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Articles
Arizona attorney general candidate David Lujan touts experience, focus on working class - 07/14/10
David Lujan's focus: Economic security, public safety - 06/21/10
AG candidate sees role as educator, protector - 06/14/10
Legislator announces candidacy for attorney general - 06/07/10
Latinos for Lujan back Democrat for Ariz. attorney general - 06/01/10
News 11's Jon Archuleta reports on David Lujan's Campaign - 06/01/10
GOP repeatedly ignored House Democrats’ immigration bills - 04/22/10
Arizona Democrats want KidsCare reinstated - 03/29/10
Top four
lawmakers present budget arguments at Chamber lunch - 01/11/10
Arizona lawmakers try again with anti-polygamy legislation - 01/25/10
Tucson Advocacy Forum with Young Wright, Lujan Thursday - 01/27/10
It's Official: Representative David Lujan for Attorney General - 02/01/2010
House Dems Announce Foreclosure Rescue for AZ - 02/22/2010
Democratic Leaders, Community Activists Push for Latino Participation in Census - 03/05/2010
Lawmaker seeks to blunt Brewer on health care lawsuit - 03/29/2010
Lujan urges stopping use of tax dollars in Brewer’s frivolous lawsuit - 03/30/2010
Arizona shouldn't waste money, effort on useless health-reform lawsuit - 03/31/2010
Arizona attorney general candidate David Lujan touts experience, focus on working class
By Casey Newton
The Arizona Republic
July 14, 2010
Since he entered the Arizona House of Representatives in 2005, David Lujan has fought against cuts to public education, social services, and other programs important to the working class.
Lujan, a Democratic candidate for attorney general, knew well how families could struggle through tough economic circumstances. As a freshman lawmaker, he was working through those struggles himself.
For six years, Lujan had mentored a boy named Joey through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Joey struggled with a chaotic home life, and in 2005, he and his mother asked if Lujan would let Joey live with him.
Lujan, who had just been elected to the House, said yes. A month later, he became Joey's legal guardian.
Lujan had taken a steep pay cut when he left private practice to join the House, where the annual salary for lawmakers is $24,000. Suddenly, he found himself raising a 12-year-old by himself.
It gave him a new insight, he said, into the problems he planned to work on in the Legislature. And it confirmed his belief that intervening in children's lives before they get into trouble benefits Arizona as a whole - even when it takes taxpayer money to do it.
"When somebody can take a proactive stance and help somebody, it really does benefit the state and save money in the long run," he said. "People will say that's big government. But I really think it helps to save further costs down the road."
Children and families have often been at the center of Lujan's work. His career as an elected official began in 2002 when he was elected to the Phoenix Union High School District governing board. He said his time on the board gives him insight on education unique among his Democratic opponents.
"Some of the biggest cases involve education," Lujan said, citing major disputes involving the Attorney General's Office over school financing and English-language learners. "The experience I've had as a school-board member would be invaluable."
Lujan faces Vince Rabago, a former assistant attorney general, and Felecia Rotellini, the former head of the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions, in the Aug. 24 primary.
A Phoenix native, Lujan entered politics as a junior at Washington High School, where he successfully ran for class treasurer. He enjoyed the experience - his father was a teacher at school and mentored the junior-class officers. The next year, Lujan ran for senior-class president and lost.
It was the last time he would lose an election.
"I still think it was only because the guy who was running against me threw a party the weekend before," Lujan said. "That seems to work."
The attorney general's race offers Lujan his toughest race yet. Although an automated telephone poll conducted by the Arizona Guardian last month indicated that Lujan was leading his opponents in the Democratic primary, it also suggested that four in five likely Democratic voters remained undecided.
Lujan is the staff attorney for Defenders of Children, a non-profit group that works to ensure child victims of abuse receive legal protections. He is making the case to voters that his experience on children's issues sets him apart from his opponents, saying about one-third of the lawyers in the Attorney General's Office work on child-abuse cases.
If elected, Lujan's top priorities include fighting identity theft, stopping the abuse of children and the elderly, and combating the smuggling of guns and people across the border with Mexico.
He opposed Senate Bill 1070, the controversial law that broadens police authority to inquire about a person's immigration status, calling it "a misguided solution to a real problem." Lujan favors focusing more resources on criminal syndicates that operate along the border.
As House minority leader, Lujan worked this year to put together an alternative budget plan that would make fewer cuts to state services by changing the state's tax structure. As with many Democratic proposals at the Legislature, the idea gained little traction - a fact Lujan attributes to strong Republican majorities and a hyperpartisan atmosphere.
