Last night Arizona Senate President Bob Burns, in what is viewed by many as a legislative temper tantrum,  booted two colleagues in leadership from key posts. Senator Thayer Verschoor (R-Gilbert) was ousted from his position as Senate President Pro Tem and Senate Majority Whip Pamela Gorman (R-Anthem) was removed from the Rules Committee.

 

Their crime: Defending taxpayers from a massive tax increase pushed by an unelected governor in the middle of a recession.

 

It has been a sad state of affairs for Republicans in Arizona this year. There was hope among many that years of fiscal irresponsibility would end with Governor Janet Napolitano being replaced by Republican Jan Brewer. Yet in a move that left many puzzled, Brewer came out of the gate early this year with a proposal for the aforementioned multi-billion dollar sales tax increase. Now true conservatives such as Gorman and Verschoor are being punished for not supporting the Governor's tax hike.

 

Verschoor will be replaced by Senator Steve Pierce (R-Prescott). Gorman's replacement on the rules committee has yet to be named.

 

Americans for Tax Reform condemns Burns' actions. ATR urges Arizona taxpayers to contact their representative in the legislature and urge them to join Verschoor and Gorman in standing up against the chocolate soldiers who are pushing to the Brewer-Coughlin tax hike. CLICK HERE to take action!

This is absurd--punishing legislators for standing up for their constituents??? This country really is socialist.
>> Joe Thursday, July 9, 2009 3:03 PM Report Comment

A bunch of the pledge signers are going back on their word in AZ. The biggest traitor to taxpayers really talks a good talk and then rolls oer to save his committee chairmanship. Russell Pearce has been quoted as saying that he will put the tax on the ballot and then oppose it. Oppose it now! Quit going along to get along, Mr. Pearce!
>> Republican Precinct Committeeman Friday, July 10, 2009 1:20 AM Report Comment

This letter is to Senator President Bob Burns R-Peoria: In the Yuma Sun Newspaper there was an article about the law on texting while you are driving. You was quoted saying that you believe such a law is unnecessary. I could see that if there wasn't any accidents or deaths from texting while driving, but that is not the case here is it Mr. Burns? how many more people should lose their life because someone else was texting while driving or textig themselves? YOU SHOULDNT BE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE IN.
>> Lisa Dowell Wednesday, December 9, 2009 7:37 PM Report Comment