6-2-18 Briefs

Several Of You Have Inquired as to what Jon Seaton is doing at the AZGOP HQ. Seems he was recently observed working at Executive Director Matt Kenney’s desk while Kenney is recuperating from back surgery. Kyle Pierce is the interim executive director appointed by Chairman Jonathan Lines, according to Communication Director Ayshia Connor.

As to Seaton, Connor explained, “Seaton has experience managing victory programs and is a former Regional Political Director with the RNC. He has helped coordinate the relationship between the AZGOP and RNC, and spoken at a few field training sessions. Beyond that he has no formal role at the AZGOP. When he’s in the office he sits wherever there is a free desk.” Seaton was a national field director for Sen John McCain’s Presidential campaign overseeing grassroots activities and communication strategies. He also served as President George Bush’s Associate Director for Political Affairs.

Notice from AZGOP West Valley Office: Candidates with literature and other paraphanalia still remaining in the West Valley Office should pick material as soon as possible. All will be destroyed on Thurs, June 8.

Gubernatorial candidate Ken Bennett is scheduled to appear at the Arrowhead Republican Club luncheon/fashion show in Sun City today. He will appear at the Thunder Mountain Republican Women’s Club at 9:30 am., Sat., June 9. Anyone Wishing To Set Volunteer and team meetings for Bennett is asked to call Christine at 520-235-2234.

Pima County Republicans chairman David Eppihimer and Pima county Dem Chairman Jo Holt discussed the midterm election at KUAT Chan 6 last night.

The Thunder Mountain Republican Club of Sierra Vista will have brunch with GOP candidtes at 8:30 am., Sat., June2 at the Windemere Hotel in Sierra Vista. RSVP to Cathy Duarte at 610—704-6554 or a76erfan@centurylink.net or Jane Strain at 520-249-5057 jstrain801@gmail.com

The Arrowhead Republican Womens Candidates’ Forum is scheduled from 2-5 pm., Sat., June 2 at Briarwood Country Club, 20800 N. 135th Ave, Sun City West. 20 candidates are confirmed to participate including newly elected US Congresswoman Debbie Lesko, gubernatorial candidate Ken Bennett, Treasurer candidate Kimberly Yee, US Senate candidate Kelli Ward, LD21 and LD22 candidates, along with the Supt of Public Instruction and Secretary of State candidates, campaign chairman Jan Martinson reports. She urges attendees to arrive early to get photos with their favorite candidates. Drawing tickets available. Light refreshments will be served at this adult only gathering. Republicans welcome to this free event. Contact Jan Martinson, Campaign Chairman 623-546-3753--jlmart15102@aol.com

The Sun City West Republican Club will meet at 8:30am., Sat., June 2 in the Quail Room of the SCW Foundation, 14465 RH Johnson Blvd. Doors open at 8am Coffee and donuts will be available - a $2 donation, please, to help defray the cost of the room rental. All Republicans and Independents from the Sun Cities and surrounding areas are welcome to attend. Since 2018 is an election year, they are sponsoring forums thru June where Republican candidates for state offices will be given an opportunity to present an opening statement and then we will have a Q&A. Legislative 22 Candidates speaking at this meeting will be John Heep, incumbent Maricopa County College Board member; Clair Van Steenwyk, Crossroads with Van radio talk show host; Kellie Pawluk, a pediatric nurse who advocates for safe quality care, and Mathew Bullock, a business owner who has created hundreds of jobs. More information at vanscrossroads1@gmail.com or 623+322-9979. Contact: Jean Goncalves, Publicity Chair Lady SCW 623+214-8010.

