It’s Ted Cruz and Sarah Palin versus Jan Brewer in Arizona today

Washington Post ^ | August 26 at 11:45 AM | Sean Sullivan

[SoConPubbie]

A victory-starved national tea party movement has a final opportunity to claim a statewide win ahead of the general election campaign, pinning its hopes on Doug Ducey in Tuesday's Republican primary for governor of Arizona.

Ducey, Arizona's state treasurer and the former chief executive of Cold Stone Creamery, is backed by national tea party leaders like Sarah Palin and Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and Mike Lee (R-Tex.). His main rival is Scott Smith, the former mayor of Mesa and a more moderate Republican. A third candidate, Christine Jones, is a wildcard.

"I think this Republican race here is the epitome of the infighting within the Republican Party," said Arizona State University political scientist Rodolfo Espino.

But like the Republican Senate primary in Nebraska earlier this year, the lines between tea party and establishment have been blurred. While Smith has lined up substantial support from the business community, Ducey, has the backing of the president of of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, a leading business group. Business groups have been at odds with the tea party in other key races this year. Meanwhile, Jones, a former executive at GoDaddy, has been courting conservative voters.

Nevertheless, a Ducey win -- limited available polling shows he is the frontrunner -- would be held up by tea party leaders as a victory in an otherwise disappointing election cycle so far, in which the GOP establishment candidate won most high-profile congressional races. It would also likely give them a powerful ally next year. The winner of the Republican race will be heavily favored to defeat Democrat Fred DuVal in Arizona's first open governor's race in 12 years.

Arizona is one of four states where voters are heading to the polls with primary season winding down. In Florida, former governor Charlie Crist (D) and Gov. Rick Scott (R)

[SoConPubbie]

"If we must have an enemy at the head of Government, let it be one whom we can oppose, and for whom we are not responsible, who will not involve our party in the disgrace of his foolish and bad measures." - Alexander Hamilton "We don't intend to turn the Republican Party over to the traitors in the battle just ended. We will have no more of those candidates who are pledged to the same goals as our opposition and who seek our support. Turning the Party over to the so-called moderates wouldn’t make any sense at all." -- President Ronald Reagan "A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice." - Thomas Paine 1792 "It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men." - Samuel Adams "If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen." - Samuel Adams

[SoConPubbie]

Ted Cruz Ping!

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Please beware, this is a high-volume ping list!

[Michael.SF.]

Casting my vote today for Doug Ducey.

I cannot believe he is being attacked because a small percentage of Cold Stone franchises went out of business.

[Vigilanteman]

What the left doesn’t understand is that the TEA Party doesn’t have to elect our people. Sure, it is nice when we do, but we also win when a RINO suddenly acquires a spine.

[gr8eman]

yeah...they’ll never figure that one out. Unfortunately the RINO’s spine shrivels up like a cold nutsack once they get elected.

[EQAndyBuzz]

“Ducey, Arizona’s state treasurer and the former chief executive of Cold Stone Creamery, is backed by national tea party leaders like Sarah Palin and Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and Mike Lee (R-Tex.).”

Hmm..I could have sworn Senator Mike Lee was from Utah. Unfortunately I don’t have the vetting resources the Washington Post has.

[Da Bilge Troll]

"A victory-starved national tea party movement "

lol What a maroon!

[SpeakerToAnimals]

Hmm..I could have sworn Senator Mike Lee was from Utah.

He got promoted.

[sean327]

Christine Jones is batshyte crazy and a liar. I’m voting for Scott Smith as soon as I get off work.

[SoConPubbie]

Christine Jones is batshyte crazy and a liar. I’m voting for Scott Smith as soon as I get off work.

Why in the world would you vote for the moderate in the election?

[Viennacon]

Brewer is kowtowing scum!!!

[ifinnegan]

Why Smith not Ducey?

Just curious, no attack or anything.

[meadsjn]

Mike Lee (R-Tex.)

Oh my! Rick Perry is trying to steal the Great Salt Lake!

[sean327]

I’ve done my research and Smith is the best candidate in my opinion. I like what he has done as Mayor in Mesa.

[ifinnegan]

“I’ve done my research and Smith is the best candidate in my opinion.”

I guess I was asking why is he the best candidate in your opinion.

[S.O.S121.500]

I’ve done my research and Smith is the best candidate in my opinion. I like what he has done as Mayor in Mesa.
—==000==—
You must not live in Mesa.........

[House Atreides]

In case anyone has not heard, Ducey won the primary over former Mesa mayor Scott Smith 37 percent to 23 percent.

Yeah!!

[SoConPubbie]

In case anyone has not heard, Ducey won the primary over former Mesa mayor Scott Smith 37 percent to 23 percent.

Thanks for the update HA. That is indeed great news!