CD4

Most people know that 2008 is quite a busy year in Arizona congressional politics, but today the Arizona Capitol Times shed light on just how busy it is. The state boasts four competitive House races - half of its districts - the outcomes of which will help shape Congress for the next two years, but the less-scrutinized races have a wealth of candidates as well.

While the focus may be on contests like the CD1 fight over Rep. Rick Renzi's seat, the CD5 Republican primary and the premier battle between Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and state Sen. Tim Bee in the 8th, voters in all of Arizona's districts will have a choice in November. With the spotlight firmly fixed on the top four, the others have been in the shadows as far as the media is concerned.

Today is different. The Arizona Capitol Times has released a list of all candidates who have filed as congressional competitors for 2008. The litany of incumbents and hopefuls is presented without preference, pretense or puffery, and, at least in this format, all candidates are created equal.

Through out yesterday we posted Congressional FEC numbers.  Today we will take a look at them together by district.

CD1 which is an open seat being vacated by Rick Renzi.

Democrats

PHOENIX - Despite a lower-than-expected turnout to his semi-annual citizenship drive, Rep. Ed Pastor (D-4), appearing at the event, was upbeat on the potential for immigration reform in the House this session.  read more »

This Saturday, Rep. Ed Pastor (D-4) will join community volunteers and immigration attorneys to help legal permanent residents along the path to citizenship.

Harry Mitchell came under heat last week from a few of his CD5 potential general election opponents for missing an ethics vote. I decided to do a little research on attendance records for the 110th Congress to see just how often members from the Grand Canyon State missed session days in DC.  read more »