Monday in July hot Arizona politics

Stormy Tucson.

UPDATE, 7pm: Gov. signs 3 energy bills into law that I sponsored/supported.

TUCSON -- I'll likely be on the radio today with John C. Scott talking politics between 4:30-5pm Arizona time on AM 1330 in Tucson/SoAZ or via web.

The Arizona legislature will take to the floor today only to 'pledge & pray' during a slow summer special session. There's been no real progress yet on a holistic budget solution.

AZ Dems check '6000 yr old earth' Allen on uranium

Dems reject Allen's myths, call for protection of Grand Canyon from unwise and harmful uranium mining.

PHOENIX -- Arizona lawmakers counter '6000 year old earth' GOP Sen. Sylvia Allen on the uranium mining controversy near the Grand Canyon.

See today's news release from the capitol.

MSNBC political reporter Keith Olbermann recently named Allen 'the worst person in the world' for her ignorance. Watch the video.

Vote Patterson for re-election as State Rep. for D29

Rep. Daniel Patterson: family man, ecologist and leader for a better Arizona.

TUCSON -- I'm proud to announce I'll be running for re-election in 2010 to keep serving the good people of Tucson's downtown, south and southeast sides as a State Representative from Arizona's legislative district 29.

It's been a challenging year at the Arizona Capitol, yet I humbly feel I've been effective, earned respect, learned a lot and worked well with other members using my skills and determination for the common good. I also serve with influence on two key House Committees critical to Tucson and Pima County's interests: Water and Energy, and Military Affairs and Public Safety.

My family and I deeply appreciate and value the strong support we've received, and we respectfully ask for your backing and vote again next year.

With the on-going support of my constituents I look forward to continuing to solve problems, help people and build bridges for positive change and economic justice in Arizona. Thank you.

G-8 failure reflects US failure on climate change

Real change or just hot air?

WASHINGTON -- Top NASA and global warming scientist Dr. Jim Hansen calls out the G-8 and US leaders in an important new column, G-8 Failure Reflects U.S. Failure on Climate Change.

In other US environmental news read about Sam Hamilton, the man tapped to run the deeply troubled US Fish & Wildlife Service.

Brewer still won't work with AZ Dems on budget

Stubborn ultra-partisan Brewer harms Arizona.

PHOENIX -- AZ Gov. Jan Brewer (R) is all talk and no game.

Unbelievably, she still refuses to bring both parties to table to negotiate for a fair budget solution.

Chillin' with the fam in the northern Great Lakes

Love the Great Lakes.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN -- I'm thankful to be enjoying a cool and relaxing family vacation in the upper Great Lakes.

I'm a lucky man.

Brewer's AZ sales tax hike idea bad for middle-class

Compromise at the copper dome?

UPDATE, 6:30pm: The Arizona legislature made some progress today, but budget problems persist and will likely drag on over the summer and maybe even into fall.

PHOENIX -- I and many lawmakers are skeptical Republican Gov. Jan Brewer's still unplanned special session will result in a fair Arizona budget.

Brewer's 18% sales tax rate increase desire is still a bad idea that is unfair and harmful to Arizona's poor and middle-class.

The most economically fair and sound budget proposal remains the Arizona Democratic plan at StrongerArizona.com

AZ Rs fight as we cheer Independence from crown

Fireworks over Tucson and LD29.

TUCSON -- Happy to have a break from the Gov. Brewer/GOP crazy fighting at the Arizona capitol. See AZ House Dems' latest news release.

Live AZ budget news from capitol @RepPatterson

Hot in PHX, time to get outta here.

UPDATE, 7/1: Ugly night at capitol. Gov Brewer should VETO terrible Adams/Burns budget today. Going fishing.

PHOENIX -- Follow or visit me at twitter.com/reppatterson for the latest from inside the capitol on the AZ budget, bills and possible state gov't shutdown.

News links on AZ politics, taxes, budgets & wildlife

SoAZ summer storm.

TUCSON -- Some news stories and editorials this week from Arizona you may want to check out.

House endorses bill to entice clean energy firms.

Ugly compromise floated on budget.

Kofa refuge threatened.

I'll be back at the State Capitol Mon AM to continue the good fight for real people and a more fair budget. Follow the latest @RepPatterson on twitter.