Wikipedia

2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona

The 2008 congressional elections in Arizona were held on November 4, 2008, to determine who would represent the state of Arizona in the United States House of Representatives, coinciding with the presidential election. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected would serve in the 111th Congress from January 4, 2009, until January 3, 2011.

2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona
← 2006 November 4, 2008 (2008-11-04) 2010 →
All 8 Arizona seats to the United States House of Representatives
Turnout77.69%
  Majority party Minority party
 
Party Democratic Republican
Last election 4 4
Seats won 5 3
Seat change Increase 1 Decrease 1
Popular vote 1,055,305 1,021,798
Percentage 45.5% 44.0%
Swing Increase 3.46% Decrease 7.62%

Arizona had eight seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States census. Its 2007-2008 congressional delegation consisted of four Republicans and four Democrats. Two of the Democrats had taken Republican seats in 2006, and were at risk during the 2008 election. The delegation elected in 2008 consisted of three Republicans and five Democrats: district 1 changed party (from open Republican to Democratic), although CQ Politics had forecast districts 1, 3, 5 and 8 to be at some risk for the incumbent party.[1]

The party primary elections were held September 2, 2008.[2]

Overview

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Statewide

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Party Candidates Votes Seats
No. % No. +/– %
Democratic 8 1,055,305 45.47 5   1 62.50
Republican 8 1,021,798 44.03 3   1 37.50
Libertarian 8 61,100 2.63 0   0.0
Independent 4 9,411 0.41 0   0.0
Green 2 8,080 0.35 0   0.0
Valid votes 2,155,694 92.88 —
Invalid or blank votes 165,157 7.12 —
Total 30 2,320,851 100.0 8   100.0
Popular vote
Democratic
 
 45.47%
Republican
 
 44.03%
Libertarian
 
 2.63%
Green
 
 0.35%
Other
 
 0.41%
House seats
Democratic
 
 62.50%
Republican
 
 37.50%

By district

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Results of the 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona by district:

District Democratic Republican Others Total Result
Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes %
District 1 155,791 55.88% 109,924 39.43% 13,072 4.69% 278,787 100.0% Democratic gain
District 2 125,611 37.16% 200,914 59.44% 11,498 3.40% 338,023 100.0% Republican hold
District 3 115,759 42.07% 148,800 54.08% 10,602 3.85% 275,161 100.0% Republican hold
District 4 89,721 72.11% 26,435 21.25% 8,271 6.65% 124,427 100.0% Democratic hold
District 5 149,033 53.16% 122,165 43.57% 9,167 3.27% 280,365 100.0% Democratic hold
District 6 115,457 34.55% 208,582 62.42% 10,137 3.03% 334,176 100.0% Republican hold
District 7 124,304 63.26% 64,425 32.79% 7,760 3.95% 196,489 100.0% Democratic hold
District 8 179,629 54.72% 140,553 42.82% 8,084 2.46% 328,266 100.0% Democratic hold
Total 1,055,305 45.47% 1,021,798 44.03% 78,591 10.50% 2,155,694 100.0%

District 1

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2008 Arizona's 1st congressional district election
 
← 2006
2010 →
     
Nominee Ann Kirkpatrick Sydney Hay
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 155,791 109,924
Percentage 55.9% 39.4%
 
County results
Kirkpatrick:      50–60%      60–70%     70–80%
Hay:      40–50%     50-60%
U.S. Representative before election

Rick Renzi
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Ann Kirkpatrick
Democratic

See also: Arizona's 1st congressional district

Incumbent Republican Rick Renzi, who had represented the district since 2003, did not run for re-election. He was re-elected with only 52% of the vote compared to 44% for his Democratic opponent – Sedona civil rights attorney Ellen Simon – in 2006; George W. Bush won 54% of the vote in this northern Arizona district in 2004. The district had a PVI of R+2.[3]

Republican primary

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In August 2007, Renzi announced he would not seek re-election,[4] four months after the FBI raided Renzi's family business as part of a federal investigation.

