1-18-16 Briefs

Republican Briefs

At Least 32 Volunteers Are Needed at 6:45 am Sat., Jan 23 to gather petition signatures necessary to take the “Anyone BUT John McCain” resolution and a “Censure AZGOP Chairman Robert Graham” resolution ( See briefs for both fullresolutions) to the floor during the AZGOP State Committeeman Mandatory meeting scheduled at the Grace Community Church, 1200 East Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85282. Petitions will be gathered in the parking lot prior to the opening of the meeting. 320 state committeemen signatures from at least four (4) counties are required to take the resolutions to the floor. For signature forms or more information contact State Committeeman AJ LaFaro, LD18 PC at 480-752-9164 or aj_ml@hotmail.com

Maricopa County Republican Committeemen Passed the “Anyone BUT John McCain” Resolution by a 921-582 ballot vote during the Sat., Jan 16., mandatory meeting in Phoenix. This resolution follows the 2014 censure of the elderly senior senator by both the Maricopa County Republicans and the State Committeemen at the AZGOP state meeting. The 30 year senator is running for his sixth term in Washington, DC. Maricopa County is the largest Republican County in the nation via voter registration and the nation’s four largest county by population counts.

Tidbits from the Jan 16 MCRC Mandatory meeting: Some folks are wondering how AZGOP Robert Graham will react if MCRC Chairman Tyler Bowyer pops in and nominates candidates from the floor for Graham’s officer elections next Saturday… like Graham did to Bowyer at the county meeting last Saturday.

Graham nominated Jeni White for a position as a Member-At-Large on Bowyer’s Executive Guidance Council when MAL’s were elected early in the meeting. Never mind that when Graham made the nomination, White was already up for removal as the MCRC’s first vice chairman during a ‘special meeting’ scheduled after the regular MCRC business meeting. Party leaders say Graham was running a test to see whether White survived the MAL election, which would tell her camp whether she would be ousted as the MCRC First VC later in the day. When she garnered 245 votes against winners with over 900 votes in the first round of MAL tallies, the Graham/White camp scrambled to put Plan B into action – prevent the removal election from occurring.

Wes Harris, Tom Morrissey, Linda Brickman, Mark Spencer and Josha Ashley were elected and sworn into office as the new EGC Members-at-Large by State Recorder Helen Purcell.

Dan Grimm, who was tasked to run the ‘special’ meeting, and parliamentarian Joe Abate bore the brunt of the Graham/White groupies frustration as White and her supporters, Kim Owens and Lisa Gray, attempted to derail the removal election. Their challenges to Grimm and Abate resulted in grumblings among some of the audience regarding their unprofessional behavior, loss of votes for White and some disgusted PCs leaving the meeting. PCs who had who checked in at 7:30 am and waited all day for the ‘special’ meeting election didn’t appreciate the bickering, delays and waste of their time - after 6 pm - when they had important things to do at home (besides that the Cardinals were playing Saturday night). As one first time PC attendee left, he commented to Briefs, “I’ll never come to another one of these meetings.” Another first time attendee PC turned to Briefs, commenting, “I came prepared to vote with them (White), but the way they are behaving …” Shortly thereafter, that PC also walked out. Whether you agree with Grimm and Abate decisions or not, Grimm/Abate should be commended for maintaining their cool during the whole ugly episode. No presiding official should have to tolerate what they dealt with.

When the election tallies were announced after 7 pm., White became a two-time loser – PCs ousted her 1083 to 629 as first vice chair after rejecting her with a low count vote in the member at large election earlier in the day. Aaron Border was removed as Second Vice Chair 1070 to 640.

County Recorder Helen Purcell and her staff deserve an extra star in their crowns for all the work and hours they put in. They, too, were exhausted before it was over.

The EGC will elect White and Borders replacements at the next regular EGC meeting – which is scheduled the first Wednesday of February at a yet to be announced location. As you may recall, Graham recently made the MCRC less than welcome at AZGOP HQ where the MCRC EGC had met for years.

Bowyer survived the removal election 1037 to 636, but folks in the know say Bowyer had better heed the warning that he needs to shape up. Bowyer opt to run for the chairmanship, so he needs to knock off the whining about how much family time he sacrifices – that comes with the territory and it is a sacrifice every prior chairman has made without complaint. Scuttlebutt indicates that Bowyer needs to listen to his board and communicate better with them. LD chairs have complained for months that he doesn’t listen, stalls and doesn’t keep his word when they seek his counsel. The list goes on and on. Granted, he is young and inexperienced; hopefully he’s learning from his mistakes. It wouldn’t hurt if he sought a little guidance from those who served before him.

