...Fellow blogger Bob Lord has written on this very topic here, far more eloquently than I can. However, I hope can make up in brevity what is lacking in eloquence...
OK, I'm done. No more "holding my nose" and voting for the "less bad" option in Arizona's 9th Congressional District.
Former progressive icon (and current member of Congress) Kyrsten Sinema announced her complete renunciation of the pretense of working to serve the interests of her constituents (but damn, she's always serving her own interests), or even exhibiting the most basic humanity in her conduct in office, with her vote (along with 47 other Democrats) demonizing Syrian refugees for the terrorist attacks in Paris (and, as of this writing, no Syrians, refugee or otherwise, have been shown to have been part of the attacks).
This is not the first time she has done something like this, and to be blunt, I don't expect it to be the last time.
However, I can state unequivocally that the general election in 2014 will go down in history as the last time that I will ever vote for her.
The worst case scenario for her here is that she truly believes that demonizing people of a specific ethnic background is good for the US.
The best case scenario for her here is that she truly believe that demonizing people of a specific ethnic background is good for her.
Either way though, it's evil.
And is something that I cannot, and will not, support.
Now, I almost certainly won't vote for the R in whatever race she is in - the next time Arizona Republicans nominate an honorable public servant for any office will be the first time they do so since former state senator Carolyn Allen and former corporation commission member Kris Mayes won their primaries (2008, I think).
However, I can skip any race on the ballot.
And in 2016 (and going forward), that is what will happen in any race where Kyrsten Sinema is a candidate.
Prediction: While it is getting late in the cycle for a Democrat to mount a credible primary challenge to her in 2016, the only way she avoids a Democratic primary in 2018 is to join State Sen. Carlyle Begay tomorrow and just change her partisan affiliation to Republican.
Showing posts with label CD9. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CD9. Show all posts
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Fun with campaign signs: On the cheap edition
One of the regular occurrences of any campaign season is the sighting of a "write-in" candidate.
They're just like regular candidates, except they aren't on the ballot and (usually) have no money.
Most write-in candidates "campaign" by asking friends to vote for them; a few, however, have some limited financial resources and will try to campaign more traditionally, say, by putting up some signs.
One of the ways that campaigns with limited resources try to save money is to have signs that are only printed on one side.
Another way that campaigns (all campaigns, not just those of write-in candidates) look to save money is by using rebar as sign posts; it's less sturdy than the normally-used fence posts, but it's also less costly.
All of which is fine...until the downsides of one-sided and rebar combine -
The other side of the sign -
The candidate on the sign, Joe Hui, is an official write-in candidate for Corporation Commission.
Bonus "Fun with campaign signs":
I live in one of the few Democratic-leaning legislative districts in Maricopa County (LD24), which means that we see the Republican candidates who run on the "Republican? Who me?" platform -
This sign is so effective that if I hadn't already voted for Katie Hobbs and returned my ballot, I would...still vote for her. I don't have a high opinion of Democrats who triangulate and
run for office as "Republican-lite", but I'm fair about it - I don't have a high opinion of Republicans who run as "Democrat-lite", either.
Plus she is AWESOME. :)
Bonus2: Dear...well, *everyone* -
Spell check is your friend. Whether you are a candidate/campaign, or an anti-candidate/anti-campaign, whether it is a website, press release, campaign lit, or street sign, or something else, proof read everything before you send it out.
Including stickers that you attach to a candidate's signs -
Ignoring the "vandalized sign" part of this picture, for now (that's a possible class 2 misdemeanor), there are two stickers now affixed to the sign. One is easy to see - "communist". Pretty sure it isn't true, but it isn't as much fun as the other sticker -
I think that they (whoever "they" may be) are trying to accuse Rep. Kyrsten Sinema of being an "atheist" here.
Not sure what an "athiest" is, though.
They're just like regular candidates, except they aren't on the ballot and (usually) have no money.
Most write-in candidates "campaign" by asking friends to vote for them; a few, however, have some limited financial resources and will try to campaign more traditionally, say, by putting up some signs.
One of the ways that campaigns with limited resources try to save money is to have signs that are only printed on one side.
Another way that campaigns (all campaigns, not just those of write-in candidates) look to save money is by using rebar as sign posts; it's less sturdy than the normally-used fence posts, but it's also less costly.
All of which is fine...until the downsides of one-sided and rebar combine -
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| Found at the SE corner of Rural and Baseline in Tempe |
The candidate on the sign, Joe Hui, is an official write-in candidate for Corporation Commission.
Bonus "Fun with campaign signs":
I live in one of the few Democratic-leaning legislative districts in Maricopa County (LD24), which means that we see the Republican candidates who run on the "Republican? Who me?" platform -
 |
| Found at McDowell and Hayden in Scottsdale |
run for office as "Republican-lite", but I'm fair about it - I don't have a high opinion of Republicans who run as "Democrat-lite", either.
Plus she is AWESOME. :)
Bonus2: Dear...well, *everyone* -
Spell check is your friend. Whether you are a candidate/campaign, or an anti-candidate/anti-campaign, whether it is a website, press release, campaign lit, or street sign, or something else, proof read everything before you send it out.
Including stickers that you attach to a candidate's signs -
 |
| Found at McDowell and Hayden in Scottsdale. |
I think that they (whoever "they" may be) are trying to accuse Rep. Kyrsten Sinema of being an "atheist" here.
Not sure what an "athiest" is, though.
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
President Obama appoints Susan Rice as National Security Advisor; Republican Congressional candidate shows ignorance of recent political history
President Obama has looked Congress in the eye and (metaphorically) flipped them the bird.
From The Hill, written by Justin Sink and Julian Pecquet -
Susan Rice was in line to become Secretary of State before she became the target of Congressional Republicans looking for a public scapegoat for the Benghazi faux-scandal.
Andrew Walter, a 2014 Republican candidate for the AZCD9 seat held by Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, chimed in on the appointment almost as soon as the news broke -
Walter talks about "business as usual" but only seems to be concerned about President Obama's activities.
Perhaps he has a point about that "business as usual" thing, but he needs to provide supporting evidence that there is a pattern of such behavior in DC.
I don't often offer to help Republicans, especially those whose campaign "talking points" are limited to a DC-written NRCC script, but I'm going to do so tonight. Out of the goodness of my heart. Really. :)
Let me think for a moment...
...Prominent presidential administration official
...An academically and professionally accomplished woman
...African-American
...Secretary of State
...National Security Advisor
...Accusations of lying
...Last name of Rice
Hmmm........
....I have it!
From the Washington Post, written by Mike Allen, dated November 17, 2004 (emphasis added) -
From the Guardian (UK), written by Michael Williams, dated November 28, 2012 -
From The Hill, written by Justin Sink and Julian Pecquet -
President Obama on Wednesday named Susan Rice — the public face of the Benghazi controversy — as his national security adviser.
The decision elevates the U.N. ambassador to the most powerful foreign relations role in the White House, ensuring Rice will have the president’s ear on top issues.
“I am absolutely thrilled she’ll be back at my side, leading my national security team in my second term,” Obama said in a Rose Garden ceremony.
Susan Rice was in line to become Secretary of State before she became the target of Congressional Republicans looking for a public scapegoat for the Benghazi faux-scandal.
Andrew Walter, a 2014 Republican candidate for the AZCD9 seat held by Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, chimed in on the appointment almost as soon as the news broke -
Walter talks about "business as usual" but only seems to be concerned about President Obama's activities.
Perhaps he has a point about that "business as usual" thing, but he needs to provide supporting evidence that there is a pattern of such behavior in DC.
I don't often offer to help Republicans, especially those whose campaign "talking points" are limited to a DC-written NRCC script, but I'm going to do so tonight. Out of the goodness of my heart. Really. :)
Let me think for a moment...