“Prather & Pizza” is scheduled at 6 pm., June 2 at 4518 E Broadway in Tucson. Jeff Prather served with 7^th Special Forces, DIA, and DEA and is a “Fast and Furious” whistle blower.He’s also amartial arts master, firearms instructor, artist and chaplain and designed his own knife. He’s national known as that guy from That Thing who connects dots on Phoenix based radio talk show Chips N Salsa (Center Right Live, 1041KQTH) FOX News, Drudge Report and Laura Ingraham’s“The Angle”. Limited seats, reservations required. Enjoy cold truth, hot pizza,and jaw dropping videos. Gourmet salad and homemade dessert available. $25 per person. RSVP520-241-7690

nicholas pierson (2) The Diamond Bell Neighborhood Group is sponsoring a CD3 Primary Candidate Forum at 9 am., Sat., June 16 at the Three Points Fire Station 303 at 10351 S Sasabe Road in Rucson. The three GOP primary candidates – Sergio Arellano, Edna San Miguel and Nicholas Pierson, will present their platforms against the incumbent. Refreshments available.

The Ahwatukee Republican Women will host US Senate candidate Dr Kelli Ward at a Wine & Cheese Mixer between 5:30-7:30 pm., Sat., June 2 at the home of Mark & Terry Giebelhaus, 3026 E Rockledge Road, Phoenix. Contact 602-300-4185 arwomen@aol.comwww.ahwatukeerepublicanwomen.com

The Pima County Republican Women’s Club “Crazy Hat” Fundraiser Breakfast is scheduled Sat., June 16 at the Viscount Hotel & Suites, 4855 E Broadway Blvd in Tucson. $15 per person. RSVP to jelaw4@gmail.com or 820-269-1809.

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) announced yesterday that Associate Superintendent Carol Lippert is departing ADE for a new opportunity at Grand Canyon University. “Carol has been a strong member of our executive team and she will be sorely missed,” Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas said. “While I’m excited she has a new opportunity, her departure is a considerable loss for ADE. I personally thank her for all her hard work and devotion.” Lippert began her tenure at ADE in 2014 and currently oversees OELAS, CTE, Early Childhood, Migrant and Academic Standards.

LD17 House candidate Jill Willoughby will be featured at a BBQ/fundraiser hosted by Edward and LeAnn Basha at 6:30 pm., Thurs., June 21 at 2618 E Virgo Place in Chandler. RSVP by June 18 to 602-99-6073.

A Fundraiser Dinner For CD2 Candidate Brandon Martin, featuring speaker Jesse Romero, is schedujled at 6:30 pm., Tues., June 12 at the Viscount, 4855 E Broadway in Tucson. RSVP to jdemara@martinforfreedom.com

Dr Robert Branch, Supt of Public Instruction candidate, will speak at the Arizona Breakfast Club at 8:30 am., Sat., June 2 Denny’s at 7000 E. Mayo Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85054. Branch will address “Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education” and “Making Education Great Again”. $15 fee, including breakfast. The Arizona Breakfast Club was formed in 1968 (50 years ago) and has hosted many legendary speakers including Barry Goldwater. Make a contribution and volunteer for the Branch’s campaign at: www.Vote4Branch.com

The Arizona Federation of Republican Women’s Board of Director’s Summer meeting is scheduled June 8 and 9 at the Windemere Hotel & Conference Center in Sierra Vista. Registration deadline is Tues, June 5, according to AFRW Chairman Loraine Pelligrino. Registration HERE Register Online HERE

Congresswoman Martha McSally will host a Jobs Fair from 10am-1 pm., Sat. , June 2 at in the Sahuaro High School gym, 545 N Camino Seco in Tucson. This public event is aimed at connecting job seekers from across Southern Arizona with more than 50 employers. Participants include many of the Tucson area’s best known private and public sector employers: Raytheon Missile Systems, Honeywell, GEICO, HomeGoods, Jim Click Automotive, Walmart, The University of Arizona, Banner Health, Customs and Border Protection, Union Pacific, Tucson Unified School District, Tucson Airport Authority, and many more.

