You and I are residents of Arizona.
As Americans we have the free choice of who we want running our levels of government.
People of voting age are allowed to vote for President of the United States every four years, Governor of Arizona every four
years, two U.S. Senators every six years (though not at the same time), a U.S. Representative every two years, State Senators
every four years, and state representatives every two years. We also vote for a Secretary of
State, a state Attorney General, a state Treasurer, and a state School Superintendent, Voters
also choose local judges, county supervisors, and city council members. Plus every
election has several ballot initiatives covering various local and state issues.
In Arizona we have two designated parties.
The Democrats, the party of the donkey, are considered more liberal in their spending and are usually blamed for high taxes.
On the other hand, they are very progressive on social issues. The four-term Presidency
of Franklin Delano Roosevelt is considered the model of Democratic politics at its best. From
the beginning of the movement, Democrats have been very supportive toward environmental concerns. Supporting
labor and the "working man" has long been part of the Democratic platform. In
recent years the party has become more politically radical, pushing the envelope, seeing how far they can push more
progressive liberalism. Democrats are willing to favor gay rights while
strongly pushing anti-war beliefs whether fighting is needed or not.
The Republicans, also known as the GOP (Grand Old Party), represented by
the elephant, are considered more conservative. They do not believe in social spending, believing
government should not be a part of people's lives. They believe in old-fashioned values and
morals. While they continue to reach out to minorities, too often their policies have proven
offensive to these groups. Republicans are more concerned with economic progress than environmental
quality. They haven't had a so-called environmentalist since Teddy Roosevelt, one century
ago. Finally, the backbone of their support comes from "Big Business."
Today's Republicans would like to eliminate unions and all the benefits gained in the last century.
Tax cuts, they believe, will boost American economy. Yet the deepest deficits in American history
have occurred under conservative Republican Presidents. The father of conservative politics
was Arizona icon Barry Goldwater yet the current version of his movement is a far cry from his introduction of an idea back
in 1960.
There are other parties that have a minor effect on the total vote.
Many Arizonans are registered as Independents. These voters are usually middle-of-the-road
in regard to the various issues.
Our Politicians:
President: George W. Bush (Republican) -
Our 43rd President is the son of the 41st President, George Bush, and like his father was a successful businessman.
"W" used to own the Texas Rangers baseball team and was a two-term governor of Florida. Very
religious but not as conservative as he claims which has brought opposition from members of his own party.
He was President when 9/11 occurred and will go down in history for his handling of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
George W. Bush, like his father, puts education as a top priority. "No Child Left Behind" is
a personal legacy.
Senator: John McCain (Republican) - Senior
Senator from Arizona and like his idol, the legendary Barry Goldwater, loves his home state. As
an Air Force pilot, he was shot down and taken prisoner by the North Vietnamese during the Vietnam War.
Released at the end of U.S. involvement. Found politics to his liking and more recently
has become known for his ability to get the two parties to work together on tackling the tough issues faced on Capitol Hill.
Considered a serious Presidential candidate in 2008. Call him a "maverick."
He marches to his own drummer. Actually something of a moderate as a Republican - very
middle-of-the-road - but also shows a conservative side on some issues.
Senator: John Kyl (Republican) - Definitely
the "poster boy" of the conservative movement. He has always voted "no" on any and all social
issues and takes pride in being the most frugal member of the Senate. He has
also taken the hardest line in the battle over immigration. Even President Bush believes
his ideals are unrealistic. Kyl is up for election this year against a moderate democrat, Jim
Pedersen. This battle could break or reaffirm the 12-year conservative hold of Congress in Washington.
Representative: Jeff Flake (Republican) -
Flake represents the Sixth District which includes Queen Creek. He himself is from Mesa
and keeps an office there. Has been called the "John McCain" of the House but many conservatives
consider him a "thorn-in-the-side." A young "maverick."
Has continually pushed for change saying the party needs a fresh approach. Outspoken in
the handling of the Tom DeLay affair and the defrocked House Speaker's so-called "Spoils System."
Young, handsome, quickly becoming a "force."
Governor: Janet Napolitano (Democrat) - Up
for reelection in 2006. Considered a moderate for a democrat but still too liberal to
a Republican-dominated state Senate and state House of Representatives. Still, she is
popular and has no real competition in this year's election. Before becoming the Governor,
she was the State Attorney General under Jane Dee Hull. Napolitano is the third woman Governor
in state history.
State Senator: Rebecca Rios (Democrat) -
She is the daughter of Pete Rios, our state representative. Born and raised in Hayden.
She has a Masters in Social Services from ASU. She is also Director of Children's Services
for the Pinal-Gila Behavioral Health Association. Naturally she is on the Senate Committee for
Family Services. Very supportive of worker rights, environmental causes, quality education,
workers rights, and transportation issues. Represents District #23 which includes
Queen Creek.
Representative: Pete Rios (Democrat)
- Father of Rebecca. He represents District #23 in the Arizona House of Representatives and
has worked in the Capitol for 25 years. At one time he was the President of the State
Senate. He is currently the House Minority Whip and serves on three very important committees;
Appropriations, Rules, and Social Services. Representative Rios is a Child and Family
Counselor and speaks both English and Spanish fluently. He was born in Mexico.
He has been the leader in getting more money funded for English language learner programs but has also pushed for improved
education and family services.
Secretary of State: Jan Brewer (Republican)
Attorney General: Terry Goddard (Democrat)
State Treasurer: David Peterson (Republican)
State School Superintendent: Dr. Tom Horne
All other state departments are appointed positions.
This year is an election year. We will
be voting for one national Senator, one national Representative, a Governor, a Secretary of State, an Attorney General, a
state Treasurer, the state School Superintendent, one State Senator, one State representative, and several local and state
issues. Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th. Our next
Presidential election will be in 2008. Because he has served two terms, George W. Bush will
not be allowed by law to run for a third term.
Mr. Hart
