AZ-SEN

PPP Poll: Giffords Leads In Potential Arizona Senate Race

Eric Kleefeld | May 4, 2011, 11:45AM

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ)

A new survey of registered voters in Arizona by Public Policy Polling finds that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D), who has been in physical rehabilitation since she was shot in the head at a district event near Tucson in early January, would lead in the state's open U.S. Senate race if she were able to run.

As TPM has previously reported, Giffords had been viewed as a potential candidate before she was shot, and many state Democrats believe that she should have a right of first refusal for the race after incumbent Republican Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl announced his retirement in February.

This new poll gives Giffords a lead over the likely Republican nominee, Rep. Jeff Flake, of 48%-41%. The survey of registered voters has a ±3.9% margin of error.

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AZ-SEN

Flake Picks Up Tea Party Group Endorsement In Arizona

Evan McMorris-Santoro | February 14, 2011, 6:46PM

Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ)

Hours after Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) announced his campaign for the seat being vacated by Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ), tea party umbrella group FreedomWorks, best known as the arm of the movement led by former House Republican leader Dick Armey, endorsed Flake in an email blast sent by its PAC.

"Endorsing Jeff Flake is a no-brainer," FreedomWorks president Matt Kibbe said in a statement. "He's principled, he's consistent, and he's fearless in the fight for lower taxes, less government, and more individual freedom. If the Tea Party is going to reduce the size of government, it will need more Jeff Flakes in the United States Senate."

The backing of FreedomWorks helps solidify Flake as the national fiscal conservative choice. He's already got the endorsement of the Club For Growth, which has promised to lend a hand in getting him elected.

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AZ-SEN

Poll: Sheriff Joe Leads AZ-SEN Primary Race

Evan McMorris-Santoro | February 14, 2011, 5:50PM

Sheriff Joe Arpaio

It's too soon to crown anyone Arizona's next Senator -- but on the same day Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) announced his intent to run, a new poll of Grand Canyon state Republicans shows Sheriff Joe Arpaio leading the field to replace the retiring Sen. Jon Kyl (R).

Arpaio has not announced his intention to run for the open Senate seat next year, though there's long been speculation that Arpaio -- an absolute rockstar among the anti-immigration set in the GOP -- is interested in higher office. His name has been mentioned among those that might run for Kyl's old seat, and it's certain he'd enter the race with significant financial support from his national allies.

Roll Call's David Drucker breaks the news that Arpaio's statewide Republican support would be strong as well. The poll from Summit Consulting Group shows Arpaio with a narrow lead over Flake, who just made his run for Senate official on Monday.

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AZ-SEN

GOP Budget Hero Aims To Be Arizona's Next Senator

Evan McMorris-Santoro | February 14, 2011, 10:50AM

Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ)

Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), whose views on earmarks and government spending have made him a hero of the Republican party's fiscal right, is throwing his hat into the ring to replace retiring Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ).

Flake announced his candidacy at a press conference Monday morning, less than a week after Kyl said he would be retiring after more than two decades in Washington.

Democrats have not yet said what they'll do to contest the open Senate seat, though some have said the recovering Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) could make a run if she fully recovers. With Flake, the Republicans now have an imposing candidate with national credentials, who's sure to please the anti-government crowd.

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AZ-SEN

AZ Dem: Giffords Should Have 'Right Of First Refusal' On 2012 Senate Race

Eric Kleefeld | February 10, 2011, 1:06PM

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ)

There could be a significant delay before any Democratic candidates declare for the Senate seat of Republican Whip Jon Kyl, who has announced his retirement. As TPMDC has learned, for some time one of the top possible Dem candidates for the seat has been Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who is in physical therapy after she was shot in the head during a constituent event last month.

A Democratic source in Arizona told us that possible candidates for the seat include Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, former Reps. Harry Mitchell and Ann Kirkpatrick (who were defeated in the 2010 Republican wave), and 2010 candidate for attorney general Felecia Rotellini. Interestingly, the source said there had not been indications that Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, who was previously the state's two-term governor, might run.

However, the source said, Giffords had long been viewed as a top-tier candidate to either challenge Kyl or run for an open seat, before the events in January. "In our view, she ought to have the right of first refusal," the source said, "and hopefully others will allow her the space and time to recover and make that decision."

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AZ-SEN

Jon Kyl Retires: 'There Is A Time For Every Thing'

Eric Kleefeld | February 10, 2011, 12:28PM

Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ)

Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ) has officially announced that he is retiring at the 2012 election, after three six-year terms in the Senate and four two-year terms in the House of Representatives -- a total of 26 years in Washington.

