The incoming speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives has hired the top attorney for a powerful anti-abortion group as general counsel for the legislative chamber.
The hiring of Josh Kredit as the chamber's top lawyer is one of a string of conservatives staffers Rep. J.D. Mesnard has chosen since majority Republicans elected him speaker last month.
Kredit is currently general counsel and vice president of policy for the Center for Arizona Policy, a group that opposes gay marriage and abortion and promotes religious freedom. The group has written anti-abortion legislation and other proposed laws.
Mesnard said Tuesday that he's building a conservative staff to support a conservative Republican caucus.
Minority leader Rebecca Rios says she's not surprised that Mesnard is assembling "a very conservative cast."
