At the Capitol

(PNI) TODAY'S AGENDA

Topic: Opposing Medicaid expansion.

What it's about: A group of state Republican lawmakers, party leaders and various organizations will gather in opposition to proposed Medicaid expansion to talk about the impact it would have on the state economy and health-care system.

State lawmakers expected to attend include Senate President Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert; Sen. Kelli Ward, R-Lake Havasu City; Rep. Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert; Rep. Steve Montenegro, R-Litchfield Park; and Rep. Justin Olson, R-Mesa.

Details: 11 a.m. House lawn, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix.

TODAY'S TALKER

Democrat Fred DuVal, a former Arizona Board of Regents chairman, announced Wednesday that he is running for governor in 2014.

DuVal, who formed an exploratory committee in February, is running on a platform of creating jobs and improving education. DuVal promised a "robust and competitive business climate; a workforce with skills for the new economy; (and) efficient government that is accountable to people."

He is the first Democrat to formally announce he is running next year. On the GOP side, former Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman announced his candidacy in January.

-- Staff report

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I'm not going to put (Medicaid) expansion on the floor. The Republican Party in this state has said, 'Don't do this.'"

-- Senate President Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert

TWEET OF THE DAY

"From the 'GOP don't dismiss him' file: @FredDuVal has deftly launched Dem bid for AZ Governor. Underestimating him would be a mistake #AZGOP."

-- Political consultant Kurt Davis

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