State of Arizona Archives: on Government Reform
Alan Keyes:
Campaign reforms: unconstitutional “incumbency protection”
HATCH [to Keyes]: I have no question in my mind that we need to change the campaign finance system that we have. But I think that the McCain-Feingold bill is unconstitutional because it bars the parties and every public interest organization to use
the same money to participate. And it seems to me it’s just plain wrong. What do you think about it?KEYES. All of these approaches are wrong because they’re based on a premise that I think is unconstitutional. If we have the right of free
association, then I think we have the right to associate our money with the causes we believe in, in any amount that we think is necessary to get those causes to work.
HATCH: Amen.
KEYES: For government to step in and for these politicians
to be dictating what we can do under that rubric is a total violation of our Constitutional rights. And I think we ought to abandon it. It turns out to be incumbency protection anyway. They will never devise a system that isn’t in their own interest.
Source: (cross-ref. from Hatch) Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
Alan Keyes:
Unlimited contributions, but only by people, & publicized
Let’s devise [campaign finance reform] that’s in the interest of our freedom. More freedom, not less. Simple premises that we should have: No dollar vote without a ballot vote. If you can’t walk into the voting booth and cast a vote, you should not
be able to make a contribution. No corporate contributions. No union contributions. No contributions whatsoever from any entities that are not actual breathing voters who can go cast a vote. Rich folks who want to give a lot of money
to candidates and causes they believe in, [should do so not from] behind PACs and camouflage, but under their own names, right out into the political arena. That will
itself regulate participation of money in our politics. But at the end of the day, publicity tied with our informed voting is the best way to regulate this system.
Source: Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
Andy Biggs:
Create 12th Federal Circuit to reflect Arizona's values
If elected to represent you in Congress, I pledge to introduce these six bills in my first two weeks on the job.- No pay for all Members of Congress until a balanced budget is passed.
- Rein in the bureaucratic rule-making process from the
executive branch and restore it to Congress.
- End the ObamaCare loophole designed to benefit Members of Congress.
- Pass Grant's Law to protect innocent U.S. citizens from violent illegal immigrants.
- Repeal Common Core and return all control of
our education policies to the states and locals.
- Remove Arizona from the 9th Federal Circuit Court and into a newly established 12th Federal Circuit.
California exerts disproportionate influence over Arizonans in the Ninth Circuit, with half of
the Circuit's population being Californian. By establishing a new 12th Federal Circuit, we greatly reduce the burden on the 9th Federal Circuit and ensure that Arizona's values are more accurately reflected, advanced and defended by the rule of law.
Source: 2016 Arizona House campaign website BiggsForCongress.com
Nov 8, 2016
Andy Biggs:
No severance pay for elected officials caught in misconduct
Biggs introduced HB 2115: AN ACT adding "misconduct" to the "conflict of interest" statue, and defining "misappropriation of public monies; penalty; employment contract": - If any public officer or employee of a public agency is found to have
misappropriated public monies, the public officer or employee is not eligible to receive any severance pay, annuity payments, pension benefits or any other benefit that would otherwise be provided by the public agency.
-
Each public agency shall include in any employment contract entered into from and after the effective date of this section a clause that prohibits the public officer or employee of the public agency who
MISAPPROPRIATES public monies from receiving any severance pay, annuity payments, pension benefits or any other benefit that would otherwise be provided by the public agency.
Source: Arizona legislative voting records: HB 2115
Jan 19, 2016
Andy Biggs:
Curb citizen initiatives to reduce fraud
HB2305: Political committees [must] submit to the Secretary of State a list of all petition circulators & a copy of a criminal records check performed on each circulator. Analysis by The Arizona Republic (Apr. 16, 2017): Four years ago,
Arizona lawmakers passed an ambitious plan to curb citizen initiatives and make other substantial changes to elections. They said new rules were needed to reduce voter fraud and streamline elections. That didn't sell with a coalition of citizen groups.
They called the bill voter suppression, and set out to block it. They got the bill referred to the 2014 ballot; coalition members were confident voters would kill it. So were lawmakers; they repealed the measure [but re-passed it in parts].
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 33-26-1 on Jun/13/13; Passed Senate 16-13-1 on Jun/13/13; State Sen. Andy Biggs voted YES; Signed by Governor Jan Brewer on Jun/19/13
Source: The Arizona Republic on Arizona voting record HB2305
Jun 13, 2013
Ann Kirkpatrick:
Joined lawsuit challenging AZ voting restrictions
Q: On Voting Rights: Support stricter voting rules such as voter ID requirements or reduced registration times, even if they prevent some people from voting?Kirkpatrick: No. Joined lawsuit challenging AZ voting laws [which reduced the number of
polling places in Maricopa County from 403 in 2008, to 211 in 2012, to 60 in 2016].
McCain: Position unclear. No visible stand found for or against increased requirements.
Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Arizona Senate race
Oct 9, 2016
Ann Kirkpatrick:
Overturn Citizens United with constitutional amendment
Q: Do you support the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, which allows unlimited independent political expenditures by corporations and unions?Kirkpatrick: No. Supports Constitutional amendment to overturn.
McCain: No. "Worst decision ever."
But voted against Constitutional amendment to overturn.
Q: Do you support the DISCLOSE Act, which requires key funders of political ads to put their names on those ads?
Kirkpatrick: Yes
McCain: No. Says objection is about how Act is written.
Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Arizona Senate race
Oct 9, 2016
Blake Masters:
Supports audit of 2020 Arizona votes: lacked transparency
Masters said he "certainly supports" Arizona's ongoing Republican-commissioned review of the 2020 presidential race. "I saw a lot of weird stuff and non-transparency in this election. People just know that most members of the media and most politicians
are happy to lie to them, so when you combine that with a lack of transparency, I totally sympathize with the desire to fix things legislatively and then to audit. Was everything as perfect as the Democrats say? I sort of doubt it."
Source: The Arizona Republic on 2022 Arizona Senate race
Jul 12, 2021
Blake Masters:
Democrats want to federal elections so GOP can't win
If Republicans don't win these elections, we lose the country forever. The left and the Democrats, they have taken control of almost every major institution in our country. And they're very close to controlling it all. And so, if they win, they tell us
what they're going to do. They're going to pass H.R.1, S.1. They're going to federalize elections, so no Republican can ever win again. They want to add new states to our union, just so they can add more senators and control everything.
Like tens of millions of Americans, probably even 100 million Americans and some Joe Biden voters, if we're being honest, I look at what happened in the 2020 election, and I see a lot of problems. They want to say it was a perfect election with the
perfect result. Maybe. But it didn't look perfect, with the mass mailings of ballots. My campaign manager received four ballots in different states. And so maybe the result was right, maybe not.