...Prominent presidential administration official
...An academically and professionally accomplished woman
...African-American
...Secretary of State
...National Security Advisor
...Accusations of lying
...Last name of Rice
Hmmm........
....I have it!
From the Washington Post, written by Mike Allen, dated November 17, 2004 (emphasis added) -
President Bush named his national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, to succeed Colin L. Powell as secretary of state yesterday, turning to a confidante at a time when the White House is vowing to mend ties with Europe and put more energy into brokering Middle East peace.
{snip}
Rice, who will be fourth in line of succession to the presidency, will be the first African American woman in the job. She is a classical pianist, was a Stanford University provost and political science professor, and specialized in the former Soviet Union as a National Security Council official for President George H.W. Bush. She once was an intern in the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
{snip}
Rice faces confirmation hearings in the Senate, where Democrats said they will take the opportunity to grill her about some of the discredited elements of the White House's case for war against Iraq. But congressional leaders predicted she will be confirmed, probably before Bush begins his second term on Jan. 20.
From the Guardian (UK), written by Michael Williams, dated November 28, 2012 -
The Republican crusade against Susan Rice, US ambassador to the United Nations, continues unabated. Dr Rice, a favourite to succeed outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, is charged by some Republicans with "lying" about the nature of the attacks against the US Consulate in Benghazi, Libya on 11 September 2012.
While Rice should be thoroughly vetted by the Senate, the logic of current witch hunt is laughable; and it sets a precedent the GOP should want to avoid. Following the logic of Senator John McCain, the Obama administration should launch an investigation into the George W Bush administration.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
A few pictures from the 2012 election cycle
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| State Sen. David Schapira addressing a crowd of voters in Tempe in January while he was exploring a run for Congress. He finished the primary in 2nd place. |
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| From March: The CD5 delegates to the Democratic National Convention, (L-R) Janie Hydrick, Chase Williams, Laura Copple, Jerry Gettinger, Lauren Kuby, and Randy Keating |
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| Paul Penzone, candidate for Maricopa County Sheriff, speaking at an event in Tempe |
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| At the same April event, the future LD26 legislative team - (L-R, standing) Reps-elect Juan Mendez and Andrew Sherwood and Sen.-elect Ed Ableser |
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| Mark Mitchell in April, the future Mayor of Tempe. He emerged victorious in Tempe's election in May. |
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| Andrei Cherny, candidate for Congress, addressing a meeting of the LD24 Democrats; he finished third in the primary. |
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| In July, putting up signs |
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| In July, an overflow crowd at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe for a Congressional primary forum |
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| Congressional candidate Kyrsten Sinema at the July forum. She emerged from the primary as the nominee. |
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| Not political or anything to do with the election cycle; I just like the sign. |
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| In August, Harry Mitchell addressing a crowd at an event in Tempe |
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| September: Future state rep. Juan Mendez speaking at the LD26 campaign office in Tempe |
.jpg) |
| US Senate candidate Rich Carmona speaking to a supporter at the same Tempe event in September |
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| The "crowd" at the Clean Elections debate for LD24 legislative candidates in September |
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| In September, future State Rep. Andrew Sherwood (standing) greeting friends in Tempe in September |
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| Kyrsten Sinema addressing the crowd at the same Tempe event in September |
.jpg) |
| Election Day: watching early national returns at the Arizona Democratic Party headquarters in Phoenix |
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| Election Day: The crowd gathering at the Renaissance watching election night coverage on CNN |
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| Election night: Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton speaking to the hundreds gathered at the Renaissance |
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| The jublilant crowd as the election is called for President Obama |
All of the above pics were taken by me and represent just the tiniest portion of the effort and energy and dedication of the 2012 election cycle. Similar scenes and more took place across the state all year, and while a guy with a camera may not have been at each place, they were all a part of the successes of the cycle.
Sunday, November 04, 2012
Voting *for* a candidate: a guide
During an election cycle, particularly a long one like a presidential cycle, it's easy to lose sight of why we support this candidate or that candidate, losing ourselves in being against the "other".
The reasons why we support candidate "A" become subsumed by the fact that candidate "B" is an arrogant, avaricious plutocrat or the reasons that we support candidate "X" are drowned in the glare of candidate "Y's" bigotry, corruption, etc.
As easy as voting"against" can be, voting "for" is far more satisfying. I've been voting for a while now. Not gonna say how long, but the first presidential ticket that received my vote was Mondale/Ferraro. You do the math. :)
While most of my votes have been "for" a candidate, too many have been for the "less bad" candidate. The most satisfying votes that I've ever cast were for Harry Mitchell. While he is nowhere near liberal enough to suit me politically, he based his positions, and his votes in office, on what he thought was in the best interests of his constituents.
Voting for him in 2010 when David Schweikert took advantage of the Republican wave that year to oust an icon was no less satisfying than voting for him in 2006 when Mitchell first won a seat in Congress.
Having said all of that, here's my "positive" take on my votes this year, why I voted "for" particular candidate. There were lots of "for" candidates this year -
- Barack Obama for President - I enthusiastically voted for him in 2008, and proudly did so again this year.
In the face of intractable opposition (to the point that Republicans in Congress voted against bills that they had sponsored themselves if Obama supported them), he led the start of real healthcare reform, started winding down the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, fought for tax cuts for the working and middle classes, saved the American auto industry, and oversaw the end for Osama Bin Laden.
To be sure, there were a few missteps, but even most of those just showed that the man is simply human (stay off the pitcher's mound, Mr. President :) ).
My biggest complaint with him is that he hasn't be liberal enough in his governance.
However, that dovetails with the biggest reason to vote to give him a second term - he has governed. Not ruled, not dictated, not anything but do his job.
He has worked *for* his constituents, all of them, not just those who agree with him or give him campaign contributions.
You may not agree with everything he's done in office; I like and support him, and even *I* don't agree with everything that the Obama administration has done.
However, he has done what he has done out of concern for the best interests of his constituents, which should be the motivation behind the positions and actions of *all* elected officials.
As such, he has more than earned a second term in the oval office.
I promise that the rest of these will be much shorter. :)
- Dr. Rich Carmona for U.S. Senate - This may be his first foray into electoral politics, but it's not his first foray into public service. Not hardly.
In his storied career, he has been an Army medic (in Vietnam), a SWAT team leader, and Surgeon General of the United States. His life story is the archetypal American success story - born to immigrant parents, worked to obtain an education, lifted himself out of poverty, and has spent his adult life in public service of one sort or another.
In short, he's the sort of person who *should* be in office because he has been where most of us have been.
- Kyrsten Sinema for U.S. Congress (CD9) - *Not* her first foray into electoral politics, but it's hardly her first foray into public service. Like Carmona above, she bootstrapped her way out of poverty with education and hard work, and like Carmona, she has dedicated her life to serving the public. In her case, she has been a social worker, attorney, and educator.
And like Carmona, she is the kind of person who should be in office representing us because she has been and is us.
- Katie Hobbs (Senate) and Lela Alston and Chad Campbell (House) for the Arizona legislature from LD24 - They are each experienced, dedicated, intelligent, hard-working, and caring public servants and have earned another term in office.
Bonus legislative race: Ed Ableser (Senate) and Juan Mendez and Andrew Sherwood (House) for the Arizona legislature from LD26 - While they were not on my ballot (I live in LD24), all three are friends of mine and people who I respect. They are active members of the community and have and will work for the betterment of the community.
- Paul Penzone for Maricopa County Sheriff - Penzone is a career cop who has based his career on *involving* the entire community, not demonizing* part of it for personal and political gain. When he is elected, he'll bring a level of professionalism and integrity to the MCSO that hasn't been seen there in decades.
