Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
On the very same day that Russell Pearce fanboy and Neo-Nazi white supremacist J.T. Ready executed his girlfriend's family before killing himself in a murder-suicide, Gilbert mass shooting: Horror in wake of vigilante's final act, across town at the state capitol Russell Pearce sycophants Senate Majority Leader Andy Biggs, House Speaker Pro Tem Steve Montenegro, Rep. Eddie Farnsworth and Sen. Steve Smith voted in a conference committee to amend SB 1449, Sen. Steve Smith's bill to alter Arizona's recall election statute, to create a reimbursement mechanism for Russell Pearce and his recall campaign expenses -- for which he had NO personal out-of-pocket expenses. Arizona committee passes amendment for Pearce repayment.
As Laurie Roberts of the Arizona Republic writes today, "It was perhaps the most arrogant display I've seen at the Legislature and that is sayiing something." LaurieRoberts - Potential Pearce welfare check clears first hurdle:
A legislative conference committee -- one dominated by Russell Pearce allies -- quickly approved a bill this afternoon that would potentially allow the recalled senator to snag $260,000.
This, to cover his non-existent recall expenses.
There was no public hearing on the amendment, which was written about 90 minutes before the committee met.
There was not even a public explanation of the amendment, so that we mere members of the public would know what the darn thing says.
* * *
How odd then that they waited to address this issue until now, after Pearce's recall and as he faces strong opposition from Mesa businessman Bob Worsley in his bid to rejoin the Senate.
Now, as the Legislature is set to adjourn and they can get away with shifty moves.
Another key point about SB 1449: Arizona State University Professor of Law Paul Bender, whose expertise is the Arizona Constitution, says the proposed law would be unconstitutional. Russell Pearce-Inspired Recall Bill Unconstitutional, Say Experts - Phoenix New Times:
"If this change is going to be made, it has to be made through a constitutional amendment," he explained. "The legislature can't do it itself."
Meaning the amendment would have to be placed on a statewide ballot. A state House attempt at this failed in that chamber's judiciary committee [earlier this session].
Bender said if SB 1449 became law, it likely would be subject to a legal challenge by someone who wants to run in a recall election, but doesn't want the hassle of a primary.
"But you know that would take time, cost money," he said. "So it would be much better if they didn't pass it."
As Laurie Roberts says, "Clearly, the House will pass this bill. The place is teeming with Pearce acolytes."
But the Senate? Well now, that's another thing. There are 21 GOP senators and it'll take 16 to approve this thing.
Republican senators to watch: President Steve Pierce, Rich Crandall, Michele Reagan, Adam Driggs, Jerry Lewis, John Nelson, John McComish and Steve Yarbrough.
These are Republicans who have been unafraid to rock Pearce's boat in the past. Now they're the folks who basically stand between Pearce and his $260k.
Contact info:
Steve Pierce: (602) 926-5584 [email protected]
Rich Crandall: (602) 926-3020 [email protected]
Michele Reagan: (602) 926-5828 [email protected]
Adam Driggs: (602) 926-3016 [email protected]
Jerry Lewis: (602) 926-5760 [email protected]
John Nelson: (602) 926-5872 [email protected]
John McComish: (602- 926-5898 [email protected]
Steve Yarbrough: (602) 926-5863 [email protected]
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