1-14-16 Briefs

Republican Briefs

Editor - Frosty Taylor repcomm@cox.net or frostytaylor@cox.net

Web Master John Strasser

Thursday – January 14, 2016

Former Treasurer Tony West Has Passed Away: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former State Treasurer Tony West. Our condolences go out to the entire West family on behalf of myself and all the staff at the Arizona State Treasurer’s Office. Tony served as State Treasurer from 1991-1999. Since I began my term as State Treasurer, Tony has offered invaluable advice to me and I will miss his guidance and knowledge of this office. The Treasurer’s office has lost a beloved friend and mentor. Tony loved Arizona, he loved the Treasurer’s office, and Arizona has lost one of its shining lights. God rest his soul.” Any cards and messages sent to the Treasurer’s office will be forwarded to Tony West’s family. - Treasurer Jeff DeWit and the entire office of the State Treasurer.

CD9 Candidate Dave Gilesis asking for volunteers. Helpers needed Jan 16, 8-11 am or 11am-1 pm, MCRC Mandatory meeting, Church for the Nations, 6225 N Central Ave., Phx. Contact: 602-499-8600 or Erika@davegilesforcongress.com

Timothy Lee Announces His Candidacy For AZGOP 2nd Vice Chairman: Lee is the newly elected LD24 Chairman and also currently serves as the AZGOP Compliance Officer.Contact: 85008phx@gmail.com (602) 518-5860 Text/Cell

Grassroots Precinct Committeemen will bring an “Anybody BUT Senator John McCain” resolution from the floor during the Jan 16 Maricopa County Republican Committee’s Mandatory meeting. The resolution reads: We precinct committeemen of the Maricopa County Republican Committee (“MCRC”) fully support our Party, platform, and candidates in the general elections. In the primary elections we each are free to choose which Republican candidates to endorse and support. Since the MCRC members censured Senator John McCain in January 2014, we have hoped Senator McCain would return to our Party’s values. He has not. With sadness and humility we rise and declare our beliefs:

· Whereas, Senator McCain was censured by the Arizona Republican State Committeemen on January 25, 2014; and

· voted for DHS funding that included money for Obama’s illegal amnesty for illegal aliens; and

· as a “Campaign Conservative,” campaigned on securing the border but cosponsored legislation giving “pathway to citizenship” to millions of illegal aliens; and

· actively worked to purge the party of grassroots conservatives using out-of-state funding via the Arizona Grassroots Action PAC; and

· voted to kill an amendment requiring certification that Iran has not directly supported or carried out an act of terrorism against the United States before sanctions can be lifted; and

· demeaned Republicans who stand for the Constitution, calling them “crazies” and “wacko birds”; and

· voted to support funding for the Iran Nuclear Deal, Obamacare, Executive Amnesty and Planned Parenthood’s selling of body parts;

RESOLVED that the Maricopa County Republican Committee precinct committeemen endorse anybody BUT incumbent Senator John McCain in the 2016 Republican primary election for the United States Senate.

The Resolution To Support State Rights Resolution was accidentally left out of the packet PCs will receive at registration Saturday morning. See full resolution at Briefs archives 1-9-16

or Resolution-to-Support-States-Rights.pdf

LD25 Chairman Ian Murray: I am supportive of the recall elections.

Problems started when the MCRC assisted with the first Donald Trump campaign event in Phoenix. Aaron Borders, 2nd Vice Chairman, did a great job of helping organize that event. Unfortunately, Borders expectation to work for the Trump campaign fell through after Chairman Tyler Bowyer reportedly sent an e-mail to the Trump campaign.

After the Trump event:

1. The State Republican Party stopped payment on a rental check for the Tempe MCRC office after the State Party had committed to cover the rent until the end of the year. This left the MCRC scrambling for funds to cover the rent.

2. August 2015 EGC meeting: An interaction between the MCRC Sergeant-at-Arms and a State GOP intern resulted in a police investigation.

3. September 2015 EGC meeting: All the supplies in the State Headquarter were locked up to prevent MCRC use. And the MCRC Sergeant-at-Arms was banned from the State GOP Headquarters. A motion to adjourn the meeting early to protest the State Party’s actions was defeated. We were informed that the State GOP had cut off access to i360 and that walking lists requests would now have to be submitted to the State Party for a paper print out.