Candidates

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In the Republican primary, Sydney Ann Hay, mining industry lobbyist, earned a narrower-than-expected victory against Sandra L. B. Livingstone, Tom Hansen and Barry Hall.[5]

Nominee
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  • Sydney Hay, mining industry lobbyist and candidate for this seat in 2002[6][7]
Eliminated in primary
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  • Barry Hall, former Baptist minister[8]
  • Sandra Livingstone, former State Department official and lawyer[9]
  • Tom Hansen, engineer[10]
Withdrawn
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  • Preston Korn, candidate for state representative in 2006
Declined
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Results

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Republican primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Sydney Ann Hay 17,825 39.1
Republican Sandra Livingstone 15,621 34.2
Republican Tom Hansen 7,847 17.2
Republican Barry Hall 2,743 6.0
Republican Preston Korn (Withdrew) 1,596 3.5
Total votes 45,632 100.0

Democratic primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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Eliminated in primary
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  • Jeffrey Brown, mental health advocate
  • Mary Kim Titla, publisher and former Phoenix TV newscaster[11]
  • Howard Shanker, attorney[16]
Withdrawn
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  • Allan Affeldt, Mayor of Winslow[16]
  • Ellen Simon, civil rights attorney and nominee for this seat in 2006[11][16] (dropped out in May 2007, citing personal reasons)
Declined
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Endorsements

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Kirkpatrick earned endorsements from leaders in government, education, tribal communities, first responders, and other groups. Among those endorsing her were: Governor Janet Napolitano, U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords, U.S. Representative Harry Mitchell, the Arizona Education Association, the Arizona Police Association, the Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, Navajo County School Superintendent Linda Morrow, county sheriffs in Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Navajo, and Pinal Counties, Coconino County School Superintendent Cecilia Owen, Pinal County School Superintendent Orlenda Roberts, Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr., San Carlos Apache Tribal Chair Wendsler Nosie, White Mountain Apache Tribal Chair Ronnie Lupe, former Navajo Nation President Dr. Peterson Zah, and many other tribal leaders.[17] The Arizona Republic, the state's largest newspaper, and the White Mountain Independent and the Arizona Daily Sun, two of the most widely read newspapers in the district, also endorsed her candidacy.

Results

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Kirkpatrick won by almost 15 points over Kim Titla.

Democratic primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ann Kirkpatrick 26,734 47.2
Democratic Mary Kim Titla 18,428 32.6
Democratic Howard Shanker 8,056 14.2
Democratic Jeffrey Brown 3,376 6.0
Total votes 56,594 100.0

Libertarian primary

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Results

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Libertarian primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Libertarian Thane Eichenauer (write-in) 43 100.0
Total votes 43 100.0

Independents

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Independent Brent Maupin, a Sedona engineer and businessman.

General election

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Campaign

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Kirkpatrick ran on a platform of tax cuts for 86 million middle-class families, making health care affordable and accessible to all, and encouraging renewable energy projects to end America's dependence on foreign energy and create jobs for rural Arizona. She also supported increasing teacher salaries, expanding SCHIP, and adding a division to the army. As a member of the Arizona State Legislature, Kirkpatrick was known for her willingness to work across party lines.

Hay meanwhile ran on increasing offshore drilling and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as tapping oil reserves in Colorado and Wyoming to stimulate the economy. She also recognized the need to reach across party lines to create meaningful change.

Predictions

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The Cook Political Report ranked this race as 'Likely Democratic,' and CQ Politics, the Rothenberg Political Report, and The New York Times all forecast the race as 'Leans Democratic'.

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[18] Likely D (flip) November 6, 2008
Rothenberg[19] Likely D (flip) November 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball[20] Lean D (flip) November 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics[21] Lean D (flip) November 7, 2008
CQ Politics[22] Lean D (flip) November 6, 2008

Results

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Kirkpatrick's victory resulted in a House gain for Democrats.

