CD5

Most people know that 2008 is quite a busy year in Arizona congressional politics, but today the Arizona Capitol Times shed light on just how busy it is. The state boasts four competitive House races - half of its districts - the outcomes of which will help shape Congress for the next two years, but the less-scrutinized races have a wealth of candidates as well.

While the focus may be on contests like the CD1 fight over Rep. Rick Renzi's seat, the CD5 Republican primary and the premier battle between Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and state Sen. Tim Bee in the 8th, voters in all of Arizona's districts will have a choice in November. With the spotlight firmly fixed on the top four, the others have been in the shadows as far as the media is concerned.

Today is different. The Arizona Capitol Times has released a list of all candidates who have filed as congressional competitors for 2008. The litany of incumbents and hopefuls is presented without preference, pretense or puffery, and, at least in this format, all candidates are created equal.

Last week, PolitickerAZ.com sent out a questionaire asking the Republican candidates in the 5th Congressional District about their takes on some key questions currently facing Congress and the nation.

In parts 1-3, four of the five candidates discussed the Iraq War, diplomacy toward "rogue states," veterans care, tax breaks for oil companies and global climate change (the fifth candidate, David Schweikert, chose not to participate).

In the last installment, the candidates present their views on 2nd Amendment rights and whether or not a national anti-gay marriage amendment should be pursued.

Today former U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-8) bestowed his blessing upon CD5 Republican congressional candidate Jim Ogsbury, who is currently engaged in a five-way primary.

"Jim Ogsbury is a principled conservative with deep Arizona roots and an understanding of the issues that face our state and our nation,” said Kolbe.  “He has the toughness and the experience needed to get the Congress working for the interests of people again."

Ogsbury responded with kind words of his own toward the former congressman.

"I am sincerely grateful to sreceive the support of a statesman like Jim Kolbe,” said Ogsbury. “Congressman Kolbe served his district honorably for more than two decades, advancing free trade, protecting military institutions in his district and attending to the needs of his constituents.”

Last week, PolitickerAZ.com sent out a questionaire asking the Republican candidates in the 5th Congressional District about their takes on some key questions currently facing Congress and the nation.

The first installment ran on Friday, where the candidates expressed their views on how the Iraq War should be handled. The second part came out yesterday, dealing with threats posed by "rogue states" and the issue of veterans' care.

In the third installment, the CD5 Republican field speaks up about tax breaks to oil companies, and offer their views and ideas on global climate change.

Once again, PolitickerAZ.com notes that former Maricopa County Treasurer David Schweikert has chosen not to participate.

Last week, PolitickerAZ.com sent out a questionaire asking the Republican candidates in the 5th Congressional District about their takes on some key questions currently facing Congress and the nation.

The first installment ran on Friday, where the candidates expressed their views on how the Iraq War should be handled.

Read Part 1.

In the second installment, the candidates discuss the question of Iran, and how they favor expanding educational benefits for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Again it must be noted that former Maricopa County Treasurer David Schweikert chose not to participate in this questionnaire. 

It has been known for a couple months now that Lee Gentry intended to run for Congress in the 5th Congressional District. But the more we talked to people about his candidacy the more we realized no one knew who he was. It became a running joke if he really existed. PolitickerAZ.com even ran a contest and offered a reward for someone who could produce a picture of Gentry. Two weeks later we have a winner. Here is a picture from his yet to be launched website, which judged by his forthcoming lapel sticker shown here, will be leegentry.com.

Welcome Mr. Gentry. Feel free to email us and say hi.

Lee Gentry

Gentry Lapel Sticker

Jim Ogsbury’s latest press release is titled “Former Democratic Party Chair Exposed.”

Ogsbury’s camp seems to have realized, despite his party registration, Democratic Congressman Harry Mitchell is personally popular in his home 5th Congressional District.  When a politician is personally liked by his constituents it makes it harder to attack them. 

Ogsbury’s campaign today issued the press release to show how Mitchell has voted with Democratic Majority 88.7% of the time.  Ogsbury takes much of the same line former candidate Jeff Hatch-Miller took during his short flirtation with the seat.  Hatch-Miller seemed to talk a lot about the failures of Congress and the need for change, recognizing Congress’ approval rating is at a historical low just like the President’s.  This shows the fine balance the eventual Republican nominee will have in trying to attack a popular Congressman who is part of an unpopular Congress.

According to a Washington Post story, the NRCC is trying to learn from recent defeats and House Minority Leader John Boehner is looking into changes that could help the party in the future.

One such policy change is in regards to competitive primaries. The NRCC will now consider getting involved in competitive primaries if the party believes one candidate is clearly a stronger general election bet than the their primary opponents.

So the question is would the NRCC consider getting involved in Arizona’s 5th CD? Two prominent Arizona Republicans with close ties to the NRCC both have said they have had no indication it would happen in Arizona this cycle. One source said “While I have not heard it is ruled out, it is highly unlikely. There are a few very good candidates and one does not stand out above the others the best general election hope.”

CD5 Republican candidate Laura Knaperek today announced former Arizona House Majority Leaders Ernie Baird, Lori Daniels and Steve Tully have all endorsed her primary campaign today. Knaperek us seeking the nomination for the right to take on Harry Mitchell.

L to R: Joe Arpaio, Susan Bitter Smith, Ed PhillipsAt her Scottsdale home Friday evening, Susan Bitter Smith at last officially entered the six-person Republican primary field in CD5. Though some have questioned the soundness of her last-in-the-water strategy, Bitter Smith sought to belay any doubts by beginning her campaign surrounded by political supporters, including Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, and replete with an oversized Taxpayer Protection Pledge that the campaign claims is "the biggest of any candidate."