by Matthew Holloway | Jul 16, 2024 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
On Monday, former President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, at 39 years of age, will be his running mate. Vance would become the youngest Vice President in over a century if he is sworn in as the 50th person to hold the second-highest office in the United States.
(For anyone keeping score Vice President John C. Breckenridge was sworn in at age 36 under President James Buchanan in 1821.)
In President Trump’s announcement, he explained that he made the contentious decision, “After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others.” Indeed fellow Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), and former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgam, and even former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy were in consideration.
But Trump continued, “I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio. J.D. honorably served our Country in the Marine Corps, graduated from Ohio State University in two years, Summa Cum Laude, and is a Yale Law School Graduate, where he was Editor of The Yale Law Journal, and President of the Yale Law Veterans Association. J.D.’s book, ‘Hillbilly Elegy,’ became a Major Best Seller and Movie, as it championed the hardworking men and women of our Country.” As Trump alluded, to it was Vance’s nationwide bestselling memoir later adapted for film, “Hillbilly Elegy,” that propelled him to national prominence.
He added, “J.D. has had a very successful business career in Technology and Finance, and now, during the Campaign, will be strongly focused on the people he fought so brilliantly for, the American Workers and Farmers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and far beyond.”
The move came as a surprise to many recalling Vance’s vocal opposition to Trump in 2016, although his gradual pivot from a harsh critic to a stalwart ally has been extremely well documented. In an interview with Fox News in June, Vance told Brett Baier, “Look, I was wrong about Donald Trump. I didn’t think he was going to be a good president. He was a great president, and it’s one of the reasons why I’m working so hard to make sure he gets a second term.”
During a Trump Townhall in Phoenix last month, as reported by the New York Post, Vance seemed to deflect questions on his potential selection. He told reporters, “First of all, I’m thankful it’s not my decision because I think that Trump has a lot of different things that he’s weighing, and he’s the guy who’s gonna make the decision. My view is the most important thing is you need somebody who’s gonna help govern.”
Laughing with reporters in footage captured by AZ Free News, he was asked if he had any information on Trump’s choice, and he joked, “Yeah, sure. But I’m not going to tell you guys!“ He then quipped, “Any other questions about this event or about Arizona because I think I’m exhausted by the VP conversation and I’ve been here five minutes.”
Despite his initial disagreement with Trump’s policies in 2016, Vance has, for the last three years, been seen as one of the President’s most ardent defenders and allies in the Senate, spearheading efforts to prevent a renewed mask mandate on airlines, as well as efforts to block politically driven appointments to the Biden DOJ in light of the ongoing utilization of that department’s assets to pursue the political prosecution of Trump.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Jul 16, 2024 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
In a statement released last Wednesday, Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ) announced his co-sponsorship of new legislation that would ratify the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement. The agreement, per Rep. Crane’s office, is designed to “address a persistent and dire water issue by securing water rights for the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.”
Crane remarked, “I’m proud to be part of a bipartisan and bicameral coalition of lawmakers who are working to provide life-sustaining water delivery systems for the involved Tribes in Arizona. As the representative for the impacted communities, I’ve worked with Tribal leaders, in addition to State, County, and city officials in the district, during the formation of this legislation.”
He added, “The final passage of this legislation would be a meaningful win for Northern Arizonans, who I’m proud to fight for on a daily basis.”
The settlement would, if ratified, provide clean water for the tribes in the area and also allow them to lease their water rights, creating an economic opportunity for their people.
Crane’s office wrote, “The legislation authorizes funds to acquire, build, and maintain essential water development and delivery projects, including a distribution pipeline. In total, the Tribes would be guaranteed access to over 56,000 acre-feet of water from outside the State of Arizona.”
In a press release from Senate Co-sponsor Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Navajo Nation Speaker Crystalyne Curley explained, “Tens of thousands of Navajo people in Arizona do not have water in their homes. The infrastructure funded under the bill secures the necessary water supply that will serve these families’ homes. Without this settlement, our communities will remain disproportionately vulnerable to diseases and development on the Reservation will continue to be restricted by the lack of water infrastructure. Consequently, we are extremely grateful for the introduction of this landmark legislation.”
Curley added in a release from the Navajo Nation Council, “This is a great day for the Navajo people! This settlement prioritizes the need to provide essential water infrastructure to Navajo families and communities and provides the Nation an opportunity for growth and economic prosperity. It provides a pathway home for tribal members who have moved off the Nation to find career and financial stability.”
Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) told AZMirror that the bill will provide for a “long lasting partnership” between Arizona and the tribal governments. “This not only gives much-needed certainty to the Tribes but allows Arizona to better plan for a secure water future while providing for improved water infrastructure throughout the region.”
Hopi Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma expressed his gratitude for the state, federal, and tribal officials who came together to make the agreement happen saying, “Our collective action means a more secure water future for the Hopi Tribe and all of our neighbors in Northern Arizona,” according to the outlet.
According to the press release, the ratifying bill also attached legislation authored by Rep. Crane to the settlement agreement creating a reservation for the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, the only federally recognized Arizona Tribe without a homeland, in “The San Juan Southern Paiute Tribal Homelands Act.”
“I’m a proud representative of over half the tribes in Arizona,” Crane said according to Cronkite News. “They’re great partners in preserving American history and culture and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe is no different. Other than the fact that they don’t have their own land yet.”
The Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) will, after a lengthy legal battle between the Paiute and Navajo tribes settled by a 1992 treaty, grant 5,400 acres of Navajo Reservation land the tribes jointly held and the crucial water rights to the San Juan Southern Paiute.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
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 Daniel Stefanski | Jul 15, 2024 | Education, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Another political battle may be brewing over Arizona’s historic school choice program.
Earlier this week, Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma sent a letter to Tom Horne, the state’s Superintendent of Public Instruction (ADE), over his department’s controversial decision to acquiesce to Attorney General Kris Mayes’ demands to increase regulation of the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program.
In his letter, Toma wrote, “I understand that you may have no choice but to cooperate with the Attorney General’s politically-motivated investigation. However, ADE is best situated to determine how to implement its policies in a way that fulfills legislative intent but does not burden parents with unnecessary bureaucratic requirements.”
Toma added, “As you implement your Department’s policies, I urge you to scrutinize Attorney General Mayes’ unsolicited legal advice expressed in her July 1, 2024, letter, consider how her interpretation of Arizona statutes would impact parents throughout the state, and reject her interpretation of the law that would lead to absurd results.”
The Republican Speaker’s communication addressed an email from ADE ESA Executive Director, John Ward, to parents within the program, informing them about a letter he had received from Mayes’ Solicitor General. According to Ward, that letter “stated that some ESA program practices are inconsistent with State law and result in payment of ESA funds without authorization of law, [and that] the Solicitor General’s Office has directed the ESA program to address the issues it identified.”
The Attorney General’s Office cited two Arizona statutes to bolster its argument that “the Arizona Department of Education has approved certain supplemental items and textbooks without requiring curricula, which may result in ‘illegal payment of public monies.’” Ward told parents that “ADE has no choice but to comply with the Solicitor General’s determination,” forcing families to “submit a curriculum with all supplemental materials requested or purchased” – something that he even noted was a practice “in place since before the current ADE administration.”
Horne’s acceptance of Mayes’ interpretation of the law was surprising to many onlookers, being that his office has been at odds with the Attorney General’s Office on almost every issue related to this program. Previously, Horne issued a number of statements that expressed his ardent opposition to the Democrat Attorney General’s persistent attacks on the ESA program and vowing to match her office step for step in defense of parents.
One of the foremost experts and defenders of the ESA program, Christine Accurso, addressed this action by Horne’s office, writing, “I joined the ESA program as a parent in 2014 and in all of the years we participated, I never had to submit curriculum that listed pencils and paper (for example) as something I can use ESA funds for. This new regulation is not what the legislature intended. If you go back and listen to the many years of committee hearings you will clearly hear the lawmakers desired to give parents access to tax dollars to provide an excellent education for their child, putting them on equal footing financially (while providing a 10% savings) to what the state funds in the public schools. I don’t know of a school district in Arizona, let alone America, who has curriculum for such obvious supplemental educational materials, as noted above.”
Accurso’s sentiments were reciprocated by Speaker Toma, who in his letter to Horne, stated, “it appears that the Attorney General’s Office is advancing an argument that documentation is required for most ESA-related expenses. The legislative record does not support such an overtly restrictive view or burdensome administration of the ESA program.”
Speaker Toma concluded his letter by expressing his appreciation for Horne’s “willingness to discuss these implementation issues with legislators who – like parents – are understandably concerned about the Attorney General’s letter.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Jul 14, 2024 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States and presumptive Republican 2024 nominee, survived an attempted assassination in Butler County, PA, on Saturday. According to reports, an assailant opened fire with a 22-caliber rifle from a rooftop approximately 150 yards away from the mainstage where Trump was addressing his rally, grazing him in the right ear and killing a rally attendee. The Secret Service told reporters that two spectators were also critically injured. The would-be assassin was engaged by police snipers according to the New York Post with one bystander saying, “They blew his head off.”
