So who’s in?

On the Democrat side, Kyrsten Sinema, Andrei Cherny and David Schapira have all announced. Schapira won’t get very far. He’s got the excitement of Bradypus variegatus (everybody’s scrambling to Wikipedia) and no money raising skills. On the contrary, Kyrsten has made the contacts and trips to DC having rubbed elbows with DNC mukety-mucks and Obamatons. Andrei “I-can’t-wait-to-get-the-hell-outa-here” Cherny recently abandoned his chairmanship at the Arizona Democratic Party taking his mediocre fundraising skills with him. This leaves the ADP in a frantic scramble to replace him from among a rapidly diminishing talent pool. My assessment: Cherny and Sinema battle for the heart of Arizona leftists while it remains on life support. Close call in the August Primary but I’d have to guess Sinema eeks out a win. Cherny heads back to Califormia.

Travis Grantham

Now let’s talk about Republicans. Republicans actually have some great talent to put up. Some have ooodles of money, some are damn hard workers and others are simply looking for a career change to make a bigger difference. First to enter the race was Travis Grantham, a Gilbert resident, businessman and Air National Guard pilot. Grantham originally staked out a shot east of the new CD-9 but reoriented his trajectory not wanting to get caught in the crossfire of Adams vs. Salmon. Smart move but Grantham doesn’t live in the new CD-9 (although there’s nothing illegal with that.) He has a chance and is sitting on almost $120K.

Wendy Rogers

Next to file is my personal favorite (sorry gents, I always gravitate to the lady candidates), Wendy Rogers. Wendy actually lives in the district and has done so with her family for many years. She’s a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel who works harder than anyone I know when it comes to anything she sets her heart on. Wendy has a loyal following of supporters not only here in Arizona but across the country who can be counted on to raise the money needed in a lickety-split second for this race. Wendy is a perfect match for the district.

In the wings waiting are Steve Moak, Vernon Parker, Gary Pierce and Martin Sepulveda. Maricopa County Supervisor Don Stapley has also been mentioned but with such high negatives and an already announced re-election campaign underway, his political days are numbered.

Steve Moak

Steve Moak ran in 2010 finishing 2nd in a 10-way primary. He’s likely got the cash but many question if he’s far more risk averse this time hesitant to charge up his 2012 campaign coffers.

Vernon Parker

Paradise Valley councilman Vernon Parker is also eyeing the race. Parker also ran in the crowded 10-way 2010 primary finishing 4th place. Parker is also seeking re-election to the Paradise Valley Council leaving many to question his motivations in seeking any public office. He is expected to decide any day.

Arizona Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce also wants in on the action but he’s just settled into another term on the ACC. He’d have to step down under Arizona’s resign to run law given his term expires in 2014. Pierce has obviously run statewide but financed his ACC race using “Clean Elections” money. His ability to raise money for a federal campaign is probably one of the biggest factors he would have to weigh.

Gary Pierce

That leaves former Chandler City Councilman Martin Sepulveda as the last candidate considering. Sepulveda is a fiery US Navy combat veteran who have a great deal of respect for (we even had our own little political brush-up during the 2010 US Senate primary. What is it with us US Navy guys?) Given a sizeable number of Republicans reside in this portion of the district, Sepulveda would be competitive. He also served as a surrogate for our senior senator during the 2010 Republican primary. That kind of help could come in handy with the fundraising if the door is open.

Martin Sepulveda

That’s my assessment. I really can’t say who I’d like to see win the Republican primary but I do know that this will be a very competitive race with plenty of political drama. I can’t wait for the field to be set.

Conservatives, represented mostly by those in the Tea Party Movement, are largely responsible for the Republican Party re-capture of the House of Representatives in 2010.  The Establishment folks sort of know that and sometimes mutter a few grudging words of acknowledgment, but they are loathe to raise the subject or deal with it in any serious way.  Nor do the Establishment types see themselves as any kind of “faction” within the party.  To them, they are the party.

Take for example the nominally conservative Jeb Bush, who seems to scoff at the notion of a party “establishment”.  Says Jeb:

I don’t know what the Republican establishment is. I haven’t learned the secret handshake, and I don’t know where to go for a membership card.

Should we be surprised at Jeb Bush for his seeming blind spot? After all, are fish aware of the water they swim in?

Senik defines the Establishment types as:

… long-time denizens of Washington or other loci of power. They are institutionalized elected officials, money men, party leaders, or grandees of business, consultancies or advocacy groups. And they are often made suspect by the duration of their power, a trait that gives pause to Conservatives who believe that a dedication to limited government entails a devotion to not assimilating to the ways of the Beltway.