4. October 2015 EGC meeting: Scheduled at ASU to recognize ASU Republicans. At the last minute—the ASU location was revoked. An alternative location was readily available. I was told that 1^st Chairman Jeni White was instrumental in the ASU meeting location revocation.

5. November 2015 EGC meeting: Held at the Shriner’s Auditorium where Borders introduced a “Resolution for a Vote of No Confidence” directed against Bowyer. It is believed that this resolution was to embarrass Bowyer and cause him to resign or to set up a recall election against him.

Borders said it was a “privileged” resolution, which he said meant:

a. No discussion would be allowed on the content of the charges contained in the resolution.

b. There would have to be an immediate vote on the resolution.

c. The voting would only be done by a secret ballot, Border had preprinted ballots.

d. The votes could only be counted by a specific individual and had to be overseen by three Legislative District Chairmen.

Three people, with Robert’s Rules of Order, defended Border’s actions. A vote was taken and the resolution failed.

6. After the November meeting, I found that the web site was not working. I was told White, the webmaster, had taken down the MCRC web site.

I think it is questionable whether they can commit to effectively work with Bowyer and the EGC in a non-confrontational and productive manner. If they could, I would favor cancelling the recall election. If White and Borders are unable to work with Bowyer and the EGC in a non-confrontational and productive manner, then I support the recall of both White and Borders.

By placing himself on the recall ballot, Bowyer is empowering the PCs to make their choice on the leadership of Maricopa County. We need to work together to insure Republican victories in November. I support retaining Bowyer in his position. I do expect some additional dirty tricks and surprises in Saturday. However, I would very much prefer a smooth and un-eventful meeting. - LD25 Chairman Ian Murray, Precinct Committeeman, and State Committeeman.

MCRC First Vice Chairman Aaron Borders to Maricopa County PCs: Last year I asked for your vote for 2nd Vice Chairman, promising to work with whoever got elected. I campaigned on my experience and conservative endorsements.

     After earning your vote I dove headfirst into the job. The Chairman tasked me to build a basic party infrastructure for the Members-at-Large, LD Chairs and PCs. Within the first month I had it ready and the Chairman promoted and implemented it.
     Next, the Chairman asked me to concentrate on his primary agenda to build the PC ranks. I put together a PC recruiting contest. We recruited hundreds of new PCs.
    Many PC were asking for resources so I created a PC Resource Guide, unique to each district, and enlisted the help of Nancy Cottle to help me. When finished in August 2015, it was nearly 80 pages, containing nearly every tool imaginable. It has yet to be sent to print by our county office.
      As a business professional who works in finance and has worked on campaigns that have had to comply with FEC rules and Arizona election laws, I saw things that concerned me. Things like question marks under MCRC expenses in our financial statements.
     I was concerned by press releases claiming the MCRC had raised tens of thousands of dollars that were not reflected in our treasurer reports.
     I was concerned that we had received donations from federal PACs but had not filed any FEC reports.
       These were serious concerns and I reached out multiple times to our Chairman to find the answers I was looking for. I expressed my concerns that these issues were placing the board and each board member at financial risk. The Chairman's response to me was some variation of "Don't worry about it, I have it handled." Several months of this behavior generated a great deal of concern, for me and other board members. In November, I asked the board for a vote of "No Confidence" of the chairman and to call for an audit per our by-laws. The resolution failed by one vote, 14-15, with Bowyer casting the tie-breaking vote.
      Remarkably, this concern did nothing to change the autocratic manner in which the Chairman conducted business. He canceled the December meeting and the Chairman and/or his allies spent their time setting up a web site about me and our 1st Vice Chair that featured a defaced picture of my wife and me.
     This Saturday's special meeting, organized and executed in relative secrecy, is a continuation of the Chairman's behavior towards anyone who questions him. And the tactics employed - calling the meeting in relative secrecy, inserting a hit piece in the PC literature packet without providing me or the 1st Vice Chairman the same opportunity, including a recall of the Chairman in the call while excluding his own position in the rules for balloting, is all conduct unbecoming of a Maricopa County Republican.
     The questions that we have raised were simple, reasonable, and in the best interest of the Party. Instead of answering these questions as is his responsibility per our by-laws, our Chairman is consuming thousands of man hours of our collective time to punish those who dare to ask these simple yet important questions.
    I ask you to vote NO on the recall and stand with those of us who believe in accountability and transparency. - Aaron Borders, 2nd Vice Chair, MCRC 480-359-5079