Saturday’s events should be an eye opener to Robert Graham as well. He faces possible censure next Saturday for his shenanigans the past couple of years. Some preferred he, too, be removed but went along with possibly censuring him for the sake of the party image.

Graham and Bowyer have brought the wrath of the PCs down upon themselves. They both need to knock off the stonewalling, deceptions, infighting, backbiting and other political nonsense that has been going on. PCs are tired of the behind the scenes shenanigans. The party needs leaders; not two grown men acting like little boys throwing rocks at each other from the sand box. They both need a swift kick in the britches for their past behaviors. Enough is enough. Their PCs are tired of this crap. Their efforts should be directed toward beating Dems in the election instead of battering and undermining each other over personal vendettas.

PCs made it clear they are equally fed up with Senate John McCain as they passed the “Anybody BUT John McCain” resolution 921-582. That issue will likely come to the floor at next Saturday’s AZGOP meeting as well. The AZGOP State Committeemen and the Maricopa County PCs have already censured him by a large margin in 2014. McCain publicly calling party workers “wackos” etc doesn’t endear him to those “boots on the ground” who are knocking on the neighborhood doors during election year. Nor are they fooled by the flood of press releases that are coming out his office as elections approach. Party workers haven’t forgotten when grassroots Arizona Republicans weren’t included in McCain’s private town halls etc. Of course, they aren’t invited now either as he conducts most of his town halls at private company locations where employees are the captive audience.

It is interesting to note that the same day that the MCRC PCs voted nearly 2-1 in favor of the ‘Anyone BUT McCain” resolution --- the Arizona Game and Fish Commission opt to present McCain with an environmental award. Which brings up questions as to why Congressman Paul Gosar wasn’t equally recognized for all the work he has done on various wildlife conservation/enviromental issues in Arizona??? It is no secret that Commissioner Kurt Davis, a passionate, long-time hunter, fisherman, wildlife conservation supporter and all around nice guy, is also a long-time McCain/Grant Woods groupie. Perhaps the commission needs a gentle reminder that few congressmen work harder than Gosar does for Arizona – and not just prior to elections. More county mtg tidbits tomorrow. - ft

Deborrah Miller Has Announced Her Candidacy for the position of assistant secretary for the AZGOP election at the Jan 23 Mandatory meeting in Phoenix. “I have worked diligently for the Republican Party my entire life, never wavering from my conservative Republican principles, convictions and dedication to the party. I have logged numerous hours working to register Republicans at various venues throughout Arizona, walking precincts for candidates, issues, and fund raising; as well as, supporting the party statewide at numerous clubs, organizations and funding raising events. I believe I can continue to bring a steady, strong, trusted voice to the leadership of our party as we go forward in recapturing the White House and Congress in 2016. It is my desire to unite all Arizona Republicans as we work toward victories using the State and National Party Platforms as our guides. Therefore, I am asking for your support and your vote at the January 23, 2016 annual State Republican mandatory meeting in Tempe. Thank you for your time and consideration. Contact: dmiller251@cox.net 480-694-4458

Business Frank Riggs, former U.S. Congressman, has announced his exploratory candidacy for the Arizona Corporation Commission, promising to help forge Arizona’s energy and water future, protect jobs and the economy, and restore public confidence in the Commission.

Riggs said, “As a longtime resident of Arizona and 2014 gubernatorial candidate, I’ve learned firsthand the vital importance of energy and water policy to the economy and future vitality of our state. I have a background in these issues and the sustainable management of our natural resources; and I want to put that expertise to work on behalf of all Arizonans.”

Riggs was a leader on energy, water and natural resource issues during his three terms in Congress. He was Vice-Chairman of the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee and a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and its Water Resources Subcommittee. Riggs was also an original member of the House Renewable Energy Caucus and a member of the Congressional Western Caucus.

Noting the Capitol Times recently described the Corporation Commission as “…a regulatory panel that is not used to the bright lights or the big stage,” Riggs said, “I’m very familiar with the scrutiny that comes with holding important elective office and being accountable to constituents and taxpayers. My background in the private, public and nonprofit sectors, as well as my congressional service, have given me the proven ability to oversee a governmental agency the size of the Corporation Commission, with its $27 million budget and 270 employees.”

He is a U.S. Army veteran, decorated police officer and deputy sheriff, school board president and education reformer, entrepreneur and owner of a estate investment and development company, nonprofit executive and three-term U.S. Congressman.

