- Gibbons Takes Max Donations from Former Democratic Party Chairman
- Gibbons Takes Liquor Donations
- Kevin Gibbons Funded by Employer Sanctions Opponents
- Gibbons Funded by Out-of-Town Open Borders Supporters
- Kevin Gibbons Fails to Vote in Multiple Municipal Elections
- What do the people attacking Russell Pearce have in common?
- Franchisers spend $33,780 attacking Russell Pearce and his Employer Sanctions Law
- Friends of Gov’s Budget Pick Gibbons
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Remember to vote
Remember that today is the Election Day. This is a collection of information shared by others regarding Kevin Gibbons and his bid for Arizona State Senate in District 18. Its important to know the real Kevin Gibbons before you go to the polls:
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friends of Gov’s Budget Pick Hershberger, O’Halleran, Gibbons
Contact: For Immediate Release:
Rep. Eddie Farnsworth August 29, 2008
Friends of Gov’s Budget Pick Hershberger, O’Halleran, Gibbons
Protect Arizona’s Future Banks on Republican Big Spenders in Contested Primaries
MESA – With the help of four Republicans in the House and four Republicans in the Senate, Governor Janet Napolitano was able to pass a devastating budget containing over $2 billion in borrowing and spending gimmicks. Her plan included $1 billion for university construction to be paid for through taxes collected from increased gambling, and revenue-raising traffic cameras that will issue speeding tickets to pay for reckless state spending.
A group called Protect Arizona’s Future has spent over $120,000 to support Republicans who helped pass the budget and recruit other friends to replace those who have been critical of the Governor’s borrow and spend policies. Two of the Republicans who helped pass the current budget are Representative Pete Hershberger and Senator Tom O’Halleran. One of their recruits, immigration lawyer, Kevin Gibbons, is challenging Representative Russell Pearce for the District 18 Senate Seat.
Protect Arizona’s Future is using deceptive signs to support their candidates. They claim that they “Fight for Lower Taxes” and support “Strong Republican Values” when in fact, they voted against the 27 other Republican legislators who refused to support the Governor’s irresponsible budget. If you review the rankings from the Arizona Federation of Taxpayers or the Goldwater Institute, you will see that the candidates backed by Protect Arizona’s Future are truly not friends of the taxpayer.
Their tactics are especially troubling in Legislative District 18 where Protect Arizona’s Future is supporting Kevin Gibbons, the candidate who has been bankrolled with big dollars from Democrat supporters, employer sanctions opponents, groups that support open border policies and other state-wide special interests.
Russell Pearce has been an outspoken critic of this budget and has challenged the Governor to cut her reckless government spending programs. He has been a perennial champion in reducing the growth of government and protecting the taxpayer.
Protect Arizona’s Future and the special interests have thrown their support behind Kevin Gibbons, in an attempt to knock off a real conservative in the primary and replace a voice of fiscal responsibility with yet another big spending. Clearly, Gibbons is the Democrat’s choice in this Republican primary.
Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric put forth by the Friends of the Governor’s Budget. Russell Pearce is the only Senate candidate for District 18 with the proven leadership skills and experience necessary in reversing our state’s fiscal crisis.
# # #
Rep. Eddie Farnsworth August 29, 2008
Friends of Gov’s Budget Pick Hershberger, O’Halleran, Gibbons
Protect Arizona’s Future Banks on Republican Big Spenders in Contested Primaries
MESA – With the help of four Republicans in the House and four Republicans in the Senate, Governor Janet Napolitano was able to pass a devastating budget containing over $2 billion in borrowing and spending gimmicks. Her plan included $1 billion for university construction to be paid for through taxes collected from increased gambling, and revenue-raising traffic cameras that will issue speeding tickets to pay for reckless state spending.
A group called Protect Arizona’s Future has spent over $120,000 to support Republicans who helped pass the budget and recruit other friends to replace those who have been critical of the Governor’s borrow and spend policies. Two of the Republicans who helped pass the current budget are Representative Pete Hershberger and Senator Tom O’Halleran. One of their recruits, immigration lawyer, Kevin Gibbons, is challenging Representative Russell Pearce for the District 18 Senate Seat.
Protect Arizona’s Future is using deceptive signs to support their candidates. They claim that they “Fight for Lower Taxes” and support “Strong Republican Values” when in fact, they voted against the 27 other Republican legislators who refused to support the Governor’s irresponsible budget. If you review the rankings from the Arizona Federation of Taxpayers or the Goldwater Institute, you will see that the candidates backed by Protect Arizona’s Future are truly not friends of the taxpayer.
Their tactics are especially troubling in Legislative District 18 where Protect Arizona’s Future is supporting Kevin Gibbons, the candidate who has been bankrolled with big dollars from Democrat supporters, employer sanctions opponents, groups that support open border policies and other state-wide special interests.
Russell Pearce has been an outspoken critic of this budget and has challenged the Governor to cut her reckless government spending programs. He has been a perennial champion in reducing the growth of government and protecting the taxpayer.
Protect Arizona’s Future and the special interests have thrown their support behind Kevin Gibbons, in an attempt to knock off a real conservative in the primary and replace a voice of fiscal responsibility with yet another big spending. Clearly, Gibbons is the Democrat’s choice in this Republican primary.
Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric put forth by the Friends of the Governor’s Budget. Russell Pearce is the only Senate candidate for District 18 with the proven leadership skills and experience necessary in reversing our state’s fiscal crisis.
# # #
Monday, August 25, 2008
Read Gibbons' latest campaign finance report.Friday, August 22, 2008
Franchisers spend $33,780 attacking Russell Pearce and his Employer Sanctions Law
For Immediate Release:
August 22, 2008
Franchisers spend $33,780 attacking Russell Pearce and his Employer Sanctions Law
"Mesa Deserves Better" and "Stop Illegal Hiring" Bankroll Campaign for Cheap Labor
MESA -When it comes to attacking Russell Pearce and his employer sanctions law, fast food franchise owners Jason Levecke and Mac Magruder have taken a three pronged approach: fund Pearce's opponent, subsidize a misleading personal attack campaign, and finance an initiative to weaken laws.
In all, the proponents of punishing Pearce and gut his employer sanctions law have directly spent $33,780. Here is their latest spending:
Magruder Family
$780 to Kevin Gibbons, Pearce's opponent
$10,000 to Mesa Deserves Better
$9,500 directly to Stop Illegal Hiring
Levecke Family
$4,000 to Mesa Deserves Better
$9,500 directly to Stop Illegal Hiring
"Now that the curtain has been pulled back, it's clear that these fast food franchisers are only looking to line their pockets. I think it's disturbing that they are spending so much money to attack me," said Rep. Pearce.
According to campaign finance reports, Magruder and Levecke's personal donations make up nearly half of the funds given to "Mesa Deserves Better," the controversial group targeting Pearce with misleading personal attacks. Affiliates of their "Stop Illegal Hiring" campaign donated the remaining funds, along with giving an additional $1,860 in donations to Kevin Gibbons.
