John McComish

Leaders in the Arizona House told PolitickerAZ.com they are predicting some tough choices in the next session as the Legislature and governor work out a fix on the projected $1.2 billion deficit for 2009, but say they are looking forward to working in a spirit of cooperation.

"The governor came up with about $300 million in agency cuts," said Majority Leader-elect John McComish (R-Ahwatukee). "We need to sit down with her folks and see the particulars. We don't know what will be on the chopping block."

Rep. Bill Konopnicki (R-Safford), who chairs the House Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, added there may be another $150 million in sweeps, but after that, "everything becomes extremely difficult."

"It's not going to be a pleasant experience," Konopnicki said.

State Rep. John McComish (R-Safford), who will serve as majority leader when the Arizona House reconvenes under Speaker-elect Kirk Adams (R-Mesa), told PolitickerAZ.com he see a role for outgoing Speaker Jim Weiers (R-Phoenix) in the coming session.

"[Weiers] will still have much to contribute," said McComish, who cited the outgoing speaker's "institutional knowledge" as a valuable asset to the new leadership.

The Arizona House voted to replace Weiers as speaker on Nov. 6.

Thursday night, twelve Arizona legislators were honored at the annual Governor's Celebration of Innovation awards for their work to help facilitate technology development in Arizona.

The awards, backed primarily by the Arizona Technology Council and presented by Tech Council CEO Steve Zylstra and Jan Lesher, chief of staff to Gov. Janet Napolitano, included the "Tech 10" - ten legislators who were highlighted for their contributions to technology advancement - plus two "Outstanding Legislator" awards to those who were especially influential.

Legislative preview, House districts 16-20

LD16
LD16 is solid district for Democratic candidates and current Representatives Ben Miranda and Cloves Campbell are popular within the district. Both work hard to keep their name out there and should have little problem defending their seats against Republican Raymond Williams.

One Election Day reversal is finalized as State Representative John McComish has now fended off Frank Schmuck in LD20.  After last Tuesday it was reported Schmuck had won, but after all of the ballots were counted McComish had indeed won the second seat.  The winner will join Jeff Dial on the ballot for Republicans.

The LD26 Republican race shows a possible reversal that would lead to Marilyn Zerull and not Trent Humphries as joining Vic Williams as the Republican House candidate.  On Tuesday it had appeared Humphries had squeaked out a win but now results show Zerull with a 50 vote lead.  A loss would be a major disappointment to Humphries who seemed to be running one of the more active house campaigns in the state. 

Former Maricopa County Treasurer David Schweikert has picked up the support of some prominent elected officials in his primary bid to run against CD5 Democratic Congressman Harry Mitchell.  read more »