Arizona is emerging from one of the worst state budget crises in the nation. Entering 2003, its projected deficit, measured as a percentage of the general fund, was the fifth largest in the country.1 The state had slashed spending in 2002 in the face of a $900 million deficit, but still faced a $400 million shortfall for fiscal year 2003 and an estimated $1 billion deficit in fiscal 2004. Although improved revenues have reduced the anticipated gap, fundamental underlying problems remain concerning the ability of lawmakers to control the budget. Some observers consider this a revenue problem, others a spending problem. Our concern in this paper is whether state lawmakers have enough control over either revenue or spending.

Reed Adamson, Campaign Director for former Congressman Harry Mitchell, describes his experiences working for Harry Mitchell's campaign in 2010. Reed talks about his background and interest in politics beginning with learning about Health Care Insurance, the growth of immigration reform, the Arizona State Democratic party, and his changing roles working for Harry.