Today, former Governor Brewer recounts the troubled times she inherited in 2009 when she first became Governor. As the leaders of her transition team we were overwhelmed by the size of the budget deficit she inherited, the largest per capita of any State in the nation. Of course that collapse was preceded by record spending and tax…
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Arizona firm recognized for Best Lit Piece, Best Website and Best Online Video by Campaigns and Elections at the 2021 Reed Awards Conference HighGround Public Affairs, the longest continually operating public affairs firm in Arizona, was recognized at the 2021 Campaigns & Elections Digital Reed Awards Conference for Best Lit Piece, Best Website and Best Online Video. This marks the 11th consecutive year in…
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By: J. Charles Coughlin I have been asked countless times, “What’s up with that State Senate audit going on down at the Madhouse on McDowell? That seems crazy, right?” I have responded countless times that no, it is not crazy if you understand the rabbit hole of American and Arizona politics. So, let me attempt…
DetailsBy: Paul Bentz Like most political practitioners in Arizona, I remain shocked a week later at the announcement that Arizona would miss out on adding a 10th Congressional District. Arizona was in the top five in the nation in both employment and wage growth. It is also home to one of the “fastest growing cities…
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HighGround was well represented at the 2021 Virtual Pollies, winning three awards from the American Association of Political Consultants at their online celebration of the best in political campaigning and advertising. Considered the “Political Oscars,” the annual event is a bipartisan gathering for politicos from across the country and well known for awarding the prestigious…
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By: Paul Bentz Spring is in the air and there is a growing buzz among some school districts as well as some cities and towns that 2021 might be a good year to call a special election. In fact, some locations already have elections on the books – in Maricopa County, Phoenix has a run-off…
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As Senator Mark Kelly begins his service in the United States Senate, he is quickly faced with a defining moment in his early political career – a choice that potentially could shape the two years leading up to his next appearance on an Arizona ballot in 2022. On several occasions, HighGround has pointed out that…
DetailsPreviously, we reviewed the turnout from the 2020 election and discussed the questions it raises for 2022. We posed three big questions Can Democrats maintain their enthusiasm? What becomes of the Republican Party? How will Independents react? It will take some time to find these answers and certainly there will be some missteps along the…
DetailsBy: Paul Bentz As voting started on November 3, 2020, more than 2.6 million voters in the State of Arizona had already cast their ballot – meaning the state had already exceeded 2018 turnout and nearly matched 2016 Presidential turnout before a single ballot was cast on Election Day. Ultimately, the state ended up blowing…
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Thank You. This month, HighGround is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. I never, ever, thought that would happen. I was 33 years old when I left Governor Symington’s office in 1996. Of the many things I have learned since then, one of the most important is that you can never do anything worthwhile on your own. …
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