In advance of the July 11, 2018 filing deadline for initiative and referendum petitions, Secretary of State Michele Reagan has announced statements of support or opposition to this year’s ballot measures will be accepted beginning at 8 am, Tues, June 5 at http://go.azsos.gov/ballotarguments. By statute, the deadline to submit an argument is no later than 48 days preceding the primary election. Pro/con arguments will be printed in the publicity pamphlet in the order in which they are electronically received. The Secretary of State's Office will only print an argument in the publicity pamphlet if a measure will actually appear on the ballot, and the office will not be able to provide refunds (full or partial) for arguments that are ultimately never published. Accordingly, the SOS Office urges discretion whether and when to submit an argument for a particular ballot measure. “I would urge people who plan to file an argument to familiarize themselves with our unique filing system,” said Reagan. “The cut-off date to file an argument is July 11, less than a week after the filing deadline, so those who are interested must act quickly.” The argument must be 300 words or less and should be written exactly how the filer wants it to appear in the publicity pamphlet, as it will be reproduced verbatim. Unlike previous years, no notarization is required by law. The $75 fee will collected through the online portal at the time of its submission.

The following political committees have filed with the SOS office.

Filer ID = 201800541 Reynolds American Inc. Political Action Committee; RAI PAC

Filer ID = 201800543 End Citizens United Non-Federal

Filer ID = 201800545 Kathy Petsas AZ

Filer ID = 201800546 Future Now Fund - AZ

Filer ID = 201800549 The Committee to Elect Greg Patterson

Filer ID = 201800550 Elect Aaron Lieberman

Filer ID = 201800551 Good Government Copmmittee

Filer ID = 201800552 Committee to elect Krisitn Dybvig-Pawelko

Filer ID = 201800553 DUANE E DAUM

Filer ID = 201800555 Bonnie P Hickman for LD16

Filer ID = 201800558 Weller for AZ Senate

Filer ID = 201800559 Samuels for Arizona

Filer ID = 201800560 friends of ted carpenter

Filer ID = 201800561 N.F.L. Boycotts Free Speech: Arizona Boycotts N.F.L.

Filer ID = 201800562 Free The Arizona Dolphins!

Filer ID = 201800563 Taxpayers Against City Takeover

Filer ID = 201800564 Pace For AZ Senate

Filer ID = 201800566 Shelley For Arizona

Filer ID = 201800567 Syms For Senate

Filer ID = 201800569 The Peoples Party

Filer ID = 201800570 Beryl Baker

Filer ID = 201800571 AZ Small Businesses Against I-17-2018

Filer ID = 201800572 FEA Fund for Public Education

To view, click http://apps.azsos.gov/apps/election/cfs/search/AdvancedSearch.aspx

copy/paste the Filer ID number into the Filer ID search field on the right side of the Campaign Finance - Advanced Search screen to view their Statement of Organization.

Attention Republican Group Leaders: If your event announcement is not posted within 24 hours from the time you submitted it - Briefs did NOT receive it. Please resend it to either frostytaylor@cox.net or repcomm@cox.net. – Editor Frosty Taylor

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NOTES FROM READERS

Opinions expressed by readers are not necessarily those of the Briefs. Commentary running over 400 words is subject to editing. Briefs posts candidate announcements, but does not endorse candidates, nor do we post endorsement statements. - ft.

Fountain Hills Activist Nancy Russell Plencner: Frosty, here is a piece I sent recently to the Arizona Republic after a particularly nasty day of news print by the headlining, Pulitzer Prize Winner and self-proclaimed Newspaper of Record for Arizona! Of course my letter never saw the light of day. Thank goodness for MCRC Briefs!

"A Grand Slam Day for the Arizona Republic: Except for one nice piece about a birthday dinner paid for by an anonymous person, Tuesday's Arizona Republic's Letters to the Editor were all negative, hateful writings bashing and demeaning our President. According to the writers the Republic chose to publish, President Trump is going to put tariffs on autos so no one can afford to buy a car as he rips the children of illegal immigrants out of the arms of their parents. A third writer's headline screamed of Trump's Moral Bankruptcy. And the grand slam of all was Grant Woods piece condemning Trump for threatening, terrorizing and smearing our justice system when Trump called the Special Counsel's year-long investigation, a Witch Hunt. One can only conclude that A. there are no President Trump Pro America Agenda readers or submitters to the Republic and B. The paper is beginning a campaign to make sure Grant Woods is appointed to the Senate seat now held by Senator McCain. I will be interested to see if this letter which supports our President and his agenda and does not support appointment of Mr. Woods, and does not fit the politic stand of the paper, will make your pages."

