The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast

From a presidential shoutout for Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom O' Halleran to whispers that Kelli Ward might endorse Republican Senate candidate Martha McSally (gasp!), President Donald Trump’s Arizona visit was rife with political strategy. We break down the key takeaways. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett and political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen. Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey. This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats in Arizona campaign on health care like it’s nobody’s business, leaving Republicans to play defense. Polls show that health care is a top concern for Arizona voters, but when did this become such a big issue, and why? Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett, political reporter Ron Hansen at twitter.com/ronaldjhansen and healthcare reporter Stephanie Innes at twitter.com/stephanieinnes. Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey. This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republican Martha McSally and Democrat Kyrsten Sinema are in a tight race for Sen. Jeff Flake's seat. Why, then, are they so quiet before Arizona's midterm elections? Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett. This episode was produced by Téa Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ballot propositions are direct democracy in action. This year, Arizonans will cast their vote on a wide range of issues from education to clean energy to taxes. Grab your pencils. Here's what voters should know on Props 305, 127 and 126. Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett. This episode was produced by Lauren Aguirre, Tea Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kwailan Barsotti is a mom, small-business owner and independent voter who lives in the suburbs of Anthem, Ariz. She’s exactly the kind of person politicians are targeting during Arizona’s midterm elections, where suburban women could sway the vote. Yet Kwailan feels like no lawmakers or politicians are really listening to or representing her. That’s why her story is worth listening to. Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey. Have a question or comment? You can reach host Yvonne Wingett Sanchez at twitter.com/yvonnewingett. This episode was produced by Lauren Aguirre, Tea Francesca Price, Taylor Seely and Kaila White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back! Help us improve by taking our 10-question survey to let us know what you think about the show: bit.ly/GaggleSurvey. Election spending for some 2018 midterm candidates and races in Arizona is hitting record highs. Arizona Republic reporters explain how and why Citizens United, super PACs, independent donors and more are working to influence your vote. To hear more about election spending from Terry Goddard and Sean Noble: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/09/19/money-politics-what-you-need-know-goddard-noble/1266235002/ Follow the team on Twitter: This episode features national political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter. Our producers are Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre, Tea Francesca Price @_tfprice, Taylor Seely @taylahseely and Kaila White @kailawhite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Arizona Republic is improving its politics podcast. Give us your feedback: https://bit.ly/GaggleSurvey Join us Wednesday, September 19th and every Wednesday after that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a strange election day in Arizona. The nation’s eyes are on the state after U.S. Sen. John McCain’s death Saturday. Both of our Senate seats are open. And for the first time in a long time, it looks like Democrats might stand a chance in the races for one of those Senate seats and maybe even for governor. We take you inside two election parties where you can hear from winners Martha McSally and David Garcia as our political reporters share key insights on the Arizona primary and how it may impact November elections. Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and state government and politics reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta. This episode was produced by Tea Francesca Price @_tfprice and Taylor Seely @taylahseely and was edited by Kaila White @kailawhite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a 13-month battle with brain cancer, U.S. Sen. John McCain died Saturday, Aug. 25, at home in Arizona. He was 81. Hear some of the most powerful quotes from McCain himself, heartfelt memories from his closest friends, reactions from world leaders including President Donald Trump and President Barack Obama, and insights from our political reporters on McCain’s life, legacy and what happens next. Read, watch and hear more at mccain.azcentral.com. Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and state government and politics reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta. This episode was produced and edited by Tea Francesca Price @_tfprice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senator John McCain will end medical treatment for the brain cancer he was diagnosed with over a year ago, according to statements released by his family. The six-term senator has continued Senate duties as much as he could from his family home in northern Arizona. Reporters talk about the impact McCain's had on Arizona and what will happen if the Senate seat becomes vacant. Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and investigative reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl. This episode was produced and edited by Carly Henry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, the team sat down with Tom Steyer, a California billionaire who is spending part of his fortune in Arizona's elections. Steyer's political organization has contributed a large amount of funds to support Arizona's clean energy ballot initiative. The Gaggle comes to you every Monday. But next week, check your feed for the new episode on Wednesday instead. You'll hear the team's analysis of the primary election results. Learn more with The Republic's coverage: APS goes all out against clean energy initiative - https://azc.cc/2LeR6KS | Trial begins over renewable energy proposal - https://azc.cc/2wbivaS | From Des Moines Register: Tom Steyer on impeaching Trump - https://azc.cc/2OUowk0 | Find more at politics.azcentral.com You can follow Tom Steyer on Twitter @TomSteyer. Follow the team: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter, reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, and higher education reporter Rachel Leingang @rachelleingang. This episode was recorded by Carly Henry @carlyhenry_. It was edited and produced by Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona's primary is Aug. 28. Federal and state officials are working to ensure the security of voter information in light of Russian hacking in 2016. How secure are these systems? What should you do when mailing in your ballot? And what should you bring to the polls on election day? Keep an eye out for a special episode of The Gaggle posting later this week. The team sat down with a California billionaire who is spending part of his fortune in Arizona's elections. The Gaggle comes to you every Monday. But next week, check your feed for the new episode on Wednesday instead. You'll hear the team's analysis of the primary election results. Learn more with The Republic's coverage: Feds say Russian attempts to disrupt midterms ongoing - https://azc.cc/2OKIFZJ | Arizona servers used by Russian hackers in 2016 - https://azc.cc/2zF2tLq | Secretary of state candidates spar over voter-registration rules - https://azc.cc/2OP1P0p | Voter’s guide: Learn more about Arizona candidates - https://azc.cc/2vZJuXy | Find more at politics.azcentral.com Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, state politics reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner and consumer investigations reporter Rebekah L. Sanders @rebekahlsanders. This episode was edited and produced by Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal authorities face the daunting job of trying to ensure the 2018 midterms are not influenced by foreign entities. Social media platforms are cracking down on bot and spam accounts. How can you tell if an account isn't genuine? The Gaggle will now come to you every Monday. Look out for new episodes each week in your podcast feed. Learn more with The Republic's coverage: Fake Twitter accounts supporting Gov. Ducey - https://azc.cc/2MBCwyi | Russians played up Glendale murder-suicide in 2016 - https://azc.cc/2rD6Lwj | What is the QAnon conspiracy theory movement? - https://azc.cc/2Mww2AW | Find more at politics.azcentral.com Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings and reporter Kaila White @kailawhite. This episode was edited and produced by Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona is seeing economic growth, but financial prosperity is not being equally felt across the state. How can economic sentiments among voters affect the 2018 elections? Also, the team takes you into the rooms where Republican Senate and governor candidates each faced off in front of The Arizona Republic editorial board. The Gaggle will now come to you every Monday. Look out for new episodes each week in your podcast feed. Learn more with The Republic's coverage: Arizona ranks No. 5 in economic momentum - https://azc.cc/2nf0Laq | 1 in 4 Arizona children in poverty - https://azc.cc/2N7p3ik | Senate candidates Martha McSally and Kelli Ward clash - https://azc.cc/2LGlRxi | Gov. Doug Ducey and challenger Ken Bennett debate - https://azc.cc/2OoVUQu | Find more at http://politics.azcentral.com Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, state government and politics reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta, reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, and business and personal finance reporter Russ Wiles @azmoneynews. This episode was edited and produced by Lauren Aguirre @laurencaguirre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Independent voters are on the verge of making up the largest electoral block in Arizona. Here's what that means for the upcoming elections. Follow the team on Twitter: National/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, political reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, and diversity and inequality reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta. This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chair of the Democratic Party Felecia Rotellini and former chair of the Republican Party Robert Graham share their thoughts on the midterms. They talk about everything from the “Trump affect” to how their parties are campaigning. And they spill some interesting tea. Follow the team on Twitter: National political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and state government reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl. This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How will the new Supreme Court pick affect monumental rulings like Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion throughout the nation? What did Arizona politicians have to say about President Donald Trump's choice? And what's that about the Arizona Cardinal's president weighing in on the Supreme Court pick? The politics team answers these questions and more in this episode of The Gaggle. Follow the team on Twitter: National/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and courts reporter Michael Kiefer @MichaelBKiefer. This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First lady Melania Trump visited Arizona last week. Reporters break down why Trump came and what we saw inside a detention center for immigrants. And an inside look into the bribery case involving well-known Arizona lobbyist Jim Norton. Lastly reporters discuss how Arizona communities, along with other cities throughout the nation, are suing opioid manufacturers. How could the suit affect people who need the pain medications? All this and more in this week’s episode of The Gaggle. Follow the team on Twitter: National/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter, reporter Dennis Wagner @azrover and reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings. This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Education