The Arizona Redistricting Wars

ARIZONA REDISTRICTING

• Capitol coven stages a witch hunt (by E. J. Montini, The Arizona Republic) Essentially, Brewer and the behind-the-scenes bigwigs pulling her strings didn't like the way the maps were being redrawn under Mathis. Some Republican Congress members were no longer in "safe" districts. There might have been some actual competition. That could not be tolerated, so Brewer rallied the Republican townsfolk at the Capitol and they brought out the torches and pitchforks.
• Arizona recall vote energizes Democrats (By JERI CLAUSING, Associated Press) Last week's recall election defeat of the Republican legislator who wrote Arizona's tough anti-immigration law and the seating of Democratic mayors in Phoenix and Tucson have given Democrats renewed hope for picking up the state in next year's Senate and presidential elections. Combined, the outcomes underscored the diversity of voters in what many view as a conservative state even though voters here are split nearly in thirds among Republicans, independents and Democrats.
• Russell Pearce recall may indicate new political climate - Some see pushback on conservatives' influence (by Alia Beard Rau, The Arizona Republic) A multipartisan group also is working on what it believes will be a more long-term solution to lopsided primaries. It would abolish party primaries in Arizona, instead allowing all voters to vote on all the candidates. The top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, would then go on to the general election. The goal is to encourage more independent voters to participate and attract more moderate candidates who appeal to a broader range of voters.