A fundraising deadline for Arizona Democrats exploring for office approaches at midnight tonight. Since most of us don’t know much about the non-incumbents that are exploring for office, what follows is a brief summary of some of these candidates and their respective platforms. At some point, this writer will attempt to provide an overview of each candidate’s platform prior to the election in 2010, with the first installment covering the Democratic explorers for Secretary of State.
Secretary of State Explorers
Two of the candidates exploring for Secretary of State are Sam Wercinski and Chris Deschene
Sam Wercinski
Sam Wercinski is a former Real Estate Commissioner with experience on former Governor Napolitano’s cabinet, and is running on a platform of “forward leaning” service to all Arizona, banishing the old political precept of “left or right leaning” and running on a platform of “forward leaning” service to all Arizonans. Presumably, one may interpret this approach as an attempt to broaden Mr. Wercinski’s appeal to the center, where the average American (and Arizonan) voter is known traditionally to reside on the political spectrum, but it may also be read as an attempt to broaden constituent support for change in what has historically been a red state. Mr. Wercinski’s prior service in the military adds to his broad-based appeal, as does the fact that Wercinski served as a member of Napolitano’s cabinet. Wercinski’s prior public service has rendered him more visible than his opponent Chris Deschene, as has his business ownership and community participation here in the Phoenix area. All told, Mr. Wercinski’s message and local visibility has had some positive impact and resonance with the voting public, as ActBlue.com reports that Mr. Wercinski has raised in excess of $51,000.00 for his campaign in 2010. For a more in-depth perspective on Mr. Wercinski’s campaign and background, and to find out how to contribute or volunteer, please go to:http://www.sam4az.com.
Chris Deschene
Christopher Clark Deschene is a member of the Arizona State Legislature for District No.2 and the Navajo Nation, and is exploring for Secretary of State on a platform of change achieved through bipartisan efforts, and dedication to the “principle that every election should be transparent, that the playing field must be level and that every vote will be counted” (Ref: http://www.descheneforarizona.com/chris-deschene) While Mr. Deschene was elected with a resounding majority to his seat in the Arizona State Legislature in November 2008 , Mr. Deschene remains largely unknown outside the Northern Arizona community that he currently serves. Unknown or not, Mr. Deschene holds some impressive credentials in his educational background, military service and current legislative experience, all of which are on the whole largely competitive with more experienced opponents such as Mr. Wercinski. ActBlue.com reports that Mr. Deschene has raised in excess of $14,000.00 for his campaign thus far, which is considerably less than his opponent. However, on the balance, Mr. Deschene’s credentials and qualifications should stand him in good stead, and at a minimum provide a highly desired increase in visibility. For more information on Chris Deschene’s qualifications, platform and how you can help please go to: http://www.descheneforarizona.com/chris-deschene
Comments
As a Dine' (Navajo) voter from District #2, who did once vote for Mr. Deschene, I can say I will never vote for him again. A so-called Democrat, the energy lawyer represents a proposed coal power plant in New Mexico. The plant, opposed by thousands of Dine' in the region, pays Mr. Deschene hundreds of dollar by the hour to hurt his own people.
As a legislator he has delivered nothing to the region. With a lackluster 0 for 7 attempts, why would we put this man in charge of the office a heartbeat away from the governorship? He has lost his way.
The $51,000 reported by ActBlue is probably considerably lower than the actual total Wercinski has raised. Fundraisers for Wercinski have been held across the State and at one event I attended, over 70 donations were received.
Wercinski has established a statewide bi-partisan network through his non-profit, public, and private sector activities. He's also received numerous endorsements from electeds at all levels of government and I understand his campaign may have already collected enough signatures to get his name on the ballot. Clearly his campaign is ready for the general election.
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