It's apparent the state GOP decided to let Janet have this one, and will be offering a competitive candidate in 2010.
To Munsil's credit, he had GREAT organization on the ground early in the primary and was able to get his matching funds early. Those funds blew Goldwater out of the race...he didn't get his until a couple of days before the primary. I'm still new to AZ politics, and unsure of the nuanced funding rules (they gotta be pretty screwy) but it's apparent that early, grass-roots organization wins primaries.
Again, I'm sure this year will be the last time Munsil is on a statewide ballot...he'll lose the Govenors race by at least 10 points in a state where the GOP Senate candidate wins by 10.
It's not the fault of the state GOP party. Blame the big name candidates in AZ, who want to be Guv, but didn't have the kahonies to run against Big Bad Guv Dyke. I'll name names: J.D. Hayworth, Rick Romley, Grant Woods (but we don't want him--he's a RINO), ...
Anyone else care to throw out a few other names of possible timid AZ Pubbie wannabie Guv's who would have been serious contenders?
Munsil also had a lot of help when Goldwater totally melted down on the Liddy & Hill radio show and admitted to some questionable dealings that landed his campaign manager in hot water. Then he tried calling back the next day to "set the record straight."
First rule of Holes: When you're in one, stop digging.