is a hot-button topic in Arizona. What does RedForEd's Noah Karvelis have to say leading up to the November education ballot initiative? And what are the changes he's seen in the teacher strike movement over the past several months? He answers all that and more in this episode of The Gaggle. Follow the team on Twitter: National/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, staff reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, staff reporter Ricardo Cano @RicardoCano1, and local politics and issues reporter Alia Rau @AliaRau. This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The politics team talks about immigrant children being separated from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's campaign announcement. Follow the team on Twitter: Interim national/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, staff reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and and higher education reporter Rachel Leingang @rachelleingang. This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Arizona Republic's politics team discusses how potential immigration reform will impact DACA and refugees, how what happened with Theranos may be reflective of a larger Arizona issue, and fraudulent signatures in a Senate race. Follow the team on Twitter: National/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, immigration reporter Daniel González @azdangonzalez and higher education reporter Rachel Leingang @rachelleingang. This episode was edited by Sierra Juarez @sierraraejuarez. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Black, a prominent criminal defense attorney, speaks about an Arizona coruption trial involving the Ex-Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce, his wife Sherry Pierce, Jim Norton, a lobbyist, and George Johnson, water company owner. The #RedForEd movement impacts who is running for state legislature this year. And how much are university officials in Arizona making? Follow the team on Twitter: Business reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter, higher education reporter Rachel Leingang @rachelleingang and legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Garcia, who seeks the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, joins The Gaggle in a first-ever, guest episode to discuss his campaign and education in Arizona. Follow the team on Twitter: Interim national/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, education reporter Ricardo Cano @Ricardo_Cano1, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and guest David Garcia @dg4az. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona Public Service is backing a ballot initiative from state utility regulators that would significantly boost the requirements for renewable energy. Will Arizona see a special session over gun control after yet another school shooting in Texas? And Rep. Paul Gosar still rents a Prescott apartment in Arizona's 4th Congressional District, but lives primarily in Flagstaff. Follow the team on Twitter: Interim national/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and business reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russian Facebook ads played up a murder-suicide of two Arizona teens during the 2016 election. Organizers of the migrant caravan that traveled through Mexico to the U.S. border say they are planning another caravan next year despite backlash from Trump and his administration. And zoning battles over medical-marijuana dispensaries in Phoenix have raised fraud allegations. Follow the team on Twitter: Interim national/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, immigration reporter Daniel González @azdangonzalez, Phoenix City Hall reporter Jessica Boehm @jboehm_NEWS. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Arizona's legislature approved a plan for 20 percent pay raises for teachers by 2020, the leaders of the #RedForEd movement feel like they got cheated on their demands. Now they're working to collect 150,000 signatures by July 5 to get the Invest in Education Act initiative on the November ballot. And Sen. John McCain's funeral arrangements have been made. Follow the team on Twitter: Interim national/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, education reporter Ricardo Cano @Ricardo_Cano1, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona's #RedForEd teacher walkout moves into its fifth day as teachers continue to protest low pay. Budget bills have dropped at the state Capitol, but what's buried in them? And how did Democrat Hiral Tipirneni pull off such a close race in deep-red Congressional District 8 and what does her 5-point loss mean for Republicans heading into midterms? Follow the team on Twitter: Interim national/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, education reporter Ricardo Cano @Ricardo_Cano1, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, and interim governor's office reporter Richard Ruelas @ruelaswritings. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teachers are still talking about a walkout even after Gov. Doug Ducey proposed increasing their pay 20 percent by 2020. Arizona has a new abortion reporting requirement. With an election in the 8th Congressional District next week, the race between Democrat Hiral Tipirneni and Republican Debbie Lesko is heating up. And sober homes that provide people a place to live while recovering from substance abuse will have increased oversight from the state of Arizona. Follow the team on Twitter: Interim national/political reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, education reporter Ricardo Cano @Ricardo_Cano1, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, and health care reporter Ken Alltucker @kalltucker. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a recording obtained by The Arizona Republic, Center for Arizona Policy President Cathi Herrod has an unscripted conference call with Christian school leaders about Arizona's school voucher program. Herrod shares her real thoughts on the Empowerment Scholarship Account program, a controversial program that allows certain students to use public money to pay for private and religious schools. Follow the team on Twitter: The governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett and investigative and data reporter Rob O'Dell @robodellaz. This episode was edited by digital producer Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Music: bensound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A citizenship question on the 2020 census was reinstated by the Trump administration and could hurt Arizona more than other states. Morale is down inside a 'D'-ranked school in Arizona, correlating with teacher's frustrations over funding and pay. Will DACA students, undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children, continue to receive in-state tuition? Follow the team on Twitter: The governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, Mesa and Gilbert watchdog reporter Lily Altavena @lilyalta, higher education reporter Rachel Leingang @rachelleingang, diversity and inequality reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta. This episode was edited by digital producer Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gov. Doug Ducey's office releases records about self-driving cars in Arizona weeks after an autonomous Uber SUV hit and killed a pedestrian. Ducey pushed Proposition 123 in 2016 to fund schools, tapping into the state's land trust fund, but a judge rules that his ballot initiative was illegal. And a new sexual harassment investigation of 'sexually explicit communications' is underway at the state Capitol. Follow the team on Twitter: The governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter, and legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona could see stricter gun laws with support from Gov. Doug Ducey after he said he would ask lawmakers to adopt a law that would take guns away from people who are violent or mentally ill. Students nationwide protested gun-violence in the March for Our Lives and teachers wore red for the #RedForEd campaign to protest low pay. Follow the team on Twitter: Child welfare and state government reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner and investigative reporter Craig Harris @charrisazrep. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Attorney General's Office wants answers on construction contracts with Scottsdale Unified School District. Arizona motorists could soon pay more for vehicle registration as state lawmakers search for money to repair crumbling roads and bridges. And dozens of Arizona charters schools are at risk of closing due to financial struggles. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, Scottsdale watchdog reporeter Yihyun Jeong @yihyun_jeong, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, data reporter Agnel Philip @agnel88_philip. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Voters advance Republican Debbie Lesko and Democrat Hiral Tipirneni in the race to replace Trent Franks in Congressional District 8. The University of Arizona's basketball program is under fire after the FBI intercepted phone conversations where coach Sean Miller talked about paying a star player $100,000 to join the Wildcats. And the House of Representatives won't release additional records from its sexual harassment investigations. Follow the team on Twitter: The governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, higher-education reporter Anne Ryman @anneryman, and legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Days before launching his congressional campaign, former state Senator Steve Montenegro and a state Senate staffer exchanged flirty messages, including a topless photo. Arizona could soon join a national compact to ban taxpayer-funded professional sports facilities. And Gov. Doug Ducey said he's axed 676 regulations since taking office. Follow the team on Twitter: The governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter, and Phoenix City Hall reporter Jessica Boehm @jboehm_NEWS. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women seeking abortions in Arizona might have to explain to doctors why they want to end their pregnancy under a new bill. Steve Montenegro immigrated to the U.S. with his family through a special work-related provision that's not always available to migrants. Don Shooter left a "dossier" after he was expelled from the House with claims that he was privately investigated and the Governor's office plotted to remove him from office. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona's House of Representatives voted to immediately expel Rep. Don Shooter in a historic vote after an investigation found he sexually harassed women for many years. Gov Doug Ducey wants the state Department of Revenue to hire 25 tax collectors after the state lost $83 million in audit revenue. Rep. Paul Gosar continues to feud with Latino Democrats after his call to arrest "dreamers" — undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children by their families — who attended Trump's State of the Union as lawmakers' guests. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamescita Peshlakai, a Navajo lawmaker, leads efforts to establish Native American Day in Arizona. Republican candidates in the race for the 8th Congressional District seat battled over their loyalty to President Donald Trump. Gov. Doug Ducey calls for a special session over opioids and heads to a Koch brothers’ retreat in Palm Springs. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and diversity, demographics and inequality reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gov. Doug Ducey wants to deregulate blow dry bars and Arizona cosmetologists are offended. Taxpayers are spending about a million dollars more for public relations workers under Gov. Doug Ducey, who said he planned to cut back government spending. Non-English speakers who buy auto or home insurance in Arizona could be bound to a contract that they cannot read. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, investigative reporter Craig Harris @charrisazrep, and business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. Rep. Martha McSally officially enters Arizona's senate race. Gov. Doug Ducey releases his budget with spending increases for school funding. Sen. Sean Bowie introduces a bill to ban conversion therapy and another bill would ban bump stocks in Arizona. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki, diversity, demographics and inequality reporter Maria Polletta @mpolletta, and business and legislative reporter Ryan Randazzo @utilityreporter. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio announces his campaign to run for U.S. Senate. Gov. Doug Ducey makes six promises in the final State of the State speech during his first term. Rep. Don Shooter apologizes for making inappropriate comments on the House floor, breaking his silence that he sexually harassed multiple women. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner and national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Republic's politics team looks back on the year's most impacting stories that they worked on this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Republic's politics team talks Jeff Flake's controversial endorsement check, the state's child welfare agency and how the Republican tax plan will impact Arizonans. This episode was edited by Johanna Huckeba @jojo_huck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona Rep. Raúl Grijalva approved a $48,000 settlement to a woman who accused him of being drunk and creating a hostile work environment. Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake could be key votes for or against the Republican tax plan. State Sen. Kimberly Yee, R-Phoenix, announces her bid to run for Arizona treasurer next year, replacing Treasurer Jeff DeWitt. And Mesa Mayor John Giles faces backlash from his conservative constituents after calling President Donald Trump an idiot and encouraging Sen. Jeff Flake to run for president. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, and Mesa and Gilbert reporter Lily Altavena @lilyalta. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a memorable and historic year for Arizona’s delegation and Washington, D.C., correspondent for USA Today Eliza Collins provides some perspective from Capitol Hill. Democrats say the election of Donald Trump has increased their base, but Arizona’s voter registration numbers show otherwise. And the State Court of Appeals has reversed a decision to sever a mother’s rights to her children saying the case was not sufficiently rooted in evidence. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, congressional reporter for USA Today @elizacollins1, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, and government and child welfare reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A flood of sexual harassment allegations continues to run out of Arizona’s State Capitol. At least seven women have publicly accused Rep. Don Shooter of sex harassment, including Mi-Ai Parrish, publisher and president of The Arizona Republic. Arizona’s Foster Care Review Boards, volunteer groups that decide the fate of children in the foster care system, are overwhelmingly white and do not represent the communities they serve in race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Congressman Tom O’Halleran’s office is located outside of his district and his opponents are not happy. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and diversity and demographics reporter Maria Polletta @@mpolletta. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale, said in a tweet on Monday that Rep. Don Shooter, R-Yuma, is one of Arizona’s male lawmakers that she was sexually harassed by. Congresswoman Martha McSally enters Arizona’s 2018 Senate race. Greg Stanton has still not resigned from his post as mayor, impacting the fate of big voting decisions in Phoenix. Gov. Doug Ducey asked state agencies to remove whether a candidate has been convicted of a crime or not from their job applications in the hopes of eliminating employer prejudice and recidivism. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and Phoenix city hall reporter Jessica Boehm @jboehm_NEWS. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bisbee backs off its plastic bag ban. KidsCare, a program that ensures children and low-income families, has run out of funding without a renewal from Congress. And potential candidates like U.S. Reps. Martha McSally and Paul Gosar continue to eye Sen. Jeff Flake's open Senate seat. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, state and government reporter Mary Jo Pitzl @maryjpitzl, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner and congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona's 2018 Senate race takes a dramatic turn after Sen. Jeff Flake announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election in 2018. Former state lawmaker Kelli Ward and President Trump react to Flake's announcement. State Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita says she was sexually harassed by male colleagues in Arizona's Legislature and faces retaliation after reporting her experience. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen and national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gov. Doug Ducey awards his inner circle hefty pay increases while giving Arizona teachers less than a 1 percent raise. Steve Bannon visits Scottsdale and gives his full support to Kelli Ward in Arizona’s 2018 Senate race against Sen. Jeff Flake. President Donald Trump has yet to give Ward his endorsement and Flake disregards polls. A family feud erupts between Rep. Paul Gosar and his brother, David Gosar, after Paul made claims in a Vice News interview that the liberal activist George Soros helped the Nazis. And Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan says the Department of Homeland Security cannot confirm if Arizona voters were hacked by Russia in the 2016 election. Follow the team on Twitter: Host and politics editor Michael Squires @mgsquires, the governor’s office and state politics reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett, legislative reporter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner, congressional reporter Ron J. Hansen @ronaldjhansen, investigative reporter Craig Harris @charrisazrep and national political reporter Dan Nowicki @dannowicki. This episode was edited by Hayley Sanchez @heyyhayhayley. Find more at politics.azcentral.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices