Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
ICYMI, on Friday, The Arizona Republic endorsed Rep. Ron Barber in the CD 2 Demcoratic primary. Barber strong on compromise:
The Democratic primary in Arizona's new 2nd Congressional District presents a choice between two good men. U.S. Rep. Ron Barber and state Rep. Matt Heinz are strong, intelligent candidates with records of service to Arizona.
Barber won his seat in Congress as former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' handpicked choice to complete her term. But sentiment should not influence voters this time.
Barber ran a tough race and established himself as a politician with a mind of his own and a keen sense of what his constituents want. His centrist approach to issues is a good fit for the corner of southeastern Arizona now called District 2. It includes the pragmatic heart of the district that elected blue dog Giffords three times and moderate Republican Rep. Jim Kolbe 11 times before he retired.
Barber deserves the chance to run for a full term.
But let's be clear. This assessment is based on an analysis of the candidates and the district, not a soft spot that we -- and many others -- have for Gabby Giffords. A seat in Congress is not a legacy to be passed from one person to the next. That usually doesn't need to be said. But this is an unusual situation.
* * *
The district, which includes parts of Tucson, as well as Sierra Vista and towns along the border, has a slight Republican voter-registration edge and a large number of independent voters.
The Cook Political Report rates it as "likely Democratic" in November, but it is certainly not typically Democratic. It's not the type of district where a traditional liberal is likely to win a general election.
Barber learned that during his 5 1/2 years as Giffords' district manager. He gained a working knowledge of the people and the issues facing this border region.
He says his goal is to vote for ideas based on their merit, not based on whether they are Republican or Democratic. That kind of pragmatism, rather than Heinz's adherence to party ideology, fits with District 2. It will make Barber a formidable candidate in November.
A polling memo from Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research shows Ron Barber leading likely GOP nominee Martha McSally by 13 percentage points and Democratic primary challenger Matt Heinz by more than 60 percentage points. Poll: Barber Holds Big Lead Over McSally in General Election, Bigger Lead Over Heinz in Primary | The Tucson Weekly.
Wel, no shit. His very first vote was as a republican. Of course the Cilbuper wants him to win...
Posted by: BruceJ | August 05, 2012 at 08:47 PM