Kyl, who will be 70 years old at the time of the 2012 election, told a press conference in Phoenix that when he was first elected to the Senate in 1994, he had anticipated that he would serve only two terms. But when 2006 came around, and Republicans were not performing well politically, the party's chances of holding the seat had been a factor in his decision to run again.

"But there comes a time when you have to consider other things," said Kyl. "In the Bible it says, of course, that there is a time for every thing."

Republican sources have told TPMDC that among the likely candidates for the seat is Rep. Jeff Flake. Others could possibly run from the Arizona House delegation, such as Rep. Trent Franks or the recently-retired former Rep. John Shadegg.

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AZ-SEN

Report: Senate GOP Whip Jon Kyl To Retire

Eric Kleefeld | February 10, 2011, 10:22AM

Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ)

Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ) will hold a surprise press conference in Phoenix at 12 p.m. ET (10 a.m. local time), the Arizona Republic reports, to announce whether he will seek re-election.

The Republic notes that Kyl will make his announcement "amid speculation that he may retire." Kyl was first elected to the Senate in an open-seat race in 1994, after eight previous years in the House, and will be 70 years old on Election Day 2012.

So let's see what happens.

Late Update: Politico is reporting that Kyl wil retire.

Joe Arpaio

Arpaio Boasts: I Gave Sarah Palin Pink Underwear!

Brian Beutler | October 25, 2010, 9:38AM

Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Sarah Palin

Maricopa County, AZ Sheriff Joe Arpaio gave Sarah Palin the prisoner treatment this weekend, then took to Twitter to brag all about it. Of course, in Arpaio-land, "the prisoner treatment" equals a pair of pink underpants.

"I just got done welcoming Sarah Palin to our County. Had a nice chat and gave her a pair of pink underwear," Arpaio tweeted.

Palin was in town for a Tea Party Express rally -- not specifically to accept the panty package. (That was just a perk.) Arpaio has gained notoriety for demeaning prisoners in Maricopa County, including by housing them in tents and making them wear pink -- all the way down to their skivvies.

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Jon Stewart

Jon Stewart: McCain Beat 'Flesh Covered Right-Wing Ventriloquist Dummy' Hayworth (VIDEO)

Jillian Rayfield | August 26, 2010, 10:04AM

Jon Stewart reported on the Arizona Republican primary last night, and described how Sen. John McCain managed to "hold off a challenge from flesh covered right-wing ventriloquist dummy J.D. Hayworth. Seen here en route to his all-puppet production of 'Guys and Dolls.'"

Stewart added: "McCain trounced Hayworth by standing strong on principle. Mainly the principle that he would like to die in his Senate seat."

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AZ-SEN

McCain Rolls Over Hayworth In AZ-SEN Republican Primary

Eric Kleefeld | August 24, 2010, 11:24PM

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), the Republican Party's nominee for president in 2008, has won his nomination for another term in the Senate by a landslide, against the right-wing challenge from former Rep. J.D. Hayworth.

With 11% of precincts reporting, McCain leads by 59%-30%, and has been projected as the winner by the Associated Press.

As we noted this morning, McCain was heavily favored to win going into today. To his credit, McCain recognized early on that there was a restive environment among the GOP base, shifted to the right, and refocused himself to not lose that crowd to the anti-illegal immigration champion Hayworth -- and he also outspent Hayworth by a ratio of about 10-1.

In addition, Hayworth's efforts to harness the anti-government spending Tea Party vote were heavily damaged by the fact that he appeared three years ago in an infomercial for a company offering shady seminars on how to receive "free money" from the government. Hayworth's initial handling of the story, amazingly, was to quote the Latin proverb caveat emptor ("buyer beware"). He then apologized for the infomercial, but the damage was done in his efforts to present himself as an anti-government spending Tea Partier.

McCain is heavily favored to win re-election against Democratic former Tucson Councilman Rodney Glassman. The TPM Poll Average for that matchup shows McCain leading 52.3-29.3.

Full coverage of the race here.

AZ-SEN

McCain Favored To Thump Hayworth In Today's Primary

Eric Kleefeld | August 24, 2010, 8:50AM

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)

Today is a big day in Arizona, with voters headed to the polls for the Republican Senate primary pitting Sen. John McCain, the party's 2008 presidential nominee, against former Rep. J.D. Hayworth. And although Hayworth began the race with some promise, it's now looking like McCain will likely steamroll to victory.

The TPM Poll Average gives McCain a lead of 53.6%-32.1%. As we've previously posted, Hayworth began the race keeping McCain to a close margin. But very much to his credit, McCain clearly recognized the potential threat early on, and was well prepared for it -- he shifted right on issues like illegal immigration, positioned himself strongly against his nemesis President Obama, and brought in his former running mate Sarah Palin to excite the GOP base for him.

