Arizona currently has the largest proportion of independent voters in America. The Grand Canyon State has played a large role in national discussions in the past several years. Arizona makes headlines: controversial immigration policies, beloved Sen. John McCain’s failed presidential bid, the critically important Colorado River, and the tragic shooting at an event for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, are just a few ways this state is commonly at the tip of tongues and the top of news cycles.
NIMBY of course is an acronym for ‘Not In My Back Yard’ while BANANAs are even more extreme, saying ‘Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anybody.’
A large portion of the commission’s funds have already been spent on legal fees fighting challenges from Speaker Tobin’s political allies in the executive branch, spurred on by the legislature’s politicization of the redistricting process.
This is one of those bombshell stories with multiple facets that branch off into all manner of areas: gay rights, immigration & border control, potential abuse of power, sexual assault by a priest, and a mediagenic sheriff about to run for Congress.
As reported by the Pew Research Center, Hispanics are expected to account for three-quarters of the growth in the nation’s labor force from 2010-2020.
The Open Elections/Open Government Act would alter the state’s constitution to create a top-two open primary system like that passed by California voters in 2010.
But taking “politics” out of an inherently political process is easier said than done, as has been demonstrated by the experience of Arizona’s Redistricting Commission.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 1007 wants Arizonans to answer the question: why should lawmakers be exempt from arrest during session for all crimes except felonies, acts of treason or breach of the peace?