Their ill-fated "Mesa Deserves Better" personal attack campaign on Russell Pearce and his family has been decried by hundreds of supporters, the East Valley Tribune, the Arizona Republic, and even Governor Janet Napolitano.
Russell Pearce is being challenged for the Arizona State Senate by immigration attorney Kevin Gibbons, who has outspent Pearce through donations from special interest groups. Democrats, and proponents of weakening the employer sanctions laws.
"The ultimate goal of this group is to roll back immigration policies and weaken Arizona's Employer sanctions laws by any means necessary," said Pearce. "Their proposed law eliminates required use of E-Verify and its 99.7% accuracy rate in favor of the Federal I-9 process, which is prone to more fraud. They want to gut the law and make sure I am not around to do anything about it."
# # #
August 22, 2008
Franchisers spend $33,780 attacking Russell Pearce and his Employer Sanctions Law
"Mesa Deserves Better" and "Stop Illegal Hiring" Bankroll Campaign for Cheap Labor
MESA -When it comes to attacking Russell Pearce and his employer sanctions law, fast food franchise owners Jason Levecke and Mac Magruder have taken a three pronged approach: fund Pearce's opponent, subsidize a misleading personal attack campaign, and finance an initiative to weaken laws.
In all, the proponents of punishing Pearce and gut his employer sanctions law have directly spent $33,780. Here is their latest spending:
Magruder Family
$780 to Kevin Gibbons, Pearce's opponent
$10,000 to Mesa Deserves Better
$9,500 directly to Stop Illegal Hiring
Levecke Family
$4,000 to Mesa Deserves Better
$9,500 directly to Stop Illegal Hiring
"Now that the curtain has been pulled back, it's clear that these fast food franchisers are only looking to line their pockets. I think it's disturbing that they are spending so much money to attack me," said Rep. Pearce.
According to campaign finance reports, Magruder and Levecke's personal donations make up nearly half of the funds given to "Mesa Deserves Better," the controversial group targeting Pearce with misleading personal attacks. Affiliates of their "Stop Illegal Hiring" campaign donated the remaining funds, along with giving an additional $1,860 in donations to Kevin Gibbons.
Their ill-fated "Mesa Deserves Better" personal attack campaign on Russell Pearce and his family has been decried by hundreds of supporters, the East Valley Tribune, the Arizona Republic, and even Governor Janet Napolitano.
Russell Pearce is being challenged for the Arizona State Senate by immigration attorney Kevin Gibbons, who has outspent Pearce through donations from special interest groups. Democrats, and proponents of weakening the employer sanctions laws.
"The ultimate goal of this group is to roll back immigration policies and weaken Arizona's Employer sanctions laws by any means necessary," said Pearce. "Their proposed law eliminates required use of E-Verify and its 99.7% accuracy rate in favor of the Federal I-9 process, which is prone to more fraud. They want to gut the law and make sure I am not around to do anything about it."
# # #
Monday, August 18, 2008
U.S. House of Representatives Learning About the “Real Kevin Gibbons”
For Immediate Release:
August 18, 2008
U.S. House of Representatives Learning About the “Real Kevin Gibbons”
www.RealKevinGibbons.com receives visits from Congressional Servers
MESA – Since the launch of theRealKevinGibbons.com nearly a month ago, the site has been a helpful location for voters to see a collection of information shared by others regarding Kevin Gibbons and his bid for Arizona State Senate in District 18.
According to traffic reports, the website has been of great interest to hundreds across the district and the state, including someone in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the past 30 days, the site has been visited by someone in a congressional office on government time at least 22 times.
Congressman Jeff Flake is the brother-in-law of Kevin Gibbons. Flake is busy seeking his fifth consecutive term in Congress, despite pledging to serve only three.
“I know that Congressman Flake stands with me in protecting taxpayer dollars,” said Russell Pearce, “Hopefully, he will speak out on the House floor against being involved in political races on taxpayer time. Perhaps, he will nominate this waste of dollars as his ‘egregious earmark of the week.’”
###
August 18, 2008
U.S. House of Representatives Learning About the “Real Kevin Gibbons”
www.RealKevinGibbons.com receives visits from Congressional Servers
MESA – Since the launch of theRealKevinGibbons.com nearly a month ago, the site has been a helpful location for voters to see a collection of information shared by others regarding Kevin Gibbons and his bid for Arizona State Senate in District 18.
According to traffic reports, the website has been of great interest to hundreds across the district and the state, including someone in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the past 30 days, the site has been visited by someone in a congressional office on government time at least 22 times.
Congressman Jeff Flake is the brother-in-law of Kevin Gibbons. Flake is busy seeking his fifth consecutive term in Congress, despite pledging to serve only three.
“I know that Congressman Flake stands with me in protecting taxpayer dollars,” said Russell Pearce, “Hopefully, he will speak out on the House floor against being involved in political races on taxpayer time. Perhaps, he will nominate this waste of dollars as his ‘egregious earmark of the week.’”
###
Friday, August 15, 2008
Third Party Signs
It has come to our attention that a third party group has placed signs around District 18 that are similar to some of the artwork featured on theRealKevinGibbons.com. These signs were posted without our knowledge and are neither authorized by nor paid for by the Elect Russell Pearce committee.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Connecting the Dots
Kevin Gibbons Funded by Employer Sanctions Opponents
Who is behind the group that is attacking Pearce?
The Same People.
From the East Valley Tribune:
A longtime Republican campaign consultant and the owner of a string of fast-food restaurants are behind a campaign to persuade Mesa residents to oust one of the most powerful Republicans from the Legislature.
Jason LeVecke told Capitol Media Services on Thursday he is helping to finance Mesa Deserves Better because he believes voters in west Mesa are not familiar with Russell Pearce, the man they first elected to the House in 2000 and three times since. Pearce, legally barred from serving more than eight consecutive years or four terms in the House, is running for the state Senate.
And LeVecke, owner of the Valley's Carl's Jr. and Pizza Patron franchises and a major Republican donor in previous years, was unapologetic about the content of a controversial flier mailed to Republican voters citing claims purportedly made by Pearce's wife about violent behavior when she filed for divorce 28 years ago. LuAnne Pearce now says those assertions were untrue and the petition was withdrawn shortly after it was filed.
"The voters deserve to know the character of the people they are electing," LeVecke said. "The people in the district don't know all the facts."
LeVecke said that mailing is not going to be the last word. He said Pearce has a "pattern of practice" that will become the focus of future fliers, including one going out today.But Nathan Sproul said it was his idea to target Pearce. Sproul, who has worked to elect Republicans, said defeating Pearce is necessary for the GOP to survive.
"The Republican Party in Arizona is either going to decide to be the party of Russell Pearce and the John Birch wing of the party - and let those people become the spokesmen and the leaders of our party - or we are going to follow the path of (Sens.) John McCain and Jon Kyl and be a party that stands for core value but is also inclusive of dissenting opinions," he said.
