GOP Contenders Pass on Ariz. Governor Spot [View All]

[Judi Lynn]

GOP Contenders Pass on Ariz. Governor Spot

By PAUL DAVENPORT
The Associated Press
Tuesday, October 25, 2005; 4:58 AM

PHOENIX -- Conservatives have long dominated the political landscape of this state, the home of the late Sen. Barry Goldwater. Republicans dominate the Legislature, hold both Senate seats and six of eight U.S. House seats.

One exception: the governor's office, narrowly won in 2002 by Democrat Janet Napolitano, who has clashed with Republicans ever since. Yet as next year's election draws near, that one exception may remain.

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano listens to discussion about The Western Economy and U.S. Economic Growth at the Western Governor's Conference in Breckenridge, Colo., on Monday, June 13, 2005. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski) (Ed Andrieski - AP)
Many prominent potential Republican contenders to Napolitano have waved off a race, leaving only two announced candidates: a former lawmaker who has been out of office for nearly a decade, and a Goldwater relative.

"I keep hoping that somebody will turn up," said June Bryan, an 86-year-old member of the Central Republican Women's Club. Otherwise, "I suppose that Janet will get in again."
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/25/AR2005102500124.html