We’ve got about two months until Election Day. By now, you probably know a good amount about most candidates — especially if you read this newsletter. But you might still have some areas you need to know more about.
We’re wondering: What sorts of elections stories do you want/need to read before the November election? What haven’t you seen elsewhere that you think needs to be covered?
We’ll be monitoring the discussion as usual, so we’ll respond to y’all with links to stories if we see you requesting of coverage we’ve read this cycle. We read basically everything to put the newsletter together, so we’re happy to find you what you’re looking for.
And hopefully, you’ll help us get some ideas for needed coverage that we could maybe tackle ourselves.
As always, we expect everyone to conduct themselves with respect and understanding in this thread. Comment by clicking the button below!
I think you have done a great job covering the issues thus far. Here's one idea: Hearing that yet another cyclist was badly injured by a hit and run driver on 10th st/Indian School yesterday. What funds from the infrastructure bill are being dedicated towards improving safe streets in AZ and where do candidates stand on improving urban transportation/smart development?
Your "District of the Day" feature was helpful, but in reality there are only a handful of competitive legislative districts. I'd love a deeper dive into those contests. What are the politicos saying about those races? Can you get your hands on polling? What is the messaging on the mailers? How have the candidates pivoted since the primary? Can you find social media links the candidates are using to fire up their base or woo independent voters?
You do a terrific job! More on the insidious Fear For Money of the True the Vote & "Constitutional Sheriffs" (and hanger-on Finchem) and the Trump org (see also Sheriff Lamb's direct connection to Trump). Will they have another D'Souza film drop by November? Also the non-MAGA GOP and the move to oust Kelli Ward in Jan. How this cycle will dovetail into the 2024 races? Lastly, it's ok if Eli Crane GOP CD02 won't debate O'Halleran but bad if Hobb's refuses to with Lake? TYSM!
1) It would be great to know which public officials actually have leverage over the policies they're emphasizing in their campaigns. (If they're talking about policy.)
I understand there are 5 legislative districts that will be decided in the general election. I u Dee stand that the outcome will determine the make up of the state Senate. The state senate will make decisions on laws that will impact abortion and many other issues. District 4 in particular is a battle between teacher of the year Christine Marsh and sponsor of anti-choice legislation Nancy Barto. It is very difficult to find info on these 5 races that will be key to state laws. The mainstream media has only touched on it yet it will have dramatic state impact.
What unique campaign strategies are being tested this election (especially on local level)?
How are voters making decisions on this year’s ballot initiatives? Where do they get their information (nonprofit advocates, news sources, voter guide, etc.)?
Campaign finance information would be great - like what kind of expenses can be charged to the campaign war chest, what kinds of expenses are in the gray area, and what kinds of expenses are prohibited? When a candidate’s campaign fizzles, like he/she loses a primary, how is the money they’ve collected required to be used/reported? Maybe fire a shot across the bow of Schwiekert’s campaign by highlighting some of his known violations.
Current news stories are also about investigations into misuse of PAC funds. A deeper dive into these would also be appreciated.
Are there any candidates anywhere in the state of Arizona that would support/encourage open primaries, rank voting? I would be interested in learning how to get both on the 2024 election ballot.
Civic Engagement Beyond Voting has spent the last several months compiling data and writing recommendations, with the intent of helping voters make a more informed decision with confidence. Their 2022 Ballot Guide, Gavel Watch, and Voting Records of state legislators in competitive districts are here: https://www.cebv.us/2022-ballot.html
Put up a permanent page for each race, listing bullet points of things each candidate has proposed. In the Governor's race, I'd like readers to be reminded that Kari Lake proposes dozens of nuclear power plants all over the state, because of how inexpensive that would be. She didn't mention the potential NIMBY opposition to site selection. She also proses solving our water shortage by pumping water from the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, with no mention of cost, routing or right of way issues. A piece of cake, right? These two alone are disqualifying for their outlandishness.
Judges is a good one. They seem to be getting more political and more in the spotlight, yet usually end up getting elected via passthru votes. Also, what's going on with the AZ Corporation Commission and where do candidates stand on the current and upcoming water wars? I saw a random tweet the other day that SRP is planning on making everything better by making everything worse? What's up with that?
Sep 9, 2022·edited Sep 9, 2022Liked by Rachel Leingang
Not much has been written about the power people behind the candidates; an article I would like to read and could use in my newsletter. For Kari Lake, Blake Masters, Mark Finchum, on the repub side. Mark Kelly, Katie Hobbs, on the dem side. How many staff? who are the few people that are the brain trust and make the real decisions? Who determines the advertising? Not so much on the funding which has been scrutinized. (although any surprise/closeted biggie supporters would be interesting and welcome)
Another useful article is an overview of the strength of the 'turn out' team the ground game of the parties and the candidates mentioned.
