what is a Pinto Bean democrat?

[AlanCranston]

I remember hearing somewhere that from statehood up until the mid 20th century, Arizona was dominated at all levels of government by something called a Pinto Bean Democrat. I read somewhere that Carl Hayden was example of one. Anyone here know what I'm talking about?

[byronius]

1. No, but I used to know an Alan Cranston in Toledo. Not you, I imagine.

Or is it?

[AlanCranston]

2. know I'm not really Alan Cranston

Alan Cranston, was a senator from California in the 70s and 80s. He died around 10 years ago.

[mzteris]

3. You mean "pinto democrat"?

Pinto democrat is an old term for AZ democrats who voted with the conservatives.

[mk2guy7355]

4. interesting

[AlanCranston]

5. pretty much all the dem senators Arizona has ever elected

have been moderate to conservative democrats. There's a reason that Morris Udall never ran for the senate.