Despite the challenges, Lujan said he remains committed to the principles that led him to become Joey's legal guardian.
"The decisions we make today are so important to the future of our state," he said. "It can be very frustrating at times. But it's also a very important process to be involved with. The decisions we make there have such significant ramifications."
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David Lujan's focus: Economic security, public safety
Opinions
The Arizona Republic
June 21, 2010
David Lujan talks about his campaign for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General.
1. As you complete your service as a legislator, what do you view as your biggest accomplishments?
Serving as the leader of a unified Democratic caucus that fought to bring back KidsCare health insurance for 40,000 Arizona children; getting legislation passed to protect victims of identity theft and domestic violence; and working with Attorney General Terry Goddard to stop abuses occurring in the polygamous community of Colorado City.
2. Why are you running for attorney general?
Arizonans are struggling during these difficult economic times, becoming victims of businesses that take advantage of them during their most vulnerable times and living in fear because of drug cartels and other violent criminals that are making Arizona the kidnapping capital of the nation. As your attorney general, I will make the economic security and public safety of Arizonans my top priority.
3. What is your position on Senate Bill 1070?
It is a misguided solution to a real problem. I believe we should put our resources toward going after the criminal syndicates operating on the border - the drug cartels, money launderers, human traffickers and identity thieves. Going after the criminal syndicates is how the states can most effectively deal with our immigration problems. At the end of the day, however, we need the federal government to step up and do its job.
4. Why should Democrats choose you over your opponents in the primary?
I have the most experience dealing with the issues that Arizona attorneys general face most often. As an assistant attorney general, I successfully represented Arizona on school-funding cases; as an attorney for a non-profit organization, I have first-hand experience protecting victims and dealing with the complex issues in Colorado City.
5. What would be the first thing you would do as attorney general?
I would bring together law enforcement from all over Arizona and coordinate a comprehensive, collaborative approach toward stopping crimes associated with the border.
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AG candidate sees role as educator, protector
By Suzanne Adams
The Daily Miner
June 14, 2010
KINGMAN - Protecting and educating the residents of Arizona about fraud and ID theft is the main reason why Democrat David Lujan is running for attorney general this year.
Lujan is a former assistant attorney general and worked under both Janet Napolitano and current Attorney General Terry Goddard.
"Both Napolitano and Goddard have done an outstanding job protecting the state and its citizens. I plan to continue that service," Lujan said.
His main concern is educating Arizonans, especially seniors, of some of the tricks unscrupulous people are using to get their hard-earned money. Some of the latest include mortgage fraud and organizations posing as charities.
"The economy is hard enough without people having to worry about predators trying to steal their money," he said. "Arizonans should never have to worry about losing their homes, savings or peace of mind to a thief, especially in these trying economic times."
Lujan especially wants to reach out to residents who live in rural areas such as Mohave County.
"I want to take this outside of Maricopa County, to the big rural areas and work with the local law enforcement to prevent and track down some of these crimes," he said.
Lujan is familiar with working with rural law enforcement. As a member of Defenders of Children, he has worked extensively with Mohave County law enforcement and other departments on helping the residents of Colorado City and Hildale, Utah, combat both adult and child abuse. He has also helped train more than a 1,000 attorneys and law enforcement officers in the signs of abuse and co-authored a guide to child protection services.
"It's not surprising that the charges (against Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints leader Warren Jeffs) were dismissed. When they lost the witnesses, they lost the case," he said. It's hard to get witnesses to testify about the abuse they may have seen or experienced, Lujan said.
His plan to protect children includes educating parents and schools about the abuse of prescription drugs, cyber bullying and as well as fighting for children who are forced into polygamous marriages and other issues that face today's children.
He plans to increase funding and training for both Child and Adult Protective Services and create an Elder Abuse Task Force in the Attorney General's Office. He also wants to expand the current senior volunteer task force where seniors can learn the signs and report acts of abuse or fraud.
Lujan said he would also tackle border security by following in Goddard's footsteps and attacking the drug cartel's funding.
When asked about the lawsuit against the federal healthcare reform bill, Lujan sided with Goddard. Arizona joining the lawsuit was unnecessary, he said. If the courts ruled in favor of the states in lawsuit, all of the states would benefit.
Gov. Jan Brewer and the Legislature's actions to get around the Attorney General's Office and join the suit were pure politics, he said.
When asked how he would work with a Republican Legislature and possibly a Republican governor if elected, Lujan said he was comfortable working with both. He had served in the Arizona House of Representatives since 2004 and has also served as the House's minority leader.
Other Democratic candidates running for Arizona Attorney General are Vince Rabago and Felecia Rotellini. The Republican candidates running for the office are Tom Horne and Andrew Thomas.