Congressman Matt Salmon will officially Kick-Off his re-election campaign at 6 pm., Wed., Jan 20 dinner at the American Legion Post 39, 206 N Gilbert Road, Gilbert, AZ 885234. Dinner and refreshments will be provided. RSVP: http://salmonforcongress.com/pages/re-election-kick-off-event-rsvp

PC Anna Morrison: I sincerely appreciate all of the information that you posted on the candidates for Member-at-Large for Maricopa's Republican Party Mandatory meeting on Saturday. The information is very helpful.

The “Remembering Our Fallen” - a memorial exhibit with personal photos of those who have given their lives since 9-11, will be displayed at the Arizona Capitol through Feb 6. Open Mon through Fri, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission/parking. www.azlibrary.gov/azcm or 602-926-3620. www.rememberingourfallen.org.

CongressmanMatt Salmon, chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, after Islamic State attacks on Indonesia. “I was deeply saddened and disturbed to hear the reports of the Islamic State’s terrorist attack this morning in Jakarta, Indonesia. The attacks were the deplorable acts of cowardice that we have come to associate with this brutal terrorist group. I support continued U.S. resolve to work with Indonesia in its efforts to prevent terroristic attacks against their population. These attacks demonstrate the need for the United States to lead our allies and take decisive action to destroy this network of terrorism that harms peaceful citizens around the world.My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Indonesia.”

The Temple Republican Women will meet at 6:30 pm., Mon., Jan 25 at the Pyle Rec Center - 655 E Southern Ave, Tempe to hear Laura Knaparek address “Conservative Alliance Perspective of Solar” and political consultant Constantine Querard talk about the “Natonal Popular Vote.” Contact: President Jessica Merrow 480-306-2545

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s re-election campaign has announced his fundraising “Elect Sheriff Joe” Committee has set a county record in raising nearly $8 Billion since 2013. The committee collected over 190,000 contributions – totaling $7,958,840.66. He enters this elections year with over $3.2 million cash in hand.Chad Willems, campaign manager, said, “These numbers are incredible. We made a commitment early on in this election to exceed our previous fundraising efforts. .. In over 20 years in this business, I have never seen the level and intensity of support for a candidate as I have seen for Sheriff Joe.” Arpaio, who is running for his seventh term as Sheriff, is a former police officer, federal law enforcement director under the Drug Enforcement and diplomatic attache. He has served as the Maricopa County Sheriff since his first election in 1993.

The Arizona Project meets at 6:30 pm., Mon., Jan 18 at 3375 E Shea Blvd, Phx, to hear Arizona Corporation Commissioner Tom Forese speak on “How To Beat The Democrats At There Own Game.” Contact: Ron Ludders602.677.1496

Arizona Project Chairman Ron Ludders Questions: Anyone other than me wonder how Iran was able to board and capture two US Navy Vessels? Both boats had engine problems? - seriously. They both drifted into Iranian waters? Why didn't the second boat tow the crippled boat? Why didn't the boats drop anchor before drifting into Iranian waters if their engines were disabled? All communications systems with other US Vessels were malfunctioning? Why weren't helicopters or fighter aircraft launched to protect our servicemen? Why didn't Obama mention it during the boring, rambling State of the Nation address and why did Secretary of State Kerry "thank" the Iranians for releasing our crews and equipment rather than take action against Iran? Just Asking?