- Marcia Busching, Sandra Kennedy, and Paul Newman for the Arizona Corporation Commission - While the members of this trio bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds to the table, but they share a focus on ensuring Arizona's energy future.
.jpg)
Are all of the above candidates Democrats? Yup.
But before the above is dismissed as "partisan hackery", one should ask if all of the above candidates are the "best" candidates.
The answer to that question is a resounding "Yes".
Their primary concern has been (in the case of previous or current officeholders) or will be (in the case of future officeholders) the best interests of the people that they represent.
I don't expect to agree with them on every single issue, but I do expect that every person who "represents" me to hold positions, craft policies, and cast votes based on the best interests of their constituents.
And before anyone begins thinking that I've gone soft, an "against" post will follow this one. :)
The reasons why we support candidate "A" become subsumed by the fact that candidate "B" is an arrogant, avaricious plutocrat or the reasons that we support candidate "X" are drowned in the glare of candidate "Y's" bigotry, corruption, etc.
As easy as voting"against" can be, voting "for" is far more satisfying. I've been voting for a while now. Not gonna say how long, but the first presidential ticket that received my vote was Mondale/Ferraro. You do the math. :)
While most of my votes have been "for" a candidate, too many have been for the "less bad" candidate. The most satisfying votes that I've ever cast were for Harry Mitchell. While he is nowhere near liberal enough to suit me politically, he based his positions, and his votes in office, on what he thought was in the best interests of his constituents.
Voting for him in 2010 when David Schweikert took advantage of the Republican wave that year to oust an icon was no less satisfying than voting for him in 2006 when Mitchell first won a seat in Congress.
Having said all of that, here's my "positive" take on my votes this year, why I voted "for" particular candidate. There were lots of "for" candidates this year -
- Barack Obama for President - I enthusiastically voted for him in 2008, and proudly did so again this year.
In the face of intractable opposition (to the point that Republicans in Congress voted against bills that they had sponsored themselves if Obama supported them), he led the start of real healthcare reform, started winding down the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, fought for tax cuts for the working and middle classes, saved the American auto industry, and oversaw the end for Osama Bin Laden.
To be sure, there were a few missteps, but even most of those just showed that the man is simply human (stay off the pitcher's mound, Mr. President :) ).
My biggest complaint with him is that he hasn't be liberal enough in his governance.
However, that dovetails with the biggest reason to vote to give him a second term - he has governed. Not ruled, not dictated, not anything but do his job.
He has worked *for* his constituents, all of them, not just those who agree with him or give him campaign contributions.
You may not agree with everything he's done in office; I like and support him, and even *I* don't agree with everything that the Obama administration has done.
However, he has done what he has done out of concern for the best interests of his constituents, which should be the motivation behind the positions and actions of *all* elected officials.
As such, he has more than earned a second term in the oval office.
 |
| Picture courtesy CNN |
I promise that the rest of these will be much shorter. :)
- Dr. Rich Carmona for U.S. Senate - This may be his first foray into electoral politics, but it's not his first foray into public service. Not hardly.
In his storied career, he has been an Army medic (in Vietnam), a SWAT team leader, and Surgeon General of the United States. His life story is the archetypal American success story - born to immigrant parents, worked to obtain an education, lifted himself out of poverty, and has spent his adult life in public service of one sort or another.
In short, he's the sort of person who *should* be in office because he has been where most of us have been.
.jpg) |
| Carmona talking to a supporter in Tempe, September 15 |
- Kyrsten Sinema for U.S. Congress (CD9) - *Not* her first foray into electoral politics, but it's hardly her first foray into public service. Like Carmona above, she bootstrapped her way out of poverty with education and hard work, and like Carmona, she has dedicated her life to serving the public. In her case, she has been a social worker, attorney, and educator.
And like Carmona, she is the kind of person who should be in office representing us because she has been and is us.
 |
| Sinema at a candidate forum in July in Tempe |
- Katie Hobbs (Senate) and Lela Alston and Chad Campbell (House) for the Arizona legislature from LD24 - They are each experienced, dedicated, intelligent, hard-working, and caring public servants and have earned another term in office.
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| (L-R) Hobbs, Alston, and Campbell at the LD24 Clean Elections forum in Phoenix, September 25th |
Bonus legislative race: Ed Ableser (Senate) and Juan Mendez and Andrew Sherwood (House) for the Arizona legislature from LD26 - While they were not on my ballot (I live in LD24), all three are friends of mine and people who I respect. They are active members of the community and have and will work for the betterment of the community.
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| (Standing L-R) Mendez, Sherwood, and Ableser at the LD26 Chili Cook-Off, April 28 |
- Paul Penzone for Maricopa County Sheriff - Penzone is a career cop who has based his career on *involving* the entire community, not demonizing* part of it for personal and political gain. When he is elected, he'll bring a level of professionalism and integrity to the MCSO that hasn't been seen there in decades.
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| Penzone in Tempe, April 28 (same event as in the above pic, only a couple of hours earlier) |
- Marcia Busching, Sandra Kennedy, and Paul Newman for the Arizona Corporation Commission - While the members of this trio bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds to the table, but they share a focus on ensuring Arizona's energy future.
.jpg)
Are all of the above candidates Democrats? Yup.
But before the above is dismissed as "partisan hackery", one should ask if all of the above candidates are the "best" candidates.
The answer to that question is a resounding "Yes".
Their primary concern has been (in the case of previous or current officeholders) or will be (in the case of future officeholders) the best interests of the people that they represent.
I don't expect to agree with them on every single issue, but I do expect that every person who "represents" me to hold positions, craft policies, and cast votes based on the best interests of their constituents.
And before anyone begins thinking that I've gone soft, an "against" post will follow this one. :)
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Running and hiding from open debate? That's so 2010...
Everybody remembers the "brain freeze heard 'round the world" when Governor Jan Brewer blanked for more than 13 seconds during her first televised debate with Democratic nominee Terry Goddard.
After her embarrassing performance, she and her handlers decided that the "first" debate would be the "only" debate.
Many other Republican candidates, looking at the poll numbers that indicated that 2010 was going to be a wave year for the Republicans, followed suit. There was no reason to risk a debate gaffe derailing an all-but-certain victory.
And for the most part, the plan worked (or at least, it didn't *not* work) - the 2010 wave swamped the US House, state legislatures, and governor's mansions coast-to-coast. After the 2010 elections, Republicans controlled the US House, became a large enough minority caucus in the US Senate so that they have been able to block pretty near every remotely positive measure, controlled all or part of 35 state legislatures, and controlled 29 governor's offices.
Fast-forward to 2012 and while it is shaping up to be a far more balanced year, yet many Republicans are campaigning like it's 2010 all over again.
In Arizona, both Republican Senate nominee Jeff Flake and CD9 nominee Vernon Parker are playing the "run and hide" card for all it's worth.
Flake has declined to publicly debate Richard Carmona, the Democratic nominee (though to be fair, per the linked article, he has agreed to a debate with Carmona, in a TV studio with no live audience, for 30 minutes only).
Parker is just ignoring Kyrsten Sinema, the Democratic nominee, and the voters in the new Ninth Congressional District. He simply has not responded to debate inquiries.
In 2012, Flake and Parker, and certain other Republicans, are still running from their 2010 playbook, which had a primary theme of "Keep your head down and your mouth closed. If you don't screw up, you'll win."
In 2010, that scheme worked in nearly all but the most heavily Democratic districts.
In 2012, the situations and districts here are much more competitive and the "bunker" mentality and approach isn't going to work for any candidate.
Having said all that, there are candidates who legally *cannot* avoid at least some interaction with voters and the other candidates.
Clean Elections candidates must participate in a CE-sponsored debate as a condition of receiving funds from the Citizens Clean Elections Commission.
