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Torkelson: Voters asked to retain Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick
November 2, 2018 by Guest Opinion Leave a Comment
On his first day at the Arizona Supreme Court, Justice Clint Bolick posted a sign in his office. It had two simple rules he expected staff to follow.
Rule One: Call me Clint; Rule Two: There are no other rules. Although the first rule was never followed, I can think of no better example of the humility with which Justice Bolick has approached his job as the 44th justice of the Arizona Supreme Court—always taking his work, but never himself, seriously.
I had the honor and privilege of serving as Justice Bolick's law clerk for almost two years. From the moment he took the bench, he demonstrated a passion to execute his civic duty and fiercely protect both the federal and state constitutions. He did this every day with a smile, a venti Starbucks hot chocolate, and respect for his colleagues and attorneys who argued before him.
Of the attorneys who argued before him, those surveyed gave him a 100 percent score on legal ability, integrity, and administrative performance. The high marks extended to those that worked behind the scenes, as well. Court staff joked he needed a Supreme Court greeter vest because he always stopped to say hello to everyone.
In November, voters will be faced with a survey of their own. On the back of the ballot Arizonans will determine whether to retain Justice Bolick on the high court. This vote is based upon whether he has the judicial temperament, ability, and skill to remain on the bench. I know Justice Bolick exhibits these characteristics because I saw it every day without waiver.
Since his time on the court, Justice Bolick has written 32 opinions. Of the 15 times he wrote for the majority, 14 of them were unanimous opinions. This amounts to hundreds, if not thousands, of pages where Justice Bolick outlines exactly how he came to his decision. Importantly, in not one of those decisions will you find "the party's identity" a deciding factor.
And there is no reason you would. Justice Bolick is the only Independent to ever serve on the Arizona Supreme Court. Indeed, independence is the cornerstone of his jurisprudence. The only common denominator throughout his writings is the plain language of the law. What it says is what it means. If you don't like what it says, look to the Legislature.
Some say true bravery comes in dissent. Justice Bolick has never shied from writing in opposition. In fact, he began his first dissent praising our freedom-loving state, while noting the very words on the Supreme Court building, "Where law ends, tyranny begins," informing readers of a "draconian" Arizona law affecting a homeless man.
Beyond judicial temperament, ability, and skill, Justice Bolick also has an unparalleled dedication to our great state. I remember two times where Justice Bolick was overcome with excitement. The first was when the Pokémon Go craze was at its height and some of the clerks found a Pokémon on his desk. The second was when he found out he would once again be teaching, this time Constitutional Law at ASU. Teaching, in any form, has always been a source of pride for Justice Bolick. It is why he insists on hiring an intern to work alongside his clerks every semester in chambers. There are countless mentees, just like me, who are forever grateful to learn from him.
Before November, I hope you read his opinions (azjustice44.com) and watch the oral arguments (azcourts.gov). There you will see a justice whose impartiality and independence allows him to look beyond party and political favor to address each case anew. When you reach the back of your ballot consider what Arizona needs in the black robe. Then, grab a hot chocolate and join me in voting to retain Justice Bolick.
Ashley Torkelson is currently an attorney serving in the United States Air Force. The views expressed are those of Ms. Torkelson only and not those of the United States Air Force or Department of Defense.
Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Conservatives, Constitutional Law, Elected Officials, Endorsements, Guest Opinion, Judicial Tagged With: Arizona Supreme Court, Clint Bolick, endorsement, Guest Opinion
Wendy Rogers: Send Walt Blackman to the State House
July 30, 2018 by Guest Opinion Leave a Comment
Rarely do I get the opportunity to recommend a fellow retired career military veteran to the Arizona state legislature. Retired Army First Sergeant Walter Blackman served our nation on active duty for 23 years with distinction. I am honored to support this America-loving solid conservative to help him serve his nation again.
My husband and I have come to know Walt closely. His combat experience and leadership of tank troops places him in a class of his own. One thing about tankers, when they get the mission, they finish it with lightning speed. Walt Blackman led troops of more than 150 soldiers in life and death situations.
I know Walt and his family personally and can testify they are the real deal. Walt listens to the concerns of voters and provides conservative solutions, not government solutions. I'm confident that Walt Blackman will stand up for every person in Arizona, because he knows what it looks like when governments go too far. He saw it in his seven deployments to Iraq, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. Walt truly believes what makes the United States exceptional is our reverence for the Constitution and its importance as the foundational pillar of this great republic. And along with that, he profoundly respects the rights of individual freedom and personal responsibility. He's not afraid to be held accountable, which is a rare quality these days.
Walt will ardently defend Pro-Life policies at every level and unceasingly strive to protect those who are least able to protect themselves, the unborn. And if you care about your 2nd Amendment rights, you will see Walt Blackman take point and lead to protect our gun rights.