LD15 State Committeeman Linda Brickman: It’s not uncommon for candidates running for office to claim they are conservative when they aren’t. Take Steve Gaynor, who is running for our nomination for Secretary of State. Before his political ambitions took hold, Gaynor routinely gave money to Democrats. Now that he is running for the GOP nomination for Secretary of State, Gaynor has reinvented himself into a so-called “conservative businessman.” There’s just one problem with that, conservatives don’t make donations to Nancy Pelosi’s deputy Steny Hoyer. With the possible exception of Pelosi, there isn’t a single member the U.S. House of Representatives who has worked harder to undermine Republicans in Congress. Hoyer supports higher taxes, more restrictions on gun ownership, and pretty much every other liberal position out there. There probably isn’t a single Republican issue that Hoyer would support, but that didn’t stop “conservative businessman” Steve Gaynor from making multiple donations to him.

There’s no question that financially supporting Steny Hoyer should be enough to cause any Republican to view Gaynor’s candidacy with skepticism, but believe it or not, it gets worse. Steve Gaynor has also given money to liberal Democrat Congressman Ted Lieu who spends nearly all of his time viciously attacking President Donald Trump. Lieu has said that President Trump is a danger to the Republic. He said that President Trump was an evil man. Lieu even said that President Trump should not be given a chance to be President.

Now it’s a free country and any candidate is free to call themselves anything they want, but we don’t have to believe it. Republicans don’t support liberals like Steny Hoyer and Ted Lieu. Ask yourself, would you ever make a donation to liberals like Hoyer and Lieu? Of course, you wouldn’t, but Steve Gaynor did. And that’s why I will not support him for Secretary of State. More than ever, we need real Republicans who believe in our ideas representing us in office, not someone like Gaynor who supports Democrats. With all that is at stake this year, it would be crazy to give our Republican nomination for Secretary of State to a candidate with a record of financially supporting members of the party who is trying defeat our Republican candidates in this year’s election

Steve Gaynor responds to Linda Brickman: I gave a total of $3,000 to two pro-Israel Democrats in non-competitive districts because, like President Trump, I am a staunch supporter of Israel. What the writer failed to disclose is that I have also given more than $60,000 to more than 55 Republican candidates. Conservative candidates like John Shadegg, Mike Lee, Tom Cotton, Pat Toomey and Ron Johnson plus all of the Republicans in the current Arizona congressional delegation.

I am Pro-life, a Lifetime Member of the NRA, pro-border wall, pro-military and law enforcement and as a business owner, an advocate for low taxes. I suggest that you examine Michele Reagan’s legislative voting record before you conclude that she is a more reliable conservative.

We all know that when you have a performance history like Michele Reagan’s, it is better to attack your opponent than defend your record. Google “Michele Reagan failures” and you will see what I mean. And, if making political contributions to a few Democrats barred you from running as a conservative Republican, Donald Trump would not be Making America Great Again!

CANDIDATE COMMENTARY

Editor’s Note: Please keep opinion pieces to 400 words. If extended, they will be subject to editing. Opinions expressed below are not necessarily those of the Briefs. Briefs does not endorse candidates. – ft

Gubernatorial candidate Ken Bennett: We are on the ballot. And we are in the news. Ken is being personally attacked all over social media by the AZGOP Chairman Jonathan Lines as well as the State Committeeman Bruce Ash. Ken needs $5 donations as quickly as possible. Please help. Ken is going to be all over AZ and he needs volunteers at the following:

· Sat, June 2, 1;30 pm - 3:00 pm. Arrowhead Rep Women, Briarwood Country Club, 20800 N. 135th Ave, Sun City.

· Cochise County: Thunder Mtn Rep Women. 9:30 am to 10:30am. 2047 S Hwy 92, Sierra Vista.