Source: FOX News Sunday Morning Futures on 2022 Arizona Senate race
Jul 25, 2021
David Garcia:
Right to vote--and to have your vote counted--is sacred
Democracy means every Arizonan having a voice, and being heard when the most important decisions facing out state are made. Voting is the foundation of our democracy. The right to vote--and to have your vote counted--is sacred.In 2016, we saw long
lines that made national headlines, our voter database targeted by foreign actors, and consistent miscommunication or outright incorrect information sent to voters.
Voter registration systems in Arizona are outdated and error-prone, blocking thousands
of eligible Arizonans from casting a ballot. Too many Arizonans attempt to vote but find themselves left off the rolls, deleted or purged. Automatic Voter Registration will modernize our voter registration system, bringing us into the 21st Century and
ensuring that all eligible Arizonans can cast their vote. In particular, automatic voter registration would save taxpayer money, increase electoral accuracy & voter participation while making sure our elections are safer and more secure against attacks.
Source: 2018 Arizona Gubernatorial campaign website dg4az.com
Mar 21, 2018
David Garcia:
Takes no money from lobbyists or corporate PACs
Q: Campaign Finance Reform: Should there be restrictions or disclosure requirements on large and anonymous political donations?Doug Ducey (R): No. Prohibited AZ cities from requiring organizations sponsoring campaign ads to reveal major financial
backers. Considers it a First Amendment issue.
David Garcia (D): Criticizes money in politics but specific position unclear. Has pledged not to take money from lobbyists or corporate PACs & returned $7,000 to donors identified as lobbyists.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Arizona Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
David Garcia:
Supports automatic voter registration
Q: Voting Rights: Support voting rules that prioritize preventing the possibility of fraud, even if they limit access?Doug Ducey (R): Yes. Signed a bill making it a felony to turn in another voter's ballot--even with the person's permission.
David Garcia (D): No. Supports Automatic Voter Registration to ensure all eligible Arizonans can cast their vote.Q:
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Arizona Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Debbie Lesko:
Curb citizen initiatives to reduce fraud
HB2305: Political committees [must] submit to the Secretary of State a list of all petition circulators & a copy of a criminal records check performed on each circulator. Analysis by The Arizona Republic (Apr. 16, 2017): Four years ago,
Arizona lawmakers passed an ambitious plan to curb citizen initiatives and make other substantial changes to elections. They said new rules were needed to reduce voter fraud and streamline elections. That didn't sell with a coalition of citizen groups.
They called the bill voter suppression, and set out to block it. They got the bill referred to the 2014 ballot; coalition members were confident voters would kill it. So were lawmakers; they repealed the measure [but re-passed it in parts].
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 33-26-1 on Jun/13/13; State Rep. Debbie Lesko voted YES; Passed Senate 16-13-1 on Jun/13/13; Signed by Governor Jan Brewer on Jun/19/13
Source: The Arizona Republic on Arizona voting record HB2305
Jun 13, 2013
Deedra Abboud:
Make voter registration easier
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Make voter registration easier"?
A: Support
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Arizona Senate candidate
Mar 5, 2018
Doug Marks:
Make voter registration easier
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Make voter registration easier"?
A: Yes
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Arizona Senate candidate
Mar 5, 2018
Doug Ducey:
State government hiring freeze
To balance the books, we're going to institute a state government hiring freeze--with protections for vital areas, like public safety and child safety. However, when it comes to bureaucracy, we're cutting back. The government can't take on any new
expenses when we can't afford the ones we already have. Our budget does what budgets are supposed to do. It prioritizes vital commitments that Arizonans value the most--public safety, justice, classrooms, and aid to the needy and vulnerable.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Arizona Legislature
Jan 12, 2015
Doug Ducey:
Repeal laws to stimulate economic growth
All too often a government's success is measured by how many bills are passed. We all have priorities this year. But as you debate new laws, I call on you to ask: Is this the proper role of government? Are we expanding freedom--or limiting it?
In that spirit, in the governor's office, we've identified hundreds of buried regulations that state agencies have imposed on Arizonans through the backdoor, hurting businesses large and small. Stifling job creation and progress.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Arizona legislature
Jan 11, 2016
Doug Ducey:
Don't reveal donors of campaign ads; that's First Amendment
Q: Campaign Finance Reform: Should there be restrictions or disclosure requirements on large and anonymous political donations?Doug Ducey (R): No. Prohibited AZ cities from requiring organizations sponsoring campaign ads to reveal major financial
backers. Considers it a First Amendment issue.
David Garcia (D): Criticizes money in politics but specific position unclear. Has pledged not to take money from lobbyists or corporate PACS & returned $7,000 to donors identified as lobbyists.
Source: CampusElect 2018: Arizona legislative voting records
Oct 9, 2018
Doug Ducey:
Felony to turn in another voter's ballot
Q: Voting Rights: Support voting rules that prioritize preventing the possibility of fraud, even if they limit access?Doug Ducey (R): Yes. Signed a bill making it a felony to turn in another voter's ballot--even with the person's permission.
David Garcia (D): No. Supports Automatic Voter Registration to ensure all eligible Arizonans can cast their vote.Q:
Source: CampusElect 2018: Arizona legislative voting records
Oct 9, 2018
Doug Ducey:
For every new law, repeal three old ones
We're not short on laws here in our state. Over 107 years we've built up a hearty 11,000 plus pages. Certainly, many of our laws have merit. But many don't.So why does each legislative session seem to be a competition to pass the most new laws?
What if we found a way to get rid of old unneeded laws, rather than just creating new ones? If for every law we passed, we repealed three or if new laws had sunsets. I'm challenging this legislature let's chop the stacks and stacks of statutes down.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 14, 2019
Doug Ducey:
No legislative immunity: laws apply to lawmakers
Let's start with eliminating the most unnecessary law of them all: legislative immunity. We are a nation of laws, not men. No one is above the law. Congress likes to exempt themselves from the law--but isn't that why Americans hold them in such contempt?
Let's show the people of Arizona that their elected leaders will live under the same laws as every man and woman in this state. Send T.J. Shope's referral to the ballot and let the people speak on special privileges for elected officials.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 14, 2019
Doug Ducey:
Eliminate three regulations for every new one
We've been on a blitz to wipe out needless regulations. 2,289. Gone. That's the equivalent of a $134 million tax cut without impacting the general fund one penny. But we're not done yet. I've issued a new Executive Order, with a new reform:
If the government ever deems a new regulation absolutely necessary, it must first identify three others to eliminate. The result: New regulations will naturally mean less regulations.