A third useful article could be an examination of Masters contradiction; of his major funder Thiel who is married to a man, and Masters' distaste and advocacy of hetro only marriage.
A closer look at Masters' changed position on abortion
Your suggestions/proposal on a format for a hobbes/lake discussion. Can't let Lake have an hour by herself.
I agree with the calls for deeper looks at legislative races that will play a big part in leadership and make up. Please less polling and more policy. Legislative candidates have similar agendas, seemingly, but the strategies to implement those could be wildly different.
First of all you are doing a great job and I truly enjoy reading your emails every day. I would love to see more about the propositions that will be on the ballots. A true non-partisan report on the effects the proposition would have on Arizona. For instance I don't think anyone really knew the impact the paid sick leave portion of the increase minimum wage proposition would end up having on businesses.
I’m seeking accountability from Kelly and Hobbs’ campaigns for disengagement in crunch time. They both have made getting yard signs almost impossible. Neither is bothering with the most well known fund raiser, the Udall Dinner, and Hobbs is refusing to debate Lake, a strategic error. I would love to know what the hell they are thinking?
Why have so many candidates for Arizona offices been in trouble ? Ethics, flip flopping, criminal pasts, taking money from dubious sources etc. Where are the good candidates and future leaders?
Please explain how national organizations are contributing dollars in Arizona races. (RAGA, DAGA, DGA, RGA, etc.) How much ad time are they buying in the general & how legally it’s cheaper if the money is run through a state party.
I'd love to see if you guys can find anything out about the state of the races for House Speaker and Senate President. Obviously it will all depend on what the final numbers are, but is there any sense of how competitive these elections actually are?
It is really hard to learn about down ballot candidates. The national and state-wide candidates, you can generally learn about their positions, but state senators and state legislators are hard to learn about. Also, some educational districts. To be a candidate in AZ, they should all be required to complete information about who they are, what they believe, and what their priorities are. This has been an issue since we moved to AZ 4 years ago.
PS. It is hard for anyone to vote responsibly in AZ on election day in person. There is too much on the ballot. I suppose you could skip a bunch of races or choices on the ballot. I used to take pride in voting in person, but in AZ, I appreciate mail-in early voting because it leaves me time to follow up on candidates and ballot issues. I could carry a completed sample ballot into the polling place and copy my choices to the official ballot, but it is nicer to do it at hope.
Would like more on candidates running for LD16 and LD17. Also concerned about need for a lot more visibility of school board races where there seem to be a lot of "purple parents" endorsed candidates that are not friends of public education.
Will Hobbs be another Sinema? Will she run FOR democratic values or rely on the negatives of her opponent. Otherwise known as will we EVER have a democratic governor again?!
As an insider publication for outsiders one element that could be explored more are losing campaigns. Like the human said of that. You should do some q&a articles with candidates who didn’t make it through the primary, asking what they learned, their take on the general, what they did right & what they regret, and see if they’d share about the human toll of running for office. After losing they may be more open and honest, especially down ballot.
Comparison between what candidates say on the campaign website vs how they have voted or spoken. Judges are the hardest to rate. Any help out there? State and county level school board members running. Follow the money articles showing union backing, big pharma, major employers. How law abiding the candidate is. Thanks Carole
Ranked voting does not work- look at how skewed California’s elections are, and now Alaska. It does not promote at the very least a 2 or more party system. Very unfair-
School board election coverage. While really small in terms of overall coverage statewide, districts statewide are seeing candidates from the fringes. The organizing that took aim at mask mandates and school closures are continuing.
Stats on newly registered voters. Are women dominating the new voter trend in Arizona as they have elsewhere?
Same for new Independent voter registration
I think you have done a great job covering the issues thus far. Here's one idea: Hearing that yet another cyclist was badly injured by a hit and run driver on 10th st/Indian School yesterday. What funds from the infrastructure bill are being dedicated towards improving safe streets in AZ and where do candidates stand on improving urban transportation/smart development?
Your "District of the Day" feature was helpful, but in reality there are only a handful of competitive legislative districts. I'd love a deeper dive into those contests. What are the politicos saying about those races? Can you get your hands on polling? What is the messaging on the mailers? How have the candidates pivoted since the primary? Can you find social media links the candidates are using to fire up their base or woo independent voters?
