No Labels, a group dedicated to trying to tamp down partisan rifts in politics, kicked into higher gear this week with a big thank you to Tucson Democratic Rep. Steve Farley for engaging with a member of the Republican caucus recently.
Here's how the novel act went down, according to a recent op-ed Farley penned: A GOP lawmaker followed him to his office, angry at his vote against a bill that would have banned abortions for race or gender selection. Farley, who chalked it up to an ideological wedge issue since he saw no evidence it was happening, said the woman questioned his Christian credentials. Rather than order her out of his office, he said he talked to her about their differences.
After No Labels members began a campaign to thank him for his behavior, Farley said he was grateful for the support.
Although it isn't always apparent to the general public, he noted, "We are all humans up here."
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That statement might be worth a second opinion from the local doctor at the Capitol, Rep. Matt Heinz, a fellow Tucson Democrat.
DEM STRATEGY REVEALED
It's tough being a Democratic bill at the Legislature.
Democrats have few of this session's 1,300-plus bills left in play.
But Tucson Democrat Heinz seems to have found the prescription for getting some through, with an impressive 19 still clinging to life.
Farley, who said he prefers to work by amendment, speculated that's because Heinz "has been spending a lot of time hanging out with Republicans." He added Heinz is successful because "he has a tendency to choose bills that are fixes most people can't object to."
With that kind of praise, we're guessing Heinz won't be among those sending thank-you notes to Farley.
EVERYONE'S A POET
U.S. Sen. Harry Reid complained the Republicans' "mean-spirited" bill to cut spending would threaten the annual Nevada cowboy poetry festival. In response, U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake, who knows a bit about cowboys, having grown up on a ranch in Snowflake, trotted out some rhymes to fill the breach.
"Just sit in yer barn, spin a rhythmic yarn and you'll pay down the national debt.
"Way out on the prairie, to a rustler named Harry, bein' broke ain't no reason to sweat."
In the spirit, we couldn't resist joining in.
Jeff Flake wants to snag Kyl's seat
Send the Dems to a Senate defeat
Saddle up - spurs and boots,
Show your true Old West roots
And vote debt spending into retreat.
Or perhaps:
For Flake to be the next Kyl
He's gonna campaign for a while
Taking shots at a Demo named Harry
But the political poet
One thing he should know it
He first has to win the primary
$1,000 IN STIMULUS
Reader's Digest is heading here to "help stimulate the economy with publicity" as it gives the mayor a check for $1,000 as part of a 100-city tour of the United States.
The magazine said Tucson was named because we're home to Saguaro National Park.
The money is intended to help the city get started on local projects.
Reminds of us a T-shirt that used to be popular for a while: "We spent $230 million downtown, and all we got left is this $1,000 check."
Contact reporter Rhonda Bodfield at rbodfield@azstarnet.com or 573-4243. Contact Andrea Kelly at akelly@azstarnet.com or 806-7790.