Source: 2020 Arizona State of the State address
Jan 13, 2020
Doug Ducey:
Hidden taxes of the regulatory state can be the real killer
But as any business person knows: The hidden taxes of the regulatory state can be the real killer. And for small businesses, start-ups and independent contractors, these regulations are a death sentence. We've taken a baseball bat to
that bureaucracy, with a moratorium on new regulations ever since 2015. We've already saved taxpayers $169 million. Let's make these reforms permanent, in law, and ensure Arizona is always the land of economic freedom and opportunity for all.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 10, 2022
Fred DuVal:
Ban on legislator gifts from lobbyists or companies
DuVal's plan calls for every elected official in the state and the lobbyists that attempt to influence them to abide by tough, new standards including:- A complete ban on accepting gifts from lobbyists or companies and individuals with financial
interests before the government.
- Creating a State Ethics Commission that will investigate reported violations and punish rule breakers.
- Closing the loophole that allows "professional lobbyists" to influence legislators without registering as
lobbyists.
- A ban on elected officials receiving tickets to events, or free travel or hotels for events, and closing the "special events" loophole.
- Increased frequency--every three months--of financial disclosure reporting by elected officials.
-
A ban on any statewide elected official serving on the board of a for-profit company while in office.
"Ethics reform is not a partisan issue," said DuVal. "Everyone in Arizona will benefit from cleaning up this system."
Source: 2014 Arizona gubernatorial campaign website, Fred2014.com
Jul 2, 2014
Fred DuVal:
Toll-free phone number to report unnecessary regulations
Fred will call on his cabinet and stakeholders to join in a government-wide initiative to reduce the volume of Arizona's regulations. In fact, his first year in office will include a full-time leader for this effort,
and a toll- free phone number that businesses can call to report and find help dealing with unnecessary regulations. A streamlined regulatory process is a central priority in making Arizona competitive.
Source: 2014 Arizona gubernatorial campaign website, Fred2014.com
Jul 2, 2014
Gabby Giffords:
Supports public funding for political campaigns
Q: Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates? Individual? A: No.
Q: PAC?
A: No.
Q: Corporate?
A: Yes.
Q: Political Parties?
A: No.
Q: Do you support requiring full
disclosure of campaign finance information?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
A: Yes.
Source: 2000 Arizona State National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Gary Bauer:
Large donations buy access and are "corrupting"
Large contributions from either big labor or big business to the two political parties are corrupting. It's one thing for somebody to donate $1,000, which is the Federal limit, but when a corporation or a union can write a two million or a five million
check to the Republican Party or to the Democratic Party, we all know that that buys access that no average American can meet. So I will support having campaign reform that gets at the special interest in both parties. I think we need to do it.
Source: Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
Greg Stanton:
Wants to do more to protect U.S. elections from meddling
[On 2016 election]: "It's really crazy that the intelligence community won't provide face-to-face briefings to members of Congress anymore." Before briefings were canceled in August, Stanton said, he received information about Russia's active efforts to
interfere with the elections. "We did pass many bills on election security," he said of the Democratic-led House, "but those bills did not even get a hearing in the Senate. So you have foreign attempts to interfere in our election."
Source: Cronkite News, Arizona PBS on 2020 AZ-9 House race
Oct 23, 2020
Jan Brewer:
Make it easier for our overseas military soldiers to vote
Brewer made it a priority to introduce and pass legislation which makes it easier for our overseas military soldiers and permanent residents to participate in our election process. This new law specifically assists those men and women serving our country
abroad to vote and register to vote by internet or by fax. This most recent 2008 Election afforded hundreds of Arizona military and overseas citizens with the ability to cast ballots over the internet from over 60 countries throughout the world.
Source: Arizona Secretary of State website
Dec 3, 2008
Jan Brewer:
Replace punch card voting with touch-screen devices
Brewer took the lead on federal election reform by compiling the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) State Plan. Secretary Brewer's quick action placed Arizona second in the nation in accomplishing this federal mandate. Her new plan led to a successful strategy
to get rid of punch card voting systems by 2004, create a centralized and uniform voter registration system which adds accuracy to the voter rolls, and have touch-screen voting devices for disabled voters in every precinct by the 2006 elections.
Source: Arizona Secretary of State website
Dec 3, 2008
Jan Brewer:
Curb citizen initiatives to reduce fraud
HB2305: Political committees [must] submit to the Secretary of State a list of all petition circulators & a copy of a criminal records check performed on each circulator. Analysis by The Arizona Republic (Apr. 16, 2017): Four years ago,
Arizona lawmakers passed an ambitious plan to curb citizen initiatives and make other substantial changes to elections. They said new rules were needed to reduce voter fraud and streamline elections. That didn't sell with a coalition of citizen groups.
They called the bill voter suppression, and set out to block it. They got the bill referred to the 2014 ballot; coalition members were confident voters would kill it. So were lawmakers; they repealed the measure [but re-passed it in parts].
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 33-26-1 on Jun/13/13; Passed Senate 16-13-1 on Jun/13/13; Signed by Governor Jan Brewer on Jun/19/13
Source: The Arizona Republic on Arizona voting record HB2305
Jun 19, 2013
Jane Dee Hull:
Pay state employees more, to ensure quality staff
Most of us agree that a small and efficient government works best. But we can't expect to keep the best and the brightest if we offer bottom-of-the-barrel compensation. State employees are now paid 13% less than the market average. This is unacceptable.
We need a modern, efficient state government staffed by highly educated and properly compensated employees. I am recommending we take a major step toward closing the gap with a state employee package of $290 million, including pay and benefits.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 8, 2001
Janet Napolitano:
We'll be remembered for what we did, not for how we budgeted
As I deliver the 2009 budget plan this week, I hearken back to a statement from my First Inaugural Address: "Generations to come will not remember us for how we balanced the budget, or how we expanded or contracted the size of government.
Instead, they will remember how we educated our children, how we protected our seniors, how we built a new economy, and how we made this wonderful state an even better place to live."
Together, we have provided better educational opportunities for our children. We have protected our seniors and built toward a new economy.
We have moved Arizona forward, and the budget I present to you will be balanced and will protect what we have achieved.
