by Staff Reporter | Jul 15, 2024 | News
By Staff Reporter |
A controversial Republican seeks to return to the Arizona State Legislature for the next two years.
State Senator Ken Bennett is running for reelection to his northern Arizona legislative seat, which is centered in the Republican stronghold of Yavapai County. Bennett returned to public service in January 2023, after taking a break from elected office after his tenure as Arizona Secretary of State from 2009-2014. Before his stint as the state’s top election’s official, Bennett served in the Arizona State Senate for eight years – four as the chamber’s president.
Bennett has a long history in the Prescott region. He is a fifth-generation Arizonan who started his life in Prescott and ran Bennett Oil as its CEO for more than 20 years. Prior to his service in the Arizona Legislature, Bennett was elected to the Prescott City Council.
During his time in the legislature this go-around, Bennett has angered some of his colleagues and constituents over his decisions to oppose certain Republican efforts. Bennett’s votes in the state senate earned him a draft censure from disgruntled precinct committeemen from Yavapai County. They alleged that Bennett was the only Republican in the Arizona State Senate to vote against SCR 1013, “which would have allowed the voters of Arizona to decide if boys are allowed in girl’s bathrooms and would have required teachers to obtain permission from a child’s parents before using that child’s preferred pronouns;” and the ‘Freedom to Move’ bill, “which would have let the voters of Arizona decide to create a Constitutional ban on taxes or fees for vehicle miles traveled and limitations on miles traveled.”
The draft censure noted that with those votes, “it is clear Ken Bennett is not representing the people of Yavapai County or the Yavapai County Republican Committee.”
Both measures would have been sent to Arizona voters for the November General Election if enough legislators had voted in favor.
On his website, Bennett responded to the charges levied against him by these local precinct committeemen. Addressing the claims about SCR1013, Bennett said, “This was unconstitutional because it combined two different issues into one ballot proposition. I voted in favor of the two separate bills in the Senate, but I wouldn’t violate the AZ Constitution that requires ballot measures be a single subject.” And combatting the attack against his ‘Freedom to Move’ vote, Bennett stated, “I supported two of the three parts of this proposal (Government shouldn’t monitor or limit the miles we drive) but it needed an amendment to allow government agencies to monitor their own fleets. The bill sponsor would not make this simple change. The other part of the proposal would let electric or other energy-sourced vehicles use our roads without helping to pay for road maintenance. Unfair.”
Senator Bennett also created controversy within his caucus when he helped to pause progress in passing a border security measure to be sent to state voters in November (HCR 2060). Bennett demanded changes to the bill to win his vote, that he appeared to obtain in a later amendment. He then joined his Republican colleagues in supporting the updated legislation, making it possible for Arizonans to help the state’s law enforcement better secure the border and communities in the federal government’s growing dereliction of duty – should they choose to approve of the ballot initiative this fall.
Bennett lists several awards and recognitions for his time of service on his website, including “Senator of the Year” from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Arizona Technology Council, and Arizona County School Superintendents; “Champion Award” from the Arizona League of Cities & Towns and Arizona Association of Economic Development; an “A” Rating from the National Rifle Association, and the Arizona Republican Assembly; and a 100% Pro-Life Record.
Danny Seiden, the President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, congratulated Bennett on winning his organization’s yearly award, writing, “For years, you have served Arizonans and been an outstanding voice for Arizona job creators. During time of divisiveness, you have continued to be a voice of reason and a champion of the business community. Your thoughtful approach at the state Senate this year has been recognized by many and your efforts to enact common sense policies is greatly appreciated. To strive for compromise on complex policies is a difficult task and we commend you for your ongoing leadership.”
The Republican State Senator currently serves as the Chairman of the Education Committee, the Vice Chair of the Elections Committee, and a member on the Appropriations Committee.
Arizona Legislative District 1 is a very safe Republican seat with a 27.8% vote spread between Republicans and Democrats in the last nine statewide elections, according to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission. In those last nine elections, Republicans have won all contests within the district’s boundaries.