This looks to be the busiest week of the general election season in terms of Clean Elections debates.
- Monday, September 24, LD11 Senate and House, 6 p.m. at Pima Community College - Northwest Campus, 7600 N. Shannon Road in Tucson
- Tuesday, September 25, LD20 Senate and House, 6:30 p.m. at ASU West - La Sala Ballroom, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road in Glendale
- Tuesday, September 25, LD24 Senate and House, 5:30 p.m. at A.E. England Building (ASU Downtown campus), 424 N. Central Avenue in Phoenix
- Wednesday, September 26, LD14 Senate and House, 6 p.m. at Benson City Council Chambers, 120 W. 6th Street in Benson
- Thursday, September 27, LD16 Senate and House, 6:30 p.m. at ASU-Poly Cooley Ballroom B, 7001 E. Williams Field Road, Mesa
- Thursday, September 27, LD27 Senate and House, ASU-Mercado, Room C145, 502 E. Monroe Street in Phoenix
After her embarrassing performance, she and her handlers decided that the "first" debate would be the "only" debate.
Many other Republican candidates, looking at the poll numbers that indicated that 2010 was going to be a wave year for the Republicans, followed suit. There was no reason to risk a debate gaffe derailing an all-but-certain victory.
And for the most part, the plan worked (or at least, it didn't *not* work) - the 2010 wave swamped the US House, state legislatures, and governor's mansions coast-to-coast. After the 2010 elections, Republicans controlled the US House, became a large enough minority caucus in the US Senate so that they have been able to block pretty near every remotely positive measure, controlled all or part of 35 state legislatures, and controlled 29 governor's offices.
Fast-forward to 2012 and while it is shaping up to be a far more balanced year, yet many Republicans are campaigning like it's 2010 all over again.
In Arizona, both Republican Senate nominee Jeff Flake and CD9 nominee Vernon Parker are playing the "run and hide" card for all it's worth.
Flake has declined to publicly debate Richard Carmona, the Democratic nominee (though to be fair, per the linked article, he has agreed to a debate with Carmona, in a TV studio with no live audience, for 30 minutes only).
Parker is just ignoring Kyrsten Sinema, the Democratic nominee, and the voters in the new Ninth Congressional District. He simply has not responded to debate inquiries.
In 2012, Flake and Parker, and certain other Republicans, are still running from their 2010 playbook, which had a primary theme of "Keep your head down and your mouth closed. If you don't screw up, you'll win."
In 2010, that scheme worked in nearly all but the most heavily Democratic districts.
In 2012, the situations and districts here are much more competitive and the "bunker" mentality and approach isn't going to work for any candidate.
Having said all that, there are candidates who legally *cannot* avoid at least some interaction with voters and the other candidates.
Clean Elections candidates must participate in a CE-sponsored debate as a condition of receiving funds from the Citizens Clean Elections Commission.
This looks to be the busiest week of the general election season in terms of Clean Elections debates.
- Monday, September 24, LD11 Senate and House, 6 p.m. at Pima Community College - Northwest Campus, 7600 N. Shannon Road in Tucson
- Tuesday, September 25, LD20 Senate and House, 6:30 p.m. at ASU West - La Sala Ballroom, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road in Glendale
- Tuesday, September 25, LD24 Senate and House, 5:30 p.m. at A.E. England Building (ASU Downtown campus), 424 N. Central Avenue in Phoenix
- Wednesday, September 26, LD14 Senate and House, 6 p.m. at Benson City Council Chambers, 120 W. 6th Street in Benson
- Thursday, September 27, LD16 Senate and House, 6:30 p.m. at ASU-Poly Cooley Ballroom B, 7001 E. Williams Field Road, Mesa
- Thursday, September 27, LD27 Senate and House, ASU-Mercado, Room C145, 502 E. Monroe Street in Phoenix
Monday, August 27, 2012
David Schapira, the clear choice in CD9
In case you haven't heard (LOL), tomorrow is primary election day in Arizona.
There are contests on both sides of the ballot, but few are higher profile than the race for the Democratic nomination in the Ninth Congressional District. The Ninth District takes in parts of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler and all of Tempe.
There are three Democrats on the ballot -
Kyrsten Sinema, a former state legislator
Andrei Cherny, formerly chair of the Arizona Democratic Party
David Schapira, currently a state senator and Democratic leader in the Arizona Senate
All three are young, intelligent, and hard working, and regardless of the outcome Tuesday, the two runners-up will be at the head of the list of potential statewide candidates in 2014.
All three have won the support of some dedicated activists and volunteers, many of whom I like and respect, and even call "friend".
However, only one candidate can win this race, and I believe that the candidate who best merits our votes is David Schapira.
On the "big issues" David and the other candidates have very similar positions, but Schapira's honesty, directness and passion for his constituents, his employers, earns him the nod.
He has run a positive campaign, running *for* the privilege of representing the district, not *against* the other candidates.
He has a documented history of working for his constituents, but he also has a history of standing up for principle, even when it may not be politically advantageous.
Such as when he supported and worked for the effort to recall Russell Pearce. Before he was recalled, Pearce was president of the Arizona State Senate, and if he had survived the recall, would have made Schapira's life at the Capitol a living hell.
Like most people who run for office, Schapira is relaxed and comfortable in front of, or in, a crowd.
But he also genuinely likes talking with individual people, even after the crowds have thinned out -
David has been a life-long Arizonan, student, teacher, and small businessman.
David has been a strong advocate for the people of his district in the Arizona legislature, husband, and father (not in order of importance).
With your help, David will be Arizona's next great Congressman.
Vote for David Schapira tomorrow.
There are contests on both sides of the ballot, but few are higher profile than the race for the Democratic nomination in the Ninth Congressional District. The Ninth District takes in parts of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler and all of Tempe.
There are three Democrats on the ballot -
Kyrsten Sinema, a former state legislator
Andrei Cherny, formerly chair of the Arizona Democratic Party
David Schapira, currently a state senator and Democratic leader in the Arizona Senate
All three are young, intelligent, and hard working, and regardless of the outcome Tuesday, the two runners-up will be at the head of the list of potential statewide candidates in 2014.
All three have won the support of some dedicated activists and volunteers, many of whom I like and respect, and even call "friend".
However, only one candidate can win this race, and I believe that the candidate who best merits our votes is David Schapira.
On the "big issues" David and the other candidates have very similar positions, but Schapira's honesty, directness and passion for his constituents, his employers, earns him the nod.
He has run a positive campaign, running *for* the privilege of representing the district, not *against* the other candidates.
He has a documented history of working for his constituents, but he also has a history of standing up for principle, even when it may not be politically advantageous.
Such as when he supported and worked for the effort to recall Russell Pearce. Before he was recalled, Pearce was president of the Arizona State Senate, and if he had survived the recall, would have made Schapira's life at the Capitol a living hell.
Like most people who run for office, Schapira is relaxed and comfortable in front of, or in, a crowd.
 |
| Schapira in front of a crowd |
.JPG) |
| Schapira in a crowd |
But he also genuinely likes talking with individual people, even after the crowds have thinned out -
David has been a life-long Arizonan, student, teacher, and small businessman.
David has been a strong advocate for the people of his district in the Arizona legislature, husband, and father (not in order of importance).
 |
| From Schapira's website |
With your help, David will be Arizona's next great Congressman.
Vote for David Schapira tomorrow.
Monday, August 20, 2012
David Schapira - the positive candidate in CD9
Two negatives don't make a positive...but two overwhelmingly negative candidates may help propel the positive candidate in a race to a win.