He graduated from Golden Gate University with a B.A. degree and received the University's 'Associates Award' as the outstanding graduate in the College of Business and Public Administration. He and his wife Cathy, a native daughter of Arizona, have been Scottsdale residents for 14 years. They have three married children and three grandchildren. riggsforaz@gmail.com 480-437-1032

Tom Morrissey, Immediate Past Chairman AZ GOP: At this past Saturday's MCRC Mandatory Meeting a "Support Sheriff Joe Arpaio" resolution passed by an overwhelming margin. The Sheriff was very appreciative of this rousing show of support for him and his policies and he expressed to me that as he heads into this election cycle, with his wife Ava at his side, he is encouraged and strengthened by that resolution. As a newly elected Member-At-Large for the MCRC, a PC and a State Committeeman I am proud of the Conservatives in our party who stand with a man who has stood up for us for over 22 years. Go Joe!

The Ahwatukee Tea Party will meet with State Treasurer Jeff DeWit at 6:30 pm., Thurs., Jan 21 at the Clarion Hotel, 5121 E LaPuente Ave., in Phoenix (Ahwatukee). Contacts: info@tukeeteaparty.com or http://www.aztreasury.gov

The AZGOP Mandatory meeting is scheduled between 9am-4 pm., Sat., Jan 23 at the Grace Community Church, 1200 E Southern Ave, Tempe AZ 85282 for all state committeemen - in person or by proxy. AZGOP Robert Graham reportedly did not convene the Bylaws and Resolutions Committees, so any proposed bylaws or resolutions proposals must come from the floor. No official word has been received by Briefs from the AZGOP as to whether elections will be held for a new First Vice Chairman, Second Vice Chairman, Third Vice Chairman, Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer, Sergeant-At-Arms, and Assistant Sergeant-At-Arms.

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Rev Franklin Graham plans a rally at noon, March 18 on the House lawn at the Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W Washington, Phx. see rally

Congressman Matt Salmon will kick off his campaign for re-election at 6 pm., Wed., Jan 20 at the American Legion Post 39 - 206 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234 Click here to RSVP

The Daisy Mountain Tea Party Patriots will meet at 6:30 pm., Tues., Jan 19 the Anthem Civic Bldg, 3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem, AZ 85086 to hear Maricopa County Treasurer candidate Royce Flores– the current chief deputy in the Maricopa County Treasurer’s office. Former senate Russell Pearce, who authored SB1070, will address the group of his activities as the vice chairman of the AZGOP. Contact: Vera Andersonveraanderson41@gmail.com or phone: 602-821-4675

The Pinal County Republicans will host their Lincoln Day luncheon Sat., Feb 27 at the Property Conference Center in Casa Grande. Doors open at 10:30 am., Display tables for $100 (does not include lunch.) Tickets/Tables available at http://www.pinalcountygop.com or 602-373-9996.

Maricopa County Republican Committeemen Passed the “Anyone BUT John McCain” Resolution by a 921-582 ballot vote during the Sat., Jan 16., mandatory meeting in Phoenix. This resolution follows the 2014 censure of the elderly senior senator by both the Maricopa County Republicans and the State Committeemen at the AZGOP state meeting. The 30 year senator is running for his six term in Washington, DC. Maricopa County is the largest Republican County in the nation via voter registration and the nation’s four largest county by population counts.

The Surprise Tea Party Patriots meeting is scheduled at 6:30 pm., Tues, Feb 2 at the Sun City West Foundation Plaza, 14465 W R H Johnson Blvd., Sun City West, AZ 85375 Grand Canyon Room Speaker: Senate Candidate Alex Meluskey. Contact John Madeirajmadeira@surpriseteapartypatriots.com

Call to Action: HB2056 and HB2088 about Parental Authority will be heard in the House Ed Committee at 2 pm., Jan 20. Bill supporters urge parents to read the bills and contact members of the House Education Committee:

Rep. Boyer: Chairman PBoyer@azleg.gov 602-926-4173

Rep. Lawrence: Vice-Chairman JLawrence@azleg.gov 602-926-3095

Rep. Bolding RBolding@azleg.gov 602-926-3132

Rep. Coleman DColeman@azleg.gov 602-926-3160

Rep. Norgaard JNorgaard@azleg.gov 602-926-3140

Rep. Otondo LOtondo@azleg.gov 602-926-3002

Rep. Thorpe BThorpe@azleg.gov 602-926-5219

Supt of Public Instruction Diane Douglas will give her State of Education address at 2 pm., Jan 20 MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=8 and at 9 am., Jan 21 in House Ed Cmte Rm HH4 or online: or watch online: MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=48

