Think Tank discusses fear and loathing in Arizona Legislature
Mar 12, 2021, 10:30 AM
(AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
It is legislative season and there is a lot going on. Our guest is Tony Cani, who helped run the Joe Biden campaign in Arizona in 2020 and numerous other political campaigns in the state. Among the things we discuss:
Voter suppression: Over 250 bills nationally have been introduced to make it more difficult for poorer people and racial minorities to vote. So many it’s hard to keep track of them. Arizona has more than its share of these.
Gov. Ducey Orange: Gov. Doug Ducey wrote an editorial, oddly published in Orange County, California, touting Arizona’s economy, but urging those who move here to abandon their California ways. Also, is Ducey’s political career over? Does he have a path to anything once his term limited tenure in office expires?
Evading the people’s will: In November, we voted to fund education with a surtax on very high earners (only on income over $500,000 for couples, 250,000 for individuals). The legislature is considering a bill that would defund this educational spending bump and allow the impacted very high earner taxpayers to evade the taxes just voted in by the people. Years ago, Arizona voters passed the Voter Protection Act, which would seem to make this illegal. How can they do this? If this passes, it seems headed for court.
The future of the Republican Party: The Donald Trump faction of the Republican party would seem to be in full control. Moderately conservative suburban voters elected Biden (and, in Arizona, Sen. Mark Kelly). Is there any way back to the Republican Party for these voters? Would they even be welcome?
The Think Tank airs on KTAR 92.3 FM on Saturdays 6-7 p.m. and Sundays 9-10 p.m.
Podcasts are available after broadcast.