These include, of course, the very same Republicans who were present when the House and Senate voted for entitlement programs that any competent accountant could have shown to be impossible to pay for — ever.  With their “old friends across the aisle” (a favorite John McCain phrase), they have effectively signed our children and grandchildren into debt bondage. Did they try to warn us?  Did they try to stop the growth of these programs?  Shame on them.  Recently, they had a chance to make at least a show of repentance by voting for term limits.  Alas, even that token gesture was too much for Senators like McCain and Jon Kyl.  They voted against term limits.  Double shame on them.

Senik concludes with the following observations and a call to Conservatives to prepare for a long-term struggle with the Establishment as well as the Democrats.

The establishment had its turn at the wheel over the last decade and the conservative movement reaped a whirlwind as a result. Federal spending and deficits increased; regulation proliferated; entitlements expanded; embarrassing pork projects passed through Congress as part of a gentleman’s agreement in which both parties agreed to gorge their special interest benefactors; bailouts were given to the financial and automotive industries, and, in the end, the Republican Party was rebuked at the ballot box.

Conservatives should not delude themselves into thinking this is a passing trend. Over the past century, only three men – Calvin Coolidge, Barry Goldwater, and Ronald Reagan – were able to beat back establishment pretensions and earn the party’s presidential nomination. As of this writing, it looks unlikely that a similarly situated candidate will earn the nomination in 2012.

Many Tea Partiers and their sympathists will undoubtedly interpret this as a source of grief. But their demoralization is premature. A short-term focus on beating the establishment has not yielded fruit. That calls not for sorrow, but for a long-term focus on replacing it outright.

To that last line, I can only add amen.

PHOENIX, AZ: Representative Ben Quayle issued the following statement regarding his decision to seek reelection to the House of Representatives. Quayle announced today that he will be running in Congressional District 6, where more than two-thirds of his current constituents live:

“The House of Representatives was conceived and designed to provide local representation of the diverse communities of America. The work of Arizona’s redistricting commission has placed many people in difficult positions, but at the end of the day my choice is to continue representing the people I represent today. The large majority of them are in District 6, and their values are my values.

“It has been a privilege to get to know my constituents, both as a candidate and as their Congressman. In my initial year in Congress I have focused on maintaining my connection to them. The interactions I’ve had with them and the relationships we’ve built have enabled me to be an effective advocate and voice for the community.

“As this primary moves forward I sincerely hope we will see a campaign focused on the critical issues facing Arizona and our country. This should be a substantive race with a tone that honors our party, our nation and the voters of the 6th District.

“I ran for Congress because Washington needs real reform. We need to simplify the tax code, end unnecessary regulations and free America’s creative spirit. I believe that members of Congress need to give up their gold-plated pensions and perks and share in the same sacrifice as all Americans. I believe we need to end the complacent career culture of politics in Washington and shake up the system. I believe we have a president who fundamentally misunderstands America, and an administration that has serially abused Arizona. I want to go back to Washington to fight for the state I love and the values I believe in. With the continued support of my fellow Arizonans, that’s what I will do.”

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First, coverage of Arizona Democrats making their best but feeble effort to repeal Arizona’s SB 1070:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Second, coverage of Arizona Republicans standing firm and united for Arizona’s southern border security and SB 1070.

Click here to view the embedded video.

What most of the media didn’t show or report was what the President saw out his window en route.

First it was the amnesty demands of pro illegal groups:

 Further down the road, a couple hundred, mostly upset Arizonans chanting “You are fired!”:

 Probably not the ‘welcoming committee’ Obama wished for.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2012
CONTACT: Stephen Virapmontes, (480) 442-1776

Proxy Process for all State Committeemen

Mesa, AZ - Today Stephen Viramontes would like to remind all of the State Committeemen of the proxy process for the Mandatory Meeting on Saturday January 28th. Per the call letter dated January 16th, 2012:

“At all meetings of the State Committee, members are entitled to vote in person or by proxy given to a qualified elector of the county (or in counties of 500,000 or more population, the legislative district) where the member resides.”

If you will not be able to attend this meeting, you may give your proxy to ANY REGISTERED REPUBLICAN IN YOUR LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT to be carried on your behalf. Please remember the proxy requirements: “Every proxy must be attested by a Notary Public or two witnesses, brought to the meeting by the proxy carrier.”

If you or a state committeeman, or know of one that will not be in attendance at this meeting please contact a member of your district leadership team so your proxy may be carried.