As the shots rang out, President Trump can be seen raising a hand to his ear and exclaiming “Oh!” after the first round grazed him. A moment later he dropped to the ground and was swarmed by Secret Service Agents as rally goers took cover behind him. One of the agents can be heard on microphone shouting “Get down, get down, get down, get down!” Seconds later, per the Associated Press, the agents can be heard saying “shooter’s down.” The agents conferred for a few moments before helping Trump rise to his feet. After asking for his shoes, Trump is heard telling his agents to wait before looking out to the crowd with blood trailing across his face from his wounded ear and mouthing, “Fight, Fight, Fight” to his supporters.
Trump was transported to an area hospital in stable condition and released later in the evening.
Within moments, Arizona politicos and elected officials began to respond to the narrowly averted assassination.
Governor Katie Hobbs (D) posted a statement to X saying, “Political violence is unacceptable, and has no place in this country. I am glad that former President Trump is safe, and hope that others at the rally were not seriously injured. I hope the perpetrator of this heinous act will be swiftly brought to justice.” Her comments echoed the sentiment of many prominent Democrats such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) condemning political violence.
Speaker of the Arizona State House of Representatives Ben Toma (R-AZ-27) wrote within minutes, “Praying for President Trump, first responders, and any others who may have also been injured at the rally.”
Arizona Senate Presdient Warren Peterson looked back on a recent attempt by Democrats in Congress to strip Trump of Secret Service protection in a post to X saying, “It is a good thing the Democrats have not been successful in taking the secret service from Trump.”
In April, Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson from Mississippi, the Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security led an effort to remove Trump’s protective detail known as the Disgraced Former Protectees Act (H.R. 8081) as reported by USA Today. The bill was co-sponsored by Reps. Troy A. Carter Sr., Barbara Lee, Frederica Wilson, Yvette D. Clarke, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Jasmine Crockett, Joyce Beatty, and Steve Cohen.
Arizona’s Democrat Attorney General Kris Mayes offered her thoughts in a statement to X as well writing:
“The attack against former President Trump must be strongly condemned by ALL Americans — no matter their political beliefs. Poltical violence is never acceptable. Never. My thoughts are with the former President and anyone else who may have been injured or hurt at today’s rally.”
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell noted, “This is horrifying. Violence is never the answer. Praying for a full and speedy recovery for President Trump.”
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes offered his statement, notably without mentioning Trump by name, saying, “I condemn political violence in the most unequivocal terms. NO American political figure should ever be threatened with OR acted against with violence. If we want to beat a political opponent, we do it with ballots, not bullets.”
Arizona State Senator Janae Shamp lauded the efforts of the U.S. Secret Service protecting President Trump writing, “God bless the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect President Trump! #absoluteheroes”
State Rep. Steve Montenegro (R-AZ-29) shared a now iconic image of Trump raising his fist defiantly saying, “Praying for President Trump. #StandWithTrump”
Republican Senate primary candidate Kari Lake issued a statement saying, “I am shaken and horrified by the assassination attempt on President Trump’s life today. I am praying for President Trump and the innocent attendees who were tragically injured or killed. I am grateful for the brave Secret Service agents and law enforcement officials for their swift action and for preventing this incident from becoming even more tragic.”
She later joined RSBN during the network’s live coverage and wrote, “Today, we saw an assassination attempt on a man who’s been fighting for this country. I’m praying for Donald Trump. I’m praying just as much for his family, & the people in that crowd, & more than anything, I pray for this great Republic & that we can come together as Americans.”
Fellow GOP Senate contender, Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, wrote, “Our prayers are with President Trump and his entire family. I applaud the quick reaction and work of law enforcement and members of the Secret Service to move the President to safety and neutralize the suspect.”
Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), who is also running for the Senate seat of outgoing Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), wrote, “Absolutely horrible. Political violence should never be tolerated. I hope President Trump and everyone at the rally is safe. Grateful Secret Service and law enforcement got the situation under control so quickly.”
President Trump made a statement posted to Truth Social, first thanking the Secret Service and law enforcement and offering condolences to those injured and killed and their families: “I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.”
