Republican newsletter for Arizona

Republican newsletter for Arizona


"So full marks to Arizona Congressman John Shadegg, who was the first politician of note to propose that the government suspend the outrageously high tariffs on imported ethanol."

- From a Wall Street Journal editorial last week lauding Congressman John Shadegg's introduction of the Ethanol Tax Relief Act.


Congressman Shadegg Offers Real Solutions to High Gas Prices

With consumers continuing to face high gas prices, Congressman John Shadegg is offering relief with the introduction of the Ethanol Tax Relief Act.

With the gasoline additive MBTE being phased out, almost every gallon of gasoline sold in the United States is going to require ethanol, but the domestic ethanol supply is simply inadequate. The United States levies a tariff of 2.5 percent and a 54-cent per gallon duty on imported ethanol. The result is higher gasoline prices. Rep. Shadegg's bill would suspend the taxes on imported ethanol until January 1, 2007, increasing supply and lowering prices.

The Wall Street Journal praised Congressman Shadegg's bill, saying, "Washington is floating so many bad ideas in its panic over $3 gasoline that it's something of a miracle when someone proposes a good one. So full marks to Arizona Congressman John Shadegg, who was the first politician of note to propose that the government suspend the outrageously high tariffs on imported ethanol."

The New York Sun agrees. In an editorial, the paper wrote, "Rep. John Shadegg has introduced one of the few sensible proposals for dealing with high gasoline prices - a lifting, albeit temporary, of protectionist tariffs on foreign ethanol."

With Democrats proposing shortsighted tax gimmicks to fix our pains at the pump, Congressman Shadegg is leading the fight for commonsense solutions to the energy crunch.


Margaret Garcia Dugan Addresses Tucson Magnet High School

Margaret Garcia Dugan, the Arizona Department of Education's deputy associate superintendent for schools, addressed Tucson Magnet High School on Friday, May 12. You'll recall that's the same high school where last month labor activist claimed, "Republicans hate Latinos" during a left-wing rant in a speech before students.

In her remarks, Ms. Garcia Dugan set the record straight on Republican values and spoke of the need for students to think independently.

In her speech, Ms. Garcia Dugan said, "When you hear a broad and unsupported statement like, 'Republicans Hate Latinos,' you should check it out to see if there is any evidence backing it up before you make up your mind to believe it. Any time a person gives you a blanket statement, that stereotypes people into a category, you need to be smart enough to see through that."

Ms. Garcia Dugan is to be commended for seeking to give students a new perspective on our nation's political landscape.



Trunk & Tusk 2006 Dinner Series Kicks Off With Governor Mitt Romney

Trunk & Tusk is back! By joining TNT you get invitations to all TNT events and special membership benefits.

The TNT 2006 series starts June 10 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort with special guest Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. The VIP reception starts at 6 pm, with dinner at 7 pm.

For $275 you get a Silver membership, which includes three dinners in 2006.

A Gold membership is $500 and includes three dinners and VIP receptions.

A Platinum membership is $5000 and includes the dinners and receptions for two people, and participation in exclusive roundtable discussions with Arizona Republican Party Chairman Matt Salmon and national political leaders.

Become a member today by registering at the AZ GOP Web page or by sending your check or credit card information to:

Arizona Republican Party
3501 N. 24th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85016


Congressman Renzi Votes for Tax Relief While Opponent Calls for Giant Tax Hike

America's most liberal Congressional candidate and former ACLU President Ellen Simon announced her support for a massive $70 billion tax increase for Arizonans - including vulnerable senior citizens- over the next four years.

Simon criticized Congressman Rick Renzi for voting in support of tax relief for working Americans and small businesses that are spurring explosive economic growth across the nation and in Arizona. Twenty-eight million families will benefit from the tax cuts by an average of almost $990 on their 2006 tax returns. Over eight million beneficiaries are seniors who received an average benefit of $1,144.

If Ellen Simon had her way, we'd have a crippling tax hike that would send our economy into a tail spin and take money from the pockets of Arizona's families and seniors.

The National Taxpayers Union said preventing the tax hike will boost America's economy. According to the NTU, "By extending the lower tax rate on this vital fuel for our economic expansion, the bill ensures that Americans will be able to count on some stability in the tax system. Since many large and small investors try to plan on a multi-year financial horizon, middle-class families saving for college or retirement will see greater returns and smaller tax bills."

Hayworth Campaign Going Strong, But Mitchell Can't Get Support

In a sign of a campaign failing to gain traction with supporters, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has decided not to include Harry Mitchell's campaign for the District 5 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in its current fundraising efforts. DCCC support is a key gauge of the confidence the Democratic Party has in its candidates.

This is a rare example of fiscal conservatism from a party known for its spendthrift ways. While Republicans are united behind Congressman J.D. Hayworth, Democrats have looked at Harry Mitchell and decided to spend their money elsewhere.