The CD9 Democratic primary has become very negative. Not as negative as the Rs in CD6 (Schweikert v. Quayle) where they are gay-baiting, or as the negative as the Rs in CD4 (Gosar v. Gould v. Murphy) where during their debate on KAET's Horizon one was left with the impression that if Gosar and Gould had knives, there would have been blood on the floor.
Still, in CD9, the half-truths and outright lies have been flying about with increasing frequency.
Kyrsten Sinema put out a mailer that attacks both of her opponents, Andrei Cherny and David Schapira, claiming that both Schapira and Cherny support public education-destroying school vouchers. I can't speak for Cherny (don't know him that well), but in the six years that David Schapira has been representing me in the Arizona Legislature, he has always been a staunch defender of public education.
There is also a PAC/independent expenditure group named "Restoring Arizona's Integrity" that has spent more than $50K attacking Cherny. That group has ties to the Sinema camp - the organizers of the committee are long-time lobbyists in AZ and the head of the lobbying firm has contributed to Sinema's campaign.
Another group, "Progressive Independent Committee" has begun weighing in with "hit pieces" (aka - negative mailers) against Sinema, against Sinema and Schapira, and robocalls (against Sinema, I think; not sure because I didn't get one of those). The combo hit piece compared Schapira and Sinema to Republicans Russell Pearce, Jan Brewer and Joe Arpaio.
Like many Democrats in the district, I have formed opinions of all three Ds in the CD9 race. While most of us now support one candidate over the other two, that doesn't mean we believe that the other two are stupid and/or evil. This particular mailer isn't just nasty, it may border on libel (and that's tough to pull off when talking about politicians).
That group is more shadowy. Its organizer, Matthew D. Langley, is a political operative based in Tennessee. His firm, MD Langley & Associates, has been administratively dissolved by the Tennessee Secretary of State for failure to file annual reports -
The filing problems continue with Langley, as he has been lax in filing Independent Expenditure reports for the committee, filing only one report (for the initial anti-Sinema mailers) but not doing so for his/the committee's other activity (the mailer that railed against both Sinema and Schapira and the robocalls).
Anyway, this committee seems to be the Cherny committee. If the targets of its vitriol don't make that clear enough, how about this -
Langley used to work for a firm called Patton Technologies as Director of Compliance, and early in his campaign for Arizona Treasurer, Andrei Cherny hired, you guessed it, Patton Technologies.
Note to Mr. Langley if he bothers to read this: A "Director of Compliance" shouldn't have filing issues on his resume. Just sayin'...
The negative blasts from from the Cherny and Sinema camps seem to be working against them and boosting Schapira, who has been running an unfailingly positive campaign - a recent poll (published in the Yellow Sheet, so I cannot link to it) shows Schapira with a small lead in the race, and a reception with former Congressman Harry Mitchell on Saturday night was just packed.
Next Wednesday, the Arizona Democratic Party will hold the 2012 Forward Together unity rally in Phoenix.
I have no doubt that regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's primary, David Schapira will be there to support all Democratic candidates. I can't say I believe the same about the others.
And that fact, combined with his relentlessly positive campaign and the fact that he is the candidate most concerned with the people of the Ninth Congressional District, is why David Schapira is the best candidate in the race.
The CD9 Democratic primary has become very negative. Not as negative as the Rs in CD6 (Schweikert v. Quayle) where they are gay-baiting, or as the negative as the Rs in CD4 (Gosar v. Gould v. Murphy) where during their debate on KAET's Horizon one was left with the impression that if Gosar and Gould had knives, there would have been blood on the floor.
Still, in CD9, the half-truths and outright lies have been flying about with increasing frequency.
Kyrsten Sinema put out a mailer that attacks both of her opponents, Andrei Cherny and David Schapira, claiming that both Schapira and Cherny support public education-destroying school vouchers. I can't speak for Cherny (don't know him that well), but in the six years that David Schapira has been representing me in the Arizona Legislature, he has always been a staunch defender of public education.
There is also a PAC/independent expenditure group named "Restoring Arizona's Integrity" that has spent more than $50K attacking Cherny. That group has ties to the Sinema camp - the organizers of the committee are long-time lobbyists in AZ and the head of the lobbying firm has contributed to Sinema's campaign.
Another group, "Progressive Independent Committee" has begun weighing in with "hit pieces" (aka - negative mailers) against Sinema, against Sinema and Schapira, and robocalls (against Sinema, I think; not sure because I didn't get one of those). The combo hit piece compared Schapira and Sinema to Republicans Russell Pearce, Jan Brewer and Joe Arpaio.
Like many Democrats in the district, I have formed opinions of all three Ds in the CD9 race. While most of us now support one candidate over the other two, that doesn't mean we believe that the other two are stupid and/or evil. This particular mailer isn't just nasty, it may border on libel (and that's tough to pull off when talking about politicians).
That group is more shadowy. Its organizer, Matthew D. Langley, is a political operative based in Tennessee. His firm, MD Langley & Associates, has been administratively dissolved by the Tennessee Secretary of State for failure to file annual reports -
The filing problems continue with Langley, as he has been lax in filing Independent Expenditure reports for the committee, filing only one report (for the initial anti-Sinema mailers) but not doing so for his/the committee's other activity (the mailer that railed against both Sinema and Schapira and the robocalls).
Anyway, this committee seems to be the Cherny committee. If the targets of its vitriol don't make that clear enough, how about this -
Langley used to work for a firm called Patton Technologies as Director of Compliance, and early in his campaign for Arizona Treasurer, Andrei Cherny hired, you guessed it, Patton Technologies.
Note to Mr. Langley if he bothers to read this: A "Director of Compliance" shouldn't have filing issues on his resume. Just sayin'...
The negative blasts from from the Cherny and Sinema camps seem to be working against them and boosting Schapira, who has been running an unfailingly positive campaign - a recent poll (published in the Yellow Sheet, so I cannot link to it) shows Schapira with a small lead in the race, and a reception with former Congressman Harry Mitchell on Saturday night was just packed.
Next Wednesday, the Arizona Democratic Party will hold the 2012 Forward Together unity rally in Phoenix.
I have no doubt that regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's primary, David Schapira will be there to support all Democratic candidates. I can't say I believe the same about the others.
And that fact, combined with his relentlessly positive campaign and the fact that he is the candidate most concerned with the people of the Ninth Congressional District, is why David Schapira is the best candidate in the race.
Saturday, August 04, 2012
Primary Ballot Time - 2012
Well, for those who vote by mail, this week was a big week - ballots for the August primary election have started hitting mailboxes across the state.
Here's mine -
In the contested races that are visible in the pic, I voted for David Schapira for Congress (more on that below), Katie Hobbs for State Senate, and Chad Campbell and Lela Alston for State House. On the other side of the ballot, it was Paul Penzone for Maricopa County Sheriff, John Washington for Mayor of Scottsdale, and Denny Brown for Scottsdale City Council (so far, I'm single-shotting Brown, but we can vote for up to three candidates in that race.)
As for the race for Congress -
While all three candidates have their good points, and all are basically on the right side of the "big issues", only one will do the best job of representing the Ninth Congressional District. That one is David Schapira. He is a "what you see is what you get" kind of candidate - honest, direct, and straightforward. His primary concern is working to make this a better community, by supporting education, health care opportunity, small business, and all of the things that help make a community a *home*. I'm proud to call him my state senator and prouder still to call him a friend.
He will be Arizona's next great Congressman.
Here's mine -
In the contested races that are visible in the pic, I voted for David Schapira for Congress (more on that below), Katie Hobbs for State Senate, and Chad Campbell and Lela Alston for State House. On the other side of the ballot, it was Paul Penzone for Maricopa County Sheriff, John Washington for Mayor of Scottsdale, and Denny Brown for Scottsdale City Council (so far, I'm single-shotting Brown, but we can vote for up to three candidates in that race.)
