Part of an occasional series running in the Hotline, wherein we look at the rising stars of the American political establishment. Today: Arizona.
Arizona stars are in a holding pattern, waiting to see what happens when a number of seats open up. One, however, just did, and with the retirement of Rep. Jim Kolbe (R), one of our targeted stars wasted no time in jumping into the race. Dems have a lot of emerging talent in the growing Phoenix suburbs, while GOPers have some hot talent they're looking forward to testing in coming years throughout the state. But, as the older rising stars keep biding their time, newer ones are joining their ranks quickly. Here's one state where we could see a lot of divisive primaries -- on both sides. [REID WILSON]
The stars we've been watching since '03:
Maricopa Co. GOP chair Tom Liddy (R): While he keeps his name floating around about a Congressional bid, Liddy has a successful syndicated radio talk show.
Ex-State Sen. Mark Spitzer (R): Now a State Corporation Commis., he's constantly on the Bush admin's short list for positions at the Federal Energey Regulatory Commission and has considered running for AG.
State Sen. Ken Chevron (D): Still in the Senate, he's "figuring out what his next steps are." Chevron is thought to be running for a leadership post in the Senate Minority after the '06 elections.
State Sen. Gabrielle Giffords (D): Sen. Giffords had been considering a bid for leadership in the AZ State Sen, but after Rep. Jim Kolbe's (R) announcement that he will not seek another term, Giffords resigned her seat to run for Congress. She's one of the DCCC's top recruits.
State Rep. Leah Landrum (D): "She's a name that comes up all the time" for AZ 04 when Rep. Ed Pastor (D) retires.
And the stars to watch in the future:
GOP supporter/Southwest Gas gov't affairs dir. Jose Esparza: He's "on everybody's short list to get into a real office once something opens up."
Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman (R): "He's going places."
Tucson City Councillor Nina Traceoff (D): The ex-TV anchor, who lost a statewide bid in '02, beat a GOP incumbent 2-1 in '04. She's "media savvy, very smart, quick on her feet, would be an excellent congressional candidate."
Phoenix City Councillor Greg Stanton (D): "Definately someone who could be around for statewide office by" '10.
Ex-State Senator/ex-GOPer Slade Mead (D): Running for State Superintendent of Public Instruction in '06.
Napolitano CoS/ex-Fed Prosecutor Dennis Burk (D): "Would hopefully run for Attorney General or Governor four years from now. He's definately someone you'll be hearing about."
How about State Rep. Bob Stump?