Source: Arizona 2009 State of the State Address
Jan 12, 2009
Jeff Flake:
Opposes Open Government initiative for non-partisan primary
Q: The Open Government initiative that we could see on the November ballot, which would put all candidates on the same primary ballot, what do you think of it?A: Not a big fan. They did it in California. They thought that it would result in a lot
more competitive general elections there. It looks as if there will be only a few, if any, that will really turn out that way. I kind of like the nominating process we already have. It seems that when we go down this road--like we did with
Clean Elections--hoping for something better, it always turns out worse.
Q: Proponents of the initiative hope it would address gridlock. How can we do that?
A: Right now, when you look at the gridlock we have, what's frustrating
is that we passed a budget and some people may not like it, but it's a serious budget. And everyone knows that politics is the art of compromise. You have to compromise on some issues if you want to pass something.
Source: The Sahuarita Sun on 2012 Arizona Senate debates
May 29, 2012
Jim Lamon:
Supported Arizona audit of 2020 election votes
Lamon spoke favorably of an ongoing hand recount of votes and review of voting equipment in Maricopa County on behalf of the state Senate. "I will honor the result either way,"
Lamon said. "But I just believe there is too many people with too many questions that it is not that difficult for us as a nation to heal that wound and find out."
Source: KNAU Arizona Public Radio on 2022 Arizona Senate race
May 4, 2021
Jim Lamon:
Signed pledge to support term limits on Congress
U.S. Term Limits, the leader in the non-partisan movement to limit terms for elected officials, praises Jim Lamon, for signing the pledge for an amendment to term limit Congress. The U.S. Term Limits amendment pledge is provided to every announced
candidate for federal office. It reads, "I pledge that as a member of Congress, I will cosponsor and vote for the U.S. Term Limits amendment of three (3) House terms and two (2) Senate terms and no longer limit."
Source: U.S. Term Limits endorsement on 2022 Arizona Senate race
Jul 1, 2021
Jim Lamon:
Signed document falsely claiming to be presidential elector
A U.S. Senate candidate who was one of 11 Arizona Republicans who signed a document falsely claiming he was authorized to cast the state's electoral votes for President Donald Trump said in an interview that the document was only a contingency plan.
Jim Lamon, who signed the document making the false claim on Dec. 14, 2020, said he understood he was only asserting himself as one of Arizona's official electors in case the results were decertified.
Source: Associated Press on KTAR 92.3 FM: 2022 Arizona Senate race
Sep 16, 2021
Jim Lamon:
National mandatory voter ID, signature verification
- National, mandatory voter identification (real citizenship ID, not blue state driver licenses)
- National, mandatory signature verification
- Ensure elections stay under the control of the States
- A defined minimum standard for free and
fair elections, and a routine audit across all 50 states to ensure compliance
- Require election supervisors to disclose findings to State legislatures
- Election supervisors not to receive funds from political entities (no Zuckerbucks).
Source: 2022 Arizona Senate campaign website JimLamon.com
Apr 20, 2022
Jim Lamon:
Congress must continue to cut taxes and needless regulation
When it comes to jobs and economic growth, government is usually the problem, not the solution. From deciding what businesses are essential to imposing excessive regulations, government stifles American innovation, depresses wages, and hurts
American workers. Congress must continue to cut taxes and needless regulation to encourage economic growth and help working people and their families.
Source: 2022 Arizona Senate campaign website JimLamon.com
Apr 20, 2022
Joe Arpaio:
Fined $153,978 for illegal in-kind campaign contributions
In July 2010, a committee established by Arpaio (the "Campaign to Re-Elect Joe Arpaio 2012") funded advertisements critical of Rick Romley, a candidate in the Republican primary for Maricopa County Attorney, and Arizona Attorney General candidate
Tom Horne, despite the fact that Arpaio was not running for re-election at the time (his term did not expire until the end of 2012).In August 2010, the Office of Maricopa County Attorney found that one of the advertisements, a direct mailer,
advocated the defeat of Romley and was an in-kind contribution to Bill Montgomery (Romley's primary election opponent), in violation of Arizona election law. The order stated that a civil penalty in the amount of three times the amount of money spent on
the mailer would be imposed on Campaign to Re-Elect Joe Arpaio.
In September 2010, Arpaio's campaign was fined $153,978. Montgomery ultimately defeated Romley in the primary election, with Romley stating Arpaio's ads "hurt" his results.
Source: Wikipedia on 2018 Arizona Senate race
Sep 30, 2010
John McCain:
Drain the big money swamp to kill lobbyist mosquitoes
FORBES [to McCain]: Passing laws against lobbyists is sort of like passing laws against mosquitoes. Washington attracts mosquitoes the way swamps attract mosquitoes. Special interests go there. Don't we need to drain the swamp first to get the mosquitoes
out of the way. And don't we have to get rid of the tax code first? McCAIN: The fact is if you want to drain the swamp, you take the big money away from the big-time K Street lobbyists and that way they lose their power and their influence.
Look, anybody who wants the status quo in Washington, they don't want John McCain. Because there ain't going to be the status quo when I'm president of the United States. You take away the big money, you're going to take away
their power and you're going to break that iron triangle of lobbyists, big money and influence over the legislative process which has so badly embarrassed so many of us and it is the gateway to draining the swamp.
Source: (cross-ref. from Forbes) Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
John McCain:
Hayworth was unethical lobbyist hawking infomercials
McCain hammered Hayworth for his work as a registered lobbyist & infomercial pitchman after losing his re-election bid in 2006. Hayworth has stumbled since video surfaced of his appearance in a 2007 infomercial hawking free government money on behalf of
Florida company accused of charging thousands of dollars for information that was readily available online or at a public library."These are the facts," McCain said. "J.D. Hayworth was a lobbyist. He was in late-night infomercials. He said he didn't d
due diligence. My God man, didn't you know that this was a group that was taking people's money to say it could give them free government money."
Hayworth said, "It's really sad to see John McCain, who should be revered as a statesman, basically reduce
to a political shape-shifter," he said, then turned to his opponent. "John, you've changed positions so much in this campaign maybe we'll have to set up an extra podium for you depending on which John McCain is going to answer which question."
Source: AP coverage of 2010 Arizona Senate Republican Primary Debate
Jul 17, 2010
John McCain:
Citizens United was worst decision ever, but don't overturn
Q: Do you support the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, which allows unlimited independent political expenditures by corporations and unions?Kirkpatrick: No. Supports Constitutional amendment to overturn.
McCain: No. "Worst decision ever."
But voted against Constitutional amendment to overturn.
Q: Do you support the DISCLOSE Act, which requires key funders of political ads to put their names on those ads?
Kirkpatrick: Yes
McCain: No. Says objection is about how Act is written.
Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Arizona Senate race
Oct 9, 2016
Justin Olson:
Support election integrity reforms like voter ID
To protect the sanctity of our elections, Justin Olson will support election integrity reforms that make it easy to vote and hard to cheat. Commonsense reforms like voter ID requirements for every ballot cast are overwhelmingly supported by the
American people. These reforms build confidence in the outcome of elections and protect this vital constitutional right.
Source: 2022 Arizona Senate campaign website VoteJustinOlson.com
Mar 16, 2022
Justin Olson:
I voted for election integrity, ban ballot harvesting
When I was in the state Legislature, I voted for election integrity. I voted to ban ballot harvesting. We've got to put in place some enforcement mechanisms to stop that from happening because we did see significant anomalies occur both in the
2018 and the 2020 elections and we've got to investigate all of those anomalies so that we can be confident that every vote that was cast was cast by a legitimate voter.
Source: The Arizona Republic on 2022 Arizona Senate race
Oct 19, 2021
Justin Olson:
Curb citizen initiatives to reduce fraud
HB2305: Political committees [must] submit to the Secretary of State a list of all petition circulators & a copy of a criminal records check performed on each circulator.Analysis by The Arizona Republic (Apr. 16, 2017): Four years ago,
Arizona lawmakers passed an ambitious plan to curb citizen initiatives and make other substantial changes to elections. They said new rules were needed to reduce voter fraud and streamline elections. That didn't sell with a coalition of citizen groups.
They called the bill voter suppression, and set out to block it. They got the bill referred to the 2014 ballot; coalition members were confident voters would kill it. So were lawmakers; they repealed the measure [but re-passed it in parts].
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 33-26-1 on Jun/13/13; Passed Senate 16-13-1 on Jun/13/13; State Rep. Justin Olson voted YES; Signed by Governor Jan Brewer on Jun/19/13
Source: The Arizona Republic on Arizona voting record HB2305
Jun 13, 2013
Karrin Taylor Robson:
Supports voter ID, ban on ballot harvesting
Arizonans deserve free and fair elections they can believe in. That's simply not the case today.
Karrin supports common sense reforms like voter ID, a universal ban on ballot harvesting and other measures to secure the vote.
Source: 2022 Arizona Governor campaign website KarrinForArizona.com
Jun 24, 2022
Karrin Taylor Robson:
Karrin knows importance of keeping government out of the way
As a small-business owner, Karrin knows the importance keeping government out of the way.
She'll be a champion for small business owners and an advocate for low taxes, smart regulations and an economy that works for ALL Arizona families.
Source: 2022 Arizona Governor campaign website KarrinForArizona.com
Jun 24, 2022
Katie Hobbs:
Streamline process to start a new business under one roof
Starting a business in Arizona should be straightforward. But it often involves interacting with several state agencies including the Corporation Commission, the Department of Revenue, the Secretary of State, and the Commerce
Authority, on top of registering with local governments. Hobbs will streamline the process by unifying the application process under one roof so new businesses won't have to navigate a web of government bureaucracy.
Source: 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial campaign website KatieHobbs.org
Dec 20, 2021
Katie Hobbs:
End conflicts of interest, fight for lobbying rules
Owning individual stocks and controlling certain assets has the potential to create the appearance of a financial conflict of interest. That's why Hobbs will fight to pass legislation requiring public officials to divest from stock and
other assets whose value could be influenced by their legislation or employing department. Hobbs would fight for new lobbying rules to increase transparency and stop corruption.
Source: 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial campaign website KatieHobbs.org
Dec 20, 2021
Katie Hobbs:
Disclose campaign contributions, support initiative process
Hobbs will fight to ensure all dark money groups have to disclose every dollar spent on races in Arizona--because Arizonans have the right to know who is attempting to influence our elections. In 2017, the GOP legislature attempted to restrict the
ballot initiative process. To prevent any potential attempts by the legislature to limit Arizonans' right to have their voices heard, Hobbs will veto any legislation designed to circumvent the public's right to initiatives and referendums.
Source: 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial campaign website KatieHobbs.org
Dec 20, 2021
Katie Hobbs:
Will veto any new voter suppression legislation
Katie will veto any new voter suppression legislation and fight to reverse the decision to ban out-of-precinct ballots from being counted. A Hobbs Administration will also continue to protect access to vote centers, early voting sites throughout the
state, and access to secure ballot drop boxes in communities where mail service is not always reliable. Katie will continue to advocate for the acceptance of non-traditional addresses to make voting by mail more accessible.
Source: 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial campaign website KatieHobbs.org
Dec 20, 2021
Katie Hobbs:
Curbing citizen initiatives is voter suppression
HB2305: Political committees [must] submit to the Secretary of State a list of all petition circulators & a copy of a criminal records check performed on each circulator.: Analysis by The Arizona Republic (Apr. 16, 2017):ÿ
Four years ago, Arizona lawmakers passed an ambitious plan to curb citizen initiatives and make other substantial changes to elections. They said new rules were needed to reduce voter fraud and streamline elections.
That didn't sell with a coalition of citizen groups. They called the bill voter suppression, and set out to block it. They got the bill referred to the 2014 ballot; coalition members were confident voters would kill it. So were lawmakers; they repealed
the measure [but re-passed it in parts].
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 33-26-1 on Jun/13/13; Passed Senate 16-13-1 on Jun/13/13; State Sen. Katie Hobbs voted NO; Signed by Governor Jan Brewer on Jun/19/13.
Source: The Arizona Republic on Arizona voting record HB2305
Jun 13, 2013
Kelli Ward:
Less government meddling
Personal responsibility, government meddling less in our day-to-day lives, and lower taxes are key ingredients to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
So often we hear statistics and generalities, but one's job is a deeply personal issue and a major aspect of their life. We need to focus on the dignity and independence that good jobs provide and adjust our policies accordingly.
Source: 2018 Arizona Senatorial website KelliWard.com
Oct 1, 2017
Kelli Ward:
Curb citizen initiatives to reduce fraud
HB2305: Political committees [must] submit to the Secretary of State a list of all petition circulators & a copy of a criminal records check performed on each circulator. Analysis by The Arizona Republic (Apr. 16, 2017): Four years ago,
Arizona lawmakers passed an ambitious plan to curb citizen initiatives and make other substantial changes to elections. They said new rules were needed to reduce voter fraud and streamline elections. That didn't sell with a coalition of citizen groups.
They called the bill voter suppression, and set out to block it. They got the bill referred to the 2014 ballot; coalition members were confident voters would kill it. So were lawmakers; they repealed the measure [but re-passed it in parts].