· Sat, June 9: Tempe, Glendale, Mesa

We want to setup volunteer and Team Meetings 'before' and 'after'. So if you know a good place, pizza, coffee, and can help, please let me know. Call Christine, 520-235-2234

LD 22 Senate candidate Clair Van Steenwyk on Ken Bennett's comments concerning appointing a new US Senator in place of Sen. McCain. I, along with others I've spoken with, are thankful that someone who's actually running for AZ Governor and isn't in the Pocket of the AZ GOP Elites. Mr. Bennett stated clearly to all of us he'd not appoint Mrs. McCain to the Senate Seat now held by her husband. This is a very welcome statement as we in AZ don't believe in the right to ascend to office because you're related to the present office holder, and most would love to see the end of the McCain Dynasty in AZ GOP Politics and I now have one more reason not to vote for Gov. Ducey. We all hope Sen. McCain is restored to health as no one I know wishes him or his family members ill, but also realize in the political realm his time has long passed and would be nice if he spent his remaining yrs. enjoying his family and friends.

Gubernatorial candidate Ken Bennett: Please donate $5 here for Ken to stop Obamacare. I am running to be the Governor of Arizona and I want the people to know where I stand. For days the media reports that Governor Ducey is appointing Cindy McCain to John McCain’s seat.

· “Cindy McCain Set to Succeed Husband in Senate”

· “ … no one in the Grand Canyon State who spoke to us wants to go on record discussing what will happen when the ailing McCain no longer holds his seat. But those who did, agree almost unanimously, Cindy McCain following John in the Senate through appointment by Gov. Doug Ducey, R-Ariz., is a near certainty.

· "… I've always assumed that was the arrangement … "

· "… I don't know if this [succession] has been formalized, but that's what people who know John tell me… "

I want Arizona to know that I will not appoint Cindy McCain to the U.S. Senate as the Arizona Governor. John McCain’s ‘thumbs down’ is the reason we still have Obamacare and his wife will vote the same way. And Governor Ducey told him to do it. Obamacare is a job killer and hurting small businesses in Arizona and it needs to be repealed. I thank Senator McCain for his service to this country and have the highest respect for the sacrifices he has made, but I am running to be the Governor of Arizona and am not afraid to make tough decisions. I will use the position of Governor to rid us of Obamacare however I can.

Who would I appoint? The person who will vote ‘thumbs–up’ on repealing all of Obamacare, and who displays a clear record of being pro-life, pro-second amendment, is committed to securing the border and who will support helping Trump make NAFTA a ‘Fair Trade’ deal. I find it interesting that Ducey does not deny the media reports that he plans to appoint Cindy McCain but his people sure do have a lot of nasty things to say about me. I do not believe that telling you the truth is indecent, nor shameful because I believe that making tough decisions is the right thing to do. To follow the full thread please follow me on twitter.

Supt of Public instruction candidate Frank Riggs: I'm the only Republican candidate for Superintendent of Public instruction who's held legislative office and has a proven pro-life, pro-family voting record. As a U.S. Congressman, I voted for:
• The Hyde Amendment to ban federal funding for abortion on demand;
• To prohibit abortions at medical facilities on federal military installations;
• To ban the abhorrent practice of Partial Birth Abortion;
• To defend traditional marriage (The Defense of Marriage Act);
• And for the Adoption Tax Credit and the Dependent Child Tax Credit .
I was "A" rated by National Right to Life for my congressional voting record. And I'm steadfastly opposed to the efforts by those on the extreme left to integrate Planned Parenthood and their "comprehensive sexuality" curriculum into our K-12 schools, beginning in the early grades with the youngest students. To learn more about my extensive and proven record of executive, educational and legislative leadership please go here: http://riggsforaz.com/riggs-record.html. And to learn more about my plans for reforming and improving AZ schools by putting parents and students first please go to http://riggsforaz.com/riggs-plan.html.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 2

The Thunder Mountain Republican Women will host a brunch with GOP candidates at 9:30 am., Sat., June 2 at the Windemere Hotel in Sierra Vista. $10 per person, cash only, payable at the door. RSVP to Cathy Duarte 610-704-6554 or a76erfab@centurylink.net or Jane Strain 520-249-4057 or jstrain810@gmail.com .

