Pete Hershberger

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.

Wrapping up our look at the LD26, we focus on the Republicans running to unseat Rep. Nancy Young Wright and replace Rep. Pete Hershberger, who's undertaking a run at the State Senate. There are three going after the two open slots, which will leave one of the candidates out in the cold after the September 2 primary.

Trent Humphries is considered a cinch to become the top vote-getter among the trio, which would leave Vic Williams and Marilyn Zerull to battle it out for the number two berth.

Today we begin our new special series entitled "Better Know a District Race," which, yes, unabashedly cribs from The Colbert Report's segment of nearly the same name.In this new series, which will continue throughout the election year, we will examine the primary fights and general election match-ups in the state's most hotly contested races for the Arizona House and Senate.

We start with 26, which has what is sure to be among the most heavily-scrutinized Senate primaries in the state, as well as what is currently a five-way battle for the two House seats.

So now, get to know the Senate race in LD26 - The Fightin' 26th!