All the News That's Fit to Correct

Congressional Quarterly is profiling the CD 5 race and the New York Times has picked up the story.  If you have ever wondered about the accuracy of the stories you read in the national press, you need only glance at this story to confirm your suspicions. 

After Arizona Democrat Harry E. Mitchell’s upset victory last year over six-term Republican J.D. Hayworth, GOP officials are vowing to target Mitchell for defeat in 2008 in the state’s 5th District, which includes Scottsdale and Tempe and has a slight Republican lean.

"Slight Republican lean?"  Dude, it's like 17 points.  The district leans so Republican that if it was a building, it would be condemned.

Jeff Hatch-Miller, the chairman of the Arizona Corporation Commission and a former Arizona legislator, also said he is interested in the 5th District race.

Actually, Mike Gleason is the Chairman of the ACC. 

Other Republicans cited as potential — but unlikely — entrants include Sean Noble, the chief of staff to Rep. John Shadegg, who represents the Phoenix-based 3rd District; Tempe mayor Hugh Hallman, who last week filed to seek re-election as mayor next year;

Actually, Noble and Hallman are officially out.  So they are not even potential candidates. 

Ahh, the mainstream media.  They aren't edgy or timely, but at least they aren't accurate. 

On the plus side, they managed to spell "Schweikert" right.  I've botched that a few times and I was the best man at his wedding. 

Comments

[Timothy S. Carlson]

What have you heard about the AZRepugnant?
I've heard:
- 50% of the employees at the Mesa building are being laid off
- The rest of the Mesa employees are being moved to Phoenix
- The Mesa building is going to close

Can you confirm any of this?

I drive by the Mesa building every day on the way to/from work - and I make sure I give the 'proper salute' each time I pass.

[randy pullen]

CQ has been consistently wrong about CD5. You'd think they might ask someone who might know.

[Joe]

OK, Randy, who's running?

[Conservative Majority]

All of the other candidates can make plans to stay at their day job. Schweikert is the candidate that was invited to sit at Stephen Moore's table at the Salute to Republican Legislators luncheon. Also at the table, was the shadow recruiter for the Club For Growth. Unless a proven Conservative with their own money is able to write the check for the entire primary, they do not stand a chance of being the nominee.

[shrimplate]

CD5 is so Republican (audience in unison asks Johnny "How Republican is it?!") that they elected Harry Mitchell. Over a popular incumbent.

In politics, this is what is known as a "fact."

[Andy Gordon]

Greg, the actual spread is slightly under 15% but that's not the important number. The important number is that Republican registration is on 43% and combined D and I is 56%. Rs have shown no real ability to attract Independents while Rs cross over to Ds at a much higher rate than Ds cross to I in CD 5. That's why Harry won last time and while he'll win again.

Andy