He added, “It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), a popular contender to serve as Trump’s Vice Presidential pick, declared on X, “Let’s be clear: This was an assassination attempt aided and abetted by the radical Left and corporate media incessantly calling Trump a threat to democracy, fascists, or worse.”
Fellow VP short-lister Sen. J.D. Vance echoed a similar sentiment saying, “Today is not just some isolated incident. The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.” He also condemned Rep. Thompson for his efforts to strip Trump of his protective detail saying “Remember this? I do. Kick his ass out of Congress. Absolute scumbag.”
Former Governor of North Dakota Doug Burgum, another rumored potential VP, noted, “Please join Kathryn and me in praying for President Trump, his family and everyone attending the rally today,” adding, “We all know President Trump is stronger than his enemies. Today he showed it.”
Possible Vice-Presidential pick and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy offered a lengthy statement saying in part, “First they sued him. Then they prosecuted him. Then they tried to take him off the ballot. The only thing more tragic than what just happened is that, if we’re being honest, it wasn’t totally a shock. Biden’s inevitable ritual condemnation of political violence today (when it comes) will be insufficient and irrelevant. No amount of verbiage today changes the toxic national climate that led to this tragedy.
Apoorva and I mourn for the rally attendee who was apparently killed by the shooter. We believe the fact that President Trump is safe right now is nothing short of an act of God. My heart tells me God intervened not just for Trump, but for our nation. Today, the future survival of the United States of America came down to less than a hair’s width in the path of a bullet.”
He added, “If any good comes of today, let it be this: Americans just had the chance to see our next President’s true character, unvarnished. He took the fire, he took the hit, he felt the blood, and then he stood right back up for the people he was put here to lead. Regardless of who you vote for, let’s unite around the TRUTH that what happened today is unacceptable, now and forever.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Jul 14, 2024 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Bipartisan Arizona Legislative Council has issued its approval to an analysis of pending measures for voters to consider, proposition and initiative numbers have been assigned, and in total there will be 11 ballot referrals and three petition-based initiatives up for public vote this November. As reported by The Center Square, several controversial measures are set to appear before Arizona voters including a wide-ranging border and immigration bill passed by the legislature as House concurrent Resolution 2060 the Secure the Border Act, now rechristened Prop. 314. If passed by voters, it would make illegal immigrants entering Arizona a state crime, and ramp up penalties for possession and distribution of fentanyl.
The outlet also pointed to the historically notable Prop. 137, which would scrap judicial retention elections entirely. The move would be significant considering that the admission of Arizona to the union as the 48th state was nearly derailed by the inclusion of judicial recall in the state constitution. Admission of Arizona was vetoed by President William H. Taft, and the Territorial legislature removed the provision, only for Arizonans to promptly restore it after statehood was approved. Arizona’s unique approach to regulating the judiciary was so vital that territorial leaders effectively did an end-run around the President to keep it.
The heavily reported abortion access ballot initiative was also included in the approved list after a lengthy debate over the language published in the “publicity pamphlet” to be distributed by the Secretary of State’s Office per the legislature. Democrat Rep. Stephanie Stahl-Hamilton of Tucson reportedly led a failed amendment push to alter the initiative’s language from “unborn human being” to “fetus.” Fellow Democrat Rep. Nancy Gutierrez claimed, “Fetus is the correct medical term.”
Supporters of the Arizona abortion rights ballot initiative have subsequently launched a lawsuit arguing that the term is politically charged according to ABC News.
Leisa Brug, manager of the opposing It Goes Too Far campaign, argued that the term is appropriate telling reporters in a statement, “It shouldn’t read like an advertisement for the amendment. It should provide voters with a clear understanding of what current law states and what the amendment would do if passed.”
The approved list of Propositions and Initiatives includes:
- Prop. 133 – primary elections; eligible candidates
- Prop. 134 – initiative; referendum; signatures; legislative districts
- Prop. 135 – governor; emergency; powers
- Prop. 136 – ballot measures; challenges
- Prop. 137 – judicial retention elections
- Prop. 138 – tipped workers; wages
- Prop. 311 – death benefit; assault; first responders.
- Prop. 312 – property tax; refund; nuisance enforcement.
- Prop. 313 – sex trafficking; child; natural life
- Prop. 314 – border; benefits; fentanyl; illegal entry
- Prop. 315 – rulemaking; legislative ratification; regulatory costs
- I-02-2024 – One Fair Wage Act
- I-05-2024 – Arizona Abortion Access Act
- I-14-2024 – Make Elections Fair Arizona Act
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