As for the race for Congress -
While all three candidates have their good points, and all are basically on the right side of the "big issues", only one will do the best job of representing the Ninth Congressional District. That one is David Schapira. He is a "what you see is what you get" kind of candidate - honest, direct, and straightforward. His primary concern is working to make this a better community, by supporting education, health care opportunity, small business, and all of the things that help make a community a *home*. I'm proud to call him my state senator and prouder still to call him a friend.
He will be Arizona's next great Congressman.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Candidate forums tonight and tomorrow
After ranting last night about how too many voters just don't pay attention, it probably would be a good idea to remind folks of upcoming opportunities to get to know some of their candidates.
...Tonight, Wednesday, July 25, from KJZZ.com -
Wednesday, July 25 at 6 p.m.
Arizona Historical Society Museum
1300 N. College Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 929-9499
Admittance is free but reservations are required. Please reserve your seats by contacting Claire Kerrigan at (480) 774-8444 or ckerrigan@rioradio.org.
What do you want to know about the candidates? Share your questions in advance.
The three candidates are Andrei Cherny, David Schapira and Kyrsten Sinema.
The newly formed district will serve the Ahwatukee Foothills, west Chandler, west Mesa, Tempe, parts of Paradise Valley, south Scottsdale and north-central Phoenix.
...It may be a little late to RSVP to tonight's forum, but there will be another tomorrow on KAET's Horizon, live at 5:30 p.m. on channel 8. No RSVP required. In fact, no driving required - just tune in to channel 8 on your TV.
...Also tomorrow night (Thursday, July 26), the Coalition of Greater Scottsdale is hosting a forum for mayoral candidates at the Mountain View Community Center, 8526 E. Mountain View (between Pima and Hayden, south of Shea Blvd) from 6:30 p.m until 8 p.m. All three candidates for mayor of Scottsdale were invited; John Washington and Drew Bernhardt will attend while incumbent Jim Lane won't attend, protesting the political arm of COGS' endorsement of Washington.
...Tonight, Wednesday, July 25, from KJZZ.com -
Residents of Arizona’s newly
formed 9th Congressional District will have an opportunity to meet the
Democratic candidates running for this office during a community forum hosted by
KJZZ Managing Editor Al Macias and Politics and Government Reporter Mark
Brodie.
Wednesday, July 25 at 6 p.m.
Arizona Historical Society Museum
1300 N. College Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 929-9499
Admittance is free but reservations are required. Please reserve your seats by contacting Claire Kerrigan at (480) 774-8444 or ckerrigan@rioradio.org.
What do you want to know about the candidates? Share your questions in advance.
The three candidates are Andrei Cherny, David Schapira and Kyrsten Sinema.
The newly formed district will serve the Ahwatukee Foothills, west Chandler, west Mesa, Tempe, parts of Paradise Valley, south Scottsdale and north-central Phoenix.
KJZZ will broadcast the open question/answer session with the Democratic
candidates on Thu., July 26 at 11 a.m. Audio of the entire forum will be posted
on KJZZ.org.
KJZZ hosted a forum with the Republican candidates on June 25. You can listen to the entire forum at KJZZ.org.
KJZZ hosted a forum with the Republican candidates on June 25. You can listen to the entire forum at KJZZ.org.
...It may be a little late to RSVP to tonight's forum, but there will be another tomorrow on KAET's Horizon, live at 5:30 p.m. on channel 8. No RSVP required. In fact, no driving required - just tune in to channel 8 on your TV.
...Also tomorrow night (Thursday, July 26), the Coalition of Greater Scottsdale is hosting a forum for mayoral candidates at the Mountain View Community Center, 8526 E. Mountain View (between Pima and Hayden, south of Shea Blvd) from 6:30 p.m until 8 p.m. All three candidates for mayor of Scottsdale were invited; John Washington and Drew Bernhardt will attend while incumbent Jim Lane won't attend, protesting the political arm of COGS' endorsement of Washington.
Monday, July 02, 2012
CD9 Forum at Changing Hands on July 17
The candidates for the Democratic nomination in the new Ninth Congressional District, David Schapira, Kyrsten Sinema, and Andrei Cherny, will meet at a forum held at Changing Hands Bookstore on Tuesday, July 17 at 7 p.m.
The forum will be moderated by John D'Anna, editor of the Mesa Republic.
Changing Hands is located at 6428 S McClintock Dr., Tempe, Arizona 85283 (SWC of McClintock and Guadalupe).
Arrive early, for two reasons -
1. To get a good seat.
2. To have time to browse the coolest bookstore in the Phoenix area.
See you there!
The forum will be moderated by John D'Anna, editor of the Mesa Republic.
Changing Hands is located at 6428 S McClintock Dr., Tempe, Arizona 85283 (SWC of McClintock and Guadalupe).
Arrive early, for two reasons -
1. To get a good seat.
2. To have time to browse the coolest bookstore in the Phoenix area.
See you there!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Candidate updates -
In the "not surprised by the move, just that it took so long" department:
- Embattled Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu dropped out of the race for the Republican nomination in the CD4 primary. Maybe it was being outed as gay (the kiss of death to a political career in Republican circles), maybe it was threatening to use his position to have his ex deported (an allegation that Babeu has denied, but not exactly helpful to any variety of political career), or maybe it was the investigation into whether Babeu had his deputies campaign for him (the loss of a political career pales next to a possible loss of freedom if the investigation into that goes poorly for Babeu), but his exit from the race was a matter of "when", not "if".
In the "we wish he would just get the message already department" or the "don't go away mad, just go away" department:
- Rumors have spread that former state legislator Russell Pearce is dropping out of the Republican primary in LD25. However, he has denied that and as of this writing, he is still in the race.
In the "who?" department:
David Crowe, a Republican-turned-Democrat, has dropped his primary challenge to Democratic Congressman Raul Grijalva.
In other news, other candidates are dropping, dropping off nominating petitions at the Arizona Secretary of State's office.
State Senator and CD9 Congressional candidate David Schapira delivering his petitions to the AZSOS. He's the first CD9 candidate to do so (picture courtesy the Schapira campaign)
The full list of candidates who have submitted nominating petitions to the AZSOS is here. Some of the highlights:
- Former state senator Ken Cheuvront submitted his sigs on May 8. He's running for a return to the state senate in the new LD24. Current state representative Katie Hobbs is also running for that seat.
- Current state representative John Fillmore submitted his sigs for the LD16 Senate race on May 11. Current state senator Rich Crandall is also running in that district.
- Current member of Congress David Schweikert beat current member of Congress Ben Quayle...in the race to submit sigs, doing so on April 30.
The list of Maricopa County candidates who have submitted sigs is here;
- Embattled Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu dropped out of the race for the Republican nomination in the CD4 primary. Maybe it was being outed as gay (the kiss of death to a political career in Republican circles), maybe it was threatening to use his position to have his ex deported (an allegation that Babeu has denied, but not exactly helpful to any variety of political career), or maybe it was the investigation into whether Babeu had his deputies campaign for him (the loss of a political career pales next to a possible loss of freedom if the investigation into that goes poorly for Babeu), but his exit from the race was a matter of "when", not "if".
In the "we wish he would just get the message already department" or the "don't go away mad, just go away" department:
- Rumors have spread that former state legislator Russell Pearce is dropping out of the Republican primary in LD25. However, he has denied that and as of this writing, he is still in the race.
In the "who?" department:
David Crowe, a Republican-turned-Democrat, has dropped his primary challenge to Democratic Congressman Raul Grijalva.
In other news, other candidates are dropping, dropping off nominating petitions at the Arizona Secretary of State's office.
