on Saturday, January 24 at Camelback H. S. in Phoenix. Officers to be elected at the meeting by Republican State Committeemen are, Chairman, First Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and, Assistant Sergeant at Arms, along with three Members at large from each of Arizona's eight congressional districts.
With the exception of the chairman's position, only one candidate each has expressed an interest in the positions on the state executive committee, they are: for First Vice Chairman, Augustus Shaw IV of Maricopa County; for Secretary, Linda White of Pima County; for Treasurer, Timothy Lee of Pinal County; for Assistant Treasurer, Larry Pickard of Maricopa County and; for Assistant Sergeant at Arms, Buster Johnson of Mohave County. Further nominations for any position may be accepted from the floor at the meeting.
The only position that has two candidates is that of the Arizona Republican Party Chairman. Incumbent Chairman Randy Pullen is being challenged for re-election by political consultant Lisa James, both are from Maricopa County.
Lisa James started her political career working for the Illinois Legislature. In 1988 she was a volunteer for Jack Kemp for President and in 1992 worked on the Bush/Quayle campaign. Many people know Lisa from her work as Arizona director of the Bush/Cheney Arizona Victory 2000 effort.
In 2004 she was chairman of "No Taxpayer Dollars for Politicians," ballot initiative and the Arizona executive director for Bush-Cheney '04. Lisa served as the director of the Arizona Republican Party Victory 2006 campaign and in 2008 she chaired the Giuliani for President campaign in Arizona.
Two years ago Lisa ran for Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party and lost to Randy Pullen by four votes.
Lisa James is married to Gordon James and works together with him at Gordon C. James Public Relations. Gordon James is one of the original members of the "Wake Up Arizona Coalition," a group of business people, led by McDonald's franchise owner Mac Magruder, which includes Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox. The Wake Up Arizona Coalition was organized in response to the passage of the Arizona Fair and Legal Employment Act, which provides sanctions against employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers. This group has backed court action to overturn the law and were defeated and they have vowed to defeat any candidate or legislator who supports sanctions against employers hiring undocumented workers. The laws author, Arizona Senator Russell Pearce, who is a Pullen supporter, told Howard Fisher of the Capitol Media Services that, "These are folks who simply don't want the law enforced," and that the law protects companies that hire only legal U.S. residents from unfair competition and that Magruder and his coalition, "wanted employer amnesty."
Randy Pullen began his career as a high school math teacher and junior college computer programming instructor and later went on to get an MBA in Finance from ASU and worked as an accountant and consultant with Deloitte & Touche, where he became a partner in 1988. Randy is the founder and chairman of Wage Watch, Inc
Pullen was a candidate for Mayor of Phoenix in 1999 and 2003 and campaigned on a platform of fighting crime, reducing city spending and reforming the City of Phoenix immigration policies. He was the Republican National Committeemen from Arizona from 2004 until his election as Arizona Republican Party Chairman in 2007.
Randy has a solid history of opposition to illegal immigration, he was chairman of the 2004 landmark ballot initiative, "Yes on Proposition 200, Protect Arizona Now," which required proof of citizenship before any individual could register to vote or apply for public benefits in Arizona. Despite heavy opposition, voters approved Prop. 200.
Both Lisa James and Randy Pullen have web sites listing their supporters, Lisa at http://www.lisaforchairman.com/ and Randy at
http://www.randyforchair.com/index.html
Randy, who is popular with the parties grassroots, has limited his list of supporters to current members of the Arizona Legislature and current state party officers. Among those endorsing Randy Pullen are: Arizona Senators; Thayer Vershor, Sylvia Allen, Ron Gould, Linda Gray, Jack Harper, Barbara Leff, Al Melvin and Russell Pearce along with Arizona House of Representatives members; Frank Antenori, Cecil Ash, Andy Biggs, Tom Boone, Judy Burges, Steve Court, Sam Crump, Doris Goodale, David Gowan, Nancy McLain, Steve Montenegro, Frank Pratt, Doug Quelland, Carl Seel, David Stevens and, Jerry Weiers. State party officers endorsing Randy Pullen for party chair include; First Vice Chairman Larry Pickard, Second Vice Chairman Bill Bridwell, Third Vice Chairman Parralee Schneider, Party Secretary Linda White, Party Treasurer Timothy Lee, Republican National Committeemen Bruce Ash and, Assistant Party Secretary Marne Haney.
Lisa James seems to have listed all her supporters along with their spouses in some cases. Among those supporting Lisa James are: Arizona Senator Steve Pierce; Arizona House members; Nancy Barto, Rich Crandall, Laurin Hendrix, Bill Konopnicki, Lucy Mason, John McComish, Andy Tobin and, Michele Reagan who was endorsed by Planned Parenthood for the Arizona House. Former legislators endorsing Lisa James include; former Arizona Senate President Tim Bee, former Representatives Cheryl Chase, Laura Knaperek and Barry Wong. Other notables endorsing Lisa James are: former Maricopa County School Superintendent, Dr. Sandra Dowling, Wake Up Arizona Coalition member Barry Goldwater Jr., Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman, Justice of the Peace and former legislator Clancy Jayne, Arizona Chamber of Commerce President and employer sanctions opponent Glenn Hamer.