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AZ-SEN

Hayworth Radio Ad: McCain Is Spending $20 Million To Lie About Me (AUDIO)

Eric Kleefeld | August 19, 2010, 11:09AM

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ).

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) has a new radio ad for the home stretch of his primary challenge against Sen. John McCain. With the election coming this Tuesday, Hayworth plays the underdog card by pointing out just how much money McCain's campaign has spent on the race.

"20 million dollars -- almost half of it from funds raised for the last presidential campaign. 20 million bucks. That's what John McCain is spending in false attacks against me. That Mr. Campaign Finance Reform would now break all spending records shouldn't surprise us. He's so desperate to cling to power, that he's adopted the lie-and-buy strategy -- lie about me, and try to buy this election. Well on Tuesday, he'll find out that you cannot be bought."

We'll see about that prediction from Hayworth. The TPM Poll Average has McCain leading by 53.6%-32.1%.

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AZ-SEN

McCain Plays It Positive In New Ad (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | August 16, 2010, 10:54AM

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has gone up with a very positive new ad in the home stretch of his Senate primary. McCain, who enjoys a strong lead over former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, totally ignores his challenger and instead presents a feel-good face of optimism and hope amidst the problems the country is going through.

"My father and grandfather taught me, and I've taught my children: Service before self. If ever there was a time to honor that code, that time is now," McCain says. "We will get America back on course. We will return Arizona to safety and prosperity. Working together, we can improve the lives of every Arizona family. I appreciate your support, I ask for your vote."

The TPM Poll Average gives McCain a lead of 53.6%-32.1%. The primary will be held next Tuesday, August 23.

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AZ-SEN

Hayworth: I Never Said McCain Would Be Worse Than Obama (AUDIO)

Eric Kleefeld | August 12, 2010, 10:22AM

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senate primary opponent J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ)

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ), who is challenging Sen. John McCain in the Republican primary, is now coming under fire -- and firing right back -- for suggesting that it might have been a bad thing if McCain had won the 2008 presidential election.

"I'll repeat what I said in the debate the other night. If John McCain had told the truth about Barack Obama the way he's spreading falsehoods about me, he'd be president right now," Hayworth told a Tea Party group in Phoenix. "And I don't know if that would be so fun. Don't get me wrong, I don't like the guy we have there now. But I think the last thing we needed was a progressive trying to wear a Republican cloth coat as president of the United States."

The Associated Press then reported on Hayworth's comment, saying that Hayworth "suggests the country would be worse off had McCain won the 2008 presidential election."

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AZ-SEN

Obama On His Mind: McCain Still Campaigning Against '08 Rival

Eric Kleefeld | August 12, 2010, 8:53AM

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)

John McCain just can't quit Obama.

A fun pattern has emerged from the Arizona Republican's Senate campaign, as he's fought through a heated Republican primary challenge from former Rep. J.D. Hayworth. While McCain has certainly been dishing out the attacks on Hayworth, he's also been rallying the Republican base by training his fire on another nemesis: President Barack Obama, the man who defeated him in the 2008 presidential election.

In many ways this makes sense. Obama is both a cause of and target for the conservative base's ire, and anything that McCain can do to rally them on that basis should do him well. And as Larry Sabato once explained to us, McCain can be much more credible by being "Mr. Anti-Obama" than he can by being "Mr. Anti-Immigration" -- though he has also tacked right on border security -- and by pitching himself to Republican voters as the man most dedicated to foiling Obama's plans for the country.

So let's take a look at the anti-Obama theme that has run through McCain's campaign.

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AZ-SEN

McCain Ad Blasts Hayworth On Abramoff (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | August 9, 2010, 11:21AM

An new ad from Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) attacking his GOP primary opponent, J.D. Hayworth, of having ties to former lobbyist and convicted felon Jack Abramoff.

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is not taking it easy going into his August 24 primary. In fact, has a new attack ad going after former Rep. J.D. Hayworth's links to the Jack Abramoff scandal.

"Congressman J.D. Hayworth did favors for the infamous Jack Abramoff and his friends," the announcer says. "He received $150,000 from Abramoff and his clients. John McCain exposed the Abramoff scandal. Jack went to prison, and most politicians gave back all the tainted money. But not J.D. He kept the money. John McCain -- character matters."

The TPM Poll Average gives McCain a lead of 53.6%-32.1%. The Republican primary will be held on August 24.

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AZ-SEN

Hayworth Ad Quotes McCain: 'I Chose Lying' (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | August 6, 2010, 12:14PM

A new ad from US Sen candidate J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) attacking Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) has a new TV ad in his Republican primary challenge against Sen. John McCain -- seeking to use McCain's own admission of past lying, from the audiobook of McCain's Worth The Fighting For.

