Back in 2004 I started to write community columns for the Arizona Republic. I needed a place to put the columns, so started this domain. Then the paper kept shrinking until by 2010 or so the entire opinion part of the community sections was gone. I didn’t keep the site updated so eventually it crashed.

But then analysis in Arizona seems to be diminishing–especially informative ones, so I’ve revived the page.

Who am I?
I taught politics mostly American government at Arizona State University–regularly from 2006 to 2023, when I retired from ASU. I co-founded the Grand Canyon Institute, a nonprofit think tank in 2011, and serve as its research director. I’m frequently sought out for my political and policy expertise.

I have two adult children, one grandson, and a daughter who passed away when she was 17. I have 3 dogs and a 100 pound tortoise. I bicycle pretty much everywhere I can–and run marathons as a fundraiser in memory of my daughter. In my 11th marathon (pictured) in November 2022 I qualified for Boston. Unfortunately, I got hurt during my training and will have to requalify. My latest marathon was in Tucson in December 2024.

After an erratic revival, my goal in 2025 is to add one (and occasionally two) new posts each month.

Hope you enjoy the site!

Dave