It has been reported that Arizona Right to Life has reviewed questionnaires completed by both Lisa James and Randy Pullen and found that both candidate's answer's were in-line with the agenda of Arizona Right to Life PAC.
ARIZONA CONSERVATIVE REPULICAN - Opinion/ Endorsement
There is a fight in the Republican Party between those who want the party to be controlled from the top down and those that believes it should be controlled from the grassroots up. Every American political party must be controlled from the grassroots up if it is to represent the interest of the average citizen. Corporations and military units may be controlled from the top down because those at the top have the authority to set policy and to remove or court martial those in the organization who do not comply with upper management, political parties have no such control over their members, not in this country.
For a political party to win election, it must be a bridge between the elected officials in government and the people, the grassroots of the party is the foundation of that bridge, they know the concerns of the people first hand, those in Washington or even at a state capitol may become distant from the average voter and overly influenced by lobbyist and other representatives of special interest who are only concerned with their own best interest and not those of the average voter.
This attempt to control the Republican Party by the Washington establishment has caused a serious divide in the party over the issue of illegal immigration. As the people and the grassroots of the party was demanding that illegal immigration be controlled, the Washington establishment of the party, called for a guest worker program and giving those in the country illegally an opportunity to become citizens, in effect, solve the problem of too many illegal immigrants by making them legal immigrants.
The establishment Republicans forgot that the GOP was not a corporation but is an American political party of free citizens who cannot be told what position to take on any issue. The grassroots of the GOP reflected the views of the vast majority of Americans, that illegal immigration was out of control, and demanded a secure border and enforcement of our immigration laws, but the establishment, country club Republicans weren't listening to the grassroots, they were listening to the demands of the business community to continue the supply of cheap immigrant labor. The top of the party, which sided with the business community, tried to force it's position on the grassroots of the party, who pushed back and demanded illegal immigration control.
This fight for control has divided the party and continues to this day. One side must win and the other acquiesce, if the Republican party is to continue as one of the two major American political parties. If the party establishment wins this fight for control, the grassroots will abandon the GOP and the Republican Party will go the way of the Whigs. As Republicans we cannot allow that to happen.
At the Arizona Republican Party Statutory meeting on January 24, 2009, it is obvious who represents the grassroots of the party and who represents the party establishment. The American Conservative Republican sides with the American people and the grassroots of the GOP and therefore wholeheartedly does hereby endorse retaining Randy Pullen as the Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party.
With the exception of the chairman's position, only one candidate each has expressed an interest in the positions on the state executive committee, they are: for First Vice Chairman, Augustus Shaw IV of Maricopa County; for Secretary, Linda White of Pima County; for Treasurer, Timothy Lee of Pinal County; for Assistant Treasurer, Larry Pickard of Maricopa County and; for Assistant Sergeant at Arms, Buster Johnson of Mohave County. Further nominations for any position may be accepted from the floor at the meeting.
The only position that has two candidates is that of the Arizona Republican Party Chairman. Incumbent Chairman Randy Pullen is being challenged for re-election by political consultant Lisa James, both are from Maricopa County.
Lisa James started her political career working for the Illinois Legislature. In 1988 she was a volunteer for Jack Kemp for President and in 1992 worked on the Bush/Quayle campaign. Many people know Lisa from her work as Arizona director of the Bush/Cheney Arizona Victory 2000 effort.
In 2004 she was chairman of "No Taxpayer Dollars for Politicians," ballot initiative and the Arizona executive director for Bush-Cheney '04. Lisa served as the director of the Arizona Republican Party Victory 2006 campaign and in 2008 she chaired the Giuliani for President campaign in Arizona.
Two years ago Lisa ran for Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party and lost to Randy Pullen by four votes.
Lisa James is married to Gordon James and works together with him at Gordon C. James Public Relations. Gordon James is one of the original members of the "Wake Up Arizona Coalition," a group of business people, led by McDonald's franchise owner Mac Magruder, which includes Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox. The Wake Up Arizona Coalition was organized in response to the passage of the Arizona Fair and Legal Employment Act, which provides sanctions against employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers. This group has backed court action to overturn the law and were defeated and they have vowed to defeat any candidate or legislator who supports sanctions against employers hiring undocumented workers. The laws author, Arizona Senator Russell Pearce, who is a Pullen supporter, told Howard Fisher of the Capitol Media Services that, "These are folks who simply don't want the law enforced," and that the law protects companies that hire only legal U.S. residents from unfair competition and that Magruder and his coalition, "wanted employer amnesty."
Randy Pullen began his career as a high school math teacher and junior college computer programming instructor and later went on to get an MBA in Finance from ASU and worked as an accountant and consultant with Deloitte & Touche, where he became a partner in 1988. Randy is the founder and chairman of Wage Watch, Inc
Pullen was a candidate for Mayor of Phoenix in 1999 and 2003 and campaigned on a platform of fighting crime, reducing city spending and reforming the City of Phoenix immigration policies. He was the Republican National Committeemen from Arizona from 2004 until his election as Arizona Republican Party Chairman in 2007.
