Conservative AZ editorial board switches from Hayworth to Mitchell

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This endorsement from the Arizona Republic, favoring Democrat Harry Mitchell over incumbent GOP blowhard JD Hayworth in Arizona's 5th Congressional district can serve as a stand in for why the Republican Party's goose is cooked this year. It's called Mitchell over the Bully and here are the key grafs:

The Arizona Republic has recommended Hayworth's election each of the past six times he has run for Congress. In those editorials, we noted his characteristic bluster and needlessly confrontational attitude but also praised his strong work ethic and dedication to serving his district's constituents.

Not this time. This time, we're going to recommend his opponent, Harry Mitchell.

Mitchell, a Democrat, has served this community for more than three decades, as a city councilman and long-time mayor of Tempe and most recently as state senator. He is a consensus-builder, respected by community leaders and supported by high-profile Republicans in this race.

It isn't The Republic that has changed since 1994, when Hayworth was first elected to Congress. It's Hayworth. He no longer reflects the 5th Congressional District, which, while solidly Republican, has a progressive and moderate complexion. The district includes Tempe, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Fountain Hills and parts of the East Valley.

During this past term, Hayworth has devolved from a windy and sometimes cartoonish politician into an angry demagogue who has shamelessly and divisively exploited the immigration issue, arguably the No. 1 concern of Arizonans.


I think that bolded sentence is critical. GOP conservatism has changed nationwide, even since the 2004 elections, which is hard to believe possible.

But it's true. Whether it's JD Hayworth and Rick Renzi in Arizona or Marilyn Musgrave in Colorado or Richard Pombo in California, GOP blowhards blew harder.

Even their former friends and allies are abandoning them now.

Comments

Anonymous said…
It almost makes you miss Sam Steiger.
2:31 AM
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