Sproul has not revealed the names of others who have contributed to the campaign or the amount LeVecke has donated.
The focus on Pearce is not coincidental.
LeVecke, who lives in Phoenix, is a primary foe of what may be the toughest law in the nation to punish companies that knowingly hire undocumented workers, a law crafted by Pearce. He also is one of the organizers of Wake Up Arizona, which filed suit to have the law overturned.
And Sproul is a consultant to a ballot campaign to try to persuade voters on Nov. 4 to undermine key provisions of that law.
Pearce told Capitol Media Services the comments about saving the Republican Party are just cover for the real agenda: Targeting him because of the employer sanctions law.
Pearce said he met with LeVecke three times when crafting the law and later changes adopted earlier this year. "I bent over backwards to make sure that nobody can get into trouble accidentally," he said.
The campaign is taking advantage of a provision in state law to ensure it does not indirectly help Pearce.
Candidates who run with public money, like Pearce, are entitled to a set amount of cash. If foes spend more, the candidates get a dollar-for-dollar match.
But that match ends when they hit three times the original limit. Pearce already hit that figure, $58,146 in his case, because of spending by his privately financed Republican primary foe Kevin Gibbons - meaning anything Mesa Deserves Better spends will not be matched.
LeVecke said his disagreements with Pearce go beyond his role in getting an employer sanctions measure approved.
It was the way he did it, LeVecke said, that led him to believe that Pearce lacks the character to be a legislator. He said Pearce at first said there would be no effort to take the issue to the ballot but then there was.
LeVecke and Sproul, however, are going after Pearce for his personal conduct as well as his stance on employer sanctions. One mailer pulls allegations from a 28-year-old divorce petition filed by his wife.
The complaint alleged that Pearce "is possessed of a violent temper, and has from time to time hit and shoved the wife, the last time being on February 3rd (1980), when he grabbed the wife by the throat and threw her down."
She never pursued the divorce and the couple reconciled. And in a prepared statement, she said the legal papers were filed "on my behalf" but the allegations she made "are not true."
Pearce said those who know him know the charges are false. "And it's a shame that anyone who doesn't know me would believe this garbage."
LeVecke, however, said it's more than just that. New fliers going out to voters will expose other pieces of Pearce's history, he said but refused to elaborate on what the history may be.
Who is behind the group that is attacking Pearce?
The Same People.
From the East Valley Tribune:
A longtime Republican campaign consultant and the owner of a string of fast-food restaurants are behind a campaign to persuade Mesa residents to oust one of the most powerful Republicans from the Legislature.
Jason LeVecke told Capitol Media Services on Thursday he is helping to finance Mesa Deserves Better because he believes voters in west Mesa are not familiar with Russell Pearce, the man they first elected to the House in 2000 and three times since. Pearce, legally barred from serving more than eight consecutive years or four terms in the House, is running for the state Senate.
And LeVecke, owner of the Valley's Carl's Jr. and Pizza Patron franchises and a major Republican donor in previous years, was unapologetic about the content of a controversial flier mailed to Republican voters citing claims purportedly made by Pearce's wife about violent behavior when she filed for divorce 28 years ago. LuAnne Pearce now says those assertions were untrue and the petition was withdrawn shortly after it was filed.
"The voters deserve to know the character of the people they are electing," LeVecke said. "The people in the district don't know all the facts."
LeVecke said that mailing is not going to be the last word. He said Pearce has a "pattern of practice" that will become the focus of future fliers, including one going out today.But Nathan Sproul said it was his idea to target Pearce. Sproul, who has worked to elect Republicans, said defeating Pearce is necessary for the GOP to survive.
"The Republican Party in Arizona is either going to decide to be the party of Russell Pearce and the John Birch wing of the party - and let those people become the spokesmen and the leaders of our party - or we are going to follow the path of (Sens.) John McCain and Jon Kyl and be a party that stands for core value but is also inclusive of dissenting opinions," he said.
Sproul has not revealed the names of others who have contributed to the campaign or the amount LeVecke has donated.
The focus on Pearce is not coincidental.
LeVecke, who lives in Phoenix, is a primary foe of what may be the toughest law in the nation to punish companies that knowingly hire undocumented workers, a law crafted by Pearce. He also is one of the organizers of Wake Up Arizona, which filed suit to have the law overturned.
And Sproul is a consultant to a ballot campaign to try to persuade voters on Nov. 4 to undermine key provisions of that law.
Pearce told Capitol Media Services the comments about saving the Republican Party are just cover for the real agenda: Targeting him because of the employer sanctions law.
Pearce said he met with LeVecke three times when crafting the law and later changes adopted earlier this year. "I bent over backwards to make sure that nobody can get into trouble accidentally," he said.
The campaign is taking advantage of a provision in state law to ensure it does not indirectly help Pearce.
Candidates who run with public money, like Pearce, are entitled to a set amount of cash. If foes spend more, the candidates get a dollar-for-dollar match.
But that match ends when they hit three times the original limit. Pearce already hit that figure, $58,146 in his case, because of spending by his privately financed Republican primary foe Kevin Gibbons - meaning anything Mesa Deserves Better spends will not be matched.
LeVecke said his disagreements with Pearce go beyond his role in getting an employer sanctions measure approved.
It was the way he did it, LeVecke said, that led him to believe that Pearce lacks the character to be a legislator. He said Pearce at first said there would be no effort to take the issue to the ballot but then there was.
LeVecke and Sproul, however, are going after Pearce for his personal conduct as well as his stance on employer sanctions. One mailer pulls allegations from a 28-year-old divorce petition filed by his wife.
The complaint alleged that Pearce "is possessed of a violent temper, and has from time to time hit and shoved the wife, the last time being on February 3rd (1980), when he grabbed the wife by the throat and threw her down."
She never pursued the divorce and the couple reconciled. And in a prepared statement, she said the legal papers were filed "on my behalf" but the allegations she made "are not true."
Pearce said those who know him know the charges are false. "And it's a shame that anyone who doesn't know me would believe this garbage."
LeVecke, however, said it's more than just that. New fliers going out to voters will expose other pieces of Pearce's history, he said but refused to elaborate on what the history may be.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Kevin Gibbons Photoshop Contest
Sonoran Alliance has a photoshop contest going on for the template signs that the unions are using to support various candidates around the State. One of the candidates is you guessed it, Kevin Gibbons. We had a couple of readers suggest that that the same photoshop fun could be applied in District 18. Here is a sample they provided to get the ball rolling:
They also gave us a blank version for your own photoshop fun. Just right click on the picture and select "save as." From there, open the picture in whatever type of software you have and let the fun begin. Send in your favorites to realkevingibbons@gmail.com.
