In Arizona nearly anyone can qualify for the presidential primary by filling out some forms and meeting a few basic requirements. With this in mind, the Weekly launched Project White House in November, and thus far has put 20 candidates (of 48 total) on the ballots. Yesterday, a drawing clarified in what order those candidates' names -- as well as more prominent ones like Obama and Romney -- will appear on the ballots. Some people think the long list of unknown names could be taxing on voters, but the Weekly's Jim Nintzel, who is coordinating the process, defended his candidates and the contest. "I think it's a wonderful opportunity to really get people engaged in the democratic process," he says. "A lot of people have dreamed of running for president for a long time, and this is really an opportunity for them to do so." He adds: "The Project White House candidates have just as good a chance at winning the Arizona primary as Ron Paul does."

Continue ReadingTucson Weekly’s ‘Reality Journalism’ Contest Makes Waves

After discovering the only thing a candidate has to do is fill out a notarized nomination form to get on Arizona's Feb. 5 presidential-primary ballot, Weekly writer Jim Nintzel decided to offer readers a chance to seek the presidency. And thus, Project White House, the paper's first-ever presidential-primary contest, was born. Readers are invited to send their campaign materials via mail or email to Project White House. If deemed newsworthy, the paper will give their campaigns some ink. Even if not, the Weekly may still help them get on the ballot by notarizing their nomination forms at no cost.

Continue ReadingTucson Weekly Offers Readers a Chance to Seek Presidency

Phoenix New Times and Tucson Weekly took home a total of 13 first-place awards, with New Times winning in eight categories and the Weekly placing first in five. New Times staff writers Sarah Fenske and Paul Rubin both triumphed in two categories, and the Weekly's Margaret Regan managed the same feat. Both AAN papers also received a number of second- and third-place prizes. Winners of the awards, which honor the best in Arizona print journalism, were announced last week at a Phoenix banquet.

Continue ReadingAlt-Weeklies Clean Up at Arizona Press Club Awards

Joann Hardy Carranza, a frequent contributor to AAN listservs, has stepped down after six years as general manager at the Arizona weekly. "She's already missed around the office," writes Weekly Editor Jimmy Boegle. "Her newspaper-biz knowledge helped keep the lights on and the checks clearing." Carranza leaves the weekly to join her husband in a family business venture.

Continue ReadingTucson Weekly G.M. Moves On