SNAKEBITE— 2.17.26— Rubio's National Security Gambit— Military Police Bill— Epstein in Library Hearing— AstralisAI, Gallego, Much More...

SNAKEBITE— 2.17.26— Rubio's National Security Gambit— Military Police Bill— Epstein in Library Hearing— AstralisAI, Gallego, Much More...

Southwest Desert's Scorching Political News Read

Grayson Bakich
Grayson Bakich
February 17, 2026

Rubio's National Security Gambit

The U.S. Department of State (DoS) announced on Feb. 16 that Secretary Marco Rubio’s National Security advancement in Central Europe through a Civil Nuclear Agreement.

On Feb 15-16, Secretary Rubio announced the U.S. plan to develop... READ MORE

Cactus Politics

AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes: Today, I am honoring the leaders who shaped our nation. Happy Presidents Day!

State Senator Jake Hoffman: Is Gina Swoboda paying DEMOCRAT petition circulators to get her signatures for the Secretary of State campaign?? It makes perfect sense with her track record: - Donated to Hillary - Attacked universal school choice - Attacked ICE - Attacked The SAVE Act Gina is a Democrat!

State Representative Alma Hernandez: I find it entertaining that some of you are more upset that I'm calling out this reprehensible behavior than upset at the individuals spreading misinformation and harming our community, because wait, it’s not you who are getting interviews? Some of you clearly forget that I am an elected official who has NEVER been afraid to give my opinion or speak up, even if I’m the only one. And quite frankly, your opinions of me do not matter one bit. Get used to seeing my face because I’m not going anywhere.

State Representative Michele Pena: On Presidents’ Day, we appreciate the leadership and sacrifice of those who have guided our nation. Strong leadership requires courage, conviction, and service. May we continue working to preserve the principles that make our country exceptional.

State Representative Rachel Keshel: Clean the rolls, Arizona!!!

State Representative Joseph Chaplik: Happy President’s Day. This painting in my office reminds me that our 250 years of history have been graced by strong leadership from imperfect men. I think if this scene played out in real life, they’d all be asking President Trump for his autograph.

State Representative Nick Kupper: Every Democrat in the House Health committee just voted NO on a simple, non-binding, resolution to celebrate life. I think it’s an extremely sad state of affairs when people are so focused on ending life that they can’t even take a moment to realize it’s ok to celebrate life.

Cactus Politics

Secretary Rubio Advances National Security Using U.S. Technology— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada—

Arizona Senate Passes Bill to Fast-Track Military Police into Law Enforcement— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Arizona lawmakers are trying a new approach to solve the state's police officer shortage by recruiting from the military, through Senate Bill 1107.

Why Was Jeffrey Epstein Mentioned During Arizona's Library Bill Hearing?— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Senator Jake Hoffman (R-AZ) is criticizing Democrats who voted against his proposal to limit minors' access to sexually explicit library materials, especially after one activist made a shocking comparison during testimony.

New AstralisAI Software Busts Campaign Data Cheaters— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— WASHINGTON, D.C.—A political consulting firm has created software that could change how campaigns verify information collected by door-to-door canvassers.

Ruben Gallego Introduces Bipartisan Bill Improving Multi-Class Share Transparency— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) has introduced a bipartisan bill to improve the transparency of corporate multi-class share structures.

DHS Shutdown is Imminent After Funding Stalemate— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— As of Feb. 12, a shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appears imminent as federal officials in the House and Senate appeared ready to leave Capitol Hill for a 10-day recess, with talks between Democrats and the White House reaching a stalemate over Democrats’ demands for immigration enforcement reforms.

Judge Blocks Pentagon from Punishing Mark Kelly— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— A federal judge in Washington, D.C. agreed to prevent the Pentagon from punishing Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly for his participation in a video where he urged troops to disobey unlawful demands. The judge granted the senator’s request for a preliminary injunction against Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a suit filed by Kelly accusing Hegseth of trying to penalize him for his political discourse.

Tom Homan Announces End of ICE Operation in Minnesota— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— On Feb. 12, White House Border czar Tom Homan announced the end of the Trump administration’s immigration operation in Minnesota. The two-month-long immigration crackdown has resulted in thousands of arrests, mass demonstrations, and the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizen activists.

Karrin Taylor Robson Drops Out of Arizona Governor's Race— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson (R-AZ) announced today she is ending her campaign for Arizona governor, citing a drawn-out Republican primary fight

David Schweikert Scores Win with Less-Than-Lethal Weapons Bill— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ) is celebrating the House of Representatives' passage of the Innovate to De-Escalate Act.

The Snakebite is written by Grayson Bakich and Javier Manjarres

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Grayson Bakich

Grayson Bakich

Florida born and raised, Grayson Bakich is a recent recipient of a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. His thesis examined recent trends in political polarization and how this leads into justification of violence.

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