Voters Say Terrorism Should Be Obama's Chief ConcernVoters are increasingly critical of President Obama's handling of national security issues and think he should focus on terrorism for the remainder of his time in the White House.Read More

A Flyer Is Floating Around that errantly places the Citizens Business League of Arizona’s Sat., Feb. 20 “Candidate Corral” at the North Scottsdale Church. The event is actually scheduled from 10 am-3 pm at the Pioneer Living History Village, 3901 W Pioneer Road, Phoenix, AZ 85086. The event offers free table opportunities to grassroots groups, veterans groups, Republican Clubs and all LD’s 1-30. Bring your pop-up tent, table & 2 chairs. Advertise your group with raffles, hand-out flyers, do a fund raiser and learn about Statewide Candidates, Local Officials & a Presidential Candidate or two… “First-come/First-serve” basis. Reserve space athttp://citizenbusinessleague.goldlaw.wpengine.com Contacts: Diane Ortiz-Parsonspreference1977@gmail.com 480-236-2795 or Nina MarlownmarlowCBL@gmail.com 480-707-9043.

Dan Grimm - Co-Chair MCRC Jan 16 Mandatory Meeting Planning Committee: There was some confusion due to one slide from the training session this past weekend.

The MCRC Bylaws allow for passing off credentials from one person to the next at the meeting.

In previous years, this was erroneously limited to those within the same LD or even the same precinct. However, the bylaws do NOT place such limits. The credentials may be passed on to any member of the body. This process is referred to in the bylaws as a "Verbal" proxy.

We will make this clear at the Credentials tables Saturday! Per the MCRC Bylaws, Article IV, Section 2, Sub-Section C2 (Page 10)

2. After registration at meeting, votes may be cast by registrant or may be passed on by verbal proxy to other voting members of the body using a form pre-printed on their voting credentials that they receive when registering at Credentials and Tally. Proxies thus created at the meeting may not be re-proxied to a third party.

Therefore, once credentialed, any Credentialed attendee may pass off their credentials to ANY OTHER Credentialed attendee at the meeting, one time.

Please accept my apologies for the erroneous explanation at our training on Saturday! dnjgrimm@aol.com 480-570-8570

Daniel Grimm Co-Chair MCRC Mandatory Meeting Planning Committee to District Chairman and Precinct Committeemen: In reviewing the Maricopa County Republican Committee bylaws, as pertains to Special Meetings (Article V, Section 4), all elected and appointed PCs may vote in any duly called Special Meeting. Therefore, any PC appointed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors upon their last meeting held December 9, 2015 is eligible to vote at the upcoming scheduled Special Meeting of the MCRC. The Call to Meeting is attached. A Special table will be set aside for Registration to accommodate those PCs appointed in December. Please locate this table to register and collect your ballot for the Special Meeting. Please note that while the Special Meeting is not scheduled to start earlier than 2:30 PM, Registration opens at 7:30 AM on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Church for the Nations, located at 6225 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85012. (Registration will close at 9:00 AM). Please arrive promptly for Registration (7:30 AM) and again at 2:30PM for the start of the Special Meeting.

The Republican Party of Maricopa County Firearms Prize Drawing (aka as a raffle) at the 1/16/16 Mandatory Meeting. The three prizes include:
      1st Prize: DPMS Panther, 308 AR15. MSRP: $999.
      2nd Prize: Smith & Wesson, M & P, .223 AR15. MSRP: $739.
      3rd Prize: Ruger, RS22, .22 semi-automatic pistol, MSRP: $349.
One (1) ticket for a $10 donation or three (3) tickets for a $20 donation. Winner need not be present to win. Drawing will be held at the 1/16/16 MCRC Mandatory Meeting. Credit & Debit Card Payment will be accepted at the Mandatory Meeting. Early tickets are available now by mailing a check payable to the Maricopa County Republican Committee addressed to: Andrew Costanzo, PO Box 28091, Tempe, AZ 85285. Please include a self-address stamped envelope for the return of your ticket stubs. Tickets are 1 of $10 and 3 for $20. Contact Andrew Costanzo,andrew@theirishgifthouse.com 480 677-0697. Firearms supplied by Arizona Firearms in Tempe; they are donating the Ruger, RS22 pistol to the MCRC. All winners must qualify in accordance with Arizona firearm laws. Winners will receive an Arizona Firearms gift card in lieu of the prize won.

