Wednesday, November 23rd, 2005...9:44 pm
A Whole Pack of ‘Em
It is fun being the guy that broke the story. They’ve got some anti-inflamatories so I can keep the swelling down.
Anyhow, some candidates have already emerged, such as they can given the resign to run law.
The Business Journal of Phoenix ran a story detailing who they think the candidates will be. Typical of Phoenix, they talked to Stan Barnes, someone who I don’t think has ever been south of the Gila. Then they come up with a list of candidates that seems to have more to do with a checklist rather than any sort of knowledge of Baja Arizona politics. Let’s see: prominent buisnessman, check, mayor, check.
The article mentions Pima County Supervisor Ann Day, probably because of her sister, Jim Click and Mayor Bob Walkup. I’m sure that all three of these folks are happy to get mentioned. I don’t think any of them are the least bit interested in running.
They also mention Senator Tim Bee. I think that his brother, former Senator Keith Bee, would be more of a possibility. He has already demonstrated a hankering for higher office.
The article also mentioned former Senator George Cunningham and Pima County Supervisor Ramón O. Valadez. Cunningham ran against Kolbe in 2000, and may be considering it. I don’t think that he will do it in the end though, he may feel burned by his poor showing last time. Valadez is seen by many more as a future successor to Rep. Raúl Grijalva, and may be seen as too tied in with Southside politics to be a viable candidate in CD-8.
I remember Valadez being mentioned as a congressional candidate way back in 1991 when Rep. Morris Udall had to step down. Interestingly, he wasn’t old enough to run back then. Cunningham also floated his name then as well.
No names from Cochise County have been mentioned. Douglas businessman Mike Ames has spoken about an interest in the seat before.
The names of former office holders also seem to be floating through the transom, but I wonder how many of these are just names that enjoy being mentioned.
Sen. Gabrielle Giffords is already being seen as the top Democrat. She’s been talking about the possibility of running for a long time. Gabby, I love you, so here’s some advice: don’t start your campaign by mentioning that you were planning on leaving town. (CORRECTION)
One suprise candidacy: Rep. Ted Downing. Downing has apparently already been making calls to measure support for a run. Downing will do what Downing wants to do. It is hard to tell who may be encouraging him or who might discourage him.
An x-factor in the Democratic primary is Raúl Grijalva. Will he throw in behind one candidate or another? Is he looking to recruit an ally?
CORRECTION: The reporter for the Citizen extrapolated some things that Sen. Giffords said. A more complete mea culpa is above.
5 Comments
November 23rd, 2005 at 10:31 pm
It will be a Walkup v. Volgy rematch of ‘03 in the ‘06 general election - you heard this on Ted’s blog first, as well. Although, you also heard the soccer player would be president of Liberia so you know how the prediction business goes….
November 25th, 2005 at 8:24 am
In fairness to Mr. Barnes, he was born in Casa Grande.
He also does some work for SAHBA at the capitol, which does not quite put his fingers on the pulse of Southern Arizona politics, but it means that he is not quite as ignorant as the average Maricopan.
November 25th, 2005 at 6:37 pm
That picture is as scary as Dunbar’s…
November 26th, 2005 at 12:54 pm
Oy Vey! Ted Downing?
I hope he does run, because Gabrielle Giffords is going to hand him his ass in the primary, and we’ll be rid of that pompous gas-bag once and for all. Well, once anyway. For all is probably wishfull thinking.
November 27th, 2005 at 9:38 pm
Ramon Valadez is seen by 2 people as a contender for District 7: Himself, and his papa Eckstrom. Unfortunatley, he’s a long, long way from becoming anything except a shadow..
Leave a Reply