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Legislator announces candidacy for attorney general
By James Gilbert
The Yuma Sun
June 07, 2010
With early voting set to begin in just a few weeks, Arizona House minority leader David Lujan was in Yuma Monday to kick off his campaign for state attorney general to local voters.
Lujan, a Democratic state representative from Phoenix since 2004 and a former assistant attorney general, made his announcement on the steps of the historic Yuma County Courthouse.
“I'll be more than just the people's lawyer, I'll be the people's advocate,” Lujan said. “Protecting people is what I have done in the courtroom and at the Legislature. And I believe that is the right type of experience that our next attorney general needs to have.”
If elected, Lujan said, his priorities would be to reduce violent crime, mortgage and consumer fraud and identity theft.
“As your attorney general I will make the economic security and public safety of Arizonans my top priority. As a member of the Legislature, I've authored tough laws that crack down on violent crime and identity theft.”
Lujan said he would increase efforts to reach out and work with law enforcement all over the state, including Yuma County Attorney Jon Smith and Yuma County Sheriff Ralph Ogden.
“I'll be working across the aisle to make sure the attorney general's office is funded and prosecutors have the tools to put criminals behind bars.” Lujan said.
An assistant attorney general from 1999 to 2002, Lujan prosecuted the misuse of education funds as part of a school-fraud task force. In that case he prosecuted a school administrator in southern Arizona who was misusing money that was supposed to be going into the classroom, but instead was using it to remodel his home and go on vacations.
“We won that case and put the money back into the classroom where it belonged,” Lujan said.
As a lawyer for the federal government, he won a case in Las Vegas against a corporation that had fired several employees in retaliation for their unionizing the hotel/casino where they worked.
“We won that case, got the workers their jobs back and penalties against the corporation.”
Between now and election day, Lujan said, he will be making many more trips to Yuma County to set what he called the tone for regular visits to the area in the future if he gets elected.
“I will bring the resources of the attorney general's office to Yuma, rather than making Yumans travel to Phoenix to access services.”
He added that he wanted to bring his years of experience from serving at the state Capitol to protect the “lifeblood of Yuma,” specifically its military and agriculture industries, in protecting victims, particularly children and seniors and going after criminal syndicates that operate along the border.
Lujan also pledged to fight what he called mismanagement of the state by Republicans, saying the people of Arizona are looking for leadership and aren't getting it from the party.
“The door has never been more wide open for Democrats to walk through and show the people of Arizona that Democrats are the ones with the leaders, the vision, and the responsible solutions to guide us out of this economic crisis toward a stronger future for tomorrow,” Lujan said. “The stakes have never been higher. Because the last thing we can afford to do is elect a Republican attorney general who is going to let his radical ideology get in the way of keeping criminals off the street.”
Lujan also said he didn't think the state's newly passed SB 1070 was the answer to immigration reform, saying the focus of his office should be going after the violent criminal syndicates that operate along the border.
Lujan is an Arizona native who grew up in the Phoenix area. He graduated from Washington High School and attended Arizona State University for his undergraduate and law degrees.
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Latinos for Lujan back Democrat for Ariz. attorney general
By Sheryl Kornman
KGUN 9
June 01, 2010
PHOENIX (KGUN9-TV) - David Lujan, a Phoenix Democrat running for Arizona attorney general, has the endorsement of Latino legislators, school board members and others throughout Arizona, according to his campaign.
In a media release issued Tuesday, Lujan's campaign announced the launch of Latinos for Lujan. Among those who have endorsed his candidacy are Ariz. Sen. Rebecca Rios and Rep. Anna Tovar. His supporters include George Silva, Santa Cruz County attorney.
Lujan is a staff attorney for a nonprofit, Defenders of Children, which provides legal services to victims of domestic violence and child abuse. He is an Arizona State University law school graduate and an Arizona native.
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News 11's Jon Archuleta reports on David Lujan's Campaign
By Jon Archuleta
KYMA 11
June 01, 2010
David Lujan stops in Yuma County to campaign as he runs for Arizona's Attorney General. News 11's Jon Archuleta reports.
See Video at: http://titancast.titantv.com/p/kyma/s/David-Lujan-campaigns/1ABX1VDE.aspx
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Arizona Democrats want KidsCare reinstated
KOLD 13
March 22, 2010
PHOENIX (KOLD) - House Democrats urged House Speaker Kirk Adams today to allow them to introduce bills that could save health care for children, seniors and adults by closing a simple tax loophole.