Bennett is opposed in the Republican primary by former legislator Mark Finchem and Steve Zipperman. The winner of this race will face off against Democrat Mike Fogel, who is running unopposed in the primary for his party’s nomination.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Jul 13, 2024 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Governor Katie Hobbs has prioritized the fundraising of millions of dollars to flip the state legislature over to Democrats over the governance of the state.
According to the campaign finance records, Hobbs’ gubernatorial campaign has collected over $2.6 million from 2023 through March: just over $2.1 million in 2023, and nearly $468,000 from January through March of this year.
Campaign totals from April through the present of this year weren’t yet available on the campaign finance reporting website.
Out of the over 27,800 individual contributions Hobbs’ campaign received from last year through this March, around 8,600 were from out of state.
The top donors since Hobbs took office last year include $10,800 contributions from AFSCME People, United Here PAC, UFCW Local 99 PAC, AZ CWA State Council PAC, and USAA Employee PAC.
The second-highest level of contributions were around 180 individual contributions of $5,400 donations, and about 30 individual contributions of $5,000.
Several organizations and entities also donated sums of $5,400: Moms Fed Up, Smart TD PAC, JP Morgan Chase & Co Arizona PAC, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Gila River Indian Community, Tohono O’Odham Nation, Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, DRIVE Committee (the Political Action Committee of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters), Pattern Energy Group PAC, Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters Issues Committee, Molina Healthcare PAC, Salt River Project, Realtors of Arizona PAC, Arizona Dispensaries Association PAC, Boilermakers-Blacksmiths Leap, Amalgamated Transit Union – Cope.
Other high-level donations included the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association PAC, $5,000; Republic Services, $4,400; American Airlines PAC, $3,000; and UNS Energy Corporation PAC , $2,500; Wells Fargo; Arizona Employee PAC, $2,500; and American Property Casualty Insurance, $2,400.
Hobbs told Capitol Media Services that her position of authority created “the perfect storm” to secure the state legislature for her party.
“This is the first time we’ve been this close and had a Democratic governor,” said Hobbs. “And this is what I’m focused on this election is governing majorities who will work with me.”
Fundraising emails from the Hobbs campaign focused on securing greater legalization of abortion in the state.
Hobbs has vetoed around 200 Republican-led bills since taking office last year.
Democrats haven’t held a trifecta in nearly 60 years. The Republicans hold a slim majority in both the House and Senate: 31 out of 60 seats in the former, 16 out of 30 seats in the latter.
Hobbs’ campaign manager, Nicole DeMont, bragged that Hobbs had collected millions in her first year as governor while her predecessor, Doug Ducey, collected only about $160,000.
The millions excludes the excess in donations (estimated over $1.5 million) to Hobbs’ much-scrutinized inauguration fund, which DeMont established as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit.
The Arizona Secretary of State has a complete list of all candidates eligible to appear on the ballot.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Jul 13, 2024 | News
By Staff Reporter |
One Arizona mom is hoping to make a difference over the next two years for her family in the state legislature.
Carine Werner is currently running to represent Arizona Legislative District 4 in the state senate. She notes on her website that her history as an immigrant, who arrived in the United States when she was eleven years old, has given her a great appreciation for this nation and helps drive her spirit to give back to the community around her through public service.
On March 29, Werner posted to her “X” account that she “turned in more than 3x the amount of signatures needed to get on the ballot for State Senate in LD-4.”
“Mom” is the first descriptor on Werner’s biography, which speaks volumes to onlookers about “who” and “what” is inspiring her to serve. Carine has three children, all with her husband of almost 30 years. She reflects on the motivation for her campaign for the state legislature, saying, “We face a flailing economy with out-of-control prices, a broken border, rising crime, homelessness, and challenges within our education system. As a result of these issues, we worry that our children and grandchildren won’t have the chance to enjoy the same opportunities and lifestyle that we have.”
Werner now serves on the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board. She lists her goals for this position as “improving the quality of education offered to Scottsdale students and ensuring their safety on all SUSD campuses.”
