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Arizona has undeniably stepped into the national political spotlight in recent years, from contentious debates over abortion bans to its pivotal role in both the 2020 election and the upcoming 2024 battle. In today's episode, Hillari sits down with Representative Laura Terech to gain insight into the Arizona political landscape and delve into her remarkable journey from kindergarten teacher to influential political figure in the state. They also discuss why, after a very successful term in the Arizona Legislature, she's made the difficult decision not to seek re-election.
Recorded live at the New Deal Leaders Idea Summit, this episode explores the challenges and triumphs of navigating Arizona's divided political landscape as a moderate voice in an increasingly divided country. From personal struggles to professional victories, Terech's story of transformation and empowerment is full of insights and inspiration for Moderates everywhere.
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Sources that helped inform this episode:
NewDEAL LeadersArizona For Abortion AccessCivic Engagement Beyond Voting - Civic Engagement Beyond Voting, an Indivisible group, is a grassroots nonpartisan organization that works to empower Arizona’s citizens to exercise their voices at the local level.
Guest: Rep. Laura Terech
Representative Laura Terech (Legislative District 4 - Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, North Phoenix) is a proud product of Arizona public schools, including both the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. After earning her master’s degree in education, she taught kindergarten and 2nd grade in a Title I school district. She is the ranking Democrat on the House Municipal Oversight & Election committee and also sits on House Education. Representative Terech also had the honor of serving as the House member on Governor Hobbs’ Bipartisan Elections Task Force. Rep Terech has been instrumental in securing a water supply for communities in Arizona such as the Rio Verde Foothills and negotiating a fix for the election recount law.
Outside of the Legislature, Terech serves as the Training Director for the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization Civic Engagement Beyond Voting.
Connect with Rep. Terech: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter | Website

Hillari talks with Debbie Cox Bultan, CEO of the NewDeal Leaders, about the current state of the democratic party heading into 2024.
Check out Debbie's podcast

On this week's episode of Moderate Party, Hillari Lombard is joined by Heath Mayo, the innovative leader behind Principles First, a grassroots initiative reshaping the conservative landscape.
In this thought-provoking discussion, Heath and Hillari delve into the complex terrain of conservatism, dissecting the role of principles in today's polarized political sphere. From navigating the legacy of Donald Trump to charting a course for a more principled Republican Party, Heath shares his vision for a conservatism rooted in timeless values and integrity.
But the conversation doesn't stop there. We explore the pressing need for transformative change within our political systems, discussing how a principles-first approach can pave the way for meaningful reform. And don't miss our deep dive into the upcoming Principles First Summit, where visionaries gather to ignite a new era of principled politics.
Join us as we navigate the murky waters of modern conservatism, guided by the wisdom and courage of voices like Heath Mayo.
Here are some things we mentioned in this episode:
Follow Principles First on X/TwitterThe 2024 Summit: Conserving America’s Liberal Tradition Principles First Website

In this eye-opening episode, we tackle the deep-seated issues plaguing our food system, exposing the cracks in regulatory oversight and policy implementation. From the FDA's staggering incompetence and sluggish response times to the far-reaching consequences of poor food policies, we delve into the heart of the matter. Join us as we unpack the investigative reporting of Helena Bottemiller Evich, shining a spotlight on the intricate web of failures that compromise food safety and public health. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion that'll leave you questioning the very foundation of our food regulatory framework.
Checkout Helena's Newsletter FoodFix
Seven Former FDA Commissioners: The FDA Should Be An Independent Federal AgencyWhy President Obama and Congress turned their backs on food safety - POLITICOOPERATIONAL EVALUATION OF THE FDA HUMAN FOODS PROGRAMHow the FDA’s food division fails to regulate health and safety hazardsFor the nation’s health, break up the Food and Drug Administration - Washington Post Editorial Board

Join host Hillari Lombard as we continue our exploration of the Israel-Palestine conflict on "Moderate Party." In our latest episode, we delve deep into the complexities of the peace process and the individuals that shaped it. This episode is not just an analysis of history but a reflection on the choices made by those in power and the far-reaching impacts on the region today. It's a long ride, so buckle up, put your headphones in, and embark on this thought-provoking journey with us.
Sources that helped inform this episode:
Israel and the Palestinians: From the Two-State Solution to Five Failed “States”Netanyahu’s right-wing Israeli government is beyond extreme - VoxGrowing Israeli settler violence and army raids in the West Bank raise tensions : NPRArafat's Billions - CBS NewsIs Yasser Arafat a Credible Partner for Peace? | BrookingsArafat and the Second Intifada | Council on Foreign RelationsArafat didn't negotiate - he just kept saying no | Benny Morris | The GuardianLost in the Woods: A Camp David RetrospectiveHow the peace process killed the two-state solution | BrookingsA Threshold Crossed - Human Rights Watch

On this week's episode of the Moderate Party Podcast, we're taking a deep dive into the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Join us for a nuanced exploration of nationalism, the UN partition map, the Nakba, and the transformative War of 1967.
Embark on a journey through the early 20th century, where the clash of identities and geopolitical forces laid the groundwork for the ongoing struggle. We'll dissect the intricacies of the UN partition map and its lasting implications on the region's dynamics.
Sources that helped inform this episode:
Al Nakba: the history of Palestine since 1799 - Palestine RemixFact Sheet: Jewish Refugees from Arab CountriesUN Partition Plan MapMcMahon-Husain correspondence – Report of Arab-UK committeeMap from the Sykes-Picout Agreement - Referred to in the episode as Britain and France's vision board for the middle east.