Gary Johnson, Chairman of the Jan 16 MCRC Mandatory Meeting Talley Committee, needs at least 40 volunteers to help monitor the 10 election machines that will be receiving and tabulating thousands of ballots for various elections scheduled during the meetings. These monitors play an extremely important role in helping protect the integrity of those elections. There will be two monitors at each machine – checking credentials and two additional monitors watching the ballots being inserted into the voting machines. Contact Johnson at 602-999-4284 (cell) or p19768@yahoo.com

Operation Enduring Gratitude– veterans serving veterans (performs extreme home makeovers for veterans in need) will be participating in the Jan 15, 16, and 17 Maricopa County Home & Garden Show at the Arizona State Fairgrounds / Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Contact founder Charlie Ellis (480) 678-0938 Charlie@OperationEnduringGratitude.Org

www.OperationEnduringGratitude.Org

· Call The White House202-456-1111 Comments. Switchboard: 202-456-1414. Contact Senate https://www.senate.gov/ or Representatives http://www.house.gov/ Let them know how you feel. Hold their feet to the fire. They wanted these positions so badly, hold them accountable. Arizona delegation phone numbers:

Senator John McCain (R- AZ) 202-224-2235 202-228-2862
Senator Jeff Flake (R- AZ) 202-224-4521 202-228-0515
Rep Ann Kirkpatrick (D1) 202-225-3361 202-225-3462
Rep Martha McSally (R2) 202-225-2542 520-881-3588
Rep Raul M. Grijalva (D3) 202-225-2435 202-225-1541
Rep Paul A. Gosar (R4) 202-225-2315 202-226-9739
Rep Matt Salmon (R5) 202-225-2635 202-226-4386
Rep David Schweikert (R6) 202-225-2190 202-225-0096
Rep Reuben Gallego (D7) 202-225-4065 202-225-1655
Rep Trent Franks (R8) 202-225-4576 202-225-6328
Rep Kyrsten Sinema (D9) 202-225-9888 202-225-9731

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JAN 16

· Dolan Ellis, Arizona’s Balladeer of 50 years, will be performing some new songs at 7 pm, Sat., Jan 16 at the North Mountain Community Center.

· The Yavapai County Republican Committee’s Mandatory meeting is scheduled Jan 16 - same day as the Maricopa County Republican Committee’s Mandatory meeting. Calls letters should go out no later than Jan 6 to precinct committeemen qualified to vote at these meetings.

· The Maricopa County Republican Committee Mandatory Meeting is scheduled am, Sat., Jan 16 at the Church of the Nation’s, 6225 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. 85012, according to Executive Director April Riggins. Riggins and Dan Grimm are co-chairing the event again this year. A ‘Special’ meeting is called for 2:30 pm, to address the removal of the Chairman, and the First and Second Vice Chairmen.

· The Constitutional Study Group is scheduling classes between 2-3:30 pm., on Saturday, Jan 16 and Feb 13 at three locations in Mesa.

· American Family Education, 4833 E Southern, Mesa

· Board room of SWD Urethane Co., 536 S Drew St., Mesa

· Leisure World Club House, 908 W Power Road., Mesa

Instructors: Nathan Phelps, Veri Farnsworth, Cindy Biggs, Sarah Rowse and Adrienne Weiss. Contact: Farnsworth vfarnsworth13@yahoo.com or 480-204-0964. $5 donation covers Constitution booklet, workbook and all class handouts.

JAN 18

· The Newly Formed Hwy 89 Republican Club will meet for the first time at 5 pm., Mon., Jan 18 at the Bonn Fire Restaurant in Chino Valley with a mystery speaker. The new club is open to all Republicans living in the area North along Hwy 89 from the Prescott Airport to Ash Fork along with Williamson Valley and Seligman. There will also be an election of officers. (To serve as an officer a registered Republican needs to be a Precinct Committeeman and have voted in the last Primary and General elections.) Contact Ron Godfrey at ragodfrey@yahoo.com or 602-688-0979.

· The Leisure World Republican Club will meet at 7 pm, Mon., Jan 18 in Rec 2 Hopi, 908 S Power Road, Mesa, to hear US Senate candidate Kelli Ward address her campaign to replace US Sen John McCain. A Presidential straw poll will also be taken. In the event you are attending from outside Leisure World please enter through the southern gate at Southern Ave/ and Leisure World Boulevard. It is about half way between Power/Higley Roads. Proceed straight ahead after being cleared at the gate to the large building on your right. Contact: Diane at 480 395-5515.

