Mark down another incumbent-versus-incumbent matchup for 2012: The new Arizona maps proposed by a bipartisan redistricting commission could pit GOP Reps. Dave Schweikert andBen Quayle against each other in the state's new 6th District.
Drawn by an independent redistricting commission, the map brings good news for Democrats, shoring up several of their seats and setting them up in good position to win the new 9th District. But several Republicans in the delegation are going to have to make some tough choices, beginning with the two freshmen.
Drawn by an independent redistricting commission, the map brings good news for Democrats, shoring up several of their seats and setting them up in good position to win the new 9th District. But several Republicans in the delegation are going to have to make some tough choices, beginning with the two freshmen.
A source familiar with Quayle's thinking told Hotline On Call Wednesday that the former vice president's son was definitely running in the Scottsdale-based 6th District that contains the vast majority of Quayle's old district. While Quayle's home is drawn into the new Tempe-based 9th, which would be a toss-up for Republicans, the source noted "you could hit a pitching wedge from [Quayle's] house" into the 6th.
Schweikert wasted no time after the maps were revealed to stake his claim to the 6th District, too. In a statement released Tuesday, he confirmed he planned to run there, even though running in the 4th District or even the open 5th District could have been possibilities.
"Should the proposed Congressional district map passed by the Independent Redistricting Commission become final, I intend to run for reelection in the new Congressional District 6," said Schweikert. "My longtime ties to Scottsdale include being raised there, attending elementary and high school there, along with representing the city in Congress and in the State Legislature. Joyce and I own a house in Scottsdale and I cannot imagine running anywhere else."
The new map also poses a quandary for freshman Republican Paul Gosar, as he faces a rematch against former Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick. The former Democratic congresswoman has been off to a quick start to her campaign, and just announced she raised a solid $230,000 with over $350,000 cash on hand. The 1st District they're both eyeing becomes slightly less favorable to Republicans. But Gosar could instead run in the 4th District - a solidly Republican seat that voted 64 percent for Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., for president in 2008.
The new Tempe-based 9th District would be a competitive race for both parties. While a host of locals on both sides are sure to take a long look at the contest, the Arizona Republic notes that one ideal candidate for Democrats could be former Democratic Rep. Harry Mitchell. His former chief of staff slyly tweeted on Monday, "Harry Mitchell for Congress? Don't rule it out folks." The map also shores up Democrat Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' Tucson district, which would be numbered the 2nd District. President Obama narrowly won this redrawn district, taking around 50 percent. Giffords, who's still recovering from near-fatal January assassination attempt, hasn't decided yet whether she'll run for reelection, but if she does, it's hard to imagine Republicans contesting the seat. But if she doesn't run or seeks higher office later, it could become competitive. Democratic Rep. Ed Pastor's newly-numbered 7th District would become the most Democratic in the state. And after a close race in 2010, Democratic Rep. Raul Grijalva would see his now-3rd District also get slightly safer by picking up more Hispanic areas. Republican Trent Franks, who would be in the 8th District, is still in a solidly GOP seat. And while Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., is vacating his Mesa-based seat, now labeled the 5th District, to run for Senate. One of the several Republicans who have already lined up to replace him will be his all-but-certain successor.
http://www.nationaljournal.com/blogs/hotlineoncall/2011/10/house-democrats-gain-with-new-arizona-map-05
Schweikert wasted no time after the maps were revealed to stake his claim to the 6th District, too. In a statement released Tuesday, he confirmed he planned to run there, even though running in the 4th District or even the open 5th District could have been possibilities.
"Should the proposed Congressional district map passed by the Independent Redistricting Commission become final, I intend to run for reelection in the new Congressional District 6," said Schweikert. "My longtime ties to Scottsdale include being raised there, attending elementary and high school there, along with representing the city in Congress and in the State Legislature. Joyce and I own a house in Scottsdale and I cannot imagine running anywhere else."
The new map also poses a quandary for freshman Republican Paul Gosar, as he faces a rematch against former Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick. The former Democratic congresswoman has been off to a quick start to her campaign, and just announced she raised a solid $230,000 with over $350,000 cash on hand. The 1st District they're both eyeing becomes slightly less favorable to Republicans. But Gosar could instead run in the 4th District - a solidly Republican seat that voted 64 percent for Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., for president in 2008.
The new Tempe-based 9th District would be a competitive race for both parties. While a host of locals on both sides are sure to take a long look at the contest, the Arizona Republic notes that one ideal candidate for Democrats could be former Democratic Rep. Harry Mitchell. His former chief of staff slyly tweeted on Monday, "Harry Mitchell for Congress? Don't rule it out folks." The map also shores up Democrat Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' Tucson district, which would be numbered the 2nd District. President Obama narrowly won this redrawn district, taking around 50 percent. Giffords, who's still recovering from near-fatal January assassination attempt, hasn't decided yet whether she'll run for reelection, but if she does, it's hard to imagine Republicans contesting the seat. But if she doesn't run or seeks higher office later, it could become competitive. Democratic Rep. Ed Pastor's newly-numbered 7th District would become the most Democratic in the state. And after a close race in 2010, Democratic Rep. Raul Grijalva would see his now-3rd District also get slightly safer by picking up more Hispanic areas. Republican Trent Franks, who would be in the 8th District, is still in a solidly GOP seat. And while Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., is vacating his Mesa-based seat, now labeled the 5th District, to run for Senate. One of the several Republicans who have already lined up to replace him will be his all-but-certain successor.
http://www.nationaljournal.com/blogs/hotlineoncall/2011/10/house-democrats-gain-with-new-arizona-map-05