This is a "horserace-y" kind of post. I will criticize the MSM for focusing on horserace issues in their stories on politics, but I'm not MSM so I can do this.
While most of the stories/talk about David Schweikert's impact on the Republican primary for Governor of Arizona, but his switch of primary races affects more than a single contest.
While his move affects many, even all, races on the ballot (open seats in Congress are rare, so everyone and their grandmother is looking at entering the race), I'll just focus on two here - Congressional District 1 (CD1) and Legislative District 3 (LD3).
All of the incumbents in those districts are currently Republicans.
The voter registration advantage in CD1 favors Rs, but is seen as poachable by Ds.
Perhaps less poachable now that the ethically-challenged Schweikert has stepped aside, but still poachable.
A lot of people, mostly Democrats, are looking at the race; however, *many* Rs are rumored to be considering entering the race.
Among the folks being talked about: Gina Swoboda, current chair of the AZGOP, and at least two sitting state legislators, Joe Chaplik and Matt Gress. Others may be looking at the race, self-funding business folks and Cheeto-friendly celebrities, but I don't know who they are yet.
CD1: These are the people who have filed Statements of Interest (SOIs) with the AZ Secretary of State (AZSOS) and/or formed committees with the FEC:
*** = Incumbent and announced candidate for Arizona Governor.
The date listed is the date the potential candidate filed the SOI and/or most recently formed a committee with the FEC.
The ID Number for committees is the number given to them by the FEC.
The LD3 district basically covers North Scottsdale and Fountain Hills as is [ahem] less poachable (OK, I think it's a safe R district) -
LD3 State Representative: These are the people who have filed Statements of Interest (SOIs) with the AZ Secretary of State (AZSOS) and/or formed committees with the AZSOS
* = Incumbent
** - Incumbent and announced candidate for Arizona SOS.
The date listed is the date the potential candidate filed the SOI and/or most recently formed a committee with the AZSOS.
The ID Number for committees is the number given to them by the AZSOS.
This race, already wide open with incumbent Alexander Kolodin running for AZSOS, may be further upended if incumbent Chaplik chooses to mount a campaign for CD1.
The incumbent State Senator, John "I never met a government check I don't like...for me, anyway" Kavanagh of Fountain Hills, may be too old for a run at Congress (far from a sure thing); even if he won, he may not want to deal with the cross country travel necessitated by such a victory.
Note: not everyone who files an SOI or forms a committee will appear on a ballot. In fact, many probably won't. Also, it's still early - people not on either list may yet enter one of these races.
