They may not officially be a team but anyone who drives through legislative district 18 will detect a defacto team effort by Senate candidate, Kevin Gibbons and House candidate, Steve Court.

It seems that most of the yards which sport Gibbons’ signs have also welcomed Steve Court’s signs. At the same time, one may be quick to notice that Russell Pearce’s yard sign shortage is over with much of the same turf being shared by House candidate, Ron Middlebrook. Russell has even been heard to say that he’s given Middlebrook his blessing as his replacement in the State House.

Of course, this begs the question whether or not there are two unofficial teams in the LD-18 race. In an earlier post, Sonoran Alliance  noted how Gibbons and Court appeared to be running as a team. They were sharing sign poles (although Court responded and denied it), appearing at the same events and Court was overheard encouraging hosts to invite Gibbons to some of the same events. But in recent weeks, Gibbons has become more politically radioactive to the point that Court has put some distance between himself and Gibbons.

However, in a recent survey sent out to the four house candidates by LD-18 Chairman, Matt Tolman, each candidate was asked who they were supporting in the Senate race. The answers came back as follows:

Cecil Ash:
I am supporting Russell Pearce for the Senate. The fact that you endorse candidates does not mean that you agree with them on every issue. Notwithstanding that, I have supported Russell in the past and intend   to do so this election, as I see no reason to change. I believe he genuinely tries to do what’s best for Arizona and I agree with him on most of the issues. He has been a catalyst in getting the illegal immigration issue recognized, and dealt with, and he has also fought hard for a balanced budget and reduced spending. These are my positions as well. Any one who talks to him personally would know that he is very knowledgeable on many issues, more so than most legislators. I do not always agree on the way he approaches some things, and I’m sure he may not agree with the way I approach some things. Nevertheless, I believe I can work well with Russell.

I have many good friends who have indicated to me that they are not supporting Russell for various reasons. If so, I hope it will not be because they believe the distortions and false statements being promulgated by those who wish to oust Russell. Let his opponents object to his positions on issues or his temperament. Let them argue that he doesn’t listen or advocate that it is merely time for someone else with new ideas.

But the politics of personal destruction, the distortions and exaggerations of the truth do a disservice to the political process, and show a lack of respect for either the voter, or the promulgator’s position on the issues. Let’s win our arguments by the power of reason and the strength of our positions, without name calling or vilifying our opponents.

I believe that I could get along with Kevin Gibbons. He appears to be a good family man and I trust that he feels that he would be best for Arizona. However, I hope that he would take the high road in this campaign and elevate the debate to a discussion of the issues. I hope that in the future he will avoid disparaging Russell personally, and distance himself as well from those who do.

We get what we vote for. And we deserve what we get. There is a cause and effect in the political process. Those who vote based on lies and distortions will reap a government that is administered by liars and distorters of the truth.

Kanani Henderson:
I am supporting Russell for the Senate. I believe in his experience and track record. He allowed me to shadow him at the capital this past session and I was able to see first hand how much he cares about doing what is right and protecting the rights of the people he serves. I also appreciate his hard stance on fiscal issues and the way he has not allowed himself to fall into the negativity of the current election cycle.

Ron Middlebrook:
I will be voting for Russell Pearce.

Steve Court:
For the first time in a while, our district has some choices for Republican candidates for both the House and Senate. I am not a big fan of politicians endorsing other politicians. I have not sought endorsements from other politicians, nor have I given endorsements.

It is the endorsement of the voters that we need to be seeking. We have good candidates in both races and I think that the best thing that the district and precincts can do is to encourage the voters to study each candidate and vote for that person that best represents their views and opinions.
 
I believe that any of the House candidates could work with either of the Senate candidates to represents district 18 well.

As you can see, Court refused to answer the question which obviously puts him in a difficult position. In fact, Court’s response almost sounds like something Gibbons would have said. Despite Court’s politically finessed answer, there is no evidence that he has changed his hidden allegiance. He and Gibbons are still sharing sign poles and, as the photos demonstrate, the same voters.