ARIZONA
Brewer asks court to hear immigration-law appeal
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court in a bid to overturn a ruling that put on hold key parts of the state’s immigration-enforcement law.
The appeal came Wednesday as Mrs. Brewer faced a deadline for contesting a district court’s decision that barred police from enforcing a requirement that police, while enforcing other laws, question the immigration status of those they suspect are in the country illegally.
Mrs. Brewer lost her first appeal in April when the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected her request to overturn the decision.
The law was passed in April 2010 amid years of complaints that the federal government hasn’t done enough to assist Arizona, the nation’s busiest illegal entry point, with border security.
IOWA
Palin to resume bus tour Friday at fair
DES MOINES — Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin plans to visit the Iowa State Fair on Friday on the eve of the leadoff-caucus state’s GOP presidential straw poll and in the wake of a Republican debate Thursday at Iowa State University.
Mrs. Palin said in an email to supporters she is resuming her summer bus travels to iconic U.S. destinations with a stop at the fair. The visit to the early-voting state comes as most declared Republican presidential candidates will be in Iowa, and as Texas Gov. Rick Perry is expected to enter the race and visit.
Mrs. Palin’s visits to Iowa, including one in June and one planned for Sept. 3, have stoked speculation she is eyeing a 2012 presidential bid, although she has done none of the groundwork there others have.
WHITE HOUSE
Obamas plan vacation in Martha’s Vineyard
President Obama will vacation with his family in Martha’s Vineyard at the end of this month as he’s done in years past, the White House said Wednesday, despite the weak economy and negotiations on the nation’s debt problem.
Press secretary Jay Carney defended Mr. Obama’s plans to take a break even as he’s pledged urgent action on those issues.
“I don’t think Americans out there would begrudge that notion that the president would spend some time with his family,” Mr. Carney said.
Mr. Carney added that there’s really no such thing as a presidential vacation since Mr. Obama will travel with his aides, receive regular briefings on national security and the economy, and be able to return to Washington if necessary.
“The presidency travels with you. He will be in constant communication,” Mr. Carney said at the White House briefing.
Last August, the president, Michelle Obama and their two daughters spent 10 days at a rented farm on the wealthy island retreat in Massachusetts.
IOWA
Bachmann: I’m ’real,’ not a politician
URBANDALE — Republican presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann says she’s not a politician but a real person.
The Minnesota congresswoman told Iowans at a business in Urbandale that she doesn’t need to be president. She says she’s running only because she understands what needs to be done to fix the nation’s problems.
When Mrs. Bachmann was asked Wednesday what sets her apart from other candidates, she said that it’s her track record of doing what she says she’s going to do after winning election.
Mrs. Bachmann says she’s been willing to buck her own party because her principles are more important than party labels. She says what’s missing in Washington is leadership that’s willing to take tough but necessary action, a quality she says she has.
ALASKA
Palin asks state’s help in defense of lawsuit
JUNEAU — Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is receiving legal help from the state in a civil lawsuit.
Assistant Attorney General Dale House said Mrs. Palin asked the state to help defend her against the lawsuit by activist Chip Thoma.
The claims made against Mrs. Palin date to when she was governor, and Mr. House said Wednesday that it’s typical for the state to get involved if the person is being sued largely because of the title they held or because of something they did in the course of their official duties. He said there are exceptions, including for criminal cases.
Mr. House said the state will pay for his participation, but not for Mrs. Palin’s personal attorney, John Tiemessen, who will be co-counsel.
Mr. Thoma is suing Mrs. Palin for at least $100,000, claiming that she undertook a campaign to “punish, embarrass, discredit and silence” him while governor after he complained about tour-bus traffic on the winding, narrow streets around the governor’s mansion.
Traffic increased after Mrs. Palin returned to Juneau following her failed 2008 GOP vice presidential campaign. According to Mr. Thoma’s lawsuit, which was amended in May, he complained about the traffic to a state agency and made signs and fliers about the traffic situation that he posted and handed out.
From wire dispatches and staff reports
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