Hayworth Raises Money Before Possible SEN Bid
Ex-Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R) will take advantage of rumors that he may challenge Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) by raising money to pay down old legal bills.
Conservatives were thrilled when a poll appeared to show Hayworth within striking distance of McCain in a hypothetical GOP primary matchup. The IVR poll, a method of polling Hotline OnCall does not run, has led Hayworth to openly speculate about running against McCain next year during his daily radio show.
Now, in an email to supporters posted by SeeingRedAZ, Hayworth asks for donations to his legal defense fund, the Freedom in Truth Trust. Hayworth will raise money for the fund with Maricopa Co. Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the hero of anti-illegal immigration activists, at a Dec. 5 event in Paradise Valley.
"Miss Mary, our children, and I will do a lot of praying and a lot of talking in the days ahead, as we determine the best course of action to take for our nation and for our family," Hayworth writes to supporters. "You may not live in Arizona ... but no matter where you call home, would you respond to the attached invitation and please send a contribution to the FIT Trust? That would certainly be a factor in the decision we will make at the 'Hayworth Hacienda!'"
Hayworth incurred campaign debt and legal fees after the '06 campaign. The hardline conservative, who lost his suburban Phoenix seat to Rep. Harry Mitchell (D) in the '06 Dem landslides, is a favorite of Copper State conservatives, while McCain has made a career out of antagonizing the hard right even in his home state.
Our sources in AZ say a Hayworth bid is unlikely, both given his current spot on the Phoenix airwaves and the uphill climb any contest against McCain would be. McCain already has $5M in the bank for his re-election bid, and while conservatives may dislike him, everyone else loves him in AZ (Dems haven't even considered spending time trying to recruit a candidate against him).
But if Hayworth does jump in the race, it will provide an instant forum in which GOPers can debate their views on immigration. The AZ GOP is bitterly split over the issue; sources have called the state party little more than an anti-immigration PAC, and just 1 of the state's 5 GOP members of Congress sides with the party (That would be Rep. Trent Franks, with McCain, Sen. Jon Kyl and Reps. Jeff Flake and John Shadegg hewing more toward a comprehensive solution rather than an enforcement-only approach).
Hayworth is ideologically closer to Franks than he is to the rest of the AZ delegation. If he does decide to make a longshot bid, expect the race to center on little else than the border.
(REID WILSON)
With the mood of this country and 18% of American workers unable to find full time employment, I am willing to bet he can win.
68% of us are against illegal immigration and no one in the Democratic Party is listening. They are not enforcing our laws and McCain is right in there with them.
The AZGOP agrees with the Republican Party platform which calls for a quick completion of a border fence to secure our borders; impose maximum penalties on those who smuggle illegal aliens into the US; strict enforcement of laws against lawbreaking employers and illegal workers practicing identity theft; and support of English as the official language of our nation.
As does Senator McCain.
The Arizona Republican Party strongly believes that we are a nation of laws that protects the lives and liberty of its citizens, which means that illegal aliens should not be given drivers licenses, social security benefits or in-state tuition.
As does Senator McCain.
Moving into 2010, Arizona Republicans will be united in supporting candidates who represent a Republican ideology and have the best chance of winning in November.
As will Senator McCain.
The AZGOP looks forward to the process, and we are extremely excited with the prospects of securing Republican wins next year. With three competitive congressional races, Arizona is ground zero for retaking the US House in 2010. Recent successes point to our ability to recruit quality candidates in a variety of different competitive districts. Republicans are energized, enthusiastic, poised and positioned for a historic year in Arizona and around the country and the Arizona Republican Party can't wait.
Randy Pullen
Chairman, Arizona Republican Party
& RNC Treasurer
When is the RNC going to get the hint from the 23rd district in NY? We as Republicans are no longer going to sit idly by hoping that our moderate Republicans vote the right way most of the time. It is not enough to just hold a seat when each vote, especially in the Senate, is so important.
Randy Pullen exemplifies what is wrong with the RNC today! Why come out so early in the process defending the "Maverick?" Why not wait to see what happens during the primary?
Count me in for a contribution to the FIT instead of the AZ RNC, at least until Mr. Pullen and the rest of the AZ RNC leadership allows us to make the decision who shall represent us.
AZ GOP Chairman Randy Pullen conveniently omits that our Platform specifies "no amnesty" which McCain obviously disagrees with, see McCain/Kennedy amnesty scheme.
Pullen also conveniently omits that our Platform calls for "no sanctuary city policies," another front on which McCain fights Republicans.
I've never heard McCain described as any kind of Platform Republican.
Thanks for the try Chairman Pullen. It just does not wash.
JD for Senator in 2010! Or, at a minimum rid us of as much of the McAmnesty influence as possible.
What JD says, he means, and he says it in easily understood words. He has the qualities to rise to greatness which he has developed over most of his lifetime starting in his youth. The Liberals fear him while Conservatives revere him for his dedication to the success or our nation and the wellbeing of our people.
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