By Luige del Puerto and Hank Stephenson | Arizona Capitol Times
Away from the media limelight, another political race is shaping up that will have tremendous repercussions for the Legislature’s actions in 2015.
Incumbent Republican lawmakers who face no opposition in the general election — and as a result won re-election in the Aug. 26 primary — have begun shifting their attention to the intraparty leadership contests. The final cast will decide what bills will be heard and which programs to prioritize in the upcoming session.
The new leaders will also negotiate a budget with whoever succeeds Gov. Jan Brewer, a political tango that requires skillful maneuvering and leveraging.
At stake is the Senate presidency, House speakership and other positions that will make up the leadership teams in both chambers.