The ad uses audio of McCain himself: "It could come down to lying or losing. I chose lying." The full context had to do with an event that took place during his 2000 presidential campaign, when McCain gave public support to South Carolina flying the Confederate flag, a decision he has since recanted.

"Now, McCain lies -- again," the announcer cuts in, with a review of McCain's other positions on immigration, with the repeated sound-bite from McCain, "I chose lying."

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AZ-SEN

Rasmussen Poll: Hayworth Would Lose To Dem In AZ-SEN

Eric Kleefeld | August 2, 2010, 5:44PM

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ)

A new Rasmussen poll of Arizona has yet more bad news for former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, who is challenging Sen. John McCain in the Republican primary. On the slim chance that Hayworth were to win the August 24 primary, he would in fact be the weaker GOP nominee -- and even trail the Democrat, former Tucson Councilman Rodney Glassman.

McCain leads Glassman in the general election by 53%-34%, while Glassman actually edges out Hayworth by 43%-38%. The survey of likely voters has a ±4.5% margin of error. The TPM Poll Averages for the general election matches have McCain leading Glassman by 52.3%-29.3%, and Glassman leading Hayworth by 42.2%-37.4%.

In the previous poll from mid-May, McCain led Glassman by 57%-28%, and Hayworth led Glassman by 49%-33%. Since then, of course, Hayworth has been dragged through the mud by such stories as his involvement in a 2007 infomercial promoting company's shady (and expensive) seminars on receiving "free money" from the federal government. It's not the kind of thing that would endear a candidate to swing voters.

Of course, it should be noted that the TPM Poll Average for the Republican primary puts McCain ahead of Hayworth by 53.6% 32.1%.

AZ-SEN

McCain And Hayworth Trade Dueling Tea Party Endorsements

Eric Kleefeld | August 2, 2010, 4:05PM

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senate primary opponent J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ)

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and his primary challenger, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, have spent today touting their support from Tea Party activists in Arizona, with each claiming that they are by far the Tea Partiest Republican in the Arizona Senate race.

In a press release from the McCain campaign, Yavapai Tea Party board member Jennifer Campbell praised McCain for fighting President Obama's stimulus and health care programs -- and savaged Hayworth.

"I know Congressman Hayworth to be a good man, but during his 12 years in Washington, he requested hundreds of millions of dollars in pork barrel earmarks, and voted for billions more," said Campbell. "Congressman Hayworth also voted for Medicare Part D, a massive expansion of an already enormous government entitlement program. With that vote alone, he burdened future generations of Americans with trillions of dollars in debt. After his constituents voted him out of office, Congressman Hayworth was paid to pitch 'free government money' in a late-night television infomercial. Those aren't Tea Party values."

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AZ-SEN

New McCain Ad Slams Obama On Border Security (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | July 30, 2010, 6:29PM

President Obama and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has a new ad for his August 24 Republican primary -- looking right past his opponent, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, and taking on his major nemesis, President Obama, the man who defeated him in the 2008 presidential election and remains a great bogeyman for the GOP base.

"The border security of Senators McCain and Kyl calls for 3,000 additional troops to keep us safe. President Obama says he'll send -- 524," the announcer says. "This is no political game, Mr. President. It's about Arizona lives. It's a fight we must win. And with John McCain on our side, we will."

The TPM Poll Average gives McCain a lead of 53.6%-32.1% over Hayworth.

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AZ-SEN

Hayworth Ad: McCain Supported Amnesty -- And Voted Against Medicare Drug Benefit (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | July 30, 2010, 11:23AM

A new ad from Sen. candidate J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) attacking Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) has a new TV ad in his Republican primary challenge against Sen. John McCain. The ad continues Hayworth's attacks against McCain over illegal immigration -- and interestingly enough, the Tea Partying Hayworth also blasts McCain for voting against a social welfare entitlement program, the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.

"McCain wrote the amnesty bill; opposed the border fence; voted against border security funding," the announcer says. "And, McCain voted against the Medicare prescription drug program for seniors, but allowed illegal aliens to get Social Security and Medicare -- even if they committed fraud."

The TPM Poll Average gives McCain a lead of 53.6%-32.1%. The Republican primary will be held on August 24.

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AZ-SEN

Hayworth: Pregnant Women Are Flying Here So Their Kids Can Be Citizens! (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | July 29, 2010, 11:44AM

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ)

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ), who is challenging Sen. John McCain in the August 24 primary, has explained another reason to repeal birthright citizenship for all people born in the United States: That "birth tourism" is resulting in people around the world timing their pregnancies so that births coincide with visits to America.

