Michael: What About Senator Basha?
I got a call from the Democratic Party the other day looking for spare change for a run against Kyl. I was thrilled! They'd found someone to take on Senator Strangelove...Alas, no. They were just filling the coffers for whomever they might dredge up.
Kyl's polling is under 50% and he is truly vulnerable. We have an excellent change to knock him out. Perhaps a two prong attack is best; recuit a moderate Republican to challenge him in the primary (not very likely), and find a Democrat who can really beat him senseless.
Janet could certainly do it, but we need her as governor. Jim Pederson has made a few noises, and while he certainly has the connections (being head of the AZ Dems) and the money (being filthy rich), he is generally unknown and isn't terribly exciting as a cadidate (yay, another rich white guy's running for Senate...). So Jim has a few downsides.
I thought about carpetbagging Mark Udall out of Colorado, but he's unlikely to want to move and give up his seat, even to return to his childhood home. Besides, a legacy name can be a curse as well as a blessing, as we learned with Paul Babbitt's District 1 Congressional run in 2004.
But then the perfect candidate stuck me while shopping. Eddie Basha. He is a fantastic guy, highly respected, fantastic charity work, a local business institution, yet totally aligned with progressive concerns. He has plenty of money, and good name recognition from business and his 1994 run for Governor (so he also has experience with a state-wide race). Hey, how many candidates already have a high school named after them? Throw in the Bashas' compelling family history of immigrant hard work and success, and I think Basha is a very viable and interesting candidate for one of Arizona's Senate seats.
Anyone have any ideas about a Basha candidacy? Anyone know him personally and care to put a bug in his ear? Any ideas for other candidates you think could crush Kyl more effectively? I'd love to hear it.
posted by Michael Bryan @ 5/27/2005 06:46:00 AM
3 Comments:
I like the guy and make it a point to shop at his stores, but if he couldn't beat Slymington, could he beat Kyl? Also, the unions are a little cool to him.
How about Ed Pastor? He's also a well-respected moderate, has paid his political dues, and has good connections to funds. And his House district isn't in danger of going red in his absence.
That's a good thought. Plus he's hispanic, which is nice addition to the Senate.
Defeating Kyl would be great! I've started to collect some of his more outrageous remarks and votes for use in the campaign.
I'd be glad to help out in other ways.
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