More on the Secretary of State race. And continued vigilance reporting on the efforts of
Kelli Kevorkian-Ward et al., to engage in every manner vote suppression (and denial) every which way to Tuesday.
You do a terrific job! More on the insidious Fear For Money of the True the Vote & "Constitutional Sheriffs" (and hanger-on Finchem) and the Trump org (see also Sheriff Lamb's direct connection to Trump). Will they have another D'Souza film drop by November? Also the non-MAGA GOP and the move to oust Kelli Ward in Jan. How this cycle will dovetail into the 2024 races? Lastly, it's ok if Eli Crane GOP CD02 won't debate O'Halleran but bad if Hobb's refuses to with Lake? TYSM!
what about the inter workings for an independent campaign like Clint Smith. How does he get on the ballot, primary, funding, etc.
Investigations of Katie Hobbs’ racism
I know nothing about how judges are selected and how to learn about them before approving them.
1) It would be great to know which public officials actually have leverage over the policies they're emphasizing in their campaigns. (If they're talking about policy.)
2) Relatedly: who has leverage over policies that Arizonans care about -- e.g., take the Center for the Future of Arizona's "Arizona Voters' Agenda" (https://www.arizonafuture.org/the-arizona-we-want/arizona-voters-agenda/#anchorEconomy) -- who can actually make a difference in a policy area where voters agree?
I understand there are 5 legislative districts that will be decided in the general election. I u Dee stand that the outcome will determine the make up of the state Senate. The state senate will make decisions on laws that will impact abortion and many other issues. District 4 in particular is a battle between teacher of the year Christine Marsh and sponsor of anti-choice legislation Nancy Barto. It is very difficult to find info on these 5 races that will be key to state laws. The mainstream media has only touched on it yet it will have dramatic state impact.
What is at stake with the Judges that we are asked to vote on whether to retain?
What unique campaign strategies are being tested this election (especially on local level)?
How are voters making decisions on this year’s ballot initiatives? Where do they get their information (nonprofit advocates, news sources, voter guide, etc.)?
Campaign finance information would be great - like what kind of expenses can be charged to the campaign war chest, what kinds of expenses are in the gray area, and what kinds of expenses are prohibited? When a candidate’s campaign fizzles, like he/she loses a primary, how is the money they’ve collected required to be used/reported? Maybe fire a shot across the bow of Schwiekert’s campaign by highlighting some of his known violations.
Current news stories are also about investigations into misuse of PAC funds. A deeper dive into these would also be appreciated.
I just finished a podcast about Andrew Yang. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/people-i-mostly-admire/id1525936566?i=1000543919214
Are there any candidates anywhere in the state of Arizona that would support/encourage open primaries, rank voting? I would be interested in learning how to get both on the 2024 election ballot.
Agree with Irene and Adam, would love to see a deeper dive into the handful of legislative races that will determine who leads next session.
And so appreciate the work you do, love reading this every day’
Civic Engagement Beyond Voting has spent the last several months compiling data and writing recommendations, with the intent of helping voters make a more informed decision with confidence. Their 2022 Ballot Guide, Gavel Watch, and Voting Records of state legislators in competitive districts are here: https://www.cebv.us/2022-ballot.html
Put up a permanent page for each race, listing bullet points of things each candidate has proposed. In the Governor's race, I'd like readers to be reminded that Kari Lake proposes dozens of nuclear power plants all over the state, because of how inexpensive that would be. She didn't mention the potential NIMBY opposition to site selection. She also proses solving our water shortage by pumping water from the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, with no mention of cost, routing or right of way issues. A piece of cake, right? These two alone are disqualifying for their outlandishness.
Judges is a good one. They seem to be getting more political and more in the spotlight, yet usually end up getting elected via passthru votes. Also, what's going on with the AZ Corporation Commission and where do candidates stand on the current and upcoming water wars? I saw a random tweet the other day that SRP is planning on making everything better by making everything worse? What's up with that?
I would like to hear about the direction that the newly elected governor would take Department of Child Safety.
Not much has been written about the power people behind the candidates; an article I would like to read and could use in my newsletter. For Kari Lake, Blake Masters, Mark Finchum, on the repub side. Mark Kelly, Katie Hobbs, on the dem side. How many staff? who are the few people that are the brain trust and make the real decisions? Who determines the advertising? Not so much on the funding which has been scrutinized. (although any surprise/closeted biggie supporters would be interesting and welcome)
Another useful article is an overview of the strength of the 'turn out' team the ground game of the parties and the candidates mentioned.