They also gave us a blank version for your own photoshop fun. Just right click on the picture and select "save as." From there, open the picture in whatever type of software you have and let the fun begin. Send in your favorites to realkevingibbons@gmail.com.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Kevin Gibbons Fails to Vote in Multiple Municipal Elections
Contact: For Immediate Release:
Matt Tolman July 28, 2008
Kevin Gibbons Fails to Vote in Multiple Municipal Elections
District 18 State Senate Candidate did not vote in Riverview, Property Tax, and Waveyard Elections - Apparently no interest in West Mesa's Future
MESA – Over the past few years, the City of Mesa has had three key municipal elections that have had a major impact on changing the face of West Mesa and the city as a whole. Each election, Riverview held in May of 2005, Property and Sales Tax held in May of 2006, and Waveyard held in November of 2007, had direct impacts on the voters of District 18.
Although these elections had some of the highest voter participation in Mesa history, Kevin Gibbons failed to vote in any of the three municipal elections.
“Development projects and incentive packages have been a hot topic. In fact, in just the last 3 years, District 18 has had two elections that allowed the voters to decide whether the projects were important for the development of West Mesa,” said Matt Tolman, District 18 Republican chairman and former candidate for West Mesa City Council, “I would like to know how Gibbons voted in May of 2005 along with 52,647 other residents of Mesa. Unfortunately, Kevin Gibbons failed to vote in the Riverview election. I would also like to know where Kevin Gibbons’ vote went in the 45,837 votes cast in November of 2007 for the Waveyard project. Unfortunately, Kevin Gibbons also failed to vote in the Waveyard election.”
According to Kevin Gibbons’ website, Gibbons states that he “has always been interested in politics and has volunteered on many campaigns over the years.” He pledges to work with the city saying, “So much more can be accomplished by working together with the City to improve services, capitalize on the opportunities for economic growth and build a better Mesa.”
“How can we count on Kevin to capitalize on opportunities when he has failed to take advantage of the ones that have already come before us,” questioned Tolman, “It’s not like any of the three municipal elections were a secret.
The Riverview election featured a multimillion dollar campaign focused on our backyards. How can he change anything at the legislature when his track record shows that he refuses to participate in the local voting process?”
Gibbons’ track record of failing to support Mesa extends beyond missing two key municipal elections. In May of 2006, 50,403 residents of Mesa voted in the election to decide a primary property tax and a sales tax extension. Kevin Gibbons failed to vote and be included in that number. Gibbons is also supported by Democrats and tax and spend State Representatives who voted for the Governor’s budget which cut over $30 million to the cities and towns, including taking $2 million away from Mesa.
On his website, Gibbons states his decision to run for the State Senate was because he “couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore. I just had to get engaged in the process.”
“Gibbons wasn’t kidding when he said he was sitting on the sidelines,” concluded Tolman, “We need someone who is committed to not only what is going on at the legislature, but also what is going on here in Mesa as well. With vote at home early ballots, there is no excuse for not participating in Mesa’s elections. We don’t need a representative in the State Senate who is going to sit on the sidelines and miss votes.”
# # #
Matt Tolman July 28, 2008
Kevin Gibbons Fails to Vote in Multiple Municipal Elections
District 18 State Senate Candidate did not vote in Riverview, Property Tax, and Waveyard Elections - Apparently no interest in West Mesa's Future
MESA – Over the past few years, the City of Mesa has had three key municipal elections that have had a major impact on changing the face of West Mesa and the city as a whole. Each election, Riverview held in May of 2005, Property and Sales Tax held in May of 2006, and Waveyard held in November of 2007, had direct impacts on the voters of District 18.
Although these elections had some of the highest voter participation in Mesa history, Kevin Gibbons failed to vote in any of the three municipal elections.
“Development projects and incentive packages have been a hot topic. In fact, in just the last 3 years, District 18 has had two elections that allowed the voters to decide whether the projects were important for the development of West Mesa,” said Matt Tolman, District 18 Republican chairman and former candidate for West Mesa City Council, “I would like to know how Gibbons voted in May of 2005 along with 52,647 other residents of Mesa. Unfortunately, Kevin Gibbons failed to vote in the Riverview election. I would also like to know where Kevin Gibbons’ vote went in the 45,837 votes cast in November of 2007 for the Waveyard project. Unfortunately, Kevin Gibbons also failed to vote in the Waveyard election.”
According to Kevin Gibbons’ website, Gibbons states that he “has always been interested in politics and has volunteered on many campaigns over the years.” He pledges to work with the city saying, “So much more can be accomplished by working together with the City to improve services, capitalize on the opportunities for economic growth and build a better Mesa.”
“How can we count on Kevin to capitalize on opportunities when he has failed to take advantage of the ones that have already come before us,” questioned Tolman, “It’s not like any of the three municipal elections were a secret.
The Riverview election featured a multimillion dollar campaign focused on our backyards. How can he change anything at the legislature when his track record shows that he refuses to participate in the local voting process?”
Gibbons’ track record of failing to support Mesa extends beyond missing two key municipal elections. In May of 2006, 50,403 residents of Mesa voted in the election to decide a primary property tax and a sales tax extension. Kevin Gibbons failed to vote and be included in that number. Gibbons is also supported by Democrats and tax and spend State Representatives who voted for the Governor’s budget which cut over $30 million to the cities and towns, including taking $2 million away from Mesa.
On his website, Gibbons states his decision to run for the State Senate was because he “couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore. I just had to get engaged in the process.”
“Gibbons wasn’t kidding when he said he was sitting on the sidelines,” concluded Tolman, “We need someone who is committed to not only what is going on at the legislature, but also what is going on here in Mesa as well. With vote at home early ballots, there is no excuse for not participating in Mesa’s elections. We don’t need a representative in the State Senate who is going to sit on the sidelines and miss votes.”
# # #
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Gibbons Funded by Out-of-Town Open Borders Supporters
Contact: For Immediate Release:
E. Paul Whetten July 23, 2008
Gibbons Funded by Out-of-Town Open Borders Supporters
District 18 1st Vice Chairman, E. Paul Whetten to Kevin Gibbons:
“Give Back Money from Open Borders Advocates”
MESA – District 18 Senate Republican Candidate Kevin Gibbons claims that he has the answers for our immigration policy problems. As an immigration attorney Mr. Gibbons has a credible claim to expertise in immigration law, but one look at his list of donors shows where his loyalties in immigration policy come from.
While Gibbons says that he wants represent Mesa, only 20.6% of his donations come from people who live within the city. In fact, only 15.1% of his donations are from people in District 18. In contrast, 100% of Russell Pearce’s donors are from inside the district.
More to the point, 53 of Gibbons’ donors are out-of-town farmers from Yuma and Buckeye, with over 30% of his total donations coming from Yuma alone. A large majority of these donations come from the farming community that is actively engaged in employing cheap labor which is against Arizona’s new employer sanctions laws. Since Mr. Gibbons would obviously better represent the views of his Yuma “constituents,” perhaps he should consider running for their senate seat.
Kevin Gibbons supports initiatives that will weaken the laws requiring the use of E-Verify. He also advocates for a guest worker program that will basically open the borders for his farm and fast food supporters who desire cheap labor. Kevin Gibbons’ policy positions are not the forward thinking policies supported by the citizens of District 18. On the contrary, they are the failed “business-as-usual” policies that do nothing to solve our immigration problems and promote the defiance of our laws.