Please vote for retired First Sergeant Walt Blackman. And instead of casting two possible votes for State House, please cast just one vote for Blackman. That way, he gets more votes to win it.
Wendy Rogers, Lt Col, USAF (ret)
Republican candidate
Arizona's 1st Congressional District
Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Endorsements, Guest Opinion, State Government Tagged With: Arizona House, Arizona House of Representatives, AZLD6, endorsement, LD-6, Walt Blackman, Wendy Rogers
Gilbert Mayor John Lewis Endorses Steve Chucri for Maricopa Supervisor
July 18, 2016 by Press Release Leave a Comment
Scottsdale (July 18) — Today, Gilbert Mayor John Lewis endorsed Steve Chucri's re-election for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Mayor Lewis has served as Gilbert's Mayor since 2009, and he and his wife have both lived in the town for thirty years.
"As Mayor of Gilbert, I have worked extremely hard to foster working relationships with the elected officials who also represent our town," Lewis said. "Steve Chucri has gone above and beyond to work with us and to ensure that our constituents receive the attention and service that they deserve. I am proud to stand with Steve Chucri and endorse him for re-election to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors."
"I'm thankful for this endorsement from Mayor Lewis," Chucri said. "It has been a privilege to work alongside him and I look forward to continuing to provide the best possible service to Gilbert in the years ahead."
About Steve Chucri:
Steve Chucri is a native Arizonan who was born and raised in Mesa, but his family's Arizona roots started in the mining town of Morenci. His family taught him the values of faith and trust, essential elements to running an honest and transparent business. In addition to serving on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, he is also President and CEO of the Arizona Restaurant Association, the key voice for the $11.5 billion restaurant industry in Arizona. Representing restaurants on a multitude of industry issues while maintaining small business success has proven to be one of his top strengths. Chucri resides in Paradise Valley with his wife of 17 years, Christine, and their two young sons.
Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, City Government, County Government, Elected Officials, Endorsements, Press Release Tagged With: endorsement, John Lewis, Maricopa County, press release, Steve Chucri, Town of Gilbert
Supervisor Denny Barney Endorses Andy Biggs' Congressional Campaign
March 9, 2016 by Press Release Leave a Comment
Marks 28th endorsement for the Senate President
PHOENIX (March 9) – Maricopa County Supervisor Denny Barney today announced his endorsement of Andy Biggs. His support joins 27 other elected officials and more than 60 East Valley Grassroots leaders.
"I have been fortunate to know Andy for many years and can attest to his solid character," Denny Barney said. "As an elected official and Senate President he has always been responsive to any issue that has crossed his desk. He has also shown an ability to build a strong consensus on issues important to taxpayers such as tax reform, pension reform, and working to protect the life of the unborn. Andy Biggs is the type of leader the East Valley needs in Washington. He has integrity and is a proven conservative. I am proud to endorse his candidacy for U.S. House of Representatives."
"Denny Barney has poured out his heart and soul for the East Valley, and I am so excited to received his endorsement," Andy Biggs said. "Denny's service at the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has paid great dividends for our side of town, and I know that he will continue to accomplish great things for the East Valley. I look forward to partnering with him in the future to bring even more opportunity to the East Valley."
Other endorsements for Biggs include: Congressman Matt Salmon; Congressman Trent Franks; Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio; Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery; Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCicci; senators Sylvia Allen, Nancy Barto, Judy Burges, Debbie Lesko, Gail Griffin, Steve Yarbrough, David Farnsworth, John Kavanagh, Steve Smith, Jeff Dial, Kimberly Yee, Don Shooter; representatives John Allen, Sonny Borrelli, Jay Lawrence, Paul Boyer, Warren Petersen, Eddie Farnsworth, Frank Pratt; Gilbert Vice Mayor Jared Taylor; Gilbert Councilman Victor Peterson; and Queen Creek Councilwoman Emilena Turley.
Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Elected Officials, Endorsements Tagged With: Andy Biggs, AZ05, CD-5, Denny Barney, endorsement
Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio Endorses Lisa Gray and Jeni White for Maricopa County Republican Party Leadership
December 2, 2014 by Information Release
Phoenix, AZ – Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio – a conservative known for leading the charge for fiscal accountability, exposing public union malfeasance, and promoting positive job-friendly solutions to Phoenix problems – has endorsed Lisa Gray and Jeni White for Maricopa County Republican Party Leadership.
"I am thrilled that Lisa is running for Chairman and Jeni as First Vice Chair. You couldn't ask for a better conservative ticket to lead and represent Maricopa County Republicans than these two. They bring core conservative credentials and have been crucial to the success of the Republican Party in Arizona. Both are highly effective at building bridges in the party, getting out votes in elections, raising funds for GOTV efforts, and promoting the party and its platform through events and social media – and they've probably recruited and mobilized more grassroots Republican PCs than anyone I can remember. They're a phenomenal team to prepare Maricopa County for the 2016 Presidential election," said DiCiccio.
