The Arizona Legislature has put a lack of competence on display for all to see. A bill that will change the way party activists become party officials was fast-tracked by our leaders, Republicans and Democrats. The bill was not read by any of the legislators before they voted on it. Republican Party activists are angry and Republican lawmakers are trying to fix it. Something made it harder because they will need the help of Democratic legislators to fix it. Democrats should be willing to help their GOP colleagues. Last week, the House and Senate leadership pushed through a pair of bills to clarify the number of nominating signatures congressional and legislative candidates will need to collect to get on the ballot. The one-time clean up is to deal with logistical problems created by the redrawn political lines. The bill went into effect immediately so that candidates could start filing their nominating petitions this week. The plan was passed by the required two-thirds majority and sent to the governor who promptly signed the bill. No one actually read the bill. They would have realized that it changed the way precinct committeemen are selected. The PC's are the activist base of each party. The direction and leadership of the party is determined by these people. If a seat on the Board of Supervisors becomes vacant, they draw up a list of potential replacements. During the primary, PC's are elected. Activists in the MAGA wing of the GOP are trying to change that, so that they don't see a move toward moderation within the party. Imagine waking up on Friday to find out that PCs won't be elected this year and that the number of PCs may be cut. The emergency bill calls for the appointment of PC's by the county political parties, with the approval of the Board of Supervisors. Democrats don't seem to care. Republican legislators are furious because Republican activists are furious. Rep. Joseph Chaplik, R-Scottsdale, asked for a meeting with leadership on Monday. #HB2839 was sold as a way to overcome the incompetence of Katie HobbsI requested a meeting with leadership MON morning to correct the PC issue IMMEDIATELY I am demanding that we re-empower our grassroots PC’s and their hard work for this state. @AZHouseGOP @AZGOP @AZSenateGOPHow to make a mess of things in one day
GOP activists are furious
March 5, 2017: Joseph Chaplik.
The congressman didn't empower himself by reading the bill before voting.
I didn't point fingers. New language is usually highlighted in a bill proposal. I recommend that we repeal it and start over with a properly formatted bill.
I won’t point fingers. I will just say that new language is usually highlighted in a bill proposal.
HB2389 PC changes were not highlighted. I have recommended that we repeal it & start over with a properly formatted bill, sent through committee with public comments. #DoItRight
— Senator Kelly Townsend (@AZKellyT) March 6, 2022
New language isn't highlighted in a bill that sets the law for this year and not a permanent change. It's surprising that a long-serving legislator wouldn't know that.
She is apparently not alone.
They approved the law but never read it.
There is only one problem.
A two-thirds majority is needed to repeal the law. Democrats will need to support the Republicans.
The three Democrats on the House Rules Committee voted against allowing the introduction of a bill to repeal the PC changes. The Arizona Mirror reported that the House Minority Leader wouldn't commit to supporting the plan.
I would be interested to hear a compelling case they could make to myself and my caucus why we should do that.
Some Republicans are going on the attack because Democrats are refusing to commit.
Republicans shouldn't be left hanging by Democrats. They should repeal the law.
For a price.
The early voting system in the state should be left alone and reform should be done to make it more difficult.
Maybe a seat at the table when Republicans are setting the state's budget priorities.
Republicans agreed to kill the plan to divert more tax money to private schools through a massive expansion of school vouchers.
Republicans are demanding that Democrats protect democracy by ensuring that PC's will continue to be elected rather than appointed.
Legislators should be equally motivated to protect democracy. This is a failure of leadership by both sides.
Every single legislator should be equally motivated to protect democracy! There should have been ZERO votes on this bill last week.
This is a failure of leadership by both sides!
— Merissa Hamilton (@merissahamilton) March 8, 2022
She is absolutely correct.
It is time for her and the Republican legislators who jump to the party to acknowledge that democracy resulted in nearly half of the House and Senate being represented by Democrats.
Republicans hold a one-vote majority in each chamber and ignore the Democrats who represent the voters.
Ignored until they are needed.
Like now.
Roberts can be reached at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. She can be followed on the social networking site, at@LaurieRoberts.
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