Steve Pierce

Sydney Hay has heard it all, she is too conservative, she can’t raise the money, she won’t be able to attract Independent voters, she won’t be able to withstand the Republican establishment once they find a candidate. Well here she is, almost certainly on her way to the Republican nomination in Arizona’s First Congressional District.

Republican Sydney Hay, who finished a close third to Renzi in a crowded 2002 primary, is the leading Republican right now for the 1st CD which is open with the retirement of Congressman Rick Renzi. With State Rep Bill Konopnicki announcing he won’t run for the seat a shuffle has begun to find another Republican to enter the primary. Former senate President Ken Bennett is a rumored candidate, but to date has yet to say he has interest in the seat. This is a look at some other potential candidates for the seat.