With the PolitickerAZ.com Wake-Up Call e-mailed to your inbox, phone, Blackberry or PDA first thing in the morning, you can get a rundown of Arizona's top political headlines. Sign up to get the Wake-Up Call delivered every morning.

With the PolitickerAZ.com Wake-Up Call e-mailed to your inbox, phone, Blackberry or PDA first thing in the morning, you can get a rundown of Arizona's top political headlines. Sign up to get the Wake-Up Call delivered every morning.

Hay gets another endorsement

Marc Spitzer, former Arizona Senate majority leader and past chairman of the Arizona Corporation Commissioner, has endorsed Sydney Hay in her bid to secure the Republican nomination in the 1st Congressional District. (PolitickerAZ.com, Evan Brown)

Link: http://www.politickeraz.com/evanbrown/1795/hay-gets-another-endorsement

Tribal gaming profits down

PHOENIX -- The state's soft economy is not resulting in more Arizonans wagering they can beat the odds by gambling their way to prosperity. (Daily Sun, Howard Fischer)

Link: http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2008/07/31/news/state/20080731_arizo_...

Early vote for primary starts

The last thing you may be thinking about in the hot summer weather is the primary election, but early voting begins today for the Sept. 2 primary.

Maricopa County Elections Department officials plan to mail out close to a half-million early ballots beginning today to people who have signed up to receive them. (Arizona Republic, Anne Ryman)

Link: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/07/31/20080731earlyvote31.ht...

Ariz. ends health plan for disabled

A temporary health-insurance plan for Arizonans on disability has been shut down by the state for lack of funding, leaving 250 clients without coverage as they cope with serious medical problems. (Arizona Republic, Dennis Wagner)

Link: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/07/31/20080731ahcccs0731.htm...

GOP pals compete for Senate seat

A political throwdown between two Gilbert pals is leading to a tight campaign and forcing Republicans in District 22, a largely conservative southeast Valley legislative district, to choose.

Senate Majority Leader Thayer Verschoor faces state Rep. Eddie Farnsworth in the Sept. 2 primary for the district's Senate seat. (Arizona Republic, Mike Walbert)

Link: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/07/31/20080731eddieVSthayer0...

Counseling will allow ex-legislator to escape charge

Former state Rep. Mark DeSimone of Phoenix will undergo counseling in exchange for dismissal of the assault charge against him in a domestic-violence complaint.

The agreement was signed Wednesday in Phoenix City Court. (Arizona Republic, Mary Jo Pitzl)

Link: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/07/31/20080731desimone0731.h...

Early voting is reshaping '08 campaigns

Requests for early ballots in Pima County this election season have increased more than twofold — a phenomenon that has already altered how candidates are campaigning and is likely to make the final days leading up to Election Day less significant than in years past. (Daily Star, Daniel Scarpinato)

Link: http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/politics/250668.php

Governor joins Kyl in call for utility aid

PHOENIX — Saying not everyone needs more heat, Gov. Janet Napolitano wants the Bush administration to withdraw its opposition to additional funds to help the needy pay their utility bills. (Daily Star, Howard Fischer)

Link: http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/metro/250694.php

Voters can meet state candidates

Valley residents have a chance to meet the candidates vying for the state House and Senate seats next month.

Temple Emanuel in Tempe will host a candidate forum Aug. 17.

Each of the participating candidates from Districts 17 through 22 will get a chance to make introductory statements and then respond to audience questions. (East Valley Tribune, Sonu Munshi)

Link: http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/122009

AG declines probe of council members

Due to a tight budget and limited manpower, the Arizona Attorney General's Office has declined to investigate two El Mirage City Council members accused of living outside the city.

In a July 25 letter, Assistant Attorney General Theodore Campagnolo suggested that El Mirage turn to another city attorney's office to resolve the matter surrounding Councilmen Adam Super and Xavier Bedolla. (Arizona Republic, Lily Leung)

Link: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/07/30/20080730gl-nwvrecall08...

More than 30 vying for Pinal County offices

Early voting starts on July 31 and Pinal County residents have a lot to think about this election year.

With the primary election coming up in September, this is one of the biggest elections Pinal County has seen, Elections Director Gilbert Hoyos said. (Arizona Republic, Lynh Bui)

Link: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/07/30/20080730st-elexkickoff...

With the PolitickerAZ.com Wake-Up Call e-mailed to your inbox, phone, Blackberry or PDA first thing in the morning, you can get a rundown of Arizona's top political headlines. Sign up to get the Wake-Up Call delivered every morning.