HOW TO PLEASE YOUR BASE

The GOP-dominated AZ state legislature sure knows how to pander to its conservative base.  In one case, it seems willing to throw a bone to the AZ Baggers by making the Gadsden Flag a protected emblem:

Dems wave red flag over AZ bill to let tea party symbol fly
SB 1326 protects Gadsden flag from HOA rules
Howard Fischer Capitol Media Services Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 12:00 am
PHOENIX - The 18th-century flag reads, "Don't Tread on Me."

But in Senate Bill 1326, the warning isn't meant for the British or King George III; it's directed at homeowner associations in Arizona. And it may have political implications.

The bill, approved by the state House and Senate, would preclude HOAs or condominium associations from prohibiting residents from flying the Gadsden flag. If approved by Gov. Jan Brewer, the bill will give the black-on-yellow flag with a coiled rattlesnake the same protected status as the U.S. flag, the flags of any military branch, the state flag, the POW-MIA flag and the flag of any Indian nation.

Even the Birthers get something:

Arizona Senate approves 'birther' bill
By Carmen Castro The Associated Press Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 11:25 am

PHOENIX — The Arizona Senate has approved a revised bill requiring presidential candidates to prove they are U.S. citizens eligible to run for the office.

The bill approved Wednesday gives candidates additional ways to prove they meet the constitutional requirements to be president.

It was prompted by the ongoing claim by some that there is no proof President Barack Obama was born in the United States and is therefore ineligible to be president.

The bill now goes to the House for a final vote.