On her biography for SUSD, Werner reveals that “highlights of her [business] career include facilitating more than $100 million of commercial and residential loans, hiring, developing, and training more than 150 lenders, and creating the most six-figure income earners in her organization.”
Though Werner is already involved in public service, she sees an opportunity in the state legislature to secure a better future for her children. On her website, Werner writes that she is running for state senator “because our school boards are only one front in the battle for our children’s future, and we need fighters in the state legislature who will fight for their future too. Those of us who call this area home are truly fortunate because we’ve worked hard for the life we’ve built here. But we aren’t immune to the problems happening in the world that are beginning to hit close to home.”
The District 4 candidate has three priorities on her website to give voters a taste of what she would pursue if given the chance to represent them at the state legislature. The first is education, where Carine promises to help “increase teacher pay and reduce wasteful spending [and] empower parents.” She states, “Parents are the experts in their children’s lives, education, and health. They’re the ones who should drive children’s education inside and outside of the classroom. In the State Senate, Carine will ensure transparency in classrooms so parents are informed and involved in their child’s education.”
In her second priority for the state legislature, Werner highlights “safe and secure communities,” vowing to “empower and fund law enforcement, secure the border [and] address homelessness with compassion and accountability.” Giving her thoughts on the border, she writes, “We’ve all seen far too many Arizonans die of drug overdoses as a result of the crisis at our border. In the State Senate, Carine will work with local, state, federal, and law enforcement officials on solutions to secure our border, stop the rise in crime, and stop the flow of drugs coming into Arizona.”
Finally, Werner includes “economic growth and opportunities” for her priorities. Under this umbrella, she commits to “champion low-tax, business friendly environment, generate job growth, and improve cost of living.” Werner says that she “will promote legislation to advance economic growth and opportunities for prosperity through low taxes and legislation that will benefit Arizonans and Arizona businesses, while standing firmly against legislation that attempts to increase the burden on families and businesses.”
Werner was recently endorsed by the Maricopa County Colleges Police Officers Association. In announcing the support, Werner said, “It is critical that we fund police and stand alongside the men and women who risk their lives to keep us safe. At the Capitol, I will champion funding for law enforcement and more investment in a secure border. Together we can keep our communities and neighborhoods safe!”
Legislative District 4 is one of the most competitive in the state. According to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, it has a 3.4% vote spread over the past nine statewide elections within its boundaries, with Republicans winning five of those contests.
The Scottsdale mother is running in the Republican primary against Kenneth R. Bowers, Jr. The winner on July 30 will face off against incumbent Democrat state senator Christine Marsh for the right to represent Arizona Legislative District 4.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Jul 12, 2024 | News
By Staff Reporter |
A leftist billionaire has a vested interest in the reelection of Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer.
Campaign mailers paid for by Women for Justice disclosed that venture capitalist and LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman was one of the three top donors in their effort to support Richer, in addition to Sac Holdings and Robert Granieri.
Women for Justice is a leftist nonprofit advocacy group formerly known as Women for Bernie Sanders 2016.
Hoffman rose up over the last decade as one of the most influential Democratic donors against former President Donald Trump. Since 2015, Hoffman has contributed nearly $64.7 million to left-wing causes per FEC records. This election cycle alone he has contributed over $28 million, though FEC records don’t reflect any direct Arizona contributions.
This wouldn’t be the first time Hoffman has backed a candidate with an “R” by their name. In 2022, Hoffman contributed $2,000 to former House Speaker Rusty Bowers’ reelection bid.
Prior to that, in 2021 Hoffman contributed $5,300 to then-Secretary of State Katie Hobbs’ gubernatorial campaign.
In an effort to beat Trump in a reelection, Hoffman founded FWD.us, and has served as a financial backer for the Hopewell Fund, an arm of the Arabella Advisors dark money network.
Hoffman spent $100 million of his own funds to defeat Trump and the GOP in 2020, and created the Investing in Us tech finance company to defeat Republicans.
