2006 AZ congressional candidates

[69KV]

Time to get to work for 2006! Democratic candidates are already announcing:

AZ-1: Jack Jackson Jr. is running against Rick Renzi. His campaign website is http://www.backjackson.com/ and he is a Navajo and a former State Rep.

AZ-5: Larry King is running against J.D. Hayworth. http://www.larryking06.com/

Former U.S. Congressman Sam Coppersmith (http://liberaldesert.blogspot.com/) is also rumored to be interested in running against Hayworth but nothing official yet.

AZ-6: Kevin Jackson is running against Jeff Flake. http://www.kevinjackson.org/
(edit/note on this: Jeff Flake is in his third term and claimed when he first ran that he would only serve three terms. He may not run again. If he doesn't, the seat will be wide open.)

No word on potential challengers to Repuke incumbents in AZ-2, AZ-3, or AZ-8 yet.

U.S. Senate: Several rumored candidates may run against Jon Kyl, most notably Jim Pederson. Nothing official yet.

Analysis - Jack Jackson Jr. is popular on the Rez, former state rep, his dad was a long time state senator. Because of his strong appeal on the Rez where Renzi made alarming inroads last election (actually winning many precincts that otherwise went for both Kerry and Stu Starky), Jackson might have a very good chance of finally defeating professional sleazebag Slick Rick Renzi, who thus far seems to be made out of teflon. Sam Coppersmith would be a longshot against Hayworth if he runs despite his past term in Congress, but would have a good chance of a pickup if Hayworth doesn't run. So far rumors that Hayworth is retiring have been untrue, and Coppersmith may not jump in the race unless Hayworth retires though. Jim Pederson could self-finance much of his race and give Vile Kyl a run for his money.

[Greyhound]

1. 7th? n/t

[69KV]

3. The 4th and 7th have incumbent Democrats

Both running for re-election as far as I know.

[azndndude]

2. Count on me to help in any way I can

[demzilla]

4. I'm in District 1

and while I don't know anything about Jackson, a Navajo candidate would be interesting and would perhaps gain some national attention and funding from the party.

Money is essential to get the message out, and so is a good candidate, one with the energy and presence needed to win. Our last two had problems in these regards.

(I would also not be surprised if Cottonwood attorney Diane Prescott entered the race.)