Randy has a solid history of opposition to illegal immigration, he was chairman of the 2004 landmark ballot initiative, "Yes on Proposition 200, Protect Arizona Now," which required proof of citizenship before any individual could register to vote or apply for public benefits in Arizona. Despite heavy opposition, voters approved Prop. 200.
Both Lisa James and Randy Pullen have web sites listing their supporters, Lisa at http://www.lisaforchairman.com/ and Randy at
http://www.randyforchair.com/index.html
Randy, who is popular with the parties grassroots, has limited his list of supporters to current members of the Arizona Legislature and current state party officers. Among those endorsing Randy Pullen are: Arizona Senators; Thayer Vershor, Sylvia Allen, Ron Gould, Linda Gray, Jack Harper, Barbara Leff, Al Melvin and Russell Pearce along with Arizona House of Representatives members; Frank Antenori, Cecil Ash, Andy Biggs, Tom Boone, Judy Burges, Steve Court, Sam Crump, Doris Goodale, David Gowan, Nancy McLain, Steve Montenegro, Frank Pratt, Doug Quelland, Carl Seel, David Stevens and, Jerry Weiers. State party officers endorsing Randy Pullen for party chair include; First Vice Chairman Larry Pickard, Second Vice Chairman Bill Bridwell, Third Vice Chairman Parralee Schneider, Party Secretary Linda White, Party Treasurer Timothy Lee, Republican National Committeemen Bruce Ash and, Assistant Party Secretary Marne Haney.
Lisa James seems to have listed all her supporters along with their spouses in some cases. Among those supporting Lisa James are: Arizona Senator Steve Pierce; Arizona House members; Nancy Barto, Rich Crandall, Laurin Hendrix, Bill Konopnicki, Lucy Mason, John McComish, Andy Tobin and, Michele Reagan who was endorsed by Planned Parenthood for the Arizona House. Former legislators endorsing Lisa James include; former Arizona Senate President Tim Bee, former Representatives Cheryl Chase, Laura Knaperek and Barry Wong. Other notables endorsing Lisa James are: former Maricopa County School Superintendent, Dr. Sandra Dowling, Wake Up Arizona Coalition member Barry Goldwater Jr., Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman, Justice of the Peace and former legislator Clancy Jayne, Arizona Chamber of Commerce President and employer sanctions opponent Glenn Hamer.
It has been reported that Arizona Right to Life has reviewed questionnaires completed by both Lisa James and Randy Pullen and found that both candidate's answer's were in-line with the agenda of Arizona Right to Life PAC.
ARIZONA CONSERVATIVE REPULICAN - Opinion/ Endorsement
There is a fight in the Republican Party between those who want the party to be controlled from the top down and those that believes it should be controlled from the grassroots up. Every American political party must be controlled from the grassroots up if it is to represent the interest of the average citizen. Corporations and military units may be controlled from the top down because those at the top have the authority to set policy and to remove or court martial those in the organization who do not comply with upper management, political parties have no such control over their members, not in this country.
For a political party to win election, it must be a bridge between the elected officials in government and the people, the grassroots of the party is the foundation of that bridge, they know the concerns of the people first hand, those in Washington or even at a state capitol may become distant from the average voter and overly influenced by lobbyist and other representatives of special interest who are only concerned with their own best interest and not those of the average voter.
This attempt to control the Republican Party by the Washington establishment has caused a serious divide in the party over the issue of illegal immigration. As the people and the grassroots of the party was demanding that illegal immigration be controlled, the Washington establishment of the party, called for a guest worker program and giving those in the country illegally an opportunity to become citizens, in effect, solve the problem of too many illegal immigrants by making them legal immigrants.
The establishment Republicans forgot that the GOP was not a corporation but is an American political party of free citizens who cannot be told what position to take on any issue. The grassroots of the GOP reflected the views of the vast majority of Americans, that illegal immigration was out of control, and demanded a secure border and enforcement of our immigration laws, but the establishment, country club Republicans weren't listening to the grassroots, they were listening to the demands of the business community to continue the supply of cheap immigrant labor. The top of the party, which sided with the business community, tried to force it's position on the grassroots of the party, who pushed back and demanded illegal immigration control.
This fight for control has divided the party and continues to this day. One side must win and the other acquiesce, if the Republican party is to continue as one of the two major American political parties. If the party establishment wins this fight for control, the grassroots will abandon the GOP and the Republican Party will go the way of the Whigs. As Republicans we cannot allow that to happen.
At the Arizona Republican Party Statutory meeting on January 24, 2009, it is obvious who represents the grassroots of the party and who represents the party establishment. The American Conservative Republican sides with the American people and the grassroots of the GOP and therefore wholeheartedly does hereby endorse retaining Randy Pullen as the Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party.
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