More 2010 campaign committees...

Nothing earth-shattering here...but I get to use the word "apace" in a sentence. :))

As we approach the end of the year, the formation of political committees for next year's elections continues apace.

From the AZ Secretary of State's website (and elsewhere, as noted) -

- Steven Slaton of Winslow, filer ID 201000264, has filed for a run at the Republican nomination for governor. I don't know much about him, having never heard of him, but based on what I could find on the 'net, he probably wouldn't be considered to be part of the mythical "moderate" wing of the AZGOP. Also, he doesn't seem to be the running back for the NFL's Houston Texans. :)

. Kelly Townsend of Gilbert, filer ID 201000268, is running for the GOP nomination for state rep in LD22. She's a self-identified teabagger "tea party patriot."

- Jackie Thrasher of Glendale, filer ID 201000270, is running for the Democratic nomination for state rep in LD10. She is running to reclaim the seat that she held in 2007-2008. She was victimized by the Rep scheme of having some of their members changing their registrations to "Green Party" and running as Greens to dilute support for Democratic candidates in certain districts. It worked in LD10.

- Jorge Luis Garcia of Tucson, the Democratic leader in the State Senate, has opened an exploratory committee for a run at a seat on the Corporation Commission (filer ID 201000271). He is the first Democrat to officially express an interest in the ACC.

- Jerry Walker of Mesa, has filed paperwork with Maricopa County for a reelection bid for his seat on the Maricopa County Community College District's Governing Board. Walker is the winger who, upon seeing a student who was expressing political views that he doesn't agree with, harassed her until she broke down in tears. He did this while "chaperoning" a trip to D.C. by some District students.

He represents County Supervisor District 2, which encompasses most of Mesa and Scottsdale, and his is the only Board seat scheduled to be up for election next year.

Edit later on 10/19 to add -

- Ken Cheuvront of Phoenix, currently a Democratic state senator from LD15, has opened an exploratory committee to look at a run at the Encanto Justice of the Peace spot.

This sets up a primary battle with incumbent Encanto JP, C. Steven McMurray, who has held a JP post since 1996 and is highly respected within the judiciary in general and the Justice Court community in particular.

- Kathy Hayden of Tempe has filed for a run at the Democratic nomination for the University Lakes Justice of the Peace slot. The incumbent is Republican John Ore.

- Matt Nelson of Tempe has filed for a run at the Democratic nomination for the University Lakes Constable spot. The incumbent is Republican Joe Arredondo.

Note: I live in the University Lakes Justice Precinct, hence their inclusion here. Neither Ore nor Arredondo has filed paperwork as yet, but both are expected to run for re-election.

End edit...

...At the rumored stage - Republican Bob Littlefield, currently a member of the Scottsdale City Council, may be interested in a run at an LD8 seat in the lege or ACC. It's still just a rumor (courtesy Robert Leger of the AZ Republic), but gains some credence because of the three members of the Scottsdale City Council whose terms expire next year (the others being Wayne Ecton and Tony Nelssen), he is the only one who hasn't formed a reelection committee with the City.


While most of my focus in the blog is on the legislature and offices affecting Scottsdale and Tempe, those readers who are interested in elections in other parts of the Valley can find a complete list of non-municipal offices on the ballot in Maricopa County here (courtesy the Maricopa County Recorder's Office) and here (courtesy the Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools).

Later...