Republican Rep. Paul Gosar easily beat back a primary challenge from a former Buckeye city councilman who received unexpected backing from an out-of-state group.
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Arizona Republicans want John McCain to serve a sixth term as their US senator, handing him a comfortable victory in the Tuesday primary.
With Ward officially out of the way, McCain’s eyes will turn to his U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Ariz.) who will be his opponent in November’s general election. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, greets supporters after being declared the victor in the Arizona Republican primary Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, in Phoenix.
How McCain and Rubio far could have a big say in whether Republicans can defy expectations and maintain majority control of the Senate after November’s election. He’ll face the Democrat seeking Kirkpatrick’s seat, Tom O’Halleran.
Those problems in Maricopa County were blamed in part on the consolidation of polling places and the fact that independents can’t vote in Arizona’s presidential primary. That’s a sharp contrast to the March 22 presidential primary that saw long lines and wait times exceeding five hours in some parts of the state’s largest county. The county returned to the normal number of polling places Tuesday.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump endorsed McCain in the race, but that came after the two had butted heads repeatedly after Trump made controversial statements regarding McCain’s time as a prisoner of war.
Tuesday is primary day in Arizona. At least on Twitter, McCain appeared unflappable, sharing news articles and posting a note of thanks to those who sent him birthday wishes.
Meanwhile, Arpaio is seeking a seventh term with a full war chest of more than $10 million.
A judge has ruled that Arpaio’s officers racially profiled Latinos, and the sheriff was found in civil contempt of court for defying court orders in the case.
“I think Sen. John McCain has been excellent for Arizona and he deserves re-election, not just in the primary but in the general”, she said. “Everybody seems like they’re going after the sheriff”. “But we did what we could with very limited resources and it’s been unbelievable”.
Saban was not available for comment Tuesday night.
Primary challenges to two of the state’s longest-serving Republicans drew attention as Arizona voters headed to the polls Tuesday.
“Obviously, we are spending on candidates, but we are doing it openly”, said Save Our AZ Solar chairwoman Kris Mays in an interview with CBS 5.
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The other statewide race features a five-way race among Republicans seeking three seats on the state’s utility regulation panel, the Arizona Corporation Commission. Ward had assailed McCain for being too willing to compromise with Democrats and for his age. She apologized and promised to ratchet up polling places for other elections.
