You asked, and yes, there is something you can do. But, it’ll take extra oomph to fight off the federal power grab. You never thought you’d become politically active. You’re busy taking care of your families and embracing gifts of American citizenship. But all that is threatened now.

A former state election official was awarded $1.1 million Thursday for being falsely accused of helping a Republican candidate dodge state campaign finance rules.

A recall petition filed Tuesday against a member of Congress could end up being a test case for how much power Arizonans have to get rid of federal lawmakers.

October 28, 2004

WASHINGTON - Texas Supreme Court Justice Priscilla Owen won Senate confirmation as a federal appeals judge Wednesday after a ferocious four-year battle, a personal triumph that also marked a victory for President Bush in his drive to install conservatives on the nation's highest courts.

RALEIGH, N.C. - His once-prominent political career is buried and the turmoil of his marriage is playing out in public. Now, John Edwards is facing a federal inquiry.

May 25, 2005

Ernest Hancock: In 1994, I learned that holding a sign, "Legalize Freedom ... Register Libertarian," at a Janet Reno speaking event would get you arrested by Phoenix police. I was quickly released with no charges and returned to the event, but it was clear to me as a young man that we were on a very dark path.

A memo prepared by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warns that right-wing "extremists'' are stockpiling weapons and ammunition in anticipation of new restrictions and bans.

Three federal agencies are examining the Maricopa County sheriff's anti-illegal immigration enforcement effort to determine if deputies have followed civil rights and other regulations.

TUCSON - A federal judge on Tuesday blocked the state from implementing Proposition 200, at least for the next three weeks.

December 1, 2004

March 11, 2005

A new state law signed Thursday by Gov. Janet Napolitano has moved municipal elections for three large East Valley cities from March and May to September and November.

A new state law intended to streamline the election process raised concerns among city leaders who said it will bring more partisanship to local elections.

Foes of public financing of elections are trying once again to void parts of the Clean Elections law that Arizona voters approved in 1998.

A federal judge late Friday voided a key provision of the state's system of publicly financed elections.

Claiming preemption by federal law, the National Labor Relations Board filed suit Friday to void a voter-approved state constitutional amendment spelling out that unions can be formed in Arizona only by secret ballot.

Big-dollar donations that former Congressman J.D. Hayworth received from Indian tribes are being scrutinized in a federal investigation potentially linked to imprisoned lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Gov. Janet Napolitano’s new federal political action committee has raised thousands of dollars, a possible first step toward what she will do after she leaves the governor’s office in about three years.

WASHINGTON - Three-term Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz., who is facing a federal inquiry into his family’s insurance business, said Thursday he will not seek re-election next year.

Newly re-elected U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake is trying to position himself on a key House committee to review, and presumably whack, earmark legislation when the 111th Congress opens next year.

Unfortunately, an unrelated Senate dispute over an energy bill appears to have killed a federal shield law for journalists. The Senate fell nine votes short of overriding Republican objections to bring up the shield bill ahead of the energy measure.

 Mesa is studying whether an old post office building can become the site of a third museum in the downtown area.