When Republicans and Gov. Jan Brewer eliminated health care for 42,000 Arizona children in their budget last week, they forfeited all future federal matching funds for health care in Arizona.
Even if the federal matching dollars are gone, Arizona still will have to pay for this health care with state dollars, creating an even bigger budget deficit.
"Republicans just made tough times tougher and just pushed Arizona down the wrong track for years to come," said House Democratic Leader David Lujan. "It's an easy fix to close just one tax loophole and restore health care for kids in Arizona so that we can make sure all Arizonans get their fair share of federal tax dollars."
KidsCare, Arizona's health care for middle-class children, has saved Arizona money in the long-run, providing preventative services to keep kids out of the emergency room.
The national health reform bill passed Sunday states that KidsCare must be maintained until 2019 to receive federal matching dollars for all health care.
"While Gov. Brewer and Republicans have chosen to eliminate KidsCare and the accompanying 3:1 federal match that accompanies it, I cannot understand that they would be willing to forfeit all of our federal Medicaid dollars," said Assistant House Democratic Leader Kyrsten Sinema. "Today, House Democrats asked Speaker Adams to allow us to make this easy fix to save these vital programs for Arizona's kids."
If allowed by Speaker Adams to be introduced, House Democrats' bills would close a tax loophole that gives away a tax break on warranty purchases and fully restore and fund KidsCare.
"Republicans knew the simple fix existed to close tax loopholes like this, but they chose to cut health care instead," said House Democratic Whip Chad Campbell. "Here's a chance for them to do something right. I don't know why anyone would refuse to close a loophole and rob health care from kids. It's just wrong."
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GOP repeatedly ignored House Democrats’ immigration bills
By Arizona House Democrats
April 22, 2010
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Before Republicans passed another controversial bill that fails to solve the immigration problem in Arizona, they blocked House Democrats’ proposed real immigration solutions.
Republicans repeatedly ignored bills that directly addressed violent crime and immigration in Arizona:
- HB 2201 (misconduct involving weapons; fraudulent transactions): Gives authorities better tools to combat weapons trafficking and increase public safety by making it a felony to purchase weapons under false pretenses. Sponsor: Lujan
- HB 2149 (drop houses; human smuggling): Combats the use of drop houses and human smuggling across the border. Sponsor: Sinema
- HB 2354 (forgery; human smuggling; classification): Makes it a Class 3 felony if a person commits forgery in connection with purchase, lease or renting of a dwelling used as a drop house. Sponsor: Sinema
- HB 2148 (human trafficking; violation): Provides law enforcement with more resources to prevent human smuggling in Arizona by clarifying and expanding the definition of trafficking. Sponsor: Sinema
- HB 2152 (human trafficking; liability; victim services): Deters human smuggling by allowing victims to collect damages from traffickers. Sponsor: Sinema
- HB 2151 (human trafficking coordinating council): Establishes a council to collect and organize data on human trafficking in Arizona in order to offer better, more effective solutions. Sponsor: Sinema
“Republicans have failed to deal with crime and violence along the border,” said House Democratic Leader David Lujan. “We need tough immigration reform that cracks down on human smugglers, the illegal sale of weapons to drug cartels and other violent criminals, and we need to give law enforcement the real tools they need to secure our borders.”
The only bill Republicans supported and that was signed into law last week was Assistant House Democratic Leader Kyrsten Sinema’s House Bill 2763, substituted by Senate Bill 1059, that eliminates a requirement to prove that the trafficked individual be obtained “for transport” to qualify as being trafficked for sex or labor. The bill gives police more tools to arrest criminals who traffic people for sex or slave labor.
“Phoenix is the kidnapping capital of the nation and we should do everything we can to make sure law enforcement can do their job and protect our kids and neighborhoods,” Sinema said. “Democrats support making sure police have the real tools they need to go after violent criminals. It’s time Arizona actually works toward real solutions, not unconstitutional bills that force law enforcement to go after janitors and landscapers instead of the real problem — violent human, drug, weapon and sex traffickers that infiltrate our cities and towns.”
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Top four lawmakers present budget
arguments at Chamber lunch
By Jim Small
Arizona Capitol Times
January 11, 2010
Everyone at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual
legislative luncheon agreed: Arizona’s budget needs to be the top
priority, and the state needs to change its course.
How that should be done, of course, will be the sticking point in the
2010 legislative session.
House Speaker Kirk Adams said all 90 legislators need to work together
to bridge the nearly $5 billion in budget deficits facing the state in
the next 18 months. Then he lashed out at Democratic critics.
He called their arguments against revamping Arizona business tax policy
the "tired old rhetoric of class warfare" and urged business leaders in
the room to be strong in their support of tax reform.