A third useful article could be an examination of Masters contradiction; of his major funder Thiel who is married to a man, and Masters' distaste and advocacy of hetro only marriage.
A closer look at Masters' changed position on abortion
Your suggestions/proposal on a format for a hobbes/lake discussion. Can't let Lake have an hour by herself.
Dig the agenda, thanks for the hard work.
How about a story on the dangerous, extreme , dangerous Purple for Parents candidates for school board. See https://blogforarizona.net/purple-parents-hate-group-disrupts-school-boards-across-arizona/ This includes a Statewide slate card of all of their anti school candidates. ~Larry
The LD18 democrats posted a list of bad judges for whom to vote NO. The worst judicial candidates are listed here https://ld18dems.org/cebv-gavel-watch-2/
Thanks!
Like the thought of Judicial review
I agree with the calls for deeper looks at legislative races that will play a big part in leadership and make up. Please less polling and more policy. Legislative candidates have similar agendas, seemingly, but the strategies to implement those could be wildly different.
First of all you are doing a great job and I truly enjoy reading your emails every day. I would love to see more about the propositions that will be on the ballots. A true non-partisan report on the effects the proposition would have on Arizona. For instance I don't think anyone really knew the impact the paid sick leave portion of the increase minimum wage proposition would end up having on businesses.
Thank you so much. I guess I missed that one 😃
I’m seeking accountability from Kelly and Hobbs’ campaigns for disengagement in crunch time. They both have made getting yard signs almost impossible. Neither is bothering with the most well known fund raiser, the Udall Dinner, and Hobbs is refusing to debate Lake, a strategic error. I would love to know what the hell they are thinking?
You do a great job! The comments below are excellent.
What would life in Az look like if Lake, Finchum, and Masters won? Will Az turn into a version of Gilead?
Why are there races without Democrats running?
With expanded ESA, how will the public schools get enough funding?
Why have so many candidates for Arizona offices been in trouble ? Ethics, flip flopping, criminal pasts, taking money from dubious sources etc. Where are the good candidates and future leaders?
Info on ranked choice voting. We need something — maybe top three like CA
You guys do a super job.
Jane Lynch
Great work Hank & Rachel! AZ Agenda is the best.
Please explain how national organizations are contributing dollars in Arizona races. (RAGA, DAGA, DGA, RGA, etc.) How much ad time are they buying in the general & how legally it’s cheaper if the money is run through a state party.
I'd love to see if you guys can find anything out about the state of the races for House Speaker and Senate President. Obviously it will all depend on what the final numbers are, but is there any sense of how competitive these elections actually are?
It is really hard to learn about down ballot candidates. The national and state-wide candidates, you can generally learn about their positions, but state senators and state legislators are hard to learn about. Also, some educational districts. To be a candidate in AZ, they should all be required to complete information about who they are, what they believe, and what their priorities are. This has been an issue since we moved to AZ 4 years ago.
PS. It is hard for anyone to vote responsibly in AZ on election day in person. There is too much on the ballot. I suppose you could skip a bunch of races or choices on the ballot. I used to take pride in voting in person, but in AZ, I appreciate mail-in early voting because it leaves me time to follow up on candidates and ballot issues. I could carry a completed sample ballot into the polling place and copy my choices to the official ballot, but it is nicer to do it at hope.
Would like more on candidates running for LD16 and LD17. Also concerned about need for a lot more visibility of school board races where there seem to be a lot of "purple parents" endorsed candidates that are not friends of public education.
More info on ballot initiatives
Will Hobbs be another Sinema? Will she run FOR democratic values or rely on the negatives of her opponent. Otherwise known as will we EVER have a democratic governor again?!
As an insider publication for outsiders one element that could be explored more are losing campaigns. Like the human said of that. You should do some q&a articles with candidates who didn’t make it through the primary, asking what they learned, their take on the general, what they did right & what they regret, and see if they’d share about the human toll of running for office. After losing they may be more open and honest, especially down ballot.
Comparison between what candidates say on the campaign website vs how they have voted or spoken. Judges are the hardest to rate. Any help out there? State and county level school board members running. Follow the money articles showing union backing, big pharma, major employers. How law abiding the candidate is. Thanks Carole
Ranked voting does not work- look at how skewed California’s elections are, and now Alaska. It does not promote at the very least a 2 or more party system. Very unfair-
School board election coverage. While really small in terms of overall coverage statewide, districts statewide are seeing candidates from the fringes. The organizing that took aim at mask mandates and school closures are continuing.