LAURIE ROBERTS

Election 2016: Arizona races to watch

Lots of people are paying attention to the presidential election. But here are a few Arizona races that are equally as exciting, says columnist Laurie Roberts:
Lots of people are paying attention to the presidential election. But here are a few Arizona races that are equally as exciting, says columnist Laurie Roberts:
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Has John McCain outworn his welcome? Arizona’s senior senator appears vulnerable. Fortunately for McCain, he’s facing Kelli Ward, perhaps best known for her public hearing on chem trails. If he survives, he’ll face Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick. But can a Democrat win in Arizona anymore?
Has John McCain outworn his welcome? Arizona’s senior senator appears vulnerable. Fortunately for McCain, he’s facing Kelli Ward, perhaps best known for her public hearing on chem trails. If he survives, he’ll face Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick. But can a Democrat win in Arizona anymore?
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Will Joe Arpaio breeze to a seventh term? Once the most popular politician in the state, Arpaio squeaked by in 2012. Now he’s asking for another term while a federal judge ponders whether he belongs in jail. Yet the only major opposition Arpaio has drawn comes from former Buckeye Police Chief Dan Saban, who is making his third run at Arpaio. Will U.S. Marshal David Gonzales get into the race?
Will Joe Arpaio breeze to a seventh term? Once the most popular politician in the state, Arpaio squeaked by in 2012. Now he’s asking for another term while a federal judge ponders whether he belongs in jail. Yet the only major opposition Arpaio has drawn comes from former Buckeye Police Chief Dan Saban, who is making his third run at Arpaio. Will U.S. Marshal David Gonzales get into the race?
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Does Arizona feel a need for weed? Medical marijuana eked its way into the state in 2010. This year, the marijuana lobby is going for full legalization with a sales pitch that it’s for the children, as most of the taxes from marijuana sales would go to public education. Will voters buy it? (The initiative, that is, not the weed.)
Does Arizona feel a need for weed? Medical marijuana eked its way into the state in 2010. This year, the marijuana lobby is going for full legalization with a sales pitch that it’s for the children, as most of the taxes from marijuana sales would go to public education. Will voters buy it? (The initiative, that is, not the weed.)
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Are independents and moderates ready to take back this state? Polls show that most voters think Arizona is headed in the wrong direction. But are they willing to do something about it? The open primary initiative would eliminate Republican and Democratic primaries – where most legislators and congressional representatives are now chosen -- and instead offer one primary open to all candidates.
Are independents and moderates ready to take back this state? Polls show that most voters think Arizona is headed in the wrong direction. But are they willing to do something about it? The open primary initiative would eliminate Republican and Democratic primaries – where most legislators and congressional representatives are now chosen -- and instead offer one primary open to all candidates.
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Are voters ready to let the sun shine in? Yep, the long-awaited dark-money disclosure proposition is coming. Watch and be amazed by the number of special interests that will oppose the idea of disclosure. That collective shudder you hear is the powers that be and the (secret) people who love to fund them.
Are voters ready to let the sun shine in? Yep, the long-awaited dark-money disclosure proposition is coming. Watch and be amazed by the number of special interests that will oppose the idea of disclosure. That collective shudder you hear is the powers that be and the (secret) people who love to fund them.
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How many millions will be spent on this year’s Corporation Commission races? Three of the five seats are up for grabs. How much money will APS secretly spend to try to buy itself some (more) regulators?
How many millions will be spent on this year’s Corporation Commission races? Three of the five seats are up for grabs. How much money will APS secretly spend to try to buy itself some (more) regulators?
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Can Republicans pick up a seat in Congress? Their best chance is in Congressional District One, where a parade of prospects are lining up to replace Kirkpatrick. The one to watch: Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, who claims to be running in the 1st. Or maybe the 4th?
Can Republicans pick up a seat in Congress? Their best chance is in Congressional District One, where a parade of prospects are lining up to replace Kirkpatrick. The one to watch: Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, who claims to be running in the 1st. Or maybe the 4th?
Photo By Mark Henle/The Republic
Will Democrats pick up this seat? Sen. Adam Driggs, R-Phoenix, won't run again in one of the state’s few swing districts. Vying for the chance to replace him: Republican Rep. Kate Brophy McGee and Democratic Rep. Eric Meyer.
Will Democrats pick up this seat? Sen. Adam Driggs, R-Phoenix, won't run again in one of the state’s few swing districts. Vying for the chance to replace him: Republican Rep. Kate Brophy McGee and Democratic Rep. Eric Meyer.
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Will Democrats send a Republican to the Legislature? Sen. Carlyle Begay recently changed his registration from Democrat to Republican. Will voters in this heavily Democratic district spurn him now that he’s gone all GOP on them?
Will Democrats send a Republican to the Legislature? Sen. Carlyle Begay recently changed his registration from Democrat to Republican. Will voters in this heavily Democratic district spurn him now that he’s gone all GOP on them?
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Can Republicans hold on to a seat in Congress? In 2014, Martha McSally edged out Democratic Rep. Ron Barber by 161 votes in Congressional District 2. This year, McSally’s got a solid war chest, starting the campaign with $1.9 million. She’ll likely need it in this, one of Arizona’s few competitive congressional districts. Two former Democratic legislators, Victoria Steele and Matt Heinz, will make a run at McSally but neither has shown McSally’s ability to bring in the cash.
Can Republicans hold on to a seat in Congress? In 2014, Martha McSally edged out Democratic Rep. Ron Barber by 161 votes in Congressional District 2. This year, McSally’s got a solid war chest, starting the campaign with $1.9 million. She’ll likely need it in this, one of Arizona’s few competitive congressional districts. Two former Democratic legislators, Victoria Steele and Matt Heinz, will make a run at McSally but neither has shown McSally’s ability to bring in the cash.
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