"Do not be cowed by the shrillness of their arguments or the size of
their megaphones," he said.
David Lujan, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, said it
is clear that policymakers need to make changes to attract businesses to
Arizona, but he stressed the importance of government investment in
high-tech research and the education system instead of tax reform.
Senate President Bob Burns said state government has no choice but to
spend less, and that painful "adjustments" to spending will have to be
made this year. But he rejected the notion that lawmakers would be
"cutting" the spending.
"I’m sick of the word ‘cuts.’ I want to throw it out the window," Burns
said. "We are not in a position to cut. The economy has cut (spending)."
But Senate Minority Leader Jorge Luis Garcia warned the business
community to be aware of what GOP lawmakers are considering. If they
proceed with trimming the number of people enrolled in state-funded
health care by more than 300,000 - a figure he said Gov. Jan Brewer is
considering - the cost for caring for those people will fall to
businesses who pay for health insurance when those newly uncovered
Arizonans go to the emergency room for treatment.
Garcia challenged business leaders to be vigilant and fight for their
interests.
"Use the big bat that you have so that you can prevent this transfer of
tax (to businesses)," he said.
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Arizona lawmakers try again with anti-polygamy legislation
By Melanie Kiser
azecentral.com
January 25, 2010
A loophole in Arizona's law against incest handcuffs officials wanting to crack down on polygamists who marry relatives under age 18, according to two state lawmakers.
Sen. Jonathan Paton, R-Tucson, and Rep. David Lujan, D-Phoenix, thwarted last session when they co-sponsored legislation on the issue, have introduced separate bills to make the incest law apply when victims are minors. The law currently defines incest as between adults.
Paton's bill, SB 1061, which recieved a unanimous endorsement Monday from the Senate Judiciary Committee, would make incest with a minor a Class 2 or Class 3 felony, carrying sentences ranging from two and a half years to 10 years, depending on whether the child is 15 or older or younger than 15.
Paton said the "quirk in the law" became glaringly apparent in the prosecution of polygamist leader Warren Jeffs in Mohave County. In 2008, a Superior Court judge dismissed four counts against jeffs involving marriages allegedly arranged between two underage girls and their adult half cousins, citing the wording of the incest law.
Jeffs still faces four other counts alleging that he acted as an accomplice in sexual misconduct with a minor.
Assistant Attorney General Tim Linnins, who specializes in cases out of Colorado City, told the committee that based on the way the law is written a polygamist is better off marrying a relative under 18.
In a telephone interview, Mohave County Attorney Matt Smith said the change would make it easier to combat polygamy involving relatives.
"If you have a 40-year-old and a 12-year-old, it's not incest, as absurd as that might seem," he said.
Authorities can charge those accused of incest with a minor with sexual conduct with a minor, a Class 6 felony carrying a sentence of up to 18 months.
Lujan, who is running for state attorney general and works as a staff attorney for a child welfare group, seeks the same change in HB 2206, which has yet to be scheduled for committee.
The same legislation made it out of a House committee last year but failed to advance as the budget crisis gripped the Legislature.
Meanwhile, Lujan is trying again for a law that would bar judges from granting child custody or unsupervised visitation to parents involved in child bigamy, which includes married adults taking minors as spouses and adults causing minors to marry adults who already have spouses.
He said HB 2207, which would apply unless a judge states in writing why custody or unsupervised visitation poses no threat to a child, would eliminate one of the biggest obstacles for women seeking to leave polygamist communities.
"When women seek to get out of polygamous relationships, the first thing they do when they leave is file for custody to get their kids out of that type of relationship," Lujan said. "I have seen, time and time again ... the courts will give joint or sole custody to the polygamous fathers."
His bill on the subject was held in committee last session.
Lujan said he supports Attorney General Terry Goddard's approach to dealing with polygamy.
"I think the proper approach is not to go after polygamous marriages themselves but to go after the abuses that are occurring, like child bigamy and welfare fraud," he said.
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Tucson Advocacy Forum with Young Wright, Lujan Thursday
By David Safier
Blog For Arizona
January 27, 2010
House Democrats invite public to Tucson advocacy forum
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Rep. Nancy Young Wright, D-Tucson (District 26) and House Democrats invite the public to attend a legislative issue and advocacy forum . . . in Tucson.
House Democratic lawmakers will discuss the state budget crisis, the legislative process and how the public can make their voices heard.
"We would like to continue an effort to bring more openness and transparency in the legislative process to the people of Arizona," said House Democratic Leader David Lujan. "I look forward to our continued dialogue during these difficult times as we work to build a stronger and better future for Arizona."