Lisa Gray and Jeni White have been deeply involved in grassroots politics for years. Both have a long list of concrete accomplishments and leadership positions held, including serving as Legislative District Chairmen, and a proven track record of working together. Election will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Grace Community Church in Tempe. www.TeamRed.GOP
Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Endorsements, Political Parties Tagged With: Arizona, Arizona Republican Party, AZGOP, endorsement, Maricopa County GOP, MCRC
Single Shot Shawnna Bolick in the LD-28 House Race
August 12, 2014 by DSWikfors Leave a Comment
My name is Shane Wikfors and I have been a longtime Republican activist in Arizona.
In the race for legislative district 28 I ask you to only vote for one candidate in the house race and that candidate is my good friend Shawnna Bolick.
Shawnna Bolick is in a tough race against two big government Republicans who voted for or support the expansion of Obamacare in Arizona.
This will cost Arizonans hundreds of millions of dollars – if not billions of dollars over the long run.
In fact, The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System or AHCCCS AND the Kaiser Family Foundation has called for new taxes in the amount of $286 Million dollars just by the end of fiscal year 2016!
Republicans, we cannot let this happen. The cost of more government is strangling our economy, our businesses and families.
There is hope.
Please vote for Shawnna Bolick in your district. And vote ONLY for Shawnna Bolick. The catchy phrase to remember is Single-Shot Shawnna.
This will ensure that she gets elected in the Primary AND that we have a fiscally responsible Republican to vote for in the General Election.
Again, Single-Shot Shawnna.
My name is Shane Wikfors and I wrote, produced and exercised my first amendment right to bring you this message. Please share it with others.
Incidentally, Shawnna Bolick had no idea I would create this message.
Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Endorsements, Freedom of Speech Tagged With: endorsement, LD-28, ld28, Obamacare Republicans, Shawnna Bolick
Vote for Darla DaWald to the House in LD-8 House
August 8, 2014 by DSWikfors Leave a Comment
My message to the voters in LD-8:
My name is Shane Wikfors and I've been a conservative Republican activist in Arizona politics for almost 25 years.
Over the years, I've seen a lot of great candidates and I've seen a lot of political posers come and go. Some have gotten elected to office where they've done great things for Arizona while others have taken the state down the wrong path into fiscal and social ruin.
One candidate I have tremendous confidence in to do the right thing is Darla Dawald. Darla got involved because the country was coming apart at the seams and heading in the wrong direction.
Darla is a consistent constitutional conservative Republican who will reduce state spending, lower the tax burden, balance the budget, reform government institutions and say no to more federal mandates. I have every reason to believe she'll work at restoring Arizona's economy to an environment that attracts business, jobs and great talent.
I also believe Darla will be a strong voice and vote for strengthening our communities, our schools, our families and most important, protecting the innocent human life of the unborn.
The race for legislative district eight will be tough but the differences are simple. You can vote for candidates who ushered in Obamacare's expansion and Common Core. Or, you can vote for a leader who will push back to another Obama big government program with a local more efficient and less costly alternative.
My choice for the house in legislative district eight is Darla Dawald. I hope she'll be your choice too.
This Primary Election, please vote for Darla Dawald.
My name is Shane Wikfors and I wrote, produced and exercised my first amendment right to bring you this message.
Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Endorsements, Freedom of Speech, Guest Opinion, Political Parties Tagged With: Arizona House, AZLD8, Darla Dawald, endorsement, LD-8, LD8
Arizona Conservative Club: Our Final 2014 Endorsement…
Early ballots are going out all over Arizona today, so without further delay, we would like to introduce you to our second and final endorsement of the 2014 cycle!
Jill Norgaard (LD18 House)
Jill Norgaard
This is an open seat race, in a relatively safe Republican district, which means the primary will likely determine the occupant of the seat. Currently, it is represented by Representatives Bob Robson and Jeff Dial, and Senator John McComish, who have aggravated the base by shifting to the left on a host of issues, most importantly the ObamaCare Expansion vote in 2013. They also walked away from budget negotiations until their demands for more spending were met in 2014. McComish decided not to stick around for a primary challenge and is bailing out for a JP race, while Jeff Dial is going to try to go over to the State Senate and take his place. That leaves Robson and an open seat on the House side.
When you meet with Norgaard you are impressed by her overall presentation and ideology. Norgaard entered the race when she expected to run against Dial and Robson, and she was not intimidated at their financial advantage or by the outside groups that promised to weigh in on their behalf. She has an engineering background and she is logical and sequential as you might expect. She is very conservative across an entire range of issues, but her style of presentation reflects the common sense upon which conservative solutions are based more than the emotions that often drive them. Jill Norgaard will be an excellent spokesperson for our conservative principles.
