Big people urged Carmona to run

by David Safier

Don Bivens has gotten himself a number of endorsements in his run for the Democratic Senate slot, but it looks like some prominent Democrats were less than thrilled about his chances in the 2012 Senate race and urged Carmona to run.

According to the Capitol Times (subscription only):

President Obama and some of Arizona’s most prominent Democrats are pushing former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona to jump into the U.S. Senate race.

Former U.S. Sen. Dennis DeConcini said he believes Carmona will enter the fray. And former Attorney General Terry Goddard is touting Carmona as the Democrats’ best hope next year if U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords doesn’t run. Even President Barack Obama has called Carmona to urge him into the race, according to Politico.

[snip]

DeConcini acknowledged that Carmona’s late entry into the race would be a hindrance, especially considering the fundraising lead the two Republican candidates already have. U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake reported more than $2.3 million on hand at the end of September, and businessman Wil Cardon brought in $402,000 in his first quarter of fundraising, on top of the $770,000 of his own money he’s already put into the race.

But Carmona has a nationwide network he can rely on for fundraising, and DeConcini said the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee has pledged to raise money for him.

[snip]

Goddard agreed, saying Carmona has “a hell of a résumé.” The former attorney general said he hasn’t spoken with Carmona personally, but has been in contact with his allies in Tucson, such as DeConcini and Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik.

Goddard, the Democrats’ gubernatorial nominee in 2010, said he hasn’t definitively ruled out a Senate run of his own, but his preference is to rally behind Carmona or Giffords.

[snip]

Politico reported in September that Giffords’ political advisers had met with Carmona and were urging him to run for the Senate seat, which is being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Jon Kyl.

It's going to be an interesting primary.

UPDATE: Bivens responded to Carmona's announcement of candidacy. Here's the money passage:

“I welcome Richard Carmona into the race and look forward to a vigorous debate and primary campaign. While some in DC have selected their candidate for Arizona, I am proud to have the support of hundreds of Arizonans and prominent Arizona leaders like former Congressman Harry Mitchell, former US Senate nominee Jim Pederson and former Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick.

In interesting primary indeed.