District 26 (Tucson/Marana/Oro Valley/Saddlebrook) Legislative Issue and Advocacy Forum
When: Jan. 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Cross Middle School, 1000 W. Chapala Drive, Tucson
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It's Official: Representative Lujan for Attorney General
Staff Article
Latino Perspectives Magazine
February Issue
Back in October we had reported that Arizona State Representative David Lujan was exploring the possibility of running for state attorney general. He has now formally announced his candidacy
Back in October we had reported that Arizona State Representative David Lujan was exploring the possibility of running for state attorney general. He has now formally announced his candidacy (www.davidlujan.com).
Lujan, who has served as assistant attorney general, a prosecutor, and House minority leader, is currently serving his third term as state representative and second term on the Phoenix Union High School District governing board. The National Association of Social Workers - Arizona Chapter, recognized Lujan as its 2009 Public Elected Official of the Year based on his accomplishments, risks taken on a personal and professional basis, and the long-term impact of his work.
Lujan has worked on legislation to enact policies to protect victims of domestic violence and abuse. Lujan is currently the staff attorney for Defenders of Children, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) agency.
Among Lujan’s growing list of supporters are Arizona Sens. Rebecca Rios, Amanda Aguirre, Ken Cheuvront, Leah Landrum Taylor, and Debbie McCune Davis; Reps. Kyrsten Sinema, Chad Campbell, Jack Brown, Steve Farley, Ed Ableser, Cloves Campbell Jr., Tom Chabin, Martha Garcia, Barbara McGuire, Eric Meyer, Robert Meza, Lynne Pancrazi, David Schapira, Anna Tovar, Rae Waters, and Nancy Young Wright; Mayors Phil Gordon and Marie Lopez Rogers, and Amy Kobeta, president of the Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board.
In announcing his candidacy, Lujan stressed the state’s need for "an attorney general who will seek justice for all Arizonans, not just the rich or the well connected." While he was speaking in general terms, Republican School Superintendent Tom Horne comes to mind here. As you may recall after announcing his candidacy for AG, Horne conceived of a fundraising club where in exchange for $840, he would meet regularly with donors. He later scratched the idea.
"We cannot afford to elect a Republican who will put ideology ahead of justice, or politics ahead of people," states Lujan. He was also speaking in general terms here, but for whatever reason, this reminds us of Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas and his now highly publicized and costly altercations with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and his work on behalf of Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Rumor has it Andy Thomas is interested in taking his antics to the state AG office.
Seeking the Democratic nomination are two other former prosecutors with the attorney general’s office: former Superintendent of Financial Institutions Felecia Rotellini and former Assistant Attorney General Vince Rabago.
Rabago, a Cochise County native, announced his candidacy in late January with press conferences in Tucson and Phoenix. In announcing his candidacy, Rabago underscored his experience as a prosecutor and in dealing with the state’s open-meeting laws, mortgage fraud, and payday lenders. "In this time of severe economic crisis, the attorney general’s office needs a leader who is a proven fighter and who can hit the ground running," says Rabago.
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House Dems Announce Foreclosure Rescue for AZ
By Daniel R. Patterson
Daniel's News and Views
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX -- Arizona House Democrats announced on Monday a foreclosure rescue package to get Arizona back on the right track when the state ranked second in the nation last month for foreclosures.
The Foreclosure Rescue for Arizona Act, House Bill 2765, an omnibus bill, and other foreclosure bills introduced by House Democrats will prevent fraud and help families, homeowners and renters stay in their homes.
“Foreclosure Rescue for Arizona not only will combat fraud and bad actors preying on homeowners, but also it will help get our economy back on track,” said House Democratic Leader David Lujan. “Arizona ranks second in the nation in foreclosures, and these bills protect the safety and financial health of hard-working Arizonans.”
Foreclosure Rescue for Arizona:
· Protects homeowners who are facing foreclosure from scams and fraud.
· Grants a 60-day relief period to homeowners who are in foreclosure and in danger of losing their home.
· Allows homeowners subject to foreclosure to remain in their homes as renters.
· Encourages parties involved in foreclosure proceedings to restructure loans to prevent foreclosure and delay a sale for up to one year if the lender fails to negotiate in good faith with the borrower.
· Requires a landlord to allow a tenant at least 30 days to vacate a foreclosed property.
· Requires the maintenance of properties during the foreclosure process.
· Creates a mandatory foreclosure mediation program supervised by the Arizona Supreme Court.
· Requires “equity purchasers” or “foreclosure consultants” to be licensed.