There are two other candidates in the race: John King, another conservative who entered the race relatively late, and David Pheanis, who describes himself as a moderate in line with Robson and Dial. Conservatives have every reason to resist the idea of another Robson or Dial and this race is a chance to elect a conservative and move the district to the right. In an ideal world, Norgaard and King would both prevail, but Robson's name ID and $100,000 war chest suggests there may only be one seat likely to be gained here. Norgaard is our best chance to capture a seat for conservatives.
We would invite you to visit Jill's website at http://jillnorgaard2014.com. If you like what you read, we encourage you to click on Jill's DONATE button and make a contribution.
As always, larger contributions are better, but we can still make a large statement by making a large number of contributions, even if they are individually small. Jill is helped more by 500 contributions of $20 than by 20 contributions of $500, even though the math suggests otherwise. Towards that end, if you like what you read and see about Jill Norgaard, GIVE SOMETHING! The amount you give matters, but Jill needs to know that the conservative movement is supporting her, so please give something.
If you have any questions for Jill, her email address is on the right hand side of each page of her website.
Spread the word! Harness the power of email, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media and help to spread news of this endorsement to your conservative friends. They can join our group at www.ArizonaConservativeClub.com or on Facebook.
Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Conservatives, Endorsements, Family, Press Release, State Government Tagged With: Arizona Family Project, AZLD18, endorsement, Jill Norgaard, LD-18, LD18
Rep David Schweikert Endorses Wendy Rogers in GOP Primary in CD-9
(Tempe, AZ) – "I endorse retired Lt Col Wendy Rogers to represent Arizona's 9th Congressional district. Wendy Rogers served a distinguished 20-year military career as one of the first 100 women pilots in the United States Air Force. She stands ready to serve again." said Congressman David Schweikert. "Personally knowing Wendy Rogers, I can tell you she will work tirelessly to serve her district and do what is best for our country. As a veteran and a small business owner, Lt Col Rogers is the clear choice for a true leader – – the real, battle-tested type of leader we so desperately need in Congress right now."
"I am honored to receive the endorsement of Congressman Schweikert. He has been a mentor to me and a true champion of us Arizonans. He used to be my congressman – – now I will get the opportunity to serve alongside him in Congress to really get things done for Arizona." said Wendy Rogers.
Wendy Rogers is the 5th generation in her family to serve as a career military officer. Her forebears comprise a decorated line of combat Army officers dating back to the Civil War. Lt Col Rogers served nearly half her career overseas to include a deployment to run the Bosnian Airlift in 1994. She and her retired Air Force officer husband Hal have two children and two grandchildren. Lt Col Rogers has made defending our veterans' access to healthcare, education, and jobs one of her top campaign priorities.
Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Congress, Conservatives, Elected Officials, Endorsements, Press Release Tagged With: AZ09, CD-9, David Schweikert, endorsement
East Valley Pro-Life Leaders Endorse Ralph Heap for State Senate
Every election year there are a number of candidates that proclaim themselves to be "pro-life" Many of these candidates are seeking
re-election so it is important to clarify what pro-life actually has meant to them by their past voting record.
As precinct committeemen in LD-25 and ardent pro-life advocates we are concerned that the voting public is being tragically misled by some candidates seeking re-election that continue to profess a pro-life stand but their voting records scream otherwise!
Planned Parenthood's (the largest abortion provider in the Nation) latest annual report indicates it had a record year when it came to funding from the government, receiving a record $542 million in taxpayer dollars (an increase of $60 million last year) by way of MEDICAID reimbursements, government grants and contracts. This amounts to almost half of all Planned Parenthood's budget.
Medicaid Expansion, regardless of how noble and caring this program appeared on the surface, in short, is nothing more than the linchpin of Obamacare
and as it gets fully implemented, the gates will open wide; Planned Parenthood to receive millions more. Therefore, common sense dictates the Medicaid Expansion under Obamacare in Arizona will increase funding to Planned Parenthood. And inevitably, as their funding increases so will abortions while real health-care services for all women will deteriorate!
The cost of abortions (to the babies and the taxpayer) is immoral and we must end it.
"Bad Morality makes Bad Policy" – therefore any representative that voted for the Governor's Medicaid Expansion simply CANNOT profess to be a pro-life candidate in our estimation.
We are confident that Dr. Ralph Heap, when elected, will stand unwavering in the protection of all innocent life as his profession calls him to do; his first campaign priority to repeal Obamacare in Arizona!
He has our support as our State Senator!
Joe & Jinny Perron
Pro-Life Advocates
Precinct Committeemen – LD-25
Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Endorsements, Sanctity of Life, State Government Tagged With: AZLD25, endorsement, Joe & Jinny Perron, Ralph Heap