While Gibbons talks of “real reform” for illegal immigration, his supporters and backers tell a different story. From former Democratic Party Chairmen to Open Border Supporters, his rhetoric does not match the real intentions of his patrons.
Russell Pearce has been a champion of the taxpayer and a nationally recognized leader on immigration issues. He has the conservative credentials and a solid track record of representing the people of District 18. Even a cursory examination of Mr. Gibbons’ list of out-of-town open border advocates and Democrat power brokers reveal who he would really represent.
If Mr. Gibbons sincerely wants to represent the citizens of District 18, I suggest that he return donations he’s received from supporters whose policies we have clearly rejected.
E. Paul Whetten July 23, 2008
Gibbons Funded by Out-of-Town Open Borders Supporters
District 18 1st Vice Chairman, E. Paul Whetten to Kevin Gibbons:
“Give Back Money from Open Borders Advocates”
MESA – District 18 Senate Republican Candidate Kevin Gibbons claims that he has the answers for our immigration policy problems. As an immigration attorney Mr. Gibbons has a credible claim to expertise in immigration law, but one look at his list of donors shows where his loyalties in immigration policy come from.
While Gibbons says that he wants represent Mesa, only 20.6% of his donations come from people who live within the city. In fact, only 15.1% of his donations are from people in District 18. In contrast, 100% of Russell Pearce’s donors are from inside the district.
More to the point, 53 of Gibbons’ donors are out-of-town farmers from Yuma and Buckeye, with over 30% of his total donations coming from Yuma alone. A large majority of these donations come from the farming community that is actively engaged in employing cheap labor which is against Arizona’s new employer sanctions laws. Since Mr. Gibbons would obviously better represent the views of his Yuma “constituents,” perhaps he should consider running for their senate seat.
Kevin Gibbons supports initiatives that will weaken the laws requiring the use of E-Verify. He also advocates for a guest worker program that will basically open the borders for his farm and fast food supporters who desire cheap labor. Kevin Gibbons’ policy positions are not the forward thinking policies supported by the citizens of District 18. On the contrary, they are the failed “business-as-usual” policies that do nothing to solve our immigration problems and promote the defiance of our laws.
While Gibbons talks of “real reform” for illegal immigration, his supporters and backers tell a different story. From former Democratic Party Chairmen to Open Border Supporters, his rhetoric does not match the real intentions of his patrons.
Russell Pearce has been a champion of the taxpayer and a nationally recognized leader on immigration issues. He has the conservative credentials and a solid track record of representing the people of District 18. Even a cursory examination of Mr. Gibbons’ list of out-of-town open border advocates and Democrat power brokers reveal who he would really represent.
If Mr. Gibbons sincerely wants to represent the citizens of District 18, I suggest that he return donations he’s received from supporters whose policies we have clearly rejected.
###
Monday, July 21, 2008
Kevin Gibbons Trapped Between Barack and a Tax Increase
Contact: For Immediate Release:
Rep. Andy Biggs July 21, 2008
Kevin Gibbons Trapped Between Barack and a Tax Increase
House Transportation Chairman Andy Biggs to Gibbons: Give Back Money from Democrats and Governor’s Transportation Plan Backers
MESA – In the latest salvo from special interest-funded newcomer District 18 Senate Candidate Kevin Gibbons, he compared Representative Russell Pearce to Democratic Presidential Nominee Senator Barack Obama. To that notion, House Transportation Chairman Andy Biggs replied, “Barack Obama and Russell Pearce have about as much in common as Kevin Gibbons and a real Republican.”
Governor Janet Napolitano is a top supporter of Barack Obama. Her top fundraiser Jim Pederson and his family gave over $1,500 to Kevin Gibbons and over $10,000 to Barack Obama. Under intense scrutiny, Gibbons gave away Jim Pederson’s money. However, Gibbons has not given back the other $6,660 that he has raised from Democrats and backers of the Governor Napolitano’s transportation tax increase plan.
"At least 13% of Gibbons' donors are Democrats or supporters of Governor Napolitano’s TIME initiative,” said Biggs, “It’s tough to question someone else’s fiscal credentials when you have so many backers of expanded government and wasteful spending in your own camp.”
Kevin Gibbons has claimed to be a proponent of smaller government and cutting back on wasteful spending. However, he is supported by Democrats and those who are backing the Governor’s TIME Initiative, which raises sales tax rates nearly 18% for 30 years to pay for a litany of wasteful projects. Her plan includes $1.7 billion in giveaways to environmental groups and billions more to light rail and inter-city trains.
“Why hasn’t Kevin Gibbons come out against the Governor’s TIME Initiative?” questioned Biggs, “We know the Governor is willing to cut deals to get support for her pet project. Has Kevin Gibbons been convinced that investing in a statewide train service is a ‘critical’ transportation need?”
From the budget borrowing to the transportation tax increase, the Governor and Senate and House Democrats have placed a lot of future burden on Arizona’s taxpayers. Jim Pederson and others on Gibbons’ donor list have been helping push these initiatives.
Biggs concluded, “If Kevin Gibbons wants to run as a Republican, it’s time for him to start acting like it. Support from people who advocate for this kind of wasteful spending is unacceptable for a Republican legislative candidate. He should give that money back.”
# # #
Rep. Andy Biggs July 21, 2008
Kevin Gibbons Trapped Between Barack and a Tax Increase
House Transportation Chairman Andy Biggs to Gibbons: Give Back Money from Democrats and Governor’s Transportation Plan Backers
MESA – In the latest salvo from special interest-funded newcomer District 18 Senate Candidate Kevin Gibbons, he compared Representative Russell Pearce to Democratic Presidential Nominee Senator Barack Obama. To that notion, House Transportation Chairman Andy Biggs replied, “Barack Obama and Russell Pearce have about as much in common as Kevin Gibbons and a real Republican.”
Governor Janet Napolitano is a top supporter of Barack Obama. Her top fundraiser Jim Pederson and his family gave over $1,500 to Kevin Gibbons and over $10,000 to Barack Obama. Under intense scrutiny, Gibbons gave away Jim Pederson’s money. However, Gibbons has not given back the other $6,660 that he has raised from Democrats and backers of the Governor Napolitano’s transportation tax increase plan.
"At least 13% of Gibbons' donors are Democrats or supporters of Governor Napolitano’s TIME initiative,” said Biggs, “It’s tough to question someone else’s fiscal credentials when you have so many backers of expanded government and wasteful spending in your own camp.”
Kevin Gibbons has claimed to be a proponent of smaller government and cutting back on wasteful spending. However, he is supported by Democrats and those who are backing the Governor’s TIME Initiative, which raises sales tax rates nearly 18% for 30 years to pay for a litany of wasteful projects. Her plan includes $1.7 billion in giveaways to environmental groups and billions more to light rail and inter-city trains.
