Feb 26, 2014: Arizona Daily Star: Steller: CNN reveals the real Al Melvin, unfortunately for him, for SB 1062
State Sen. Al Melvin, an underdog candidate for the GOP nomination for governor, agreed to be interviewed Monday by CNN’s Anderson Cooper about SB 1062, the controversial bill awaiting Gov. Jan Brewer‘s decision on whether to veto or sign it.

ON THE RECORD: Feb 25, 2014: Josh Feldman (MediaIte) reports "Anderson Cooper Tears into AZ Pol over ‘Anti-Gay’ Law: ‘You’re Seriously Blaming the Media?!’" Feldman reports: "Anderson Cooper took on Arizona state senator Al Melvin Monday night over the state’s proposed legislation to allow businesses to exercise their religious freedom to discriminate against LGBT citizens. Melvin insisted, “It’s nothing more and nothing less than protecting religious freedom in our state.” Cooper asked, “Can you give me a specific example of someone in Arizona who’s been forced to do something against their religious belief or successfully sued because of their faith?” Melvin said he could not, arguing the bill is “preemptive.” When Cooper pointed out that Arizona businesses (including the state Chamber of Commerce) oppose the bill, Melvin said it’s “because there has become a media frenzy on this.” Cooper's response was: “You’re seriously blaming the media on this?! Oh, come on.”. As far as the "pre-emptive position, Senator Melvin is correct. it was preemptive Specifically, in Washington and Colorado, bakeries have been sued for refusing to use their artistry to promote same-sex marriage. A photographer in New Mexico was put in the bull’s-eye by homosexual activists for the same reason. This, of course, is why Anderson Cooper is interested as CNN's champion of all things gay marriage. But his "you're blaming the media on this?" comment reveals a lot about Cooper and his short sighted view of the media and its involvement on this issue. Melvin is also correct on that point. Up until the story started to get legs through the media on a national level, the bill passed the house 33-27 and the Senate 17-13, but once the media became interested several state Senators are showing remorse: ""While our sincere intent in voting for this bill was to create a shield for all citizens' religious liberties, the bill has instead been mischaracterized by its opponents as a sword for religious intolerance," the senators wrote in letter, by state Senators Adam Driggs, Steve Pierce and Bob Worsley." There is no admission of the effort being wrong or right just that it has been "mischaracterized" which makes it clear that the press is having a major effect on the sudden retreat from the law. (SOURCE: David Schwartz: Reuters: "Several Arizona lawmakers backtrack on bill critics dub as anti-gay") (SOURCE: Bob Unruh: WND: "Arizona heading off fights over homosexual weddings") Video exchange between Melvin and Cooper can be seen here:  "Regardless of What Anderson Cooper Thinks, The Media Changed Arizona's Mind About Business Rights Law."

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