David Schapira

With the spending freeze in place to help cut down on spending and balance the state’s budget, Speaker Jim Weiers is getting serious on his spending cuts. Some of his fellow House members may not be to happy about it though. While the elected officials are essentially exempt from the hiring freeze, Weiers has yet to replace staffer Brad Regens, Director of Fiscal Policy.  read more »

Mark Thompson wants his old seat back.

The former state legislator, who chaired the House Human Services Committee during his sole term in office, has filed to run again in Legislative District 17.

Thompson served from 2003 to 2005, and ran again in 2006, but dropped out before the primary. He has most recently been a lobbyist with Arizona Advocacy Group LLC, counting among his clients Arizona State University.

"I miss it," said Thompson when asked about wanting to take another shot. "I can't stay away."