“Why hasn’t Kevin Gibbons come out against the Governor’s TIME Initiative?” questioned Biggs, “We know the Governor is willing to cut deals to get support for her pet project. Has Kevin Gibbons been convinced that investing in a statewide train service is a ‘critical’ transportation need?”
From the budget borrowing to the transportation tax increase, the Governor and Senate and House Democrats have placed a lot of future burden on Arizona’s taxpayers. Jim Pederson and others on Gibbons’ donor list have been helping push these initiatives.
Biggs concluded, “If Kevin Gibbons wants to run as a Republican, it’s time for him to start acting like it. Support from people who advocate for this kind of wasteful spending is unacceptable for a Republican legislative candidate. He should give that money back.”
# # #
Employer-sanctions foes bankrolling Gibbons
From the Arizona Republic community section.
Employer-sanctions foes bankrolling Gibbons
Bob Hisserich
When it comes to employer sanctions, District 18 Senate Republican candidate Kevin Gibbons claims that he wants to revisit the issue as part of a “comprehensive plan that deals with all of the different aspects of the issue.”
As a national leader in employer sanctions, thanks largely to Senate candidate Russell Pearce, Arizona has one of the most effective, non-discriminatory laws in the nation.
Gibbons' motive behind this quest to change the employer sanctions laws came into focus when I discovered some of Gibbons' campaign donors who contributed the maximum amounts are behind the deceptively titled “Stop Illegal Hiring Act.” Read more.
Employer-sanctions foes bankrolling Gibbons
Bob Hisserich
When it comes to employer sanctions, District 18 Senate Republican candidate Kevin Gibbons claims that he wants to revisit the issue as part of a “comprehensive plan that deals with all of the different aspects of the issue.”
As a national leader in employer sanctions, thanks largely to Senate candidate Russell Pearce, Arizona has one of the most effective, non-discriminatory laws in the nation.
Gibbons' motive behind this quest to change the employer sanctions laws came into focus when I discovered some of Gibbons' campaign donors who contributed the maximum amounts are behind the deceptively titled “Stop Illegal Hiring Act.” Read more.
Perhaps Gibbons will have a new running mate based on his ties to the fast food franchisers:
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Kevin Gibbons Funded by Employer Sanctions Opponents
Contact: For Immediate Release:
Bob Hisserich July 14, 2008
Kevin Gibbons Funded by Employer Sanctions Opponents
Bob Hisserich to Gibbons: Give Back Money from “Stop Illegal Hiring” Masterminds
MESA –When it comes to employer sanctions, District 18 Senate Republican Candidate Kevin Gibbons claims that he wants to revisit the issue as part of a “comprehensive plan that deals with all of the different aspects of the issue.” As a national leader in employer sanctions, thanks largely to Senate Candidate Russell Pearce, Arizona has one of the most effective, non-discriminatory laws in the nation.
Gibbons motive behind this quest to change the employer sanctions laws came into focus when I discovered some of Gibbons campaign donors contributed the maximum amounts are behind the deceptively titled “Stop Illegal Hiring Act.”
The people behind this initiative have been vocal opponents of any illegal immigrations enforcement efforts and are bankrolling Kevin Gibbons to get their voice heard in the legislature. Arizona has too many people in office who are not who they appear to be and electing Mr. Gibbons would be like hiring a fox to guard the henhouse. Gibbons has received $2,640 in donations from prominent members of the campaign – shared donors include:
- Andrew Pacheco, Campaign Chairman
- Marion “Mac” Magruder
- Sandy Magruder
- Western Growers Political Action Committee, AZ
- Anna Marie Aja, Western Growers
- Matthew Bigham, Western Growers
- Chad Willems, Campaign Consultant
In all, those who have donated to Mr. Gibbons have also contributed nearly $35,000 directly to the “Stop Illegal Hiring Act,” not to mention the ADDITIONAL $38,000 in donations filtered through “Wake Up Arizona” which is made up of the same individuals. Their ballot initiative, if passed, would significantly weaken Arizona’s Employer sanctions laws.
Mr. Gibbon’s supporters want to abolish the required use of E-Verify and want to go back to the far riskier and much maligned Federal I-9 process which is full of fraud. E-Verify is 99.7% accurate and is working to help employers hire LEGAL employees easily in conforming to Arizona State Law. Gibbons would be mistaken to attempt to discontinue the use of E-Verify. My wife has been a Human Resource Professional for 21 years and uses E-Verify and attests to it’s effectiveness in hiring a legal workforce.
Returning to the old system would require Arizona to wait until the Federal Government has taken action against an employer before the State is allowed to take action. That would be unmistakably a step in the wrong direction.
What’s more, their plan eliminates the use of anonymous tips to help catch people who are hiring people illegally! If anonymous tips are good enough to report other crimes they should be good enough for hiring those who are suspected of being in the country illegally.
Gutting Arizona’s employer sanctions law is not something that the constituents of District 18 or the citizens of Arizona will stand for. Apparently Kevin Gibbons doesn’t want to revisit the law, he wants to gut it on behalf of the “cheap labor” donors who are bankrolling is campaign. The people of District 18 deserve better than someone masquerading as a Republican who has a workable, tough policy on illegal immigration enforcement and hiring.
If Kevin Gibbons wants to represent the people in District 18, Kevin Gibbons should remove his mask of being a Republican, be honest, and admit that the people behind his campaign are really the people behind the deceptive “Stop Illegal Hiring Act.”
# # #
Bob Hisserich July 14, 2008
Kevin Gibbons Funded by Employer Sanctions Opponents
Bob Hisserich to Gibbons: Give Back Money from “Stop Illegal Hiring” Masterminds
MESA –When it comes to employer sanctions, District 18 Senate Republican Candidate Kevin Gibbons claims that he wants to revisit the issue as part of a “comprehensive plan that deals with all of the different aspects of the issue.” As a national leader in employer sanctions, thanks largely to Senate Candidate Russell Pearce, Arizona has one of the most effective, non-discriminatory laws in the nation.
Gibbons motive behind this quest to change the employer sanctions laws came into focus when I discovered some of Gibbons campaign donors contributed the maximum amounts are behind the deceptively titled “Stop Illegal Hiring Act.”
The people behind this initiative have been vocal opponents of any illegal immigrations enforcement efforts and are bankrolling Kevin Gibbons to get their voice heard in the legislature. Arizona has too many people in office who are not who they appear to be and electing Mr. Gibbons would be like hiring a fox to guard the henhouse. Gibbons has received $2,640 in donations from prominent members of the campaign – shared donors include:
- Andrew Pacheco, Campaign Chairman
- Marion “Mac” Magruder
- Sandy Magruder
- Western Growers Political Action Committee, AZ
- Anna Marie Aja, Western Growers
- Matthew Bigham, Western Growers
- Chad Willems, Campaign Consultant
In all, those who have donated to Mr. Gibbons have also contributed nearly $35,000 directly to the “Stop Illegal Hiring Act,” not to mention the ADDITIONAL $38,000 in donations filtered through “Wake Up Arizona” which is made up of the same individuals. Their ballot initiative, if passed, would significantly weaken Arizona’s Employer sanctions laws.
