Russell Pearce trounced by Bob Worsley (Mesa: vs., mold, office)

[Pink Jazz]

With last night's LD25 Republican primary, Russell Pearce got trounced by Bob Worsley. Unlike last year's recall election of Pearce vs. Lewis where members of any political party were able to vote, only Republicans and Independents were able to vote in this recall election, and I am very happy that Mesa Republican voters have wised up and voted for Worsley.

[ibarrio]

there is hope for Arizona after all.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by ibarrio

there is hope for Arizona after all.

Yes. There was a hint of moderation in the air last night. Quayle got beat (I don't know if he is more of a kook than the other guy but his ads made it sound that way). Gosar beat one of the wackiest loons in the state legislature in Ron Gould. In maybe the sweetest one of all, Lori Klein, the queen of the crazies by a long, long shot (brandishing a gun at a reporter, hurling racist epithets at demonstrators, advocating for women having to tell their employers why they wanted birth control) got trounced in her bid to come back and visit more embarrassment on the voters of Arizona.

[Property Cupid]

Do you think it is just AZ or do other states have as many kooks in government?

[LBTRS]

Originally Posted by Property Cupid

Do you think it is just AZ or do other states have as many kooks in government?

Watch the news any night of the week..."kooks" can be seen in government in every state and even at the national level.

When a politician can get caught smoking crack with a prostitute (while in office) and then get reelected I've lost all hope.

[SluggoF16]

Originally Posted by Property Cupid

Do you think it is just AZ or do other states have as many kooks in government?

It's everywhere... when I was stationed in Louisiana in the mid-80s there was Governor Edwin Edwards (who said of his acceptance of illegal campaign contributions, “It was illegal for them to give, but not for me to receive.” And remember Mayor Ray Nagin, of Nawlins post-Katrina? And now here in SW OK we had a candidate this summer who was fortunately trounced in the primary... I think he came from the same mold as Baby Doc Duvalier from Haiti.

Regrettably I missed out on Ev Mecham's governorship, but not Fife's. (Note the sarcasm)

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by SluggoF16

It's everywhere... when I was stationed in Louisiana in the mid-80s there was Governor Edwin Edwards (who said of his acceptance of illegal campaign contributions, “It was illegal for them to give, but not for me to receive.” And remember Mayor Ray Nagin, of Nawlins post-Katrina? And now here in SW OK we had a candidate this summer who was fortunately trounced in the primary... I think he came from the same mold as Baby Doc Duvalier from Haiti.

Regrettably I missed out on Ev Mecham's governorship, but not Fife's. (Note the sarcasm)

I agree that there are nuts (from both sides) in every state. But I think Arizona is somewhat unique in that our legislature is so far out of touch with the general population. You cite LA and OK. I could point to MS, AL as well. But, the people there are nothing like people in AZ politically. AZ is not a bible belt state. If you look at polls in Arizona, majorities FAVOR the dream act and a path to citizenship, FAVOR increasing education spending, FAVOR medical pot. Also, consider all the moderate and even somewhat progressive-leaning referendums that have passed over the years. That kind of moderation is just not evident in the legislature.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

I agree that there are nuts (from both sides) in every state. But I think Arizona is somewhat unique in that our legislature is so far out of touch with the general population. If you look at polls in Arizona, majorities FAVOR the dream act and a path to citizenship, FAVOR increasing education spending, FAVOR medical pot. Also, consider all the moderate and even somewhat progressive-leaning referendums that have passed over the years. That kind of moderation is just not evident in the legislature.

Sums it up very nicely.

[JoeC]

I'm from Illinois, where we have 2 consecutive governors (one of each political flavor) in federal prison - Ryan and Blogo.
It's everywhere.

[JoeC]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

I agree that there are nuts (from both sides) in every state. But I think Arizona is somewhat unique in that our legislature is so far out of touch with the general population. You cite LA and OK. I could point to MS, AL as well. But, the people there are nothing like people in AZ politically. AZ is not a bible belt state. If you look at polls in Arizona, majorities FAVOR the dream act and a path to citizenship, FAVOR increasing education spending, FAVOR medical pot. Also, consider all the moderate and even somewhat progressive-leaning referendums that have passed over the years. That kind of moderation is just not evident in the legislature.

But that begs the question: How the heck are the disconnected looney-toons getting into office? While I haven't really followed AZ politics for awhile (except for the extreme stuff that made the national news), this seems like a case of either voter apathy or voter disconnect.