The latest on the Giffords seat special election

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

First the Democratic side of the ledger, because really folks, that's what matters.

Friend of Blog for Arizona Carolyn Classen was kind enough to forward a copy of a Yellow Sheet Report (ungodly expensive subscription gossip rag), captioned: Giffords Set to Endorse Barber:

Multiple sources say that Giffords’ advisors held a conference call this afternoon to discuss what role she would play in the special election to replace her, and one source with knowledge of the conversation said Giffords is prepared to throw her support behind longtime aide Ron Barber to fill out her term.

However, her endorsement hinges on Barber entering the race, a decision the source said he will make by Monday. “If he decides to run, [Giffords and her team] will endorse him,” the source said.

If Barber, who reportedly is still unable to work full days because of his recovery from being shot in the same attack that wounded Giffords, opts not to run, the source said there is “no backup plan” and the congresswoman would not issue an endorsement.

I just came from a meeting of Legislative District 30 Democrats at which Rep. Steve Farley (D-LD 28) was the featured speaker. Rep. Farley informed Democrats that the report above is the current status for Democrats — Ron Barber is considering whether to run as a caretaker for the Giffords seat in the CD 8 special election.

Barber reportedly has not yet made his decision. Let's keep in mind people that he suffered near fatal injuries on January 8, 2011 from which he is still recovering, this would be a major sacrifice on his part to serve the constituents of CD 8. Barber is expected to make his decision soon.

Should Barber decide to run, Democrats will clear the field for him in the special election for the Giffords seat.

Should Barber decide not to run there will be a wide-open primary. The DCCC reportedly has a poll in the field now testing public response to several candidates.

Rep. Farley said he has not made any decision about running for Congress. He wants to see the results of the DCCC poll first.

Rep. Farley indicated that Sen. Paula Aboud, also from LD 28, would run if Barber decides not to run, joining Rep. Matt Heinz (D-LD 29) who filed earlier this week and is circulating petitions. Others may be tempted to enter a wide-open primary.

I would hope that all of these questions will be resolved no later than the close of business on Monday. Time is running short — candidates must submit their petitions for the special election by Monday, February 27 at 5:00 p.m. Tick-Tock…

On the Tea-Publican side of the ledger, Sen. "Don't make me angry" Frank Antenori (R-LD 30) now has a contested in primary.

Clear Channel Communications executive (the billboard side of the company that cost Tucson taxpayers lots of money in litigation costs over almost a decade of litigation Positive Signs | Tucson Weekly) and University of Arizona sportscaster, Dave Sitton, has filed to run. UA broadcaster Sitton enters CD8 race. This guy will have GOP bundler Jim Click and his GOP donors behind him. Rugby players will support him (longtime player-coach). Rumor has it that Sitton has some fairly moderate positions on issues that the Tea Party types may reject.

Texas Tea-bagger Jesse Kelly has come back to Tucson (he owns a property in CD 8 but not in CD 2) has returned from Texas to run again. Republican Jesse Kelly to run for CD8 seat he sought in '10. Antenori is already characterizing him as a carpetbagger.

A new name has entered the mix of Tea-Publicans, Martha McSally, Colonel Ret. U.S. Air Force. CD8 Special Election: Who's Martha McSally and Why Are People Saying She Might Run for Congress? | The Range. You may recall a story about McSally challenging the requirement that she dress in Muslim garb while serving in Saudi Arabia from 60 Minutes. She has an impressive resume, but no name I.D., and little is known about her positions on the issues.