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 33-26-1 on Jun/13/13; Passed Senate 16-13-1 on Jun/13/13; State Sen. Kelli Ward voted YES; Signed by Governor Jan Brewer on Jun/19/13
Source: The Arizona Republic on Arizona voting record HB2305
Jun 13, 2013
Kimberly Yee:
Curb citizen initiatives to reduce fraud
HB2305: Political committees [must] submit to the Secretary of State a list of all petition circulators & a copy of a criminal records check performed on each circulator.: Analysis by The Arizona Republic (Apr. 16, 2017):ÿ
Four years ago, Arizona lawmakers passed an ambitious plan to curb citizen initiatives and make other substantial changes to elections. They said new rules were needed to reduce voter fraud and streamline elections.
That didn't sell with a coalition of citizen groups. They called the bill voter suppression, and set out to block it. They got the bill referred to the 2014 ballot; coalition members were confident voters would kill it. So were lawmakers; they repealed
the measure [but re-passed it in parts].
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 33-26-1 on Jun/13/13; Passed Senate 16-13-1 on Jun/13/13; State Sen. Kimberly Yee voted YES; Signed by Governor Jan Brewer on Jun/19/13.
Source: The Arizona Republic on Arizona voting record HB2305
Jun 13, 2013
Kyrsten Sinema:
Contribution & spending limits on political campaigns
Q: Do you support limiting individual contributions to state legislative candidates?A: Yes.
Q: Limiting PAC contributions?
A: Yes.
Q: Corporate?
A: Yes.
Q: Political Parties?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
A: Yes.
Source: Arizona 2006 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2006
Kyrsten Sinema:
Overturn Citizens United; more political donation disclosure
Q: Support DISCLOSE Act to require political ads to disclose their largest funders? Stand on Supreme Court Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations & unions?Martha McSally (R): Voted against making it easier
to see who was funding TV ads.
Kyrsten Sinema (D): Co-sponsored DISCLOSE ACT. "Overturn Citizens United." Only way to fix "our broken political system is to get the vast sums of secret money out of politics & shine a light with more transparency."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Arizona Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Marco Lopez:
Election was fair; legislature focus is conspiracy theories
[On 2020 presidential election and ongoing Arizona audit]: "You know there's people who still refuse to acknowledge the election results were fair and balanced," Mr. Lopez explained. "Arizonans have moved on and are now worried how to get
their kids to school and what jobs they're going to have available after this pandemic eases up," he continued. "They're not worried about what's happening there at the Capitol with all these conspiracy theories."
Source: Daily Independent on 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial race
May 20, 2021
Marco Lopez:
Listen and follow the data; don't make it political
[On Intel]: "When I was at DHS, I would wake up and get an intelligence briefing," he said. "They would tell us everything that was going on from a threat perspective, and it was up to us to use data, science, technology, analytics, human intelligence,
computer intelligence to make a decision." That's an approach Arizona could benefit from: Listen and follow the data. Instead, leaders "put politics over solid decision-making," he said, contributing to the deaths of nearly 17,000 Arizonans.
Source: Arizona Republic on 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial race
Mar 16, 2021
Mark Brnovich:
We must be able to trust that our votes count
We must be able to trust that our votes count. That trust has been destroyed fueled by the actions of rogue elections officials. There is a near constant assault on our common-sense laws. We can't have election officials changing the
rules at the last minute, processes occurring without transparency and supervision, ballots being mailed universally, and the list goes on. You can be confident that I will continue to make election integrity a priority in the U.S. Senate.
Source: 2021 Arizona Senate campaign website BrnoForAZ.com
Jul 20, 2021
Mark Brnovich:
Implement a lighter regulatory touch on business
Government shouldn't be in the business of picking winners and losers. As Attorney General, my job was to maintain a level playing field. Sometimes that meant getting restitution for consumers defrauded by corporations.
Sometimes that meant standing up for business strangled by government and implementing a lighter regulatory touch. That same mindset is desperately needed in Washington.
Source: 2021 Arizona Senate campaign website BrnoForAZ.com
Jul 20, 2021
Mark Brnovich:
Criticism of GOP election laws divisive, not true
Brnovich reacted to Biden's comments calling the GOP's election bills an "assault" on free and fair elections, and the "most significant test of democracy since the Civil War.""I just think it's quite frankly shameful that the president of the
United States would use such divisive rhetoric. And not only is it divisive, it's just not accurate, it's just not true. I think it does a disservice for all those Americans that fought against discrimination and fought for voting rights in the 1960s."
Source: Fox News on 2022 Arizona Senate race
Jul 17, 2021
Mark Brnovich:
Time, place and manner statutes on elections are valid
The Supreme Court recognizes that election integrity measures, common sense measures are okay. They're consistent with the Constitution and the Constitution recognizes that states can set time, place and manner statutes regarding
how elections are conducted. That's what the Constitution provides for.They are shredding the Constitution, and we need to stand up now because who knows when our liberties will be able to be saved again.
The fact is these people -- the Bidens, the Harrises, the Schumers, the Pelosis -- they're corrupting the military.
They're corrupting the entire system and they will do whatever they have to, to try to dominate us and to dominate all of the American people and impose their radical values. This is the greatest threat to the United States since the Civil War.
Source: Fox News on 2022 Arizona Senate race
Jul 17, 2021
Mark Kelly:
Declined to take a position on eliminating the filibuster
Kelly declined to take a position on eliminating the filibuster, a requirement for most major legislation to get 60 votes in the Senate, which many Democrats see as a major impediment to their ability to enact their agenda.
He said only that he'll give it "careful consideration" if it comes up. "Washington is broken, and this highlights how broken it is that we're having these fights over old Senate rules," Kelly said.
Source: Associated Press on 2020 Arizona Senate debate
Oct 8, 2020
Mark Kelly:
Refuses corporate PAC money, taken lobbyist money
Q: Require more disclosure of political donations?Mark Kelly: Unclear. Refuses corporate PAC money because its influence has "poisoned our democracy." Has taken lobbyist money.
Martha McSally: No. In 2016 voted against making it easier to see who was funding TV ads. In 2020 called for help from "conservative outside groups."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Arizona Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Martha McSally:
Voted against showing funding of campaign ads
Q: Require more disclosure of political donations?Martha McSally: No. In 2016 voted against making it easier to see who was funding TV ads. In 2020 called for help from "conservative outside groups."