Viramontes is a husband, father and entrepreneur. He is currently serving as a precinct and state committeeman in Legislative District 22 and is running for the 2nd Vice-Chairman of the AZGOP. His goals include improving the communication between the State Party and Legislative Districts, while also assisting the Districts in their fundraising efforts in preparation for 2012 elections.

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]]> http://sonoranalliance.com/2012/01/26/stephen-viramontes-for-2nd-vice-chairman-arizona-republican-party/feed/ 0 http://sonoranalliance.com/2012/01/26/sheriff-richard-mack-endorses-john-rhodes-for-3rd-vice-chairman-azgop/ http://sonoranalliance.com/2012/01/26/sheriff-richard-mack-endorses-john-rhodes-for-3rd-vice-chairman-azgop/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:03:30 +0000 Press Release http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=26000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2012

Graham County – It is indeed an honor for me to endorse and support John D Rhodes for the Third Vice Chair of the Arizona GOP. I have known John since we were kids and I can unambiguously vouch for his character. He has always been very respected within Graham County as a dedicated family man and local entrepreneur. He has owned and managed a very successful business for decades. While I served as Sheriff, John was a member of our volunteer Search and Rescue Squad and was instrumental in serving and protecting the citizens of Graham County.

But more importantly, John has exemplified the “power of one” in dedicating himself to the Republican Party of Graham County. Pursuant to John’s leadership Graham County became a Republican dominated county for the first time in history. I never thought I’d see such in my lifetime, but as chair of the Graham County GOP, John Rhodes made it happen. I know he will show the same dedication at the State level and will be an asset to the Republican Party throughout the entire State of Arizona.

Furthermore, I would like to endorse the entire slate of Republicans running with Rhodes, Russelll Pearce for 1st Vice Chair, who I have known since 1988, Parraleee Schneider for 2nd Vice Chair, Debbie Miller for Ass’t Sec., Andy Stevens for Ass’t Treasurer, Alberto Gutier for Sgt. at Arms, and Chris Campbell for Ass’t. Sgt. at Arms. What a great team for the GOP of Arizona!

Sheriff Richard Mack

Former Sheriff of Graham County.
www.sheriffmack.com

You know that question they always ask – Which President inspired you to get active in politics? My answer to that question is… Jimmy Carter. I felt our Nation, and the free world, needed better leadership. At the time, I felt he was the poorest President we had ever elected. Of course, Obama now makes Carter look like a genius! As a lifetime resident of our great State, I am disgusted with his Administration and its attacks on States’ Rights and Individual Liberty. We must stop them now, not only by defeating Obama, but by extending the House and recapturing the Senate on the federal level. And we must give no ground at the state and local levels.

When I started out helping the Party in the eighties, the Graham County Republicans were relatively powerless and heavily outnumbered by Democrats. In the nineties, I became a Precinct Committeeman and dedicated my time and treasure to the party. I worked tirelessly on campaigns for Republican candidates, gathering petition signatures at personal expense and planting signs in five counties. I served as Graham County’s Second Vice Chairman, then First Vice Chairman, and I’ve been honored to be elected and re-elected as Chairman since 2005. I provide and maintain a highly conspicuous office for Graham County GOP, including all office equipment and utilities, at my own expense.

For me, all the hard work and personal investment is about one thing: Results. Here are some of the results Graham County GOP has delivered under my leadership as Chairman:

• The Constitution Day picnic I started in our county has grown from a small gathering to well over 300 people in attendance annually.
• Our Lincoln Day Luncheons have become regular sellout events and a primary funding source, with Congressmen, Senators, Presidential candidates, and our Governor.
• We have filled 81 of our 83 PC positions.
• We’ve defeated three-term incumbent Democrats to elect a Sheriff and Assessor.
• We’ve elected a Republican City Mayor and two Justices of the Peace.
• All Republican candidates running for office in Graham County won in 2010.
• And thanks to our successful voter registration drives, on July 5th, 2010, Graham County became a Republican county for the first time since Statehood.

These are the kind of results I’ll give 110% effort to help with statewide, but our success can only happen with teamwork across the entire Party. I humbly request your vote and support for the position of Third Vice Chair of the Arizona Republican Party, and I respectfully ask you to join me in supporting Russell Pearce, Parralee Schneider, Deborrah Miller, Andrew Stevens, Alberto Gutier, and Chris Campbell in their respective bids for office. This team has pledged to work together to strengthen the Party. Let’s all work together to strengthen our State, take back our Nation, and preserve our Liberty.

