Jeff Hatch-Miller

PHOENIX  - Three former Arizona legislators are now state utility and securities regulators.

Democrats Sandra Kennedy and Paul Newman and Republican Bob Stump on Monday took their oath of office to begin four-year terms on the Arizona Corporation Commission. They were elected in November.

With Stump joining incumbents Kris Mayes and Gary Pierce, Republicans retain control of the five-member elected commission.

The three new commissioners fill seats vacated by Republicans Mike Gleason, Jeff Hatch-Miller and Bill Mundell.

If Jan Brewer becomes Governor, who be appointed as Secretary of State? Here are some early names to consider

Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell
Outgoing Senate President Tim Bee
Former State Rep. Laura Knaperek
Outgoing ACC Jeff Hatch-Miller
Deputy Secretary of State Kevin Tyne
Tucson Lawyer John Munger

I am also told there are dozens of other people trying to position themselves for the nomination, but these are some of the more prominent names being floated right now.

In a letter sent to the entire Arizona delegationin the U.S. House and Senate, the Arizona Corporation Commission is urging the state's national legislators to support the extension of the investment tax credit for solar energy and other renewable energy sources. The credit's renewal was passed in the House but is stalling in the Senate, and is set to expire in December of 2008.

"As rising natural gas prices drive the cost of electricity upward," read the letter, "it is vital that Arizona look to alternative sources of energy. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, solar power is the logical choice for our state."

The ACC has been supporting two large-scale solar power projects: The Solana Generating Station, which will cover hundreds of acres at Gila Bend, and another station whose construction costs and output will be shared by a "multi-state consortium of ten southwestern utilities."

In the letter, the ACC warns, "Unless Congress acts soon to extend the 30 percent investment tax credit ("ITC") past its December 31, 2008 expiration date, neither of these projects will come to fruition."

Jim Ogsbury’s latest press release is titled “Former Democratic Party Chair Exposed.”

Ogsbury’s camp seems to have realized, despite his party registration, Democratic Congressman Harry Mitchell is personally popular in his home 5th Congressional District.  When a politician is personally liked by his constituents it makes it harder to attack them. 

Ogsbury’s campaign today issued the press release to show how Mitchell has voted with Democratic Majority 88.7% of the time.  Ogsbury takes much of the same line former candidate Jeff Hatch-Miller took during his short flirtation with the seat.  Hatch-Miller seemed to talk a lot about the failures of Congress and the need for change, recognizing Congress’ approval rating is at a historical low just like the President’s.  This shows the fine balance the eventual Republican nominee will have in trying to attack a popular Congressman who is part of an unpopular Congress.

Susan Bitter Smith was absent from last night's CD5 candidate forum, but she may not be absent from the race for long.

Democrat Bill Foster’s Saturday victory in IL-14 is not necessarily a reason for optimism for those Democrats who are gunning for Republican John Shadegg’s Third District seat, Republican Corporation Commissioner Jeff Hatch-Miller said today.

“I don’t believe Congressional District 3 is in any danger,” Hatch-Miller told PolitickerAZ.com  read more »

You can be assured when the Republican nominee for the 5th Congressional District is decided, that nominee will try to start painting Harry Mitchell as an out of step liberal in a Republican district. Congressman J.D.  read more »

Arizona Corporation Commissioner Jeff Hatch-Miller has dropped out of the primary race for the 5th Congressional District.

As East Valley Tribune's Paul Giblin reports:

Former Maricopa County Treasurer David Schweikert has picked up the support of some prominent elected officials in his primary bid to run against CD5 Democratic Congressman Harry Mitchell.  read more »

Republican Susan Bitter Smith is close to making a decision on a campaign for U.S. Congress in District 5, she tells PolitickerAZ.com Tuesday.

“We have to make an announcement one way or the other soon,” she said.