Mark Kelly: Unclear. Refuses corporate PAC money because its influence has "poisoned our democracy." Has taken lobbyist money.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Arizona Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Matt Salmon:
Strengthen voter ID, ban ballot harvesting
Salmon also called for "strengthening voter ID" and "banning ballot harvesting." The latter already is banned but may become a prominent issue in Arizona politics again soon as the U.S.
Supreme Court considers a legal challenge to that law from Democrats who argue it disproportionately affects voters of color and was enacted with discriminatory intent.
Source: Arizona Republic on 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial race
Jun 16, 2021
Mick McGuire:
Acknowledged that Biden is "duly elected" president
McGuire told CNN that Biden was the "duly elected" president and said "there is no outcome that I see where there is a reversal" of the election because of the audit. He acknowledged that Trump did "very poorly" among women voters in the
Phoenix and Tucson suburbs. He allowed that not all Arizonans have confidence in the integrity of their elections but expressed ambivalence about whether Maricopa's audit will help or hurt the public's perception of the state's election integrity.
Source: CNN "Dividing line" on 2022 Arizona Senate race
Jul 17, 2021
Mitt Romney:
Earmark system is broken; ban them with line-item veto
SANTORUM [to Romney]: I suspect you would have supported earmarks if you were in the Senate.ROMNEY: I would put a ban on earmarks. I think it opens the door to excessive spending on projects that don't need to be done. You voted to the "Bridge to
Nowhere." I think these earmarks, we've had it with them. The 6,000 earmarks that were put in place under Speaker Gingrich's term, for instance, were oftentimes tagged on to other bills. We've had thousands of earmarks. They are typically bundled on to
other bills.
SANTORUM: You're misrepresenting the facts. What happens in the earmark process was that members of Congress would publicly request these things, put them on paper, and have them allocated, and have them voted on.
ROMNEY: And the
president can't veto it?
SANTORUM: He can veto the bill.
ROMNEY: But he can't veto the earmark?
SANTORUM: Well, we tried to do that. I supported a line-item veto.
ROMNEY: That's what I support.
Source: CNN's 2012 GOP Debate on eve of Arizona Primary
Feb 22, 2012
Orrin Hatch:
McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform is unconstitutional
HATCH [to Keyes]: I have no question in my mind that we need to change the campaign finance system that we have. But I think that the McCain-Feingold bill is unconstitutional because it bars the parties and every public interest organization to use
the same money to participate. And it seems to me it's just plain wrong. What do you think about it?KEYES. All of these approaches are wrong because they're based on a premise that I think is unconstitutional. If we have the right of free
association, then I think we have the right to associate our money with the causes we believe in, in any amount that we think is necessary to get those causes to work.
HATCH: Amen.
KEYES: For government to step in and for these politicians
to be dictating what we can do under that rubric is a total violation of our Constitutional rights. And I think we ought to abandon it. It turns out to be incumbency protection anyway. They will never devise a system that isn't in their own interest.
Source: (cross-ref. to Keyes) Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
Richard Carmona:
Supports Open Government initiative for non-partisan primary
Q: What do you think of the Open Government initiative that would put everybody on the same primary ballot?A: I like it. The more transparency and nonpartisanship that we can bring to government I think is good.
Q: It's designed, in part, to address
gridlock. Will it work?
A: I hope it works because the more we return democracy to really what it should be--that is candidates getting on their soapbox, speaking their values, convincing people they're the right person--and what's more important is
the values you bring and the party you belong to, and I think this type of initiative helps to move it along... What we do know now is that partisan politics is paralyzing us.
Q: You've used the term "vicious" to describe Washington politics a
couple of years ago. Is it any better today?
A: I would say that it's probably worse, and it's more polar. That's not what democracy should be. Democracy really should be a spirited exchange of ideas, make your case--it's the ultimate debate club.
Source: The Sahuarita Sun on 2012 Arizona Senate debates
May 29, 2012
Richard Carmona:
All earmarks are not pork
Flake attempted from the start of the race to tie Carmona to Obama particularly and Democratic policies in general. And it's a fight Flake continued at this debate, arguing that Carmona's positions, ranging from earmarks to healthcare, reflected the
position of the Obama administration.Carmona defended earmarks, arguing that "all earmarks are not pork," adding that "there are necessities that the federal government can provide"--pointing to investments in infrastructure as necessities that
small businesses simply can't handle on their own. But Flake, who has been criticized for failing to bring federal funding to his district, said that Carmona's view was similar to Obama's.
"Here's this philosophy again, that all jobs have to be
created by the federal government. That's why Dr. Carmona is comfortable in the Democratic Party, because that's the attitude of the Obama administration--that unless the federal government somehow creates it, it didn't exist," Flake said.
Source: The Hill coverage of 2012 Arizona Senate debates
Oct 10, 2012
Rick Santorum:
Line-item veto needed; spending transparency until then
ROMNEY: I would put a ban on earmarks. It opens the door to excessive spending. We've had thousands of earmarks. They are typically bundled on to other bills.SANTORUM: You're misrepresenting the facts. What happens in the earmark process was that
members of Congress would publicly request these things, put them on paper, and have them allocated, and have them voted on.
ROMNEY: And the president can't veto it?
SANTORUM: He can veto the bill.
ROMNEY: But he can't veto the earmark?
SANTORUM: Well, we tried to do that. I supported a line-item veto.
ROMNEY: That's what I support.
SANTORUM: I agree with you. I support the line-item veto. I voted for a line-item veto so we could do just that. Unfortunately, the Supreme
Court struck it down. I would like to go back, as president, again, and give the president the authority to line-item veto. But that's not the issue. The issue is, were they transparent? When I was in the Senate, there was transparency.
Source: CNN's 2012 GOP Debate on eve of Arizona Primary
Feb 22, 2012
Rick Santorum:
Endorsed Arlen Specter to assure conservative Supreme Court
ROMNEY [to Santorum]: The reason we have ObamaCare is because the pro-choice Senator in Pennsylvania that you supported and endorsed, Arlen Specter.SANTORUM: I supported Arlen Specter because he was going to be the chairman of the Judiciary Committee
when two to three Supreme Court nominees were going to be available. And maybe all three were going to be out of the conservative block. Arlen Specter asked me to support him; I said "will you support the president's nominees?" We had a 51/49 majority in
the Senate. He said "I'll support the president's nominees as chairman." He saved Justice Thomas. Every nominee Arlen Specter supported, passed; Why? Because it gave Democrats cover to vote for it and it gave Republican moderates cover to vote for it.
He gave the moderate Republicans and the conservative Democrats the leeway to then support that nominee. Arlen Specter defended Roberts, defended Alito. We have a 5/4 majority on the court, and I did the right thing for our country.
