In what many observers interpret as giving up on a seat once considered very competitive or even leaning Republican, the National Republican Congressional Committee cancelled over $1 million in ads scheduled to run in support of nominee Randy Graf, whose anti-immigration message won him the nomination when two other candidates split the moderate vote. Jon Kamman of The Arizona Republic reports:
The Republican Party canceled about $1 million in advertising support for Randy Graf, a blow to his chances of winning the congressional race in southern Arizona.
Graf, a conservative who has campaigned mainly on a platform of zero tolerance for illegal immigration, vowed through campaign manager R.T. Gregg to go it alone if necessary in the district once considered one of the most competitive in the nation.The ad pullback means Republicans recognize Graf's Democratic opponent, Gabrielle Giffords, has "broad bipartisan support" across the district, which runs from Tucson to the Mexican border, a Giffords spokesman said.
Jim Kolbe, who is retiring, has represented the 8th Congressional District for 22 years.
An independent political observer said yanking advertising support is "a very powerful signal."
Read the entire article at the link above. Graf also hasn't been endorsed by outgoing Republican incumbent Jim Kolbe, which probably reflects their personal history. Graf opposed Kolbe in the 2004 GOP primary, and didn't support the Congressman after losing.
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Comments (3)
Despite their pulling their... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Gary Gross | September 23, 2006 4:55 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Despite their pulling their ad buy, expect Randy Graf to win this race. Enforcement first immigration is a policy that's a winner for Republicans.
1. Posted by Gary Gross | September 23, 2006 4:55 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on September 23, 2006 16:55
2. Posted by johnmc | September 25, 2006 6:29 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
What ticks me off is while this garbage is going on Melhman is out screaming about we need GOTV big time. Well yeah, but firt and foremost support your candidates in those seats where there is better than a 50/50 chance of winning. This is going to be close Melhman and you are acting stupid in the AZ CD race.
2. Posted by johnmc | September 25, 2006 6:29 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on September 25, 2006 18:29
3. Posted by paul | September 27, 2006 3:50 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
maybe the fact that graf is right wing nut job has something to do with it?
3. Posted by paul | September 27, 2006 3:50 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on September 27, 2006 15:50