Arizona: Jim Weiers

Arizona state Senate Minority Leader-elect Jorge Luis Garcia (D-Tucson) said in a statement Thursday that he and the Democratic caucus in the Senate are "ready to work" to resolve an estimated $1.2 billion budget shortfall.

Barrett Marson gave official word Wednesday that he will not be staying on as the spokesman for Arizona House Speaker-designate Kirk Adams (R-Mesa).

Marson sent out an email Wednesday afternoon confirming what has been widely expected since Speaker Jim Weiers (R-Phoenix) was unseated and Adams elected in his stead, that Marson is moving on from the Capitol.

Leaders in the Arizona House told PolitickerAZ.com they are predicting some tough choices in the next session as the Legislature and governor work out a fix on the projected $1.2 billion deficit for 2009, but say they are looking forward to working in a spirit of cooperation.

The new Arizona House leadership, elected Thursday, has made no staff changes yet, but announcements are expected to come soon, according to several Capitol insiders.

Though newly-elected Speaker Kirk Adams (R-Mesa) has reportedly not made any decisions yet, who is leaving and who of outgoing Speaker Jim Weiers's (R-Phoenix) staff will remain may begin to be known later in the week.