Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
A quick aside first. I know that the Arizona Capitol Times, The Arizona Republic and the Tucson Weekly asked candidates for their bio information, but candidates tell me that they have not received any such request from the Arizona Daily Star.
There was a time when the Arizona Daily Star would do "candidate profile" pieces that were then included in a "primary election guide." Apparently the Star has abandoned this essential function of news reporting in favor of telling its readers "eh, just read the primary election guide mailed to you from the Citizens Clean Elections Commission." Citizens Clean Elections booklet is in the mail – take a look at it. The Star also adopted a policy several years ago not to make endorsements in primary elections, despite the fact that many elections are decided in party primary contests. It's time for new management at the Star.
The Tucson Weekly will do its usual fine job of candidate profiles and make endorsements in the primary "before election day." Sorry, guys. There is no longer any such thing as election day — it is "election month," and it begins July 29. Most contests are decided by the early mail ballots before election day. Tick tock.
Kudos to The Arizona Republic for maintaining the tradition of publishing candidate profile pieces and making endorsements in party primaries. Earlier this week the Republic endorsed Jan Brewer in the GOP gubernatorial primary, picking the only horse left in the race (with apologies to Matt Jette).
Today, The Arizona Republic endorses Rep. Chris Deschene for Arizona Secretary of State in the Democratic primary. Deschene brings fresh approach to secretary of state:
Arizona's secretary of state must be able to do two jobs. The first is to run elections, handle various business filings and oversee the state library and archives.
The second is to be ready to run the state. The secretary of state is next in line if the governor steps down – as has happened repeatedly in recent years.
Chris Deschene is the best Democratic candidate for this dual job.
He has the leadership and can-do grounding of serving as an officer in the Marines. With a law degree and a master's in mechanical engineering, he knows how to analyze complex issues – and recognize legal and practical stumbling blocks. He has a track record of working in cooperation with others, including a term in the state Legislature.
And as a Navajo who grew up on the reservation, he has insight into the challenges facing Native Americans and rural areas. His law firm specializes in energy issues – a top priority for our state.
Deschene (pronounced des-CHEE-nay) has detailed knowledge of election procedures and law. As a legislator, for instance, he recognized a hole in oversight and successfully sponsored a bill to require real expertise on the committee dealing with voting machines. He plans a top-to-bottom review of the election process, including how provisional ballots are handled.
To make sure the secretary of state's office is seen as an impartial steward, Deschene says he would refrain from endorsing any candidates.
The other Democrat in the race, Sam Wercinski, is a Phoenix sustainable-growth consultant who has the experience of serving for two years as state real-estate commissioner.
But with his breadth of experience and fresh approach, Deschene has the edge. The Arizona Republic recommends Chris Deschene as the Democratic nominee for secretary of state.
Candidate web site: http://www.descheneforarizona.com/
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