Capitol reporters are losing their privilege of being able to go onto the Senate floor before or after session to chat with lawmakers.
Senate President Russell Pearce had staffers inform reporters of the new policy Tuesday afternoon. Pearce said he had complaints during a closed-door caucus earlier in the day that some senators felt "they could not have the privacy they needed to finish up work as we adjourn or recess'' when reporters approach them.
He said reporters now can go to a senator's desk only if invited.
Senate rules do restrict access to the floor at all times to lawmakers. But the rules also provide for a press gallery.
And, for at least three decades, the practice has been that reporters may go to members' desks before or after the session.
Sen. Steve Gallardo, D-Phoenix, said the timing of this announcement is suspect
"It's only been since one of their (Republican) members, their majority leader, the No. 2 guy in leadership, is the topic of conversation, now it's a problem of having media on the floor of the Arizona State Senate,'' he said.
That person, Scott Bundgaard, R-Peoria, has found himself surrounded by reporters after the daily floor session after police investigated a fight he had with his now-former girlfriend in the median of a Phoenix freeway. Bundgaard, however, said he was not the one who insisted on closing off the floor to reporters before and after session.
Pearce said nothing keeps reporters from questioning legislators in the halls outside the Senate before or after the floor session.
hillstreet posted at 3:42 pm on Tue, Mar 8, 2011.
Another page stolen from the Communist Party book of tricks; control the media. Pearce is moving merrily along the road to total control of the state, while the rest of the lemmings in the Legislature just sit and watch.
Slabside posted at 3:45 pm on Tue, Mar 8, 2011.
Good for you Pearce! The media needs to learn the rules. Wait for it... here come the Pearce - Brewer - Arpaio haters![beam]
Rich posted at 6:01 pm on Tue, Mar 8, 2011.
If this was step one, it might be a good place to stop it, since it is about step five in a progression toward totalitarianism, it might be wise to speak now, or you may have to forever hold your peace. Will there be a Constitutions left in Arizona when Russ is done?
Slabside posted at 6:15 pm on Tue, Mar 8, 2011.
Rich, you seriously believe what you type don't you? Scarey.[scared]
Rich posted at 10:19 pm on Tue, Mar 8, 2011.
I have a PhD, It has happened throughout history. You can relive it if you wish. I long ago decided people like Pearce don't affect me. I live my life, my way. Some of them will acquire the power to kill me. All of them will steal from me. When you lose the right to associate with who you wish to associate with, the right to protect yourself, your right to be informed, you don't have a lot left. I'm lucky, but I can say this, when the price of a ride to Cincinnati is sexual assault, you don't have a lot left. I dropped out with Tim Leary years ago. You don't have much left, if you don't call a halt, you're (can't post it)
azconan posted at 10:00 am on Wed, Mar 9, 2011.
Recall this racist bogot. he is doing nothing positive for Arizona. He is a self imposed dictator www. recallpearce.com
Slabside posted at 2:14 pm on Wed, Mar 9, 2011.
azconan, you forgot the typical liberal slur of "Nazi" and "brown shirted thug" in yout worthless post.