Governor Addresses Legislature Arizona Governor Jan Brewer delivered her first State of the State Address to a joint session of the Arizona Legislature on Monday, January 11, and setting a tone for her administration indicated that the State is "open for business." In her 37-minute speech, the Governor reiterated her continuing focus on creating additional revenue for empty state coffers by continuing her call for an increase in Arizona's statewide sales tax, telling the audience and listeners on radio and internet that "We must raise some additional revenue." In recognition of the continuing severe economic recession plaguing the nation and Arizona, the Governor pledged an investment of $10 million for job training, the assembly of a team of state agency officials to target eliminating regulatory red tape and announced an upcoming business summit to identify opportunities for creating additional job growth across the state. The overall news from the state's Chief Executive remained bleak with the confirmation that Arizona continues to face a roughly $4.5 billion budget shortfall between this fiscal year and next.
Election Year Positioning The upcoming fall primary and general election ballots are serving as a background for officials and the issues they are currently facing. In Governor Brewer's legislative address, there were a number of references and admonitions meant for partisan posturing and in some cases specific candidates. Since the speech, State Treasurer Dean Martin has announced his candidacy in the Republican primary to challenge the incumbent Governor. Sitting front row at the address was Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard who is positioning himself as the Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate. House Minority Leader David Lujan will be running for AG to succeed Goddard as the Democratic candidate for that office. All 90 Senate and House seats will be up for election and the 50th Arizona Legislature in 2011 will feature a number of new faces as many current Senate and House members decide to pack it up and go back to private life in their districts.
Shadegg to retire, many elected officials jump in race Congressman John Shadegg announced on Thursday that he would not be seeking a re-election this fall. Shadegg represents Arizona's 3rd Congressional District, which covers north Phoenix and rural communities north of the city. Shadegg has been a lead conservative voice in House, and is in his 8th term as a congressional representative. Since his announcement, many elected officials have announced or plan to announce this week their intentions of running for the congressional seat. See list below. Congressman John Shadegg announced on Thursday that he would not be seeking a re-election this fall. Shadegg represents Arizona's 3rd Congressional District, which covers north Phoenix and rural communities north of the city. Shadegg has been a lead conservative voice in House, and is in his 8th term as a congressional representative. Since his announcement, many elected officials have announced or plan to announce this week their intentions of running for the congressional seat. Representative Sam Crump(R)- Has announced and is planning to remain in the legislature during the race. Representative Adams Driggs(R)- Is expected to announce this week he intentions in seeking the CD3 seat.
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