Phoenix Parking-Ticket Fees Rise Dramatically

Nothing makes us feel stupider than getting a city of Phoenix parking ticket.For one thing, it’s never a surprise. The only surprise comes when, after knowing full well that we blew through the metered time, we don’t see one of those piss-yellow tickets on our windshield. Worse, we’re ashamed to…

Familiar Face Enters Secretary of State Race

There’s a new face in the Democratic race for secretary of state, and he may have an early leg up on his probable opponent in the Democratic primary.Sam Wercinski, former Governor Janet Napolitano’s real estate commissioner from 2007-2009, has entered the race, and he’s already got more than enough money…

Save a Cop, Buy a Steak; City of Phoenix Approves Food Tax

The Phoenix City Council approved a new tax yesterday that will increase the price of the most basic necessity: food.In a 6-3 vote, the council approved a 2 percent tax on basic grocery items like milk, meat, vegetables, and all the other basics that people need to live.The move is…

Andrew Thomas Raises Just $25K in Quest to Be AZ Attorney General

Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas, who’s exploring a run for state attorney general this fall, has so far drummed up just $25,070 in donations, according to newly filed documents at the Secretary of State’s office.That figure stands in stark contrast to the fundraising of Thomas’ chief rival, fellow Republican Tom Horne…

McCain Approval Ratings in Tank; Lowest Levels Since Keating Five Scandal

For the first time since 1994 — when he was recovering from the Keating Five scandal — John McCain’s approval rating has hit 40 percent. A poll conducted by the Behavior Research Center determined the figure, but while McCain’s numbers may be down, Arizona’s senior U.S. senator is far from out. Republicans, for…

Clean Elections Matching Funds Update: Goldwater Tries to Stop the Stay

Last week, U.S. District Court Judge Roslyn Silver put an end to all-important “matching funds” provisions in Arizona’s clean elections system, saying that — absent a stay from the appellate court — publicly funded candidates will only get a set amount of money this year.This week, the appellate court offered a…

Dean Martin Leads in Governor’s Race, According to Latest Rasmussen Poll

Treasurer Dean Martin got some welcome amore (Rat Pack pun intended) from the latest Rasmussen poll, which shows him as the front-runner for this year’s gubernatorial election. The news may be a kick in the head (Rat Pack pun intended — again) for the former front-runner, Democratic Attorney General Terry Goddard, who led…

CityNorth Subsidy Sent Back to Court of Appeals

The Arizona Supreme Court today unanimously reversed an appellate court ruling on the CityNorth case, saying it erred when it deemed the city of Phoenix’s $97 million subsidy of the shopping center unconstitutional.But the unanimous decision hardly settles the issue once and for all — and is hardly a victory for the…

J.D. Hayworth Quits Radio Gig to Run Against John McCain

ormer Arizona congressman turned AM radio conservative squawk box, has quit his radio gig at KFYI-AM to begin a campaign to un-seat Senator John McCain as the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. No shocker here, Hayworth has been hinting at a coup attempt for months. Hayworth confirmed the move on Friday but…

Does Mayor Phil Want to be Congressman Phil? The Rumor Mill is Turning

Here’s one fresh from the rumor mill:With John Shadegg’s long-overdue departure from the U.S. House of Representatives, there are rumors that Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon may be looking to take his seat.So, does Mr. Gordon really want to go to Washington? He’s certainly spent a lot of time there this…

Who Will Fill John Shadegg’s Congressional Seat? Not Dean Martin

With Congressman John Shadegg throwing in the towel and announcing he would be retiring from Congress yesterday, there is no shortage of talk about who his potential replacement might be.One of those mentioned is Treasurer Dean Martin, who also happened to announce his candidacy for governor on Wednesday.Martin, however, says…