“This package of bills could not come at a more critical time for our state,” said Rep. Rae Waters, D-Ahwatukee (District 20). “Arizona is on the wrong track and we must work to enact legislation that strengthens our housing market and the financial well-being of our communities. Those steps include fighting scams and fraud and encouraging lenders and borrowers to work together for the best possible outcome.”
In January, Arizona jumped to second in the nation in foreclosures, with one in every 102 Arizona homes foreclosed. Of the top 10 metro areas hit hardest by foreclosures, Phoenix was the only one to post a monthly increase.
“All of us have a financial interest in restoring property values, repairing neighborhoods and putting Arizona back on the right track,” said Rep. Daniel Patterson, D-Tucson (District 29). “We can all benefit from these bills and working together, and that’s a winning combination for Arizona’s economy and quality of life.”
House Democrats’ Foreclosure Rescue for Arizona Act will provide relief for middle-class families and homeowners struggling through tough times, while Republicans’ corporate bailout package would cost the state $3.7 billion, double the current budget deficit, and it would raise taxes on homeowners while lowering property taxes on big corporations and their friends.
“Republicans continue to give away tax breaks to big corporations and the rich while middle-class families and homeowners pay for it,” said Rep. Anna Tovar, D-Tolleson (District 13). “When Arizona’s homeowners are facing a foreclosure crisis, it doesn’t make sense to make the same homeowners pay for tax breaks and giveaways to big corporations like Wal-mart.”
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Democratic Leaders, Community Activists Push Latino Participation in Census
By Jennifer A. Johnson
Cronkite News Service
PHOENIX (Friday, March 5) _ To get its fair share of federal funding and congressional representation out of the U.S. census, Arizona must alleviate fears and generate interest among Latino residents, Democratic leaders and community activists said Friday.
“Not participating in the census is like robbing ourselves,” said Kyrsten Sinema, D-Phoenix, the assistant house minority leader.
At a news conference organized by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, Sinema and others said full participation is essential with Arizona facing massive budget deficits. Federal funding tied to population goes toward education, roads, public safety, jobs and hospitals.
“We cannot afford to lose millions of federal dollars the census can provide to our state and our community,” said Michael Nowakowski, vice mayor of Phoenix.
Nowakowski said it’s important to get across to members of the Latino community that census information is confidential and can’t be used by law enforcement to identify those who are in the U.S. illegally.
Seeking to reassure minority groups, the U.S. Justice Department announced this week that the USA Patriot Act doesn’t override the confidentiality of census information.
“This is really a cause unifying the entire Latino population,” said Arturo Vargas, executive director of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. “It doesn’t matter if you are a citizen or not or even your race; we are all equal under the U.S. Census.”
Vargas’ group has organized a campaign called “ya es hora” _ or “it’s time already” _ a partnership with local groups and Spanish-language media to encourage Latinos to participate in the census.
Vargas said Latinos stand to gain congressional representation with an accurate census count because of growth in their population over the past decade.
“This is the most important census in history for the Latino community,” he said.
In 2008, about one out of three Arizona residents was of Hispanic or Latino origin, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
David Lujan, D-Phoenix, the House minority leader, said census participation is especially important when it comes to Arizona’s education system, which has a large population of Latino students.
“Our state can’t afford to avoid the census,” said Lujan, who is a candidate for state attorney general.
Steve Montenegro, R-Litchfield Park, said in a telephone interview that state GOP leaders are just as committed to Latinos participating in the census.
“Republicans want everyone in the state to count themselves, whether you are Asian, Latino or any race,” he said.
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Lawmaker seeks to blunt Brewer on health care lawsuit
BY CHRIS RIZO
PHOENIX, Ariz. (Legal Newsline)-Arizona House Minority Leader David Lujan is seeking to block the state's Republican governor from suing over the national health care bill signed into law last week.
Lujan, a Democratic candidate for state attorney general, said Monday that he is "appalled" that Gov. Jan Brewer wants to challenge the national health care overhaul that would require Americans to have medical insurance.
Today, Brewer called the Legislature into special session to sue over the health care law, which will require that Americans carry health insurance or face penalties.
Beginning in 2014, individuals who flout the mandate face an annual penalty of $695, while employers could face penalties of $2,000 per worker for not offering affordable health coverage.
Lujan, D-Phoenix, said he will introduce legislation today that would blunt the governor's attempts to use taxpayer funds to file suit.
"The governor is advancing a frivolous lawsuit that amounts to a total waste of taxpayer money," Lujan said. "Our leaders are supposed to stand up for Arizonans against special interests. It's unfortunate that Governor Brewer is seeking to block tax cuts for small businesses, while siding with insurance companies that would refuse to cover children with preexisting illnesses."