Capitol Update
WHAT YOUR REPUBLICAN LEGISLATURE IS DOING - FOR THE WEEK ENDING MAY 12, 2006


• Comprehensive immigration plan takes shape. The Republican Legislature has crafted the most aggressive and comprehensive border security plan in the country. This week the Legislature plans to take up the multi-layered approach to securing the nearly 400 miles of Arizona's border with Mexico.

Highlights of the plan include a radar system that can spot illegal aliens crossing the desert; $55 million for local law enforcement for jail and immigration enforcement costs; $10 million to station the National Guard on the border; and employer sanctions that hold businesses liable that knowingly hire illegal aliens.

The comprehensive Republican built plan invests $150 million where Arizona really needs it - border security.

• Tax cuts part of state budget package. The Legislature has proposed a two-year, $500 million tax relief package that reduces both personal income and property taxes to help ensure the state's economy continues humming along. A new budget proposal contains a five percent reduction in income tax rates in each of the next two years to ensure that Arizonans get to keep more of the money they work so hard to earn. And with property taxes on the rise thanks to an explosive increase in valuations, the Legislature is proposing a substantial reduction in the state property tax.

In addition to tax relief, the fiscally responsible proposal that does not spend more permanent revenue than the state has, demonstrates a commitment to funding all of the state's top priorities like infrastructure, public safety, education, health care and the above-discussed groundbreaking and critically important package for border enforcement.

And speaking of investing in our burgeoning state's infrastructure, to help relieve traffic congestion the Republican Legislature is proposing to invest $345 million for new roads around the state.

Quote of the week: "It focuses on education, taxpayers, illegal immigration issues and financial, fiscal responsibility by not spending more than we have." Senate President Ken Bennett on the legislative budget proposal set to move through the legislative process this week.

Did you know? Governor Napolitano's spending plan, which loads up on social welfare and entitlement spending and offers no meaningful or broad-based tax cuts, would land Arizona right back into a deficit, with ongoing spending outstripping ongoing revenue to the tune of a whopping $375 million.

By contrast, the Republican Legislature's plan that will move through the legislative process this week leaves the state with a positive balance.



Campaign Season Means Field Offices are Open for Business

As Republicans begin the march to victory in November, we need your help to make every campaign a winning one.

We'll be running phone banks and other campaign activities from our field offices and we count on volunteers like you to help with staff support.

If you are able to help at any of the offices below, please contact Mateo Figueroa via e-mail.

West Valley
15440 N. 35th Ave., Ste. 4
Phoenix, AZ 85053
(North of Greenway Rd. in the Thank Q Shopping Center)
602-843-3863

Flagstaff
405 N. Beaver
Suite #3
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-213-0849

Green Valley
125 W. Calle de Las Tiendas
Suite #119A
Green Valley, AZ 85614
520-399-4671

Tucson
Pima County Republican Party
5447 E. Fifth St., Suite 100
Tucson, AZ 85711
520-360-2412

Tempe
Tempe Executive Center
1232 E. Broadway
Suite 202
Tempe, AZ 85282

AZ GOP Headquarters
3501 N. 24th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-957-7770

Sierra Vista Office
498 W. Fry Rd.
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
520-417-1000


Senator Kyl Bumper Stickers Available at AZ GOP HQ



Just a quick reminder that Kyl for Senate bumper stickers are available at Arizona Republican Party headquarters at 3501 N. 24th St. in Phoenix.


Upcoming Events


Cocktails and conversation with Senator Jon Kyl

Please join politically-astute women for cocktails and conversation with The Honorable Jon Kyl, U.S. Senator, Arizona on Friday, May 19, 2006 from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm.

At the home of Susan Bitter Smith, 5806 East Lewis Avenue, in Scottsdale.

$100 per person. For event questions and details, please contact Pam Barbey or Anne Lynch at 602-840-0306 or pam@jonkyl.com or anne@jonkyl.com.

Contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.


Coconino County Lincoln Day Dinner

Join the Acting Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett at this year's Coconino County Lincoln Day Dinner on Friday, May 19. This annual celebration will take place at the Canyon Clubhouse at Forest Highlands in Flagstaff.

• Roundtable discussion: 4:30 PM - $1000 per person - includes VIP reception and dinner.
• VIP Reception: 5:30 PM - $125 per person/$250 per couple includes dinner and photo.
• Dinner: 6:30 PM - $75 per person/$150 per couple
• Table of 10 for $750
Call (928) 213-0849 to make your reservation.

Arizona Latino Republican Association Meeting

ALRA, the Arizona Latino Republican Association, will meet on May 22 at 5:30 PM at AZ GOP Headquarters at 3501 N. 24th St., in Phoenix.

For more information contact Alica Lara.