During an appearance this morning on MSNBC, Hayworth said: "It's not exclusive to our neighbors to the south, from Mexico. Many families around the world in the jet age are timing the gestation period to come to the United States, to have the blessed event here, so that the new birthright citizen will have access to a phalanx of American benefits, courtesy of you and me and other American taxpayers."

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AZ-SEN

McCain Outspending Hayworth By 10-1 Margin

Eric Kleefeld | July 23, 2010, 3:12PM

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senate primary opponent J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ)

Here is another reason why Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has been running so well against his primary challenger, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth. It has to do with another major American political figure who was never president -- namely Benjamin Franklin.

As the Arizona Capitol Times points out, McCain has spent about $15.6 million on his re-election bid, including $10.1 million in just the previous quarter from April through June, while Hayworth has only spent a total of $1.5 million. Headed into the August 24 primary, McCain has $1.7 million cash on hand, compared to $922,000 for Hayworth.

The TPM Poll Average gives McCain a lead of 52.3%-30.6%. Many other reasons for McCain's lead include his early recognition that Hayworth posed a threat in an anti-incumbent environment, and Hayworth's own political problems.

AZ-SEN

Hayworth Ad: McCain's With Ted Kennedy On Immigration -- And With Obama, Too (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | July 23, 2010, 10:28AM

A new ad from US Senate candidate J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) attacking Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) on immigration reform.

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) has a new TV ad in his challenge against Sen. John McCain in the Republican primary, reminding voters of McCain's past work on immigration reform alongside the late liberal icon Ted Kennedy -- and also tying McCain to President Obama.

The ad plays old video of McCain: "I helped author with Senator Kennedy comprehensive immigration reform and fought for it twice." The ad then also shows old video of Obama: "I stood with Ted Kennedy and John McCain and took on this tough issue."

McCain has tacked noticeably right on immigration, supporting Arizona's new law cracking down on illegal immigration and running an ad in which he casts his fight on the issue as "a President versus a Senator.". But Hayworth certainly isn't leaving McCain's previous push on this issue alone.

The TPM Poll Average gives McCain a lead of 52.3%-30.6%. The Republican primary will be held on August 24.

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AZ-SEN

John McCain's Wild Ride: From Vulnerable Incumbent To Heavy Favorite

Eric Kleefeld | July 21, 2010, 8:58AM

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)

Over the course of this campaign cycle, marked by anti-incumbent fervor and primary challenges galore, at least one Republican incumbent initially cast as extremely vulnerable has actually become more secure over time, after initial signs that he might be weak: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), the 2008 Republican nominee for president.

At first, it seemed McCain was in trouble. Polling had shown him with lackluster approval ratings, his past support for immigration reform made him vulnerable on the right, and the Tea Party crowd's ire at established politicians made the race appear ripe for an upset by former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, a longtime foe of illegal immigration. Indeed, even McCain's one-time campaign poster boy Joe The Plumber had renounced him, and was hoping for his defeat.

But then something happened: McCain straightened up, Hayworth fumbled, and the incumbent has been pulling away in all the polls. In mid-April, Rasmussen had Hayworth within five points of McCain. But today, the TPM Poll Average shows McCain leading by the hefty margin of 52.3%-30.6%, headed into the August 24 primary.

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AZ-SEN

McCain And Hayworth Slug It Out In Round 2 Debate

Eric Kleefeld | July 18, 2010, 1:21AM

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senate primary opponent J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ)

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and his Republican primary challengers, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth and conservative activist Jim Deakin, met for their second debate in as many nights on Saturday, following a sometimes tense first encounter on Friday evening. In many ways the debate was a repeat of the first -- and thus a decent win for McCain by default -- but with some fun moments along the way.

McCain went into this weekend's debates leading in the TPM Poll Average by 52.3%-30.6%. Hayworth needed land some serious punches on McCain, or else get lucky and have McCain do some damage to himself, and neither really seemed to happen.

But one thing remains clear: These two guys really don't like each other.

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AZ-SEN

McCain And Hayworth Pound Each Other At First Debate (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | July 17, 2010, 12:01AM

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ)

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) had his first debate tonight with his challengers, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth and conservative activist Jim Deakin, hosted by 3TV in Phoenix. And one thing was made very clear, as if we didn't know it already: McCain and Hayworth really don't like each other, and they're not trying to hide it as they head toward the August 24 Republican primary.

"Congressman Hayworth is a pretty persuasive fellow," McCain said early on. "After he was voted out by his constituents he became a lobbyist, and after that a talk show host, and after that an infomercial late night star." Hayworth was first elected to the House in the Republican wave of 1994, and went on to lose re-election after six terms in the Democratic wave of 2006.