A Few Things About Me

• Lifetime resident of Arizona
• Vietnam era Veteran
• Iron Man Award, Basic Training
• Honor Graduate, Non-Commissioned Officer School
• Lifetime Member, National Rifle Association
• Former Member, Graham County Search & Rescue
• Member, American Legion Post 32
• Special Honor and Recognition from the Chairman for Graham County GOP, 2011
• Senator Barry Goldwater Award, 2009 (highest Republican award)
• Elected National Delegate, RNC, 2008
• Guest of Congressman Rick Renzi at 110th Congress Opening, 2006
• Owner/CEO of Rhodes Construction, Inc., a 32-year owner-operated Arizona business
• Member, NFIB and Arizona Chamber of Commerce
• Past Exalted Ruler, Elks Club
• Public Member, Arizona Board of Podiatry (appointed by Governor Brewer)

A Few of My Endorsements

• Former Senate President Russell Pearce
• Sheriff Joe Arpaio
• Oath Keeper and former Graham County Sheriff Richard Mack
• Graham County Sheriff PJ Allred
• Graham County Assessor Darlene Alder
• Congressman Jeff Flake
• Former Congressman Rick Renzi
• Former State Representative Bill Konopnicki
• Parralee Schneider
• Bill Baxter
• Jeni White
• Paul Hickman
• Joe Abate
• Shiree Verdone
• Lisa James
• Keith Alexander, First Vice Chair, Graham County Republican Committee
• Kip Kempton, Second Vice Chair, Graham County Republican Committee
• Mike Andazola, Third Vice Chair, Graham County Republican Committee
• Charlotte Alexander, Secretary, Graham County Republican Committee
• Becky Nutt, First Vice Chair and former Chairman, Greenlee County GOP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 22, 2012
CONTACT: communications@azgop.org

PHOENIX – The Arizona Republican Party released the following statement regarding Representative Gabby Giffords’ decision to resign:

“Today, our prayers and thoughts of support and appreciation are extended to Representative Gabrielle Giffords for her service and most importantly, her continued recovery. Congresswoman Giffords has displayed an extraordinary spirit of hope, courage and grace that Americans across this country have fully embraced. All Arizonans are supportive of her decision to do what is best for her and her family and will continue to lift prayers for her healing and full recovery.”

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The meeting which was held at the Union Hills Country Club and conducted by the State Republican Party in accordance with Arizona law, began at 6:15 and lasted two hours with two rounds of balloting.

Seven candidates were nominated from the floor knowing that only three would survive the final cut. Those nominated included, State Representative Judy Burges, former NFL pro Tony Bouie, former State Representative Jerry Overton, longtime Republican activist Lyle Tuttle, David Livingston, Eric Spencer and Joy Grainger.

Each candidate was allowed five minutes to speak and make the case for their nomination.

In order to survive a round of balloting, candidates needed 75 votes.

Precinct committeemen proceeded to vote in the first round with the results selecting two candidates: Eric Spencer with 121 votes and Judy Burges with 101 votes. No one else survived the first round and the David Livingston was eliminated as the lowest vote receiver.

In the second round of balloting, Lyle Tuttle surpassed the 75-vote threshold with 77 votes. That concluded the lineup and the meeting was adjourned.

Spencer, Burges and Tuttle now head to the Maricopa County Supervisors who are required to make a final appointment. That appointment may come as early as Wednesday or Thursday.

Based on the vote count totals, that candidate will likely be Eric Spencer. Should the Supervisors appoint Representative Burges, Legislative District 4 Republicans will be required to gather again within a week in order to nominate a replacement to succeed Burges’ House vacancy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 16, 2012

PHOENIX – Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey issued the following statement regarding today’s commemoration of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of this nation’s most significant Civil Rights leader, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. It was the Dr. King who proclaimed his vision in his August, 1963 ‘I Have A Dream’ speech, that America would someday become a nation where individuals would no longer be judged based on the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

“Today we commemorate Dr. King’s life and vision by continuing to strive for justice and equal opportunity for every American. While America is clearly a better country due to Dr. King, the work of forming a ‘more perfect union’ remains an unending and unwavering aspiration. We must remain vigilant and committed to resisting and stopping prejudice, hate and injustice that unfortunately remains present in certain segments of society.”

“As Republicans, we strongly affirm that America must be a nation where ‘liberty and justice’ reigns for all. Let us honor the memory of Dr. King, by recommitting ourselves to his vision of a land where freedom forever rings.”

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