Legislative preview, House districts 21-25

Legislative preview, House districts 21-25

LD21
Republicans Warde Nichols and Steven Yarbrough are both running for re-election in this Republican stronghold. Nichols was hoping for another 2004 where the Republican team was unchallenged. Nichols won the second seat by a little less than 2000 votes in 2002 and that number was cut in half in 2006 when Nichols beat Phil Hettmansperger by less than 1000 votes. Hettmansperger was so encouraged his showing that he is back for a rematch this year and campaigning hard. Nichols and Yarbrough, both going after their 4th consecutive terms, are hoping to hold off Hettmansperger one more time.

LD22
It's a historic moment in LD22 as the Democrats have fielded a candidate for the first time since redistricting. Democratic candidate Glenn Ray will look to pull off a huge upset agaisnt Andy Biggs who has held the seat for six years and Laurin Hendrix who is looking to replace Eddie Farnsworth. The most interesting thing about this race is what happens after it is over. Biggs who will be term-limited may be looking at the senate seat which will be vacated by Thayer Verschoor who will also be term-limited. It was assumed Farnsworth would move into the senate seat next year, but Biggs may take a look at it after Farnsworth primary challenge of Verschoor this year.

LD23
LD23 will have at least one new house members after November. Barbara McGuire is trying to win her seat back and Ernest Bustamante is the other democratic candidate looking for a place in Phoenix. On the Republican side John Fillmore and Frank Pratt are looking for at least one seat. McGuire just squeaked out a spot against Pratt tow years ago. Pratt has a history of running in 3rd and making it close and this year looks to move up one spot. If the Republicans had more money to spend this may be one of the top 2 seats they target. But will the Republicans have enough resources?

LD24
Democrats Lynn Pancrazi and Theresa Ulmer are both looking to hold onto their seats. Pancrazi is seen as a shoe-in for re-election. The battle looks to be between Ulmer and Republican Russ Jones. This seat is considered a swing seat and Russ Jones is not a newcomer. LD24 has a long history of being a district split between a Democrat and Republican and look for Jones to make the race close and maybe even pulling off the win.

LD25
Democrat Manuel Alvarez and Republican Jennfer Burns are moving on and Republicans will be battling to keep this seat. Democrats will be running Rick Boyer and Pat Fleming and the Republican candidates are Timathy Davies and David Stevens. Jennifer Burns has held onto this seat even though the district tends to vote Democratic. With the money advantage among the Democrats they will be favored to win both seats and pick up one, but Republicans are hoping to keep it split.