Lujan is seeking to follow fellow Democrat Terry Goddard as the Grand Canyon State's chief legal officer.
For his part, Goddard has declined to join the efforts of more than a dozen Republican attorneys general in challenging the plan. He said in a statement last week that the two lawsuits in play have "little chance" of prevailing.
"My office has carefully examined both the federal health care legislation and the lawsuits challenging it," Goddard said. "Our lawyers agree with the overwhelming majority of constitutional scholars of both parties that the lawsuits have little merit and that participating in them would be a waste of scarce taxpayer dollars."
Goddard is challenging Brewer in this year's governor's race.
Current parties to the larger lawsuit are the AGs from Florida, South Carolina, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Louisiana, Alabama, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Idaho, South Dakota and Washington. Virginia's attorney general filed a separate lawsuit in his state Tuesday. Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell is the only Democrat suing over the legislation signed into law last week.
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Lujan urges stopping use of tax dollars in Brewer’s frivolous lawsuit
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
By Arizona House Democrats at 1:48 PM
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – House Democratic Leader David Lujan is urging Republican lawmakers today to hear his bill that would ensure no taxpayer dollars are used in Gov. Jan Brewer’s frivolous lawsuit.
House Bill 2001 would prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars to enter into a contract with a private attorney to sue over federal health reform.
“It is wrong to make Arizona's taxpayers use their hard-earned dollars to pay for Gov. Brewer’s frivolous and wrong-track lawsuit,” Lujan said. “We could use that money for many things the state is lacking, such as better public safety by putting more police officers on our streets to crack down on violent criminals and to make our neighborhoods safer.”
Brewer called a special session Friday to waste taxpayers’ time and money to sue the federal government over health reform law. Legal scholars from across the nation have determined her lawsuit to lack merit and to be a complete failure.
Republican lawmakers still have not yet heard Lujan’s bill, which would give a break to all Arizona taxpayers and save the state money in the face of Brewer’s reluctance to do so.
If Lujan’s bill is not heard, he plans to amend the House bill that authorizes Brewer to sue. His amendment would prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars for her frivolous lawsuit.
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Arizona shouldn't waste money, effort on useless health-reform lawsuit
Arizona Daily Star
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 12:00 am
Gov. Jan Brewer called a special session this week that only will waste taxpayers' time and money on a misguided lawsuit against federal health reform.
Attorney General Terry Goddard was right when he said her lawsuit has no merit, and it is a waste of scarce taxpayer dollars.
As an attorney, in my legal opinion, Brewer's lawsuit is frivolous and based neither on fact nor on the law.
It's nothing new. Historically, opponents of reform have turned to the courts when major legislation they disagree with is signed into law.
The Social Security Act, The Civil Rights Act, The Voting Rights Act - constitutional challenges were brought to all of these monumental pieces of legislation, and all measures were upheld.
Brewer's claim that reform is a threat to our state's sovereignty is false and meritless.
The federal legislation doesn't force states to do anything. States have a choice. They can set up an insurance exchange to offer competitive policies and rates to individuals and small businesses, or they can decide not to.
Also, no provision of the Bill of Rights, or text found elsewhere in the Constitution, acts to prohibit Congress from enacting health reform.
Under an unbroken line of precedents stretching back 70 years, Congress holds the ability to regulate interstate commerce, which includes buying and selling insurance.
Constitutional doctrine clearly gives Congress the authority to decide whether to enact health reform.
In the Raich case in 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court clarified the scope of the commerce power and reaffirmed the core principle that states cannot thwart national policy.
Raich concerned a California program that legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
The California plan clashed with a federal law that criminalized private possession. In Raich, the court upheld the congressional ban by a vote of 6-3.
Even Justice Antonin Scalia, no fan of expansive claims of federal power, voted to affirm Congress' authority.
Therefore, Brewer's lawsuit is a waste of taxpayers' time and money when we could use that money for many things the state is lacking, such as better public safety by putting more police officers on our streets to crack down on violent criminals and to make our neighborhoods safer.
That's why I've introduced a bill in the Legislature to prevent any tax dollars from going toward this kind of frivolous lawsuit.
In doing so, I stand with Goddard, who declined to join Brewer's lawsuit.
He made the right call for Arizonans' pocketbooks. Our tax dollars should be going into our classrooms and police departments, not wasted on frivolous lawsuits.
Our state officials should stand up for Arizona families, not bad acting insurance companies that deny coverage to children with preexisting conditions.
Contact Rep. David Lujan at dlujan@azleg.gov
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