Mr. Gibbon’s supporters want to abolish the required use of E-Verify and want to go back to the far riskier and much maligned Federal I-9 process which is full of fraud. E-Verify is 99.7% accurate and is working to help employers hire LEGAL employees easily in conforming to Arizona State Law. Gibbons would be mistaken to attempt to discontinue the use of E-Verify. My wife has been a Human Resource Professional for 21 years and uses E-Verify and attests to it’s effectiveness in hiring a legal workforce.
Returning to the old system would require Arizona to wait until the Federal Government has taken action against an employer before the State is allowed to take action. That would be unmistakably a step in the wrong direction.
What’s more, their plan eliminates the use of anonymous tips to help catch people who are hiring people illegally! If anonymous tips are good enough to report other crimes they should be good enough for hiring those who are suspected of being in the country illegally.
Gutting Arizona’s employer sanctions law is not something that the constituents of District 18 or the citizens of Arizona will stand for. Apparently Kevin Gibbons doesn’t want to revisit the law, he wants to gut it on behalf of the “cheap labor” donors who are bankrolling is campaign. The people of District 18 deserve better than someone masquerading as a Republican who has a workable, tough policy on illegal immigration enforcement and hiring.
If Kevin Gibbons wants to represent the people in District 18, Kevin Gibbons should remove his mask of being a Republican, be honest, and admit that the people behind his campaign are really the people behind the deceptive “Stop Illegal Hiring Act.”
# # #
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Gibbons Takes Liquor Donations
Contact: For Immediate Release:
Matt Tolman July 9, 2008
District 18 Republican Senate Challenger Takes Liquor Donations
District 18 Chairman Matt Tolman to Kevin Gibbons:
Give Back Liquor Money like You Gave Back the Democratic Chairman’s Money
MESA – District 18 Senate Republican Candidate Kevin Gibbons is in hot water again. Less than a week after it was revealed that he took donations from former Democratic Party Chairman Jim Pederson, it has been announced that his campaign has received donations from prominent members of the liquor industry.
District 18 Republican Chairman Matt Tolman questioned whether Gibbons’ quest to raise big dollars has put his values at odds with those who he intends to represent. “It looks like Gibbons is willing to take money from just about anyone who will write a check,” said District 18 Republican Chairman Matt Tolman, “We need someone who represents the citizens of the district, not special interests.”
In all, Gibbons has already received $1,950 in donations from prominent members of Arizona’s liquor industry. Donors Include:
Matt Tolman July 9, 2008
District 18 Republican Senate Challenger Takes Liquor Donations
District 18 Chairman Matt Tolman to Kevin Gibbons:
Give Back Liquor Money like You Gave Back the Democratic Chairman’s Money
MESA – District 18 Senate Republican Candidate Kevin Gibbons is in hot water again. Less than a week after it was revealed that he took donations from former Democratic Party Chairman Jim Pederson, it has been announced that his campaign has received donations from prominent members of the liquor industry.
District 18 Republican Chairman Matt Tolman questioned whether Gibbons’ quest to raise big dollars has put his values at odds with those who he intends to represent. “It looks like Gibbons is willing to take money from just about anyone who will write a check,” said District 18 Republican Chairman Matt Tolman, “We need someone who represents the citizens of the district, not special interests.”
In all, Gibbons has already received $1,950 in donations from prominent members of Arizona’s liquor industry. Donors Include:
- BEER & WINE DISTRIBUTORS OF ARIZONA PAC
- Bob Delgado, President, HENSLEY & COMPANY
- Joseph Cotroneo, GM, CRESCENT CROWN DISTRIBUTORS
- Douglas Yonko, Principal, HENSLEY & COMPANY
- Steven Barclay, Executive Director, BEER & WINE DISTRIBUTORS OF ARIZONA
“We need a champion who will continue to fight for liquor control issues,” explained Tolman, “Someone who is committed to preventing underage drinking and supporting DUI laws. We need to know that the people who represent us at the legislature are not compromised because of deals they have cut for campaign donations.”
Kevin Gibbons is searching all over Arizona for donations to run against conservative Russell Pearce for State Senator in District 18. Pearce has been a strong voice on fiscal and immigration issues and is running as a clean elections candidate.
“District 18 already has a candidate for Senate who has been a supporter of family values and a friend to the taxpayer,” said Tolman, “He has the support of conservative groups and taxpayer organizations. Certainly more of a crowd that represents District 18 compared to Gibbons and his laundry list of liquor purveyors and democratic insiders.”
Tolman concluded, “If I were Kevin Gibbons, I would get out the checkbook again and return the money to the liquor industry like he did last week to Jim Pederson. And if he is set on donating it instead, perhaps he should give it to MADD.”
# # #
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
Gibbons skipped by Maricopa County Republicans
MARICOPA COUNTY REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE
10050 W. Bell Road, Suite 49, Sun City West, AZ 85351
623-977-4532 mcrchairman@AOL.com
Tom Husband, Chairman Diane Ortiz-Parsons, First Vice-chair
Jeff Greenspan, Second Vice-chair
Debbie Lesko, Secretary Chuck Hammerslag, Treasurer
10050 W. Bell Road, Suite 49, Sun City West, AZ 85351
623-977-4532 mcrchairman@AOL.com
Tom Husband, Chairman Diane Ortiz-Parsons, First Vice-chair
Jeff Greenspan, Second Vice-chair
Debbie Lesko, Secretary Chuck Hammerslag, Treasurer
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
July 4 2008
Frosty Taylor,
Communications/PR
frostytaylor@cox.net
MCRC Endorses Rep. Russell Pearce for State Senate
The Maricopa County Republican Committee (MCRC) has endorsed current State Representative Russell Pearce in his primary contest for the vacant State Senate seat in Legislative District 18. The endorsement was voted upon Thursday evening (July 3rd) during the regular MCRC Executive Guidance Committee (EGC) meeting held at GOP headquarters in Phoenix.
While not without precedence, the endorsement of a candidate in a primary by the MCRC is very rare. The last time it occurred was in the 2004 LD20 State Senate contest between John Huppenthal and Slade Mead. According to MCRC Chairman Tom Husband, like the 2004 endorsement, this decision was not the result of one single thing, but an accumulation of many things.
“It is hard to imagine a better and more principled legislator than Russell Pearce” said Husband, who added “What is going on in LD18 is an attempt by fringe open-border and amnesty advocates to exact revenge on Rep. Pearce for his brave stands on border security and preserving the rule of law.” Proponents providing major funding to Pearce’s opponent, Kevin Gibbons, are often related to agricultural, fast food, and homebuilding businesses. Many are also major donors to the perversely named “Stop Illegal Hiring” initiative that would gut Arizona’s employer sanctions law. Another major factor in the MCRC’s decision was the high-profile support Gibbons is receiving from Democrat legislators and party leaders, including Yuma State Representative Lynne Pancrazi and 2006 U.S. Senate candidate and Democrat party boss Jim Pedersen.