State Senator and CD9 Congressional candidate David Schapira delivering his petitions to the AZSOS. He's the first CD9 candidate to do so (picture courtesy the Schapira campaign)
The full list of candidates who have submitted nominating petitions to the AZSOS is here. Some of the highlights:
- Former state senator Ken Cheuvront submitted his sigs on May 8. He's running for a return to the state senate in the new LD24. Current state representative Katie Hobbs is also running for that seat.
- Current state representative John Fillmore submitted his sigs for the LD16 Senate race on May 11. Current state senator Rich Crandall is also running in that district.
- Current member of Congress David Schweikert beat current member of Congress Ben Quayle...in the race to submit sigs, doing so on April 30.
The list of Maricopa County candidates who have submitted sigs is here;
The Arizona Capitol Times is definitely not a sports newspaper - they don't know the difference between hardball and beanball
In a baseball game when a pitcher knows that the batter is going to lean out over the plate and try to lay down a bunt, and the pitcher delivers his first pitch high and tight to back the batter off of the plate.
It doesn't exactly endear the pitcher to the batter, but so long as there is no attempt or intent to cause physical harm, it's considered to be just "hardball."
There might a few hard looks exchanged, and some chirping from the benches, but not much more (ok, usually not much more :) )
Compare that to a pitcher deliberately throwing a fastball at a batter's ear, putting the batter's career, health, and even life at risk.
That's an open invitation for things like retaliatory bean balls, spikes-high slides on the basepaths, and, of course, bench-clearing brawls.
This week, the Arizona Capitol Times published a story, written by Jeremy Duda, taking the position that the Democratic primary in CD9 has quickly become the nastiest in the state this cycle (subscription required).
There have been condemnations of some apparently race-baiting mailers in a previous election, allegations that the other candidates are engaged in dirty politics, duelling calls for a clean, issues-oriented campaign, and more.
And while the race has gotten more colorful and more quickly than I (and many others) would have predicted, most of it seems to within the realm of "hardball", but nothing more.
The candidates and their campaign staffs may be thinking bad thoughts about each other, but sooner or later (probably sooner), they'll settle down to an issues-oriented campaign discourse.
And if any of them are, ummm, "recalcitrant", about that? The voters will set them straight, because they are both the paying fans and the umpires in this game.
On the other hand, what is taking place in the Tempe mayor's race is more like one-sided beanball.. It's not about "clean" or "hardball"; it's about personally destroying the opponent by any means possible.
A week before the election, the Monti campaign, aided and abetted by Jason Rose, have gone into "beanball" territory by loosing an allegation that Mark Mitchell, a member of the Tempe City Council and the other candidate on the ballot, sexually assaulted a girl almost 30 years ago.
To his credit, Mitchell has denounced the allegations while not engaging in similar tactics, as seen in this video from Thursday night's candidate open mic session in the Tempe City Council chambers.
Also as seen in an email from Mitchell -
As disgusting as Monti's tactics have been (and to be clear, this may be the worst, but it isn't the first, of Monti's forays to the darkest side of politics), this kind of move often is more damaging to the candidate doing it, not the intended victim.
As of right now, the primary effect has been to motivate the Arizona Republic to endorse Mitchell in Tuesday's election; we'll see on Tuesday what the voters, the ultimate arbiters of this conflict, think of Monti and his tactics.
More AZ Republic opinion on this matter here. Credit where credit is due time: the Republic is usually on the wrong side on most political matters, but they've set the right tone on this subject.
Mark Mitchell in late April, before the latest bit of sleaze from the Monti campaign
A couple of quick thoughts:
- This ugliness may be a preview of Scottsdale's campaign season. The aforementioned Jason Rose has a history of "consulting" candidates into engaging in some pretty sleazy tactics, and he is helping Jim Lane run for reelection as mayor. Scottsdale voters are going to need goggles and hip waders because the mud will be flying and the s**t will get deep here before it's all over.
- During the same open mic session in the Tempe City Council chambers, Monti also spoke. I can't read his mind (or his heart), but Monti may have given voters a clue as to where his true loyalties lie - in his last campaign speech to a wide audience, he made sure to work in a plug for his restaurant.
It doesn't exactly endear the pitcher to the batter, but so long as there is no attempt or intent to cause physical harm, it's considered to be just "hardball."
There might a few hard looks exchanged, and some chirping from the benches, but not much more (ok, usually not much more :) )
Compare that to a pitcher deliberately throwing a fastball at a batter's ear, putting the batter's career, health, and even life at risk.
That's an open invitation for things like retaliatory bean balls, spikes-high slides on the basepaths, and, of course, bench-clearing brawls.
This week, the Arizona Capitol Times published a story, written by Jeremy Duda, taking the position that the Democratic primary in CD9 has quickly become the nastiest in the state this cycle (subscription required).
There have been condemnations of some apparently race-baiting mailers in a previous election, allegations that the other candidates are engaged in dirty politics, duelling calls for a clean, issues-oriented campaign, and more.
And while the race has gotten more colorful and more quickly than I (and many others) would have predicted, most of it seems to within the realm of "hardball", but nothing more.
The candidates and their campaign staffs may be thinking bad thoughts about each other, but sooner or later (probably sooner), they'll settle down to an issues-oriented campaign discourse.
And if any of them are, ummm, "recalcitrant", about that? The voters will set them straight, because they are both the paying fans and the umpires in this game.
On the other hand, what is taking place in the Tempe mayor's race is more like one-sided beanball.. It's not about "clean" or "hardball"; it's about personally destroying the opponent by any means possible.
A week before the election, the Monti campaign, aided and abetted by Jason Rose, have gone into "beanball" territory by loosing an allegation that Mark Mitchell, a member of the Tempe City Council and the other candidate on the ballot, sexually assaulted a girl almost 30 years ago.
To his credit, Mitchell has denounced the allegations while not engaging in similar tactics, as seen in this video from Thursday night's candidate open mic session in the Tempe City Council chambers.
Also as seen in an email from Mitchell -
Angry doesn’t begin to describe how I feel this morning. Disappointed doesn’t do it justice. But one word does seem to fit my mood.
Determined.
I am determined not to let the people hell-bent on stealing the Tempe Mayor’s election get their way. I am determined not to let their lies take root, determined not to let the most vile political smears imaginable hand my opponents the leadership of our City.
By now, you’ve seen or heard the garbage they’re spreading. Let me be perfectly clear:
I've done nothing wrong, not now and not 30 years ago, when I was 12 years old.
For 30 years, there has never been a complaint against me, never been a police investigation into these false claims, never even been a smear suggesting something like this, until now, on the eve of the mayoral election.
This is politics at its worst. The kind of politics I’m determined to defeat. To do that, however, I need your help. I need your phone calls. I need your shoe leather and word of mouth. I need you to spread the word – that a vote for Mark Mitchell is a vote against lies, false attacks and politics taken to a disgusting new low.
If you have a ballot sitting in your mail pile, please grab it and vote. Circle Tuesday, Election Day, on your calendar and go vote. If you have voted, thank you. Now, please, convince one of your friends to go to the polls and support our campaign.
I’ve worked hard to keep contest for Mayor on the issues we care about, like creating jobs and making neighborhoods safer, just as I’ve worked hard to be a leader who makes Tempe proud. I’m determined to keep fighting for you, to keep doing what it takes to make Tempe special. But right now, I’m even more determined to do one thing.
Win a race that has me pitted against people who will do absolutely anything, including lie and smear, to win.
Thank you for your support. And thank you for standing with me. Just like every vote will count in this race, your kind words to me and to my family have meant the world.
-Mark
As disgusting as Monti's tactics have been (and to be clear, this may be the worst, but it isn't the first, of Monti's forays to the darkest side of politics), this kind of move often is more damaging to the candidate doing it, not the intended victim.