"John claims he's a Ronald Reagan Republican, and right out of the gate he's violating the 11th Commandment," Hayworth responded a short while later. (Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment was, "Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican.") "Now I will admit I made a mistake making that informercial, but I'm willing to admit my mistakes." By contrast, said Hayworth, McCain isn't admitting his mistakes in voting against the Bush tax cuts, and in having supported amnesty for illegal immigrants.

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AZ-SEN

McCain And Hayworth To Debate -- Twice!

Eric Kleefeld | July 16, 2010, 1:26PM

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senate primary opponent J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ)

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and his primary challengers, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth and conservative activist Jim Deakin, will be holding two -- count 'em, two -- debates in as many days, starting tonight.

The first debate will be tonight, at 7 p.m. PT, on 3TV in Phoenix. The second debate will be at 7 p.m. PT the very next night, Saturday, on Arizona Public Media.

The TPM Poll Average gives McCain a lead over Hayworth of 52.3%-30.6%. (Not all polls have included Deakin.) McCain at first seemed vulnerable to some kind of anti-establishment challenge, and Hayworth has attempted to build up a Tea Party-style campaign targeting McCain for his past weaknesses on issues like immigration. However, McCain has noticeably veered right on issues like immigration, and cast himself as a staunch opponent of the Obama administration. And beyond that, Hayworth has stumbled thanks to public scrutiny over an infomercial he did in 2007 for a company offering shady seminars on how to receive "free money" from the government.

So let's see how they do tonight -- it should be fun, when you have candidates who openly hate each other as much as these two guys do.

AZ-SEN

New McCain Ad: 'A President Versus A Senator' (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | July 16, 2010, 12:15PM

President Obama and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has a new TV ad out -- seemingly looking right past his beleaguered primary challenger, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, and contrasting McCain with an even greater foe: President Obama, the man who defeated McCain in the 2008 presidential election.

The ad features county sheriffs from across Arizona, talking about the issue of border security. "President Obama has made protecting our border incredibly difficult," says Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. "But, Arizona has a senator with the courage and character to stand up to a president who is wrong, John McCain. A president versus a senator. Doesn't seem like a fair fight. Unless that senator is John McCain."
 
The TPM Poll Average shows McCain leading Hayworth by 52.3%-30.6%.

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AZ-SEN

Rocky Mountain Poll: McCain Way, Way, Way Ahead Of Hayworth

Eric Kleefeld | July 14, 2010, 3:52PM

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senate primary opponent J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ)

The new Rocky Mountain Poll of Arizona shows Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) continuing to demolish his challenger in the Republican primary, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth.

The numbers: McCain 64%, Hayworth 19%, and conservative activist Jim Deakin 5%. The survey of registered voters has a ±5.4% margin of error. The previous Rocky Mountain numbers from April had McCain ahead by 54%-28%, with Deakin not included, and it's only gotten worse for Hayworth since then. The TPM Poll Average gives McCain a lead of 52.3%-30.6%.

Hayworth has been trying to build up an anti-establishment, Tea Party-style campaign against McCain. However, McCain has noticeably veered right on issues like immigration, somewhat neutralizing Hayworth's appeal. And of course, Hayworth has been dragged down thanks to public scrutiny over an infomercial he did in 2007 for a company offering shady seminars on how to receive "free money" from the government. D'oh!

AZ-GOV

McCain And Kyl Endorse Jan Brewer

Eric Kleefeld | July 12, 2010, 6:08PM

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Gov. Jan Brewer (R-AZ), Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ)

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), and his fellow Arizona Senator Jon Kyl (R) have announced their full endorsement of Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer in her Republican primary.

"Governor Brewer continues to lead the fight against the Obama Administration's frivolous lawsuit against Arizona's immigration law," McCain said in a statement. "Governor Brewer is clearly the right leader to guide Arizona through these challenging times, and I am proud to support her."

McCain has been facing a primary challenge from the right by former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, but looks safe for now thanks to bad publicity over Hayworth's involvement in a 2007 infomercial for a company's shady seminars on "free money" in government grants. Brewer succeeded to her office, and appeared to be in danger of a primary challenge, but has jumped ahead after she signed the state's new law cracking down on illegal immigration.

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AZ-SEN

Infomercial Pitchman Matthew Lesko Slams McCain For Using His Image In Attack On Hayworth

Eric Kleefeld | July 8, 2010, 10:43AM

Senator John McCain and Mathew Lesko, author and infomercial personality

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has been hammering his primary challenger, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, over Hayworth's involvement in a 2007 informercial promoting highly questionable seminars for "free money" in government grants. Now McCain's own ethics are being questioned -- by "free money" pitchman Matthew Lesko, who says McCain violated copyright laws by using Lesko's image in an attack on Hayworth.

