AZ-Sen. 2010: McCain likely grinning as GOP accepts open primary (will Rats save their Maverick?)

The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Ariz. ^ | 2010-05-04 | Rhonda Bodfield

[rabscuttle385]

The Republican Party is re-opening its big umbrella - or more accurately, not closing its primary after all.

At a meeting over the weekend, the state executive committee decided to forgo a legal challenge to a law that allows independents to choose which primary they want to vote in.

While some members argue that Republicans should be choosing the party's nominee, state GOP spokesman Matt Roberts said the group decided to hold off until at least until next year, given the slow wheels of justice and the looming August primary.

Somewhere, John "Don't Call Me Maverick" McCain is probably a happy senator. Not so much challenger J.D. Hayworth, whose strongest appeal may be to the more conservative Republicans who are faithful primary voters.

[CPT Clay]

Just Damn

[leapfrog0202]

Absolutely agreed. I just hope and pray there are enough independents and dims that support Hayworth.

Anyone with 1/2 a brain can see the huge flip-flop McCain did on amnesty to suddenly supporting AZ’s new bill aimed at illegals. It’s only because he’s running and when the election is over he’ll go back to saying these folks need a ‘path to citizenship’.

[CPT Clay]

Good point.

[prairiebreeze]

Republicans.....BAH!!

[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

The RINOs in the state party are trying to save Old Yellowstain’s bacon.

[Caipirabob]

Could help JD if independents are shifting over to the GOP with many coming from the tea party movement.

No, it won't. We needed the closed primary to protect the integrity of our vote. This is a major, major blow and the GOP knows this.

That hurts even more.

Damn them.

[Will88]

Not sure why this is a story since things will simply remain as they have been: independents can vote on any primary ballot other than Libertarian. JD commented on this a few months back and expressed no concern about it.

[stephenjohnbanker]

Let me hear from those of you who still think the the GOP is not the enemy of conservatism

[A_Tradition_Continues]

Watch who they nominate in 2012.

I'm calling it for an old school RINO....Judd Gregg-NH

[Melchior]

McCain has been at war with Arizona GOP chairman Randy Pullen since the latter took office. McCain has sought to oust the conervative Pullen, and has used his clout with the national GOP to assist him. McCain’s recent move was an attempt to take charge of State GOP bank account.

[TomGuy]

Don’t forget, GHWB is still eligible for another term, and and the GOP seems to like them old and gray.

[Rational Thought]

The RINO establishment just doesn’t get it.

They are daring J.D. to run as a Third Party candidate. Should he lose the primary, I hope he does just that.

[Man50D]

And yet people keep insisting to return to the very party that has repeatedly stabbed conservatives in the back for years.

[A_Tradition_Continues]

GOP=Geriatric Old Party

[TomGuy]

[Disclaimer: I am not from AZ and don't know their laws.]

They are daring J.D. to run as a Third Party candidate. Should he lose the primary, I hope he does just that.

A few days ago, a similar rumor appears regarding McCain. Someone familiar with AZ law said, if he were going to run as an Independent, he would have to declare by a certain date. That date is before the AZ primary.

Thus, to run as an Independent, one cannot wait until after the primary; they have to declare well before it.

[Ingtar]

My guess is the new school RINO... Mitt Romney.

[alicewonders]

The EVIL, corrupt, backstabbing Stupid Party strikes again.

There, I fixed it.

[WOBBLY BOB]

Juan needs a ‘path to retirement’.

[trickyricky]

To quote a great American:

"There's not a dime's worth of difference between them.">

At least the rats don't pretend they're something they're not.

[Pelham]

This attempt by the Open Borders/ Treason Lobby wing of the GOP may not work if the AZ polls are accurate. If 70% of Arizonans approve of their illegal alien bill then a lot of Democrats may cast a vote for JD Hayward and against McAmnesty.