Grijalva Endorses Howard Shanker in CD 1 Race

Link: U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva Endorses First Congressional Candidate Howard Shanker | Politicker AZ.

Grijalva has endorsed Howard Shanker, which is a huge break for Shanker and gives him a needed boost against Ann Kirkpatrick.

But wait… Ann Kirkpatrick was endorsed by Gabby Giffords.

And Gabby Giffords was endorsed in her primary by… Raul Grijalva.

So putative allies Grijalva and Giffords are backing different horses in the CD 1 race? Awkward! And likely to provide grist to the Republican candidates in CD 1, and maybe even form the basis for possible friction in future relations within the delegation.

It just demonstrates yet again why these primary endorsements by elected officials are bad idea. A guilty pleasure that elected officials ought to refrain from whenever possible. I think it’s mildly unethical, and is most certainly unwise and profits only the endorser and endorsee while weakening the Party.

Besides knowing the candidates personally and having worked with them in the past, what legitimate interest do Gabby and Raul really have in the CD 1 race? Who are they to try to determine who the Democrats of CD 1 choose as their nominee. They should just say what they know about the candidates and leave it at that—no endorsements are needed.

My advice to Gabby and Raul: just butt out, fer Christsake!