As of right now, the primary effect has been to motivate the Arizona Republic to endorse Mitchell in Tuesday's election; we'll see on Tuesday what the voters, the ultimate arbiters of this conflict, think of Monti and his tactics.
More AZ Republic opinion on this matter here. Credit where credit is due time: the Republic is usually on the wrong side on most political matters, but they've set the right tone on this subject.
Mark Mitchell in late April, before the latest bit of sleaze from the Monti campaign
A couple of quick thoughts:
- This ugliness may be a preview of Scottsdale's campaign season. The aforementioned Jason Rose has a history of "consulting" candidates into engaging in some pretty sleazy tactics, and he is helping Jim Lane run for reelection as mayor. Scottsdale voters are going to need goggles and hip waders because the mud will be flying and the s**t will get deep here before it's all over.
- During the same open mic session in the Tempe City Council chambers, Monti also spoke. I can't read his mind (or his heart), but Monti may have given voters a clue as to where his true loyalties lie - in his last campaign speech to a wide audience, he made sure to work in a plug for his restaurant.
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Political Tidbits...
Kind of like "Short Attention Span Musing", but without much musing. :)
...The Democratic candidates for the new Ninth Congressional District all attended, spoke, and took questions at Tuesday's meeting of the LD26 Democrats. Because I support State Sen. David Schapira in that particular race, I won't comment on the event other than to say that he did well.
Note the lack of comparative words (i.e. - "best", "better than", etc.) favoring Schapira. They aren't appropriate for this forum (not going to denigrate other Ds...unless they start acting like Rs), and they aren't needed. His words and actions in office and on the campaign trail speak for themselves.
...The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (MCBOS) appointed Kyle Jones, a former member of the Mesa City Council, to serve out the term of Lester Pearce as the North Mesa Justice of the Peace. Pearce resigned to pursue a run at a seat on the MCBOS.
Jones on his appointment:
Jones filed to run for the office in late 2011. Given that he and Cecil Ash, a state legislator, are the only candidates for the office with significant name recognition in the area, this appointment may give him a leg up in the primary.
...I received an email touting a candidate training school taking place next Thursday. It is a little late in the cycle, but it's not an unusual occurence during an even-numbered year.
The training session is being sponsored by an organization called the American Federation for Children (awwww...).
It sounded all well and good, other than being a little late in the cycle, until I noticed a few things about the flyer announcing the session -
- It talked about helping "pro-education reform candidates" (as the phrase is currently used "education reform" is a euphemism for "privatize public education and siphon tax money from public purposes to line the pockets of the corporate benefactors of certain legislators")
- The session is scheduled for all day on a week day (not the kind of scheduling if the target audience is Joe and Jane Average Citizen)
- It's being held at the Phoenix Corporate Center ('nuff said right there)
Hmmm...
A quick check found that the American Federation for Children is actually an ALEC-affiliated front group dedicated to undermining the public education system for fun and profit.
HmmmmClarified...
...In lege-related developments, the Arizona Capitol Times is reporting that State Sen. Frank "Don't Make Me Mad" Antenori is strongly considering dropping his run for Congress and instead running for reelection to the state senate (subscription required)
Coming in fourth in a four-way primary in a special election can cause anyone to rethink their plans, even someone as ego-drive as Antenori.
Also reported by the Capitol Times (and also requiring a subscription to access the full article), Republican state senator Lori Klein had been considering a move to a different legislative district due to redistricting because her home in Anthem (just a little north of Phoenix) is now in a district dominated by Prescott (more than just a little north of Phoenix). Her new district is also home to Steve Pierce, the president of the state senate. The Cap Times' article talks about how she is now mulling a run for the House, setting up a possible three-way primary with current state reps Andy Tobin and Karen Fann.
Tobin is the speaker of the House, so it would be something of a surprise if Klein defeating him in the primary, but Klein is trying to make the case that Fann is vulnerable.
I don't know that district well enough to even speculate on what would happen in a primary there, but I'd love to find out. :)
...And in case you haven't heard (OK, it's the biggest political story of the day), President Barack Obama expressed his support for the right of same-sex couples to get married.
Most of his detractors (and likely a few of his supporters, too) believe that the move is a political ploy designed to attract more votes, but since the opponents of same-sex marriage were already unlikely to vote for him (and the supporters were already likely to vote for him), this seems to be more the maturation of his thoughts and beliefs on the issue.
...The Democratic candidates for the new Ninth Congressional District all attended, spoke, and took questions at Tuesday's meeting of the LD26 Democrats. Because I support State Sen. David Schapira in that particular race, I won't comment on the event other than to say that he did well.
Note the lack of comparative words (i.e. - "best", "better than", etc.) favoring Schapira. They aren't appropriate for this forum (not going to denigrate other Ds...unless they start acting like Rs), and they aren't needed. His words and actions in office and on the campaign trail speak for themselves.
...The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (MCBOS) appointed Kyle Jones, a former member of the Mesa City Council, to serve out the term of Lester Pearce as the North Mesa Justice of the Peace. Pearce resigned to pursue a run at a seat on the MCBOS.
Jones on his appointment:
“I am honored by this opportunity to serve my constituents in this new role. I grew up in Mesa, and raised my five children in Mesa. My four grandchildren are now growing up in Mesa. I am thrilled I can continue to serve this great community.”
Jones filed to run for the office in late 2011. Given that he and Cecil Ash, a state legislator, are the only candidates for the office with significant name recognition in the area, this appointment may give him a leg up in the primary.
...I received an email touting a candidate training school taking place next Thursday. It is a little late in the cycle, but it's not an unusual occurence during an even-numbered year.
The training session is being sponsored by an organization called the American Federation for Children (awwww...).
It sounded all well and good, other than being a little late in the cycle, until I noticed a few things about the flyer announcing the session -
- It talked about helping "pro-education reform candidates" (as the phrase is currently used "education reform" is a euphemism for "privatize public education and siphon tax money from public purposes to line the pockets of the corporate benefactors of certain legislators")
- The session is scheduled for all day on a week day (not the kind of scheduling if the target audience is Joe and Jane Average Citizen)
- It's being held at the Phoenix Corporate Center ('nuff said right there)
Hmmm...
A quick check found that the American Federation for Children is actually an ALEC-affiliated front group dedicated to undermining the public education system for fun and profit.
HmmmmClarified...
...In lege-related developments, the Arizona Capitol Times is reporting that State Sen. Frank "Don't Make Me Mad" Antenori is strongly considering dropping his run for Congress and instead running for reelection to the state senate (subscription required)
Coming in fourth in a four-way primary in a special election can cause anyone to rethink their plans, even someone as ego-drive as Antenori.
Also reported by the Capitol Times (and also requiring a subscription to access the full article), Republican state senator Lori Klein had been considering a move to a different legislative district due to redistricting because her home in Anthem (just a little north of Phoenix) is now in a district dominated by Prescott (more than just a little north of Phoenix). Her new district is also home to Steve Pierce, the president of the state senate. The Cap Times' article talks about how she is now mulling a run for the House, setting up a possible three-way primary with current state reps Andy Tobin and Karen Fann.
Tobin is the speaker of the House, so it would be something of a surprise if Klein defeating him in the primary, but Klein is trying to make the case that Fann is vulnerable.
I don't know that district well enough to even speculate on what would happen in a primary there, but I'd love to find out. :)
...And in case you haven't heard (OK, it's the biggest political story of the day), President Barack Obama expressed his support for the right of same-sex couples to get married.
Most of his detractors (and likely a few of his supporters, too) believe that the move is a political ploy designed to attract more votes, but since the opponents of same-sex marriage were already unlikely to vote for him (and the supporters were already likely to vote for him), this seems to be more the maturation of his thoughts and beliefs on the issue.
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