“Prather & Pizza” is scheduled at 6 pm., June 2 at 4518 E Broadway in Tucson. Jeff Prather served with 7^th Special Forces, DIA, and DEA and is a “Fast and Furious” whistle blower. He’s also a Martial arts master, Firearms instructor. Artist and chaplain and has his own knife! He’s national known as That Guy from That Thing who connects dots on Phoenix based radio talk showChips N Salsa (Center Right Live, 1041KQTH) FOX News, Drudge Report and Laura Ingraham’s “The Angle”. Limited seats, reservations required. Enjoy cold truth, hot pizza,and jaw dropping videos. Gourmet salad and homemade dessert available. $25 per person. RSVP520-241-7690

June 6

Phoenix Mayoral candidate Moses Sanchez will be featured at an appetizers and cocktails vevent between 5:30-7:30, Wed., June 6 at the Casablanca Rooftop Lounge, 1734 E Stetson Drive in Scottsdale hosted by Bret King, Cody King, Marcelle Costello, Eric Crown, Cheryl Hintzen-Gaines, Ira Gaines, Jason DiFrancesco, Robin Macy, Erik Anderson, Rene Kyl and Tom Speaks. Suggested contrbutions: host committee-$500, supporter - $250, and friend - $100. RSVP by Fri., June 1 to Laura Minter at 541-272-1125 or laura@lovasco.com or Corinne Lovas at 623-218-6616 corinne@lovaco.com

JUNE 7

Mesa Republican Women will host candidates for Secretary of State Steve Gaynor and incumbent Michele Reagan at 11:30 am., Thurs., June 7 at the Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Rd in Mesa. Doors open at 11:00 am and the program begins at 11:30. Other candidates wishing to speak may do so for 2 minutes. Contact Nancy Cottlenancy@thebrandedimage.com to reserve a spot. Lunch is $15 for members and $17 for non-members/guests. RSVP to mesarepublicanwomen@hotmail.com

The Green Valley/Sahuarita Republican Club & Patriot Alliance CD2 Candidate Forum is scheduled at 9 am., Thurs., June 7 at the American Legion #66, 1560 W. Duval Mine Road,in Green Valley. Contact: https://RepClubGVS.org Meet The Candidates Danny Morales, Lea Marquez Peterson, Brandon Martin, Casey Welch

Central Republican Women Of Phoenix invites all Republicans to their monthly meeting at 6:15 pm., Thurs., June 7 at Aunt Chilada's Squaw Peak, 7330 N. Dreamy Draw in Phoenix. 5:30 pm social. Speakers are incumbent Secretary of State Michele Reagan and candidate Steve Gaynor. $20 includes appetizers. Happy hour prices. RSVP to reservations@CRWOP.org

Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates and Secretary of State Michele Reagan will host a county coffee at 8 am., Thurs., June 7 at the Deer Valley Airport Restaurant, 702 W Deer Valley Road Ste B, Phoenix. Breakfast available for purchase. Contact Gates at www.maricopa.gov/district3/ or 602-506-7562.

JUNE 8

A Meet & Greet for CD9 candidate Dave Giles scheduled between 4-6 pm., Fri., June 8 at Caswells Shooting Range, 856 E Isabella Ave in Mesa. Events include shooting contests, firearms safety training, door prizes and beginner program. You can sign Giles petition atSecretary of State Website( website uses your driver’s license to veriy your voting district) Contact Doug Wolfe at Doug@DaveGilesForCongress.com

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SEEING RED AZ

· Boehner-Rips-Gop, Pres-Trump, But-Ok-With-Pot

· Bennetts-In-The-Race-AZ-Gov-Doug-McDucey-Should-Be-Nervous

· Will-Gov-Ducey-Gift-His-Former-Boss-The Az-Senate-JobQuestions Swirl Around Mccain’s Senate Seat As Arizonans Go Unrepresented

AMERICAN FREEDOM BY BARBARA

· AZGOP Needs To Learn What The Word Memorial Means-Happy Is Not Appropriate

· ICYMI: President Trump Participates IN US Naval Graduation Ceremony-Shakes Hands With All VIDEO

ARIZONA FREEDOM ALLIANCE

· The Importance Of Traditionalism

· Lock ‘Em Up: New Bill Would Put Sanctuary City Politicians in Jail

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