Democrat Greg Stanton leads for Mayor of Phoenix

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

The Arizona Republic reports Phoenix mayor election: Stanton ahead of Gullett:

Greg Stanton appeared on his way to becoming the 52nd mayor of Phoenix Tuesday night, early unofficial election results showed.

The 41-year-old attorney and father of two was leading Wes Gullett, a 50-year-old partner if a public affairs and lobbying firm, by a 56 to 43 percent margin, according to the early results reported by the Phoenix City Clerk.

The results included the majority of early ballots cast in the runoff and ballots cast at voting centers on Saturday and Monday. Voting centers also were open today, and the city clerk said turnout had set an all-time record with more than 155,400 ballots cast and more expected by the time polls closed.

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A win would close what's been the most contentious mayoral election Phoenix has seen in nearly 30 years, marked by attack ads from anonymous special-interest groups, heightened partisan rhetoric in an officially a nonpartisan race and name calling from both sides.

Stanton, a Democrat, had been cast as the union-backed, career politician throughout the race, while Gullett has been painted as a special-interest lobbyist.

It looks like John McCain's close friend and campaign aide Wes Gullett has been rejected by voters for Democrat Greg Stanton. Looks like Johnny doesn't have any coattails in Arizona.