Washington Republicans just named Andy Tobin as one of their hand-picked darlings to join the most reviled club in America: their Congress. Tobin was promoted to “Young Gun” in the “Young Gun” dog-and-pony show and with a record like Andy Tobin’s, it’s easy to see why.
“It’s no surprise that Washington Republicans are clamoring for ‘corporate welfare king’ Andy Tobin to join their club: he championed an agenda that puts special interests first and middle class Arizonans last,” said Tyrone Gayle of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Whether it’s his support for House Republicans’ government shutdown or gutting education funding, it’s clear Washington Republicans know they have an ally in Andy Tobin, who would be a lockstep vote for their reckless agenda.”
BACKGROUND:
Tobin Called Republican-Passed CR That Led to Shutdown “Very Appropriate.” On October 6, 2013, Tobin said that he supported the Republican-passed continuing resolution demanding changes to the Affordable Care Act. “Tobin told The Arizona Republic, ‘I don’t think (Republicans are) being extreme on this issue,’ by demanding changes to the Affordable Care Act in exchange for approving temporary government funding, despite the president’s promised veto. ‘For the Republican majority to have offered this (continuing resolution) was very appropriate.’” [Arizona Republic, 10/06/13]
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, $2,855.24 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]