In pursuit of his goal to eliminate Trump and allied GOP members, Hoffman’s Investing in Us organization, in an “experimental” initiative led by former Obama administration federal agents, orchestrated a fake news social media campaign in the 2018 Alabama special election to undermine GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore. Although Hoffman apologized when caught, he never published the disinformation policies to prevent similar incidents from occurring as promised.
In 2021, Hoffman teamed up with dark money megadonor George Soros to back a disinformation-tackling media firm led by Democrat strategist Tara McGowan, Good Information Inc., and the nonprofit she previously ran, ACRONYM.
ACRONYM spent $100 million to defeat Trump; financed Shadow, a company responsible for the delayed reporting of the Iowa caucus results; and launched Courier Newsroom, a network of seven news sites at the time positioned in swing states that prompted a Federal Elections Commission (FEC) complaint for allegedly disguising the true nature as a political committee. One of those news sites, The Copper Courier, exists in Arizona.
More recently, Hoffman funded the E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit against Trump for publicly denying her 2019 book claim that he sexually assaulted her in either 1995 or 1996.
This month, Hoffman announced his intent to invest millions into Smartmatic, the voting technology company embattled by claims of rigged vote counting after the 2020 election, in their lawsuit against Fox News.
Richer admitted in a recent interview that, although he has been a Republican, he plans to vote for Joe Biden in November.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Jul 11, 2024 | News
By Staff Reporter |
In a press gaggle on Wednesday, Governor Katie Hobbs revealed a semblance of doubt about President Joe Biden’s fitness for office.
Hobbs acknowledged that the ongoing concerns over Biden’s apparently diminished cognitive functions were exacerbated by his debate performance last month.
“There’s so much on the line in this November’s election. From the president down to our state legislative races: our fundamental freedoms, our very democracy,” said Hobbs. “And I know that Arizonans have been concerned about the president’s age, and since the debate I think those concerns are even more top of mind. And I think the president has a lot to do to assure Arizonans and Americans, and I know that he knows that is his job over the coming weeks.”
When pressed as to whether her assessment meant a withdrawal of support for the president, or preference that he step aside for another to take his place, Hobbs reassured that Biden could fulfill presidential duties a second go around should he remain the candidate.
“Joe Biden can do the job, and that’s all I’m going to say about the situation,” said Hobbs. “It’s up to the president. He’s the nominee. There’s no indication that’s going to change.”
Hobbs indicated that she would still vote for Biden because the alternative, former President Donald Trump, was too poor a choice to consider.
“I have one vote in this election just like everyone else,” said Hobbs. “To me, the choice is abundantly clear: the guy who’s trying to uphold democracy, and the guy who’s trying to tear it down.”
Hobbs had an up close and personal opportunity to assess Biden last week. She and 20 other Democratic governors convened with the president in a private meeting, wherein Politico reported Biden advising that he’d been cleared in a medical checkup following the debate.
That private meeting reportedly focused on addressing governors’ concerns of Biden’s fitness for office, a sudden and unanticipated meeting arranged shortly after Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre avoided questions from the press about Biden’s last medical exam.
The governor refused to disclose additional details of the meeting.
The remarks signal a pivot from Hobbs’ initial response to Biden’s debate performance. In an interview with media last week, Hobbs had dismissed those concerns of his cognitive abilities by remarking that she wasn’t “a fan of debates” either, a reference to her refusing to debate with former GOP opponent Kari Lake during their 2022 gubernatorial race.
“As the president himself has said, don’t compare him to the Almighty, compare him to the alternative, and by that metric the choice is abundantly clear in this race,” said Hobbs.
Since taking office, Hobbs has dedicated a significant portion of her focus into securing a Democrat majority in both the Arizona House and Senate, raising millions for the effort. Some of those funds have come from Hobbs’ controversial inaugural fund.
Democratic Congressman Raul Grijalva announced late last week that he wanted Biden to drop out of the race, though should the president choose to stay he would support.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