The Mccain campaign posted a Web video likening Hayworth to various late-night infomercial pitchmen, including clips of Lesko in his signature Riddler suit-jacket among others. (Note: The company Hayworth worked for was not associated with Lesko.) Lesko then told the Associated Press that he was not ruling out suing McCain for copyright infringement. "I'm amazed that these people just do things without requesting. I would've said yes," Lesko said. "I'm just shocked at the impoliteness that people do this stuff. There's no remorse."

Lesko also posted on Twitter: "John McCain's team didn't ask permission to use my commercial footage in their ad.. I'm flabbergasted." He followed that up with another post: "All might be fair in love and war, even AZ politics, but not with violated copyright laws."

We asked McCain spokesman Brian Rogers for comment on Lesko's statement about "violated copyright laws." "Our web ad is obviously political speech, and our lawyers advise us that its fleeting image of Mr. Lesko to make a political point is 'fair use' under the intellectual property laws," said Rogers.

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AZ-SEN

Hayworth's First TV Ad Features His Wife: 'John McCain Has Sold Out The People Of Arizona' (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | July 7, 2010, 9:27AM

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senate primary opponent J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ)

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ), who is challenging Sen. John McCain in the Republican primary, has gone up with his first TV ad, starring his wife Mary Hayworth. The ad comes after Hayworth has gone through relentless attacks from the McCain campaign, mainly relating to Hayworth's appearance in a 2007 infomercial promoting a company's questionable seminars for "free money" in government grants.

"Tired of John McCain's negative ads? So am I," Mary Hayworth says -- who then proceeds to attack McCain right back. "I'm Mary Hayworth, and John McCain is hiding his record behind false attacks on my husband. John McCain has sold out the people of Arizona on immigration, bailouts and tax increases. Now John McCain has embraced character assassination to keep his job. John McCain should be ashamed. J.D.'s not perfect -- but he is a principled conservative."

The TPM Poll Average gives McCain a lead of 52.3%-30.6%. The primary will be held on August 24.

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AZ-SEN

McCain Keeps Veering Right: 'No Amnesty' -- And Send Illegal Immigrants Home

Eric Kleefeld | July 6, 2010, 1:01PM

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who is facing a challenge in the Republican primary from former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, now appears to be tacking right on an issue that had long gotten him in trouble with the GOP base. On immigration, McCain is now making it clear that he favors the deportation of many residents who are here illegally.

The Hill reports that McCain said in an interview today with local radio in Tucson that he opposed any program that would allow illegal immigrants a way to become citizens, after he had previously championed a pathway to citizenship in 2006. "No amnesty. Many of them need to be sent back," said McCain, who also explained that a temporary-worker program would only be for those who are entering the country as part of that future program, and not for those now here illegally.

The TPM Poll Average gives McCain a lead of 52.3%-30.6% over Hayworth, whose own campaign has been damaged badly from his 2007 involvement in an informercial promoting a company's questionable seminars for "free money" in government grants.

AZ-SEN

McCain Ad Slams Hayworth Over Infomercial: 'Voter Beware' (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | July 5, 2010, 11:29AM

John McCain ad

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has a new TV ad against his challenger in the Republican primary, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, continuing to hammer away at Hayworth over his involvement in a 2007 infomercial promoting questionable seminars for "free money" in government grants.

The ad uses video of Hayworth's very unfortunate original reaction to the story: "One of the staples I learned growing up is caveat emptor -- buyer beware." Hayworth subsequently released a more detailed apology for the infomercial.

The announcer says: "J.D. Hayworth. Pork barrel spender. Lobbyist. Huckster. Voter beware."

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AZ-SEN

Hayworth On Infomercial: The Grants I Shilled For Do Exist! (No, They Don't)

Eric Kleefeld | July 2, 2010, 1:16PM

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ), who is challenging Sen. John McCain in the Republican primary, just can't avoid having to talk about his involvement in a 2007 infomercial for a company offering questionable seminars on how to receive "free money" from government grants. His latest, from a Wednesday interview on local radio: The grants really do exist! (Note: They really don't.)

"Oh yeah, it's the one where the, they call it an infomercial -- a video presentation. I recorded it back in 19 -- I beg your pardon, back in 2007, three years ago. And they're using all these false attacks saying, 'free money,'" said Hayworth.

