State Political Profile: Arizona
Governor
Incumbent Democrat Janet Napolitano squeaked out an 11,000-vote victory in 2002, but numerous prominent Republicans decided against challenging her 2006 bid for a second term. The early Republican field for the September primary included conservative activist Len Munsil, Scottsdale businessman Mike Harris, retired Judge Jan Smith Florez and former state employee Don Goldwater, a nephew of the late Sen. Barry Goldwater. Former legislator John Greene withdrew from the race in March. Munsil stepped down at year's end as president of the Center for Arizona Policy but his long stint as head of the advocacy group should help him weave a statewide grassroots network and make him a strong contender for the GOP nomination.
Napolitano has alienated many Republican lawmakers but she has a track record of success at the GOP-led Legislature, winning approval for state funding for all-day kindergarten while fending off proposed spending cuts.
She changed course on the hot-button issue of illegal immigration after early 2005 when she vetoed several Republican-backed bills. Since then, she's taken a high profile on the issue, declaring a state of emergency in border counties last summer, pressing the federal government to do more and proposing employer sanctions and a $100 million package of enforcement measures in her State of the State address in January.
Republicans criticize Napolitano as Janet-come-lately on immigration, and GOP lawmakers are expected to try to put her on the hot seat this year by forcing her to sign or veto legislation she opposes on immigration, big tax cuts and other controversial subjects.
U.S. Senate
Republican incumbent Jon Kyl didn't even have a Democratic opponent in 2000 but things are different this year. Shopping mall developer Jim Pederson stepped down as state Democratic Party chairman to challenge the state's junior senator. Democrats say the race is one where they can take a GOP-held seat in 2006.
Kyl's work on issues such as water settlements often takes place out of the limelight and he often stands in the media shadow of the state's other Republican senator, John McCain. However, he has a hefty campaign war chest and does well in polls in a state where Republicans hold a 5 percent edge in voter registration.
Pederson can open his personal checkpoint but he hasn't held public office and isn't widely known outside of political circles. Pederson's early strategy has been to portray Kyl as an extremist beholden to special interests. Kyl's camp links Pederson to liberal national Democrats.
U.S. House
Republican Jim Kolbe's decision to not run again put the 8th District seat up for grabs, making it of national interest. Former legislator Randy Graf, a conservative who mounted a strong but unsuccessful challenge to Kolbe in the 2004 Republican primary, is running again. The year began with other Republicans considering their options. On the Democratic side, state Sen. Gabrielle Giffords promptly resigned her legislative seat to enter the congressional race and began amassing a big campaign fund. Former Air Force pilot Jeff Latas had filed to run even before Kolbe's November announcement. The 8th District includes eastern Tucson, all of rural Cochise County and two major military bases.
Races for the 1st District seat held by Republican Rick Renzi and the 5th District seat held by Republican J.D. Hayworth also bear watching.
Legislature
Republicans are expected to retain control of both chambers of the Legislature (Senate 18-12, House 39-21) but are trying to win veto-proof majorities. They're several seats short of that now. One legislator changed parties in late 2005, and Republicans hope to make gains in areas where urban sprawl increases the percentage of Republican voters.
Ballot Initiatives
Arizona voters could see ballot measures on marriage, smoking, classroom funding and conservation of state trust lands.
-- Associated Press
