Posted on 03/10/2002 8:13:46 AM PST by dittomom
Democrats look to Arizona in '02
By Stephanie Paterik
The Arizona Republic
March 10, 2002
Arizona will be the "epicenter for Democratic victory" in this year's congressional elections, said House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, who was in Phoenix on Saturday night for a Democratic Party fund-raiser.
"I think this is our year in Arizona," he said at a news conference before delivering his keynote speech at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner at the Arizona Biltmore. "Redistricting turned out exceedingly well. We think we have a great chance to win at least two seats, maybe even more."
Arizona will gain two congressional seats this year, and Gephardt said he thinks both are "sure Democratic seats."
The Democratic Party must pick up six House seats to win back the majority, which it lost in 1994. Gephardt said he is counting on Arizona Democrats and swing voters to claim at least one-third of the party's necessary seats.
About 800 people attended the annual dinner Saturday night at $175 per person. Ticket proceeds and additional donations totaled nearly $250,000, said Dianna Jennings, press secretary for the Arizona Democratic Party.
"This is a bigger turnout than past years, and a bigger profit margin as well," she said.
The turnout indicates excitement within the state party, Gephardt said, and it confirms what Democrats have long suspected: Arizona's demographics are swinging in their favor.
"The redistricting here is really pivotal," he said. "It has opened a lot of opportunities and recognizes what we've known for some time, and that is there's an influx of population here, a lot of which is leaning toward the Democratic Party."
Gephardt added that he will return to Arizona to campaign with the candidates.
Reach the reporter at stephanie. paterik@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-8149.
Democrats are after those new Congressional seats.
Arizona FReepers will meet on Saturday, March 23 at Greaswood Flat in North Scottsdale (1PM to ??:??). More details will be announced soon. In the meantime, check out this thread - Western steakhouses struggle
And if the democrats are so happy about the results of redistricting in Arizona, why are liberal groups suing to get the results changed by a judge?
How can you tell when a liberal, devoted Democrat is lying? Yup, when his/her lips are moving . . .
Don't buy their story . . . they're trying to keep the cash flowing from their contributor dupes . . .
"The redistricting here is really pivotal," he said. "It has opened a lot of opportunities and recognizes what we've known for some time, and that is there's an influx of population here, a lot of which is leaning toward the Democratic Party."
It would be interesing to see the demographic that defines the "influx"...the economic base, cultural base...etc...
Agreed. That great turnout more than likely means desperation, not "excitement."
Especially in that new district carved from JD's and Bob Stump's districts.
Code Words for Illegal Aliens.
Over my dead body . . .
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