With Andy Tobin barely clearing the Republican primary with 11th hour support from special interests, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is releasing a new web video for the general election: “Andy Tobin’s Record – Not For You.”
The video highlights Andy Tobin’s self-serving agenda and wrong priorities, including his massive cuts to education, pushing a controversial anti-gay law that hurt Arizona businesses and accepting more lobbyist gifts than any other member of the state House. Tobin has a record of consistently putting himself and his special interest backers ahead of middle-class Arizonans.
“Andy Tobin puts himself and his special interest allies first, at the expense of hard-working Arizonans,” said Tyrone Gayle of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “From being the puppet of special interests to gutting education funding, Andy Tobin’s record is one that Arizonans cannot afford and will soundly reject in November.”
BACKGROUND:
Tobin Was Top Recipient of Lobbyist Dollars in State Legislature. From 2011-2012, House Speaker Tobin topped the list of recipients of lobbying dollars records that reported a beneficiary. In those years, Tobin received $4,295 in 45 transactions. In the first quarter of 2013, Tobin again was the top recipient of the most lobbying dollars. Of lobbying dollars reported with a recipient, $2,844.24 was spent on Tobin. [Arizona Capitol Times, 4/22/13; Arizona Capitol Times, 5/20/13]
Referred to Free Gifts from Lobbyists as “Good[,] Clean Fun.” “Most of the legislators came from a pre-game party at Legends Sports Bar and Grill, where lawmakers, their friends and family members received free booze, free food and free tickets. All of it was reportedly paid for by lobbyists with the Dorn Policy Group. ‘I think that this is good clean fun,’ said Speaker of the House Andy Tobin.” [AZ 3TV, 5/07/13]
Tobin Pushed for and Strongly Defended Bill Protecting Businesses that Deny Service Based Solely on Religious Belief. In February 2014, Tobin pushed and voted for a bill that protects Arizona businesses from lawsuits after denying services based on religious belief. Opponents of the bill argued that the legislation would lead to businesses discriminating against people, such as homosexuals, based solely on the business owner’s religious belief. “The bill’s intent is to protect the business community’s freedom of expression under the First Amendment,” Tobin said. The bill passed 33-27 and was later vetoed by Governor Jan Brewer. [SB 1062, 2/20/14; Arizona Republic, 2/25/14; Yellow Sheet Report, 2/24/14;ABC 15, 2/22/14]
Headline: Arizona business leaders plead for veto of SB 1062 [Phoenix Business Journal, 2/24/14]
Tobin Supported AZ State Budgets from FY 2010 to 2012. In June 2009, Tobin voted in favor of the state’s fiscal year 2010 budget plan. The bill passed 33 to 26 with one not voting. In March 2010, Tobin voted in favor of House Bill 2001, the general appropriations bill for fiscal years 2010 and 2011. The bill passed 34 to 25. In April 2011, Tobin voted in favor of the state’s fiscal year 2012 budget plan.The bill passed 40 to 19 with one not voting. [HB2643, 49th Legislature 1st Regular Session, 6/30/09; HB2001, 49th Legislature 7th Special Session, 3/11/10; SB1612, 50th Legislature 1st Regular Session, 4/01/11]
Arizona Education Association: Arizona’s Budgets from FY 2010 to FY 2012 Cut Over $1.77 Billion in Education Funds. In 2011, the Arizona Education Association reported that state budgets from FY 2010 to FY 2012 cut $1.77 billion in education funds. [Arizona Education Association, July 2011]