Arizona Primary Tomorrow

I know, I know, I'm not a Republican. But I'm not a Democrat anymore, either (shhh, son't tell anyone)

But still, I've been reflecting on all the attack ads, mudslinging, and slanderous remarks that those grunts called "politicians" usually make, and I've decided that I'm going to make my own little set of endorsements and prediction of winners.

After the primary, I'll make the same endorsements and predictions.

As far as Governor is concerned, I believe that Janet Napolitano will handily beat any competition, and yes, I will be voting for her...but alas, I'm going to put the Democrats aside right now and focus on the Republicans:

GOVERNOR

Endorsement: Gary Tupper. I think Mr. Tupper is the type of guy that should have the chance of being in charge. He's an everyman with an education, moderately positioned, and someone who hasn't gone on the typical warpath to plaster an agenda everywhere.

Predicted winner: Len Munsil. He collected his $5 Clean Elections contributions at lightning speed and appeals to much of the right-wing, religious, and dare I say "white bread" voters of Arizona. I think he's got a decent head on his shoulders, and he stands behind what he says, but I have little faith that he could represent the entire state. The election of this man as governor would disenfranchise many populations in Arizona that are already underrepresented. I think he's probably a good man (as I am religious myself), but we differ in the fact that I would run on a platform of inclusion and accessibility. I see attempts of that with his camp, but I just don't buy it.

The others: Mike Harris has no clout and no political charisma. Don Goldwater is using his uncles name, and is nothing like him. His commercials say that Arizona is Barry Goldwater country - so he, like many other Arizonans (including conservative transplants) think that Barry Goldwater is the only politician Arizona has ever had. There are many others who deserve just as much, if not more accolades - John Rhodes, Carl Hayden, Mo Udall to name a few...

SECRETARY OF STATE

Endorsement: none
Winner: Jan Brewer

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Endorsement: none

Winner: Bill Montgomery

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

Endorsement: none

Winner: Tom Horne

STATE TREASURER

Endorsement: Dean Martin. Okay, so he has the name of a famous crooner and he kind of looks like Otho from Beetlejuice. I think he's a decent guy and would definitely bring some order back to the office after recent happenings under current Treasurer David Peterson. His Democratic opponent in the general election is Rano Singh, who I think would do a fine job as well, but Ms. Singh needs to know that you can't be "an Arizona native for 25 years" as her older campaign literature stated. Either you were born here or you weren't, and people like me pay attention to the details.

Winner: Dean Martin.

STATE MINE INSPECTOR

Endorsement: Larry Nelson. Come on, he's been in mining for eons. Unfortunately, he's not campaining very well.

Winner: Joe Hart. He's a seasoned state politician, which irks me. The mine inspector shouldn't be such a political position, and in fact, I am all for aboloshing this as an elected position. Why don't we elect the State Forester or Land Commissioner? I think the mine inspector needs to be an appointee.

ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSIONER

Endorsement: Kris Mayes. After Janet Napolitano, I think Kris Mayes is the next hardest working government official in Arizona. She's on the ball more than anyone else at the commission, and I think she's ust plain smart. She addresses concerns that others don't, and is committed to doing rather than just talking. She has an environmental MPA from Columbia, and is not as much a politician as she is a public servant. I'm all for Kris Mayes.

Predicted Winners: Kris Mayes. (Gary Pierce will also go onto the general, I think, and since two seats are available, he'll probably get it since the ACC has beome such a Republican institution anyway).

ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, District 8 (where I live)

Endorsement: Michelle Reagan and Travis Junion. Both young and intelligent with level heads, and relatively moderate.

Predicted winners: Michelle Reagan and Jim Burke.

ARIZONA STATE SENATE, District 8

Endorsement: Carolyn Allen. She's loyal to the Repubican party, but she's a true moderate at heart. I think she's pragmatic, I think she knows her district and constituency well, and I think she needs to stay in and by all costs, keep Colette Rosati (a.k.a. the worst state legislator in Arizona history) away from that Senate seat.

Predicted winner: Carolyn Allen.

Well, that's it for now. I'll include congressional and senate races before the general...