"First of all, I never ever used that term. I made it very clear that no money that comes to the government is free -- that it comes through taxation. But there are grants. And just as - well, let me use my old days at Channel 10. We wouldn't beat up Dave Munsey for telling us, 'You know, it's gonna be hot today, in the triple digits.' We might not be happy with that news. It might not comport with what we'd like to have happen. But it's reality, in terms of the weather forecast. The fact is, those grants exist."

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AZ-SEN

Graham: McCain Veering Right So He Can Get Re-Elected

Eric Kleefeld | July 1, 2010, 1:46PM

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Senator John McCain (R-AZ)

In his new profile piece in the New York Times, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said something very interesting about one of his top allies, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ): McCain is moving right because of the challenge against him in the Republican primary from former Rep. J.D. Hayworth.

As we noted, Graham predicted that the Tea Party movement will die out, saying it has no actual vision for governing the country. But that's not all Graham had to say. Here's the exchange about McCain:

I observed that if this conversation about how to resolve tough issues were taking place in 2006, I would likely be having it not with Graham but with his friend and legislative mentor, John McCain. "Totally agree," he responded. "I mean, I was the wingman, O.K.?" But, he acknowledged, things are different now: "John's got a primary. He's got to focus on getting re-elected. I don't want my friend to get beat."

I asked whether he was giving McCain a pass on anything risky this year.

"Yeah," he said. Graham added that he was thinking about a question I recently asked him: would he be so out there, in a bipartisan way, if he were facing re-election this year rather than four years from now? "The answer's probably no."

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AZ-SEN

McCain Campaign Releases 'Second J.D. Hayworth Infomercial' Parody (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | June 29, 2010, 4:12PM

New John McCain web ad attacking J.D. Hayworth in the Arizona GOP Senate primary.

The campaign of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is continuing to have a lot of fun with their primary challenger, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, over the infomercial he did in 2007 for a company offering questionable seminars on how to receive "free money" from government grants. Their latest: a web video showing a satirical "second J.D. Hayworth infomercial."

A not-very-good voice impersonator, pretending to be Hayworth, comes in as the announcer. "I'm J.D. Hayworth, and I'm speaking to you at 3:47 in the morning, to tell you this important announcement," the announcer says, with the screen then cutting to a section of footage from the king of free government money commercials, pitchman Matthew Lesko in his Riddler suit-jacket: "Free money from the government!"

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2010 elections

Hayworth: McCain Tells People How To Get Government Grants, Too! (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | June 29, 2010, 3:24PM

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ).

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ), the challenger to Sen. John McCain in the Republican primary who has come under fire for his participation in a 2007 infomercial for a company's questionable seminars promoting "free money" in government grants, has put up a web video telling his side of the story. In it, he declares that McCain is a hypocrite on this subject. And in response, the McCain campaign is calling Hayworth a very dumb man for making the comparison.

"Three years ago I appeared in a video presentation about government grants, for which I was compensated. In retrospect, it was a mistake. I should have never appeared in the ad, and I apologize for my involvement," Hayworth says. He then lays out all the problems with this company: the consumer complaints, its own financial troubles -- and the fact that they later went on to continue to use his name and likeness past the agreed upon expiration date, necessitating a cease-and-desist letter from himself and his attorneys. "So I had my own difficulties with that entity."

However, he calls out McCain: "It is worth noting, as well, that Sen. McCain, on his official website, has an entire section devoted to government grants. So obviously, he believes in the merits of government grants -- though he tries to attack me for being less than fiscally conservative."

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AZ-SEN

Hayworth Apologizes For Touting 'Free Money' Government Grants In 2007 Infomercial

Eric Kleefeld | June 25, 2010, 9:28AM

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ), who is challenging Sen. John McCain in the Republican primary, has now publicly apologized for his appearance in a 2007 infomercial for a company's questionable seminars promoting "free money" in government grants.

"I should not have made the ad. It was a mistake. I believed, as did former Congressman J.C.Watts, this to be a reputable firm, but I did not completely check out the organization," Hayworth said in a statement released late Thursday. He also added: "I hope voters will look past a video presentation made three years ago and instead look at the issues confronting us in 2010."

Hayworth had initially stood by his involvement in the infomercial, despite reports of complaints about the company and the fact that they had paid legal settlements. On Monday, Hayworth had said: "I always say about any product or service, one of the staples I learned growing up is caveat emptor, 'buyer beware.' I think that is a given in any commercial endeavor - I would certainly hope in this one. But yeah, I'm a broadcaster, and yeah, I appeared in this, and yes, it was a job. And that's that."

The McCain campaign responded to Hayworth's backtracking in their own statement: "This is a far cry from just four days ago, when Congressman Hayworth blamed the victims of this scam, coldly stating, 'buyer beware.' We couldn't agree more. When it comes to J.D. Hayworth, voters beware."

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