The AzRA South Mountain Chapter’s Kickoff Meeting for 2016 will be on Tues, Jan 19 at 7pm at the Pyle Adult Recreation Center, Tempe, AZ 85282. AzRA SMC will continue to meet every 3rd Tuesday at the Pyle Center. Contact: Kimber Hattendorf, President AzRA SMC kimberhatt@yahoo.com

The Ahwatukee Republican Women is meeting at a new location every fourth Tuesday at 7 pm, at the Four Points Four Points By Sheraton Phoenix South Mountain., 10831 South 51st St., Phoenix, 85044. State Rep and CD1 Candidate David Gowan will address the group on Tues., Jan 26. Contact: President Cindy CasausARWomen@aol.com

The Chino Valley Pachyderm will meet at 6 pm., Thurs., Jan 21 at Randall’s Restaurant at the Prescott Golf & Country Club in Dewey to hear US Senate candidate Alex Meluskey, who is challenging 30 year incumbent Sen John McCain. Early birds at 5 pm. RSVP TO: Chairman Sue Goodchildsuepachy@gmail.com or call 928-636-7355 Tom Jenny of Americans for Prosperity will host a Saul Alinsky movie for their Feb 18 meeting.

The Sun City West Republican Club will meet on Sat., Feb 6, 2016 at the SCW Foundations building (Quail Room) 14465 R.H.Johnson Blvd, Sun City West. Former LD5 Senator Dr Kelli Ward will address the group on her campaign against US Senate John McCain. Doors open at 8 am with coffee and donuts; the general meeting at 8:30am. $2 donation which helps with the room rental. Contact: Publicist Jean Goncalves 623-214-8010.

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.

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 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.

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: kick-off-event-rsvp

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:

ü 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.

ü 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.

JAN 22

The Highway 69 Republicans will meet at 6 pm., Mon., Jan 22 to hear Bisbee native Dan Elkins, an author, retired Navy, business owner and intelligence and defense resources consultant, who will address Ann Ryn’s Atlas Shrugged. Elkins and his wife Sandra currently live in Prescott Valley and are members of the Hwy 69 Republicans and Yavapai County Pachyderms. He has authored four editions. His most recent book “Atlas Shrugged Revisited: What We Should Have Learned, But Didn't” was released in December 2015. The club meets in the rear dining room of the Puerta Vallarta Restaurant, 11901 E Hwy 69, Dewey. RSVP for seating to June 899-3150 or info@highway69republicans.com

The AZGOP Chairman's Awards Dinner is scheduled Jan 22 at the Scottsdale Hilton. Tickets are $60 per person. Tables of 10 - $500. Details here.

The League of Arizona Cities and Towns is hosting a free “Legislative 101: How To Build Relationships And Make An Impact At The State Capitol” session between 9:30-11:30 am, Fri., Jan 22. To registeremail rsvp-leg101@azleague.org with your name and title or call 602-258-5786. . The League's senior legislative associate will walk attendees through the legislative process and discuss strategies for building stronger relationships with your legislators. Staff will also answer any questions you have about the legislative process and provide information on how you can make the most impact at the state capitol during the 2016 session. It will be -recorded and available on the League's YouTube channel.

JAN 23

The Mandatory AZGOP Meeting for all State Committeemen (in person or by proxy) will be held Jan 23, 2016 at Grace Community Church in Phoenix.

The Arizona GOP State Convention, where the state delegates to the Republican National Committeemen, are elected is scheduled April 30 at the Mesa Arts Center. Sharon Geise and Bruce Ash are the current RNC delegates.

Jan 25

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.

NEWS LINKS

· County-GOP-Leaders-Pledge-To-Support-‘Anyone-But-Mccain' Channel 5

· Anybody-But-McCain Channel 3

· Arizona-GOP-Group-Votes-To-Support-‘Anyone-But-McCain’ Channel 15

· Washington Times: Arizona-GOP-Group-Votes-To-Support-'Anyone-But-McCain'

· Kelli_Ward_On_The_Sean_Hannity_Show

· Natural Born Citizen Status Is Inherited – It’s Not Bestowed By The Constitution Or Acts Of Congress

· Muslims-Demand-Cross-Be-Removed-From-The-Swiss-Flag-Because-They-Find-It-Offensive

· Judge Jeanine: The Republican Party Is In Real Trouble

· Full List Of 115 USA Walmart Closings Including Dates Of Closure — Many Closing Sunday, ALL By The End Of January.

· Germany: Exposing The Manufactured Riots Of The Merkel Media

· Obama’s Energy Pie In The Sky Is A Lie