The battle for the GOP Arizona Senate nomination could be one of the fiercest Republican primary battles of 2010.
There are three announced candidates vying for the Arizona Senate GOP nomination, with conventional political wisdom viewing this race as a two-way battle between incumbent Sen. John McCain and former Rep. J.D. Hayworth.
Last week, the leaders of Arizona’s four largest tea party organizations (Tucson Tea Party, Greater Phoenix Tea Party, Flagstaff Tea Party and Mojave Tea Party) issued a joint press release outlining their unified decision to not endorse a candidate in the Arizona Senate GOP primary. There are more than 30 tea party-affiliated organizations operating in the Grand Canyon State.
According to Kelly Townsend, organizer of the Greater Phoenix Tea Party, “It is not appropriate to make an endorsement in this race at the drop of a hat, as some other groups are doing.”
Robert Mayer, co-founder of the Tucson Tea Party, took it a step further: “Both McCain and Hayworth’s records during their many years in Washington leave much to be desired…It is their job to…fight for our votes.”
Given the recent drubbing that the tea party movement has taken in the mainstream media, one could argue that the publically unified stance of Arizona’s four largest tea party organizations is a shrewd political move that could keep their issues at the forefront of the debate, perhaps even more effectively than if they field a candidate from within their own ranks. Here’s why:
No strong candidate on the Democratic side has yet appeared – former Bell Gardens (California) mayor Rudy Garcia is the only candidate to have announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination. While the independent nature of Arizona voters is well documented, it would take something close to extraordinary for “self-described” independent voters in the Grand Canyon State to play a deciding role in this race come November should the Democrats field a subpar candidate and Arizona registered Republican voters elect to tow the party line. Remember, most Arizona voters value immigration reform over healthcare reform and John McCain and George Bush easily coasted to victory in the last two Presidential contests in Arizona. Although immigration reform is not a tea party specific issue, it weighs heavily on the minds of Arizona voters. Sen. McCain has at times been criticized as being soft on this issue.
When you factor in the date of this year’s Arizona Republican Primary – August 24 – one begins to surmise that if Arizona tea partiers want to truly bring about greater adherence to their stated principles of “limited government, free markets, and fiscal responsibility” within the Grand Canyon State and in Washington, they are best served, this year, by working within the two-party system, not outside of it. Unlike the well-known Sen. McCain or former Congressman Hayworth, an unknown come-from behind tea party challenger, even if he or she won the primary, would have a much tougher time building name recognition and winning in the general election.
By publicly shying away from endorsing McCain or Hayworth in a unified fashion and working within the two-party system (at least for now), Arizona tea partiers are better positioned to hold both candidates accountable. According to published reports, this tactic appears to be paying dividends – Sen. McCain has been forced to defend his Senate record of supporting the government bailouts of the financial sector, and Hayworth has had to fend off criticism of his ties to former lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Comments
I think the tea partiers are pretty nuts in general, but it's a good idea for them to stay away from endorsing a candidate in this race. Still not sure if they'll ever actually elect someone though.
I think the Tea Partiers should just keep their damn mouths shut. What a bunch of amateurs, they want to play kingmaker just like everyone else. Anyone who thinks that the average partier really cares about the issues needs to check the origins of their funding.
wow. they say ignorance is bliss. The 2 posts above prove that.
The Tea Party elected the Senator from MA. The Tea Party has directed the health care debate since August! The Tea Party elected conservative Governors in Virginia and New Jersey. Both previously held by Democrats.
The Tea Party is not really a party. There is no head so you don't know who to target. So you target your neighbors and co workers. It won't work.
How do you like your tea>
I just can't imagine a group of Americans demanding more of their elected officials. Who do they think they are? I can't imagine why they would demand answers from those they elect! How stupid is that?
And how twisted it for the tea baggers to say they will vote somebody out. Where do they think they get that right?
And their funding! Hey Chuck Tilafy, Just where DO they get their funding?
What qualifies the Tea Partiers to make any sort of endorsement to begin with?
Thomas Ryerson says: What qualifies the Tea Partiers to make any sort of endorsement to begin with?
The exact same reasons that give you the same opportunity. They are citizens!
Washington needs NO MORE CORRUPTION. The people of this great country deserve better then JD.
Good point about Tea Party candidates not being electable in the general election. I could definitely see that happening, but I don't think McCain, with his money and incumbency, could lose to a Tea Party guy in the primary. I don't know much about Hayworth, but apparently it's a close race? That's a possibility. Maybe the people of Arizona are getting over McCain. Anyway, with the issues of health care and immigration on the table, we'll see how Arizonian Tea Party voters act in this election.
The Tea Party is ordinary folks, and they best watch their guard against these Republicans charlatans who are well versed in back room dealing, and selling out. And if they don't stand firm against illegal immigration, then they are best told to keep it moving. Illigal immigration is up top on the to do list, and a litmus test. So put these Republicans on the spot, in prime time.
Tea Partiers should take a stand for the Constitution. Illegal immigration is against the Constituion; and so is the Health Care law (govt. cannot force anyone to buy health insurance anymore than it can force one to purchase a Ford car. The Tea Party should oppose anything illegal, and anything not allowed by the Constitution. Seldom do politicans even mention The Constitution.
John McCain is the poster child for term limits on senators. He is a massive progressive. He'll do anything to get 6 more years. Like a junkie he needs one more fix. Maybe he should work for Acorn.
Where was the senator 20 years ago when we needed his help to defend liberty. To take care of our seniors. To prevent this huge transfer of wealth.
John McCain wants to open up our borders. Amnesty he calls it. Anarchy I call it. Meanwhile a rancher was killed defending his property. McCain can't think past that next election.
I'm boycotting Arizona tea.
Who wants an endorsement from those racist nutcases? Most people don't respect the Tea Party, although in a state like Arizona they may have some standing.
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