Rep. Grijalva fights for his political life against insurgent Republican (Ruth McClung)

The Hill ^ | October 28, 2010 | Molly K. Hooper

[jazusamo]

TUCSON, Ariz. — Four-term Progressive Caucus Co-Chairman Rep. Raul Grijalva (D) is locked in the fight of his political life against a 28-year-old rocket scientist.

Raytheon physicist Ruth McClung does not have the most sophisticated campaign operation this election cycle — it’s being managed by her mother, Gini Crawford — but the Republican nonetheless finds herself running neck and neck with an established Democrat.

McClung’s sudden rise has taken many — including Grijalva — by surprise. She entered the GOP primary race in May 2009, defeated four challengers in August and now finds herself on the verge of a stunning election upset, according to a number of polls.

The Cook Political Report moved the race between McClung and Grijalva to “toss-up” in early October despite the registration edge for Democrats in the district.

In recent weeks, McClung’s campaign has benefited from an influx in outside cash and donor dollars spurred by endorsements from conservative heavyweights Sarah Palin, Michelle Malkin and Tammy Bruce.

In an interview with The Hill after a town-hall event Tuesday, McClung said the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) had dismissed her chances against Grijalva.

“[The NRCC] wrote it off,” McClung said. “We have very little contact with them.”

One source close to the McClung campaign said she recently turned down offers of support from national Republicans because of the “strings attached.” The source said the NRCC had previously told McClung she was on a “political suicide mission” for entering the race against Grijalva, who was then thought to be a shoo-in for reelection.

A review of Federal Election Commission records by The Hill showed the NRCC has not yet spent any money to help McClung’s candidacy.

Though she enjoys widespread popularity among Tea Party activists, McClung said she hasn’t been endorsed by any of the groups in the movement.

“They don’t really endorse people in this area. They are all different. I go to Tea Party events,” she said.

Freedom Works, the advocacy group led by former House GOP leader Dick Armey that is closely tied to the Tea Party, has sponsored campaign signs for McClung that read, “Grijalva Kills Jobs.”

Grijalva has been trying to win back voters who balked at the lawmaker’s decision to call for a boycott of Arizona after the government passed a strict immigration enforcement law.

The Democrat has since explained that he made a “strategic mistake” in calling for the boycott. McClung’s mom-and-pop campaign — with a little help from Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) — has seized on the issue as a point of attack.

Despite the close race, McClung isn’t looking past Nov. 2. She declined to say whether she’d support John Boehner (Ohio) for Speaker if the GOP captures the House.

“You know, I want to get there and actually meet people,” McClung said. “I’d like to get there and talk to people.”

[jazusamo]

GO RUTH!

Ruth McClung for Congress

[Carpe Cerevisi]

It’s a shame though that Gun Owners of America only gives her a “C” rating.

[NeoCaveman]

Finally, a rocket scientist for Congress.

[pissant]

She must have said something stupid to earn it.

[Westbrook]

> It’s a shame though that Gun Owners of America only gives her a “C” rating.

It’s better than the F rating I venture her DemonRAT opponent has.

[jazusamo]

I think you’re right and have no idea about her stance on it.

The thing is if she can knock off Grijalva in that district it’ll be nothing short of a miracle.

[Rippin]

Is that ‘resurgent’ as in coming on strong or ‘insurgent’ as in Palestinian terrorists?

[denydenydeny]

a 28-year-old rocket scientist

Just another ignorant, uneducated teabagger.

[jazusamo]

Yeah! :-)

[FlyVet]

“[The NRCC] wrote it off,” McClung said. “We have very little contact with them.”

But if she pulls this off, she will suddenly have lots and lots of contact with the GOP Establishment. She must be co-opted, as the slimy Trent Lott says.

She said last week she has already been approached by people offering her money to change her positions. The freshmen will face tremendous pressure in the City of Satan.

[donozark]

I see an A-. Is there an error somewhere? I can contact GOA if you let me know...

[Liz]

Much of the 2010 Election-Fail excitement surrounds radical leftist Raul Grijalva who is trailing political neophyte Ruth McClung by two points (Magellan Strategies poll).

Grijalva's anti-America/anti-Arizona hatred surfaced when he called for a boycott of his own state in response to Arizona's new policies on illegals.

Grijalva believes Arizona's new law, which requires law enforcement officials to demand papers from anyone they suspect is in the country illegally, is racist and does little more than “propagate the idea separate but equal treatment under the law can be codified,” Grijalva said.

Grijalva has a solid gerrymandered Dem district of latinos. He Chairs the leftist Congressional Progressive Caucus..........way too radical even for a Democrat leaning district.

==================================

REFERENCE US Rep. Steve King to Laura Ingraham : " I’m wondering if we look at the map of Arizona Congressman Grijalva’s congressional district, if we haven’t already ceded that component of Arizona to Mexico, judging by the voice that comes out of Grijalva. Grijalva’s advocating for Mexico rather than the United States and against the rule of law, which is one of the central pillars of American exceptionalism."

THE BEST CONGRESSMAN MEXICO EVER HAD Hundreds Protest AZ Congressman Raul Grijalva at tea party protest
June, 27, 2010 — http://nicedeb.files.wordpress.com

=====================================

REFERENCE Grijalva is a Social Democrat (Marxist)---- co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus. He spent practically no money on his reelection, leaning on his Mexican background for votes in this heavily and poorly educated Chicano district. Grijalva put together a Congressional panel against SB 1070---ending birthright citiznship.

=========================================

Reconquistas like Grijalva, squatting in OUR Congress, made a career out of helping illegals drain whatever they could out of America-----to extort taxpayers so that we finance Reconquista. Third World reconquista types are chomping at the bit....to incite revolution....eager to begin the takeover.

Reconquista shock troops at Phoenix Capital protest, May 29, 2010.

RECONQUISTA IN ARIZONA Just here for a better life---plotting to takeover the USA.

May Day Marchers.

[donozark]

Please see #11.

[Cheetahcat]

She is a pretty woman with brains like the rest of our Ladies.

[jazusamo]

I’m sure she will.

I believe the establishment Republicans are going to start having a much harder time co-opting many of the new breed of Republican. :)

[jazusamo]

Great post, Liz. Thanks!

[Liz]

You’re very welcome.

[jazusamo]

Please bump the Freepathon and donate or become a monthly donor!

[smoothsailing]

Raul Grijalva is a treasonous pig.

[no dems]

Good for her not committing to John Boehner. If the establishment has written her off, then she is not beholden to anyone. Tell them to kiss your butt, on both sides, Ruth.