Source: CNN's 2012 GOP Debate on eve of Arizona Primary
Feb 22, 2012
Ron Paul:
If Congress doesn't earmark, the Executive Branch decides
SANTORUM: Congressman Paul is one of the most prolific earmarkers in the Congress today. I'm not criticizing; I'm just saying that's a fact.PAUL: Earmarking is designating how the money's spent. If the Congress doesn't say the way the money should be
spent, it goes to the executive branch, and that's the bad part. You don't want to give more power to the executive branch. Even if I'm president, I don't want more power over that funding. That should be with the people and with the Congress. But the
reason we get into trouble with earmarking is the irresponsibility of Congress. Take your highway funds. We're supposed to pay a user fee; we should get our fair share back. But what do they do? They take the highway funds and they spend this money
overseas. And then when the highways need building, then you have to go and fight the political system and maneuver and try to get some of your money back. If you say you're against earmarking, the answer is vote against the bill. That is what I do.
Source: CNN's 2012 GOP Debate on eve of Arizona Primary
Feb 22, 2012
Steve Farley:
Curbing citizen initiatives is voter suppression
HB2305: Political committees [must] submit to the Secretary of State a list of all petition circulators & a copy of a criminal records check performed on each circulator. Analysis by The Arizona Republic (Apr. 16, 2017): Four years ago,
Arizona lawmakers passed an ambitious plan to curb citizen initiatives and make other substantial changes to elections. They said new rules were needed to reduce voter fraud and streamline elections. That didn't sell with a coalition of citizen groups.
They called the bill voter suppression, and set out to block it. They got the bill referred to the 2014 ballot; coalition members were confident voters would kill it. So were lawmakers; they repealed the measure [but re-passed it in parts].
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 33-26-1 on Jun/13/13; State Rep. Steve Farley voted NO; Passed Senate 16-13-1 on Jun/13/13; Signed by Governor Jan Brewer on Jun/19/13
Source: The Arizona Republic on Arizona voting record HB2305
Jun 13, 2013
Steve Forbes:
Drain the tax code swamp to kill lobbyist mosquitoes
FORBES [to McCain]: Passing laws against lobbyists is sort of like passing laws against mosquitoes. Washington attracts mosquitoes the way swamps attract mosquitoes. Special interests go there. Don't we need to drain the swamp first to get the mosquitoes
out of the way. And don't we have to get rid of the tax code first? McCAIN: The fact is if you want to drain the swamp, you take the big money away from the big-time K Street lobbyists and that way they lose their power and their influence.
Look, anybody who wants the status quo in Washington, they don't want John McCain. Because there ain't going to be the status quo when I'm president of the United States. You take away the big money, you're going to take away
their power and you're going to break that iron triangle of lobbyists, big money and influence over the legislative process which has so badly embarrassed so many of us and it is the gateway to draining the swamp.
Source: (cross-ref. to McCain) Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
Steve Gaynor:
Oppose or overturn laws making it easier to vote
Throughout Gaynor's campaign, two themes have emerged. Chief among them is cracking down on illegal voting. He opposes or wants to overturn laws that enhance access to voting or that streamline registration.
He plans to restore laws or regulations that heighten identification requirements for people trying to register to vote.
Source: Phoenix New Times on 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial race
Nov 4, 2018
Tom O`Halleran:
Limit the influence of campaign donations & lobbyists
Reform campaign finance: There is just too much money involved in the election process. The voice of the middle class and those in poverty is being pushed aside by the influence of a few who hide behind current campaign finance laws.
We need to find ways to limit the impact of the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling. Registered lobbyists should not be allowed to be part of campaign organizations and finance committees.Extend the lobbying ban:
The two-year ban on legislators returning to the Capitol as lobbyists is the right idea, but it isn't enough. I support extending the ban to five years, and including staff in the ban.
Ban luxury trips: Luxury trips paid for by special
interests happen under the guise of keeping members of Congress informed. Their real purpose is to give lobbyists special access and to reward legislators for voting a certain way. Those free trips for legislators should be banned.
Source: 2016 Arizona House campaign website TomOHalleran.com
Nov 8, 2016
Kari Lake:
We have major problems in our election system
I think we have major problems in our election system. We had Democrats saying the 2000 election wasn't fair. They were complaining the 2004 election wasn't fair. 2016, Kamala Harris spoke out and said that the electronic voting machines
were hacked in front of her eyes and nobody called them election deniers. And now all of a sudden in 2020, we don't have free speech anymore. We can't speak out against our own elections.
Source: CBS Face the Nation on 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial race
Oct 9, 2022
Kari Lake:
Plenty of evidence why people don't trust our elections
KARI LAKE (R): Well, there's plenty of evidence. We had 740,000 ballots with no chain of custody. Those ballots shouldn't have been counted. There's plenty of evidence. You can find it. Well, I'm happy to send it to your team.
The problem is the media won't cover it. The real issue is that the people don't trust our elections. KATIE HOBBS (D):I think anyone running for office who continues to say there was widespread fraud,
they have yet to bring any evidence forward. This is absolutely disqualifying. This is somebody who will have a level of authority over our state's elections, the ability to sign new legislation into law, the responsibility of certifying
future elections. This is a basic core of our democracy. She has nothing else to run on.
Source: CNN SOTU interviews on 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial race
Oct 16, 2022
Katie Hobbs:
Claims of election fraud with no evidence is disqualifying
KARI LAKE (R): Well, there's plenty of evidence. We had 740,000 ballots with no chain of custody. Those ballots shouldn't have been counted. There's plenty of evidence. You can find it. Well, I'm happy to send it to your team.
The problem is the media won't cover it. The real issue is that the people don't trust our elections. KATIE HOBBS (D): I think anyone running for office who continues to say there was widespread fraud,
they have yet to bring any evidence forward. This is absolutely disqualifying. This is somebody who will have a level of authority over our state's elections, the ability to sign new legislation into law,
the responsibility of certifying future elections. This is a basic core of our democracy. She has nothing else to run on.
Source: CNN SOTU interviews on 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial race
Oct 16, 2022
Katie Hobbs:
Close water poaching loophole that's being exploited
In many parts of our state, there are effectively no restrictions on groundwater pumping. A new water user can move in, dig a well, and pump as much water as possible--even if it dries up the community's aquifer. This is why you see a Saudi
Arabian conglomerate pumping local groundwater nearly unchecked in La Paz County, to grow water-intensive crops and send them to the other side of the planet. Let's close this water poaching loophole and modernize the Arizona Groundwater Management Act.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 9, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023