As one “Yes” vote observed during the discussion of the endorsement, “The Democrats already have one candidate in the general election. They don’t deserve to have two shots at the seat.”
The MCRC endorsement allows the Maricopa County Republican Committee to use its resources and large grassroots organizations to get involved on Pearce’s behalf. Several district chairmen involved in the endorsement have indicated that they will be lining up volunteers to phone bank and door knock on Pearce’s behalf.
The Maricopa County Republican Committee (MCRC) has endorsed current State Representative Russell Pearce in his primary contest for the vacant State Senate seat in Legislative District 18. The endorsement was voted upon Thursday evening (July 3rd) during the regular MCRC Executive Guidance Committee (EGC) meeting held at GOP headquarters in Phoenix.
While not without precedence, the endorsement of a candidate in a primary by the MCRC is very rare. The last time it occurred was in the 2004 LD20 State Senate contest between John Huppenthal and Slade Mead. According to MCRC Chairman Tom Husband, like the 2004 endorsement, this decision was not the result of one single thing, but an accumulation of many things.
“It is hard to imagine a better and more principled legislator than Russell Pearce” said Husband, who added “What is going on in LD18 is an attempt by fringe open-border and amnesty advocates to exact revenge on Rep. Pearce for his brave stands on border security and preserving the rule of law.” Proponents providing major funding to Pearce’s opponent, Kevin Gibbons, are often related to agricultural, fast food, and homebuilding businesses. Many are also major donors to the perversely named “Stop Illegal Hiring” initiative that would gut Arizona’s employer sanctions law. Another major factor in the MCRC’s decision was the high-profile support Gibbons is receiving from Democrat legislators and party leaders, including Yuma State Representative Lynne Pancrazi and 2006 U.S. Senate candidate and Democrat party boss Jim Pedersen.
As one “Yes” vote observed during the discussion of the endorsement, “The Democrats already have one candidate in the general election. They don’t deserve to have two shots at the seat.”
The MCRC endorsement allows the Maricopa County Republican Committee to use its resources and large grassroots organizations to get involved on Pearce’s behalf. Several district chairmen involved in the endorsement have indicated that they will be lining up volunteers to phone bank and door knock on Pearce’s behalf.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Gibbons Takes Max Donations from Former Democratic Party Chairman
Contact: For Immediate Release:
Tony Reinhard July 3, 2008
District 18 Republican Challenger Takes Max Donations from Former Democratic Party Chairman
Maricopa County Republican Party Chairman to Gibbons: Give Back Jim Pederson’s Money
MESA – District 18 Senate Republican Candidate Kevin Gibbons has received over $1,500 in campaign contributions from Millionaire developer and former Democrat Party Chairman Jim Pederson and his family. Arizona voters will remember Jim Pederson as the former chairman of the Arizona Democratic Party who also ran as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate against Senator Jon Kyl.
“I can’t understand why a Republican would take money from people who have clearly aligned themselves against the Republican Party and its principles,” said Maricopa County Republican Party Chairman Tom Husband, “I have a strong recommendation for Kevin Gibbons: Give back Jim Pederson’s money.”
As Democratic Party chairman, Pederson is remembered for having supported and helped to fund the Clean Elections Initiative, which limits our 1st Amendment rights in state elections. He also is considered to have been instrumental in recruiting Janet Napolitano to run for Governor. Napolitano has gone on to push through a bank breaking 2008-09 budget that includes reliance on debt, property tax increases, accounting gimmicks, fund sweeps, speeding tickets, and increased state gambling just to keep things in balance.
In 2006, Jim Pederson spent millions of his own money to bankroll his Senate campaign. In the end, he lost to Republican Senator Jon Kyl by nearly ten points. Now, Jim Pederson is using his money to fund the Governor’s State Trust Land Initiative and has donated money to the redistricting initiative effort.
“Pederson is up to his old tricks in targeting trusted Republicans just like he did as chairman and when he ran for the United States Senate against John Kyl,” said Husband, “The Arizona State Senate can’t afford any more people who take their cues from the Governor and her people. We need someone who will stand up for the taxpayer and promote fiscal responsibility.
In addition to Mr. Gibbons, District 18 also has Russell Pearce, who spent 8 years in the Arizona House, seeking the Republican nomination to replace Senator Karen Johnson as the State Senator for District 18. He is running as a clean elections candidate, while his opponent, Kevin Gibbons is running as a traditionally funded candidate.
“We hope Mr. Gibbons comes to his senses and gives the money back to Jim Pederson”, said Tom Husband.
###
Tony Reinhard July 3, 2008
District 18 Republican Challenger Takes Max Donations from Former Democratic Party Chairman
Maricopa County Republican Party Chairman to Gibbons: Give Back Jim Pederson’s Money
MESA – District 18 Senate Republican Candidate Kevin Gibbons has received over $1,500 in campaign contributions from Millionaire developer and former Democrat Party Chairman Jim Pederson and his family. Arizona voters will remember Jim Pederson as the former chairman of the Arizona Democratic Party who also ran as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate against Senator Jon Kyl.
“I can’t understand why a Republican would take money from people who have clearly aligned themselves against the Republican Party and its principles,” said Maricopa County Republican Party Chairman Tom Husband, “I have a strong recommendation for Kevin Gibbons: Give back Jim Pederson’s money.”
As Democratic Party chairman, Pederson is remembered for having supported and helped to fund the Clean Elections Initiative, which limits our 1st Amendment rights in state elections. He also is considered to have been instrumental in recruiting Janet Napolitano to run for Governor. Napolitano has gone on to push through a bank breaking 2008-09 budget that includes reliance on debt, property tax increases, accounting gimmicks, fund sweeps, speeding tickets, and increased state gambling just to keep things in balance.
In 2006, Jim Pederson spent millions of his own money to bankroll his Senate campaign. In the end, he lost to Republican Senator Jon Kyl by nearly ten points. Now, Jim Pederson is using his money to fund the Governor’s State Trust Land Initiative and has donated money to the redistricting initiative effort.
“Pederson is up to his old tricks in targeting trusted Republicans just like he did as chairman and when he ran for the United States Senate against John Kyl,” said Husband, “The Arizona State Senate can’t afford any more people who take their cues from the Governor and her people. We need someone who will stand up for the taxpayer and promote fiscal responsibility.
In addition to Mr. Gibbons, District 18 also has Russell Pearce, who spent 8 years in the Arizona House, seeking the Republican nomination to replace Senator Karen Johnson as the State Senator for District 18. He is running as a clean elections candidate, while his opponent, Kevin Gibbons is running as a traditionally funded candidate.
“We hope Mr. Gibbons comes to his senses and gives the money back to Jim Pederson”, said Tom Husband.
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