JAN 19

· The Pro-Life Student Lobby Day is scheduled Jan 19 at the State Capitol. student-pro-life-lobby-day-tickets

· The Fountain Hills AZ Tea Party will meet at 6:30 pm., Jan 19 (third Tues) in the Fountain Hills Unified School District Learning Center, 16000 E Palisades Blvd. (Palisades Blvd. & Golden Eagle Blvd.) This month's meeting will feature a discussion about National Popular Vote, the effort to change the way that the Electoral College functions to elect the president. Pro and con positions will be presented, followed by Q & A. Admission is free but donations to help offset expenses are welcome and appreciated. Contact: Richard Rutkowski info@fhteaparty.org or www.fhteaparty.org

JAN 20

· Palo Verde Republican Women will meet January 20 at Grayhawk Golf Club, 8620 East Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale. Speaker Meir Jolovitz will address “Middle East Peace: The Great Deception” with emphasis on the ideology and politics of terror in the Middle East. Jolovitz was born in Israel and is a pro-Israel advocate. 11 am social. 11:30 am program/lunch. $26 person (cash/check), $27 per person by credit card. RSVP to Helene Gross, pvrwlunch111@yahoo.com.

JAN 21

· A Campaign Kickoff For Maricopa County Supervisor Denny Barney is scheduled between 5:30-7 pm, Thurs., Jan 21 at Infusionsoft, 1260 S. Spectrum Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85286.

· US Senate Candidate Kelli Ward of Lake Havasu, who has taken on 30 year Senator John McCain, will address the Colorado Tea Party Patriots at 6 pm., Thurs., Jan 21 at the Community Christian Church, 6480 E. Hwy 95, Yuma, AZ 8536. Big building behind church - between children's classroom building & Family Bible Study building. Contact: Chairman Sally Kizer 928-210-1219.

· The Campaign Kickoff Party For Pima County Supervisors Ally Miller’s re-election is scheduled from 6-8 pm., Thurs., Jan 21, at the Fox and Hound Restaurant, 7625 N LaCholla Blvd. Appetizers/cash bar. Contact: Allyforsupervisors@gmail.com 520-477-2554

· The Ahwatukee Tea Party will meet with State Treasurer Jeff DeWit Thurs, Jan 21, 2016 at 6:30 pm at the Clarion Hotel, 5121 E La Puente Ave., (51st St. & Elliot Rd.) Phoenix, AZ 85044. Contact: info@tukeeteaparty.com

· The Grassroots Tea Party Activists will meet Wed., Feb 16 at Denny’s Restaurant, 2717 W Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85053 to hear Constitutional attorney, author and radio host KrisAnne Hall address constitutional issues. Contact: http://krisannehall.com

· The Arizona Game and Fish Department is announcing a new collection of educator webinars to bring different wildlife concepts into the classroom. Participate from home while you earn professional development credit. Upcoming webinars:

January 21, 7pm: It's a Bird, It's a Plane - Learn how the Wright brothers can be used to explore the Nature of Science and biomimicry while integrating wildlife biology, physical science, and history. Register Here.

February 11, 7pm: Arizona's State Symbols - Learn some history and trivia about Arizona's living state symbols, including a brief history and trivia for each while we showcase some unique lessons that use science and social studies. Register Here.

NEWS LINKS

· Tucson-Sector-Border-Patrol-Gets-New-Chief

· Sheriff-Joe-Arpaio’s-Wife-Diagnosed-With-Cancer

· Phoenix-Mayor-Greg-Stanton-Reveals-Split-From-Wife-In-Facebook-Post

· Arizona-Lottery-Director-Tony-Bouie-Resigns-Amid-Controversy

· Bringing-The-Wildlife-To-You

· Arizona-Battle-Over-Expanding-Mexican-Gray-Wolf-Territory

· Secretary-Of Interior-Tours-Tribal-School-Arizona-Talks-Upgrades

· Natural-Born-Citizen, Constitutional-Convention, Kelly-Townsend

· Phoenix-Leaders-Quiet-City’s-Steps-End-Weeklong-Bus-Strike

· Santa Cruz Deputies Looking For Armed Group Disguised As Police

· Graham County Population Shows Marginal Increase