Jennifer Burns

At the Arizona Democratic Party Convention two weekends ago, Gov. Janet Napolitano declared that the Democrats had their sights set on capturing the Arizona House this fall. Today, State House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D-Tucson) told PolitickerAZ that the focus is as much on protecting seats as picking them up, but that the outlook is good for the Democrats to have a fighting chance at reaching their goal.

That may be bolstered by news that, in LD9, a "high quality candidate" may be preparing to jump into the fray, further shifting an already uncertain electoral landscape.

Yesterday Rep. Jennifer Burns (R-Avra Valley) announced she won't seek a fourth term. With Democratic Rep. Manny Alvarez (D-Elfrida) going after the State Senate seat Marsha Arzberger (D-Willcox) is termed out of, that leaves open both House seats and the Senate seat.

At the moment there are two Democratic candidates and one Republican running for the House seats, while no Republican has yet come forward in the Senate race, leaving this fertile territory for the Democrats to pick up one of four additional House seats they need to control that chamber.