Arizona's 1st congressional district election, 2008[23]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ann Kirkpatrick 155,791 55.9
Republican Sydney Hay 109,924 39.4
Independent Brent Maupin 9,394 3.4
Libertarian Thane Eichenauer 3,678 1.3
Total votes 278,787 100.0
Democratic gain from Republican

District 2

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2008 Arizona's 2nd congressional district election
 
← 2006
2010 →
     
Nominee Trent Franks John Thrasher
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 200,914 125,611
Percentage 59.4% 37.2%
 
County results
Thrasher:      60-70%     70-80%
Franks:      50–60%     60-70%
U.S. Representative before election

Trent Franks
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Trent Franks
Republican

See also: Arizona's 2nd congressional district

Incumbent Republican Trent Franks, who had represented the district since 2003, ran for re-election. He was re-elected with 58.6% of the vote in 2006. The district had a PVI of R+9.[3]

Republican primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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Results

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Republican primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Trent Franks (incumbent) 58,707 100.0
Total votes 58,707 100.0

Democratic primary

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In what was essentially a rematch of the previous election, Franks was challenged by Democrat John Thrasher(campaign website)

Candidates

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Nominee
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  • John Thrasher, educator and nominee for this seat in 2006

Results

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Democratic primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John Thrasher 27,711 100.0
Total votes 27,711 100.0

Libertarian primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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  • Powell Gammill, molecular biologist and nominee for this seat in 2004 and 2006

Results

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Libertarian primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Libertarian Powell Gammill 199 100.0
Total votes 199 100.0

Green primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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  • William Crum

Results

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Green primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Green William Crum 118 100.0
Total votes 118 100.0

General election

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Predictions

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CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican'.

Results

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Arizona's 2nd congressional district election, 2008[23]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Trent Franks (incumbent) 200,914 59.4
Democratic John Thrasher 125,611 37.2
Libertarian Powell Gammill 7,882 2.3
Green William Crum 3,616 1.1
Total votes 338,023 100.0
Republican hold

District 3

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2008 Arizona's 3rd congressional district election
 
← 2006
2010 →
     
Nominee John Shadegg Bob Lord
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 148,800 115,759
Percentage 54.1% 42.1%
 
County results
Shadegg:      50–60%
U.S. Representative before election

John Shadegg
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

John Shadegg
Republican

See also: Arizona's 3rd congressional district

Incumbent Republican John Shadegg, who had represented the district since 1995, ran for re-election. He was re-elected with 59.3% of the vote in 2006. This district was previously held by Arizona's junior United States senator, Republican Jon Kyl. The district had a PVI of R+6.[3]

Republican primary

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An outspoken conservative, Shadegg has consistently been re-elected in this Republican-leaning district (Cook Partisan Voting Index of R+6) in the northern Phoenix suburbs which gave George W. Bush 57.9 percent of the vote in 2004. However, Lord outraised Shadegg in the first quarter of 2007 and even had more cash on hand compared to Shadegg, which resulted in an unusually competitive race. However, Shadegg's campaign team noted that Shadegg's funds are smaller than expected due to Shadegg donating most of the money in 2006 to fellow Republicans in a last-ditch, albeit lackluster attempt to retain control of Congress.[24]

On February 11, 2008, incumbent Shadegg announced he would not run for an eighth term, saying that he wanted to "seek a new challenge in a different venue to advance the cause of freedom." However, on February 21, Shadegg retracted the statement and announced he would seek re-election.[25] Over 140 Republicans in Congress had signed a letter asking Shadegg to keep his seat.[26] Although it was speculated that he would run for the United States Senate if John McCain were to become president,[27] Shadegg had expressed his intention to leave public life and return to the private sector[26] before changing his mind.

Steve May a former state representative had announced a run for the seat[28] but withdrew from the race when Shadegg announced he would seek another term after all.[29]

Candidates

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Nominee
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Withdrawn
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Declined
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Results

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Republican primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John Shadegg (incumbent) 43,538 100.0
Total votes 43,538 100.0

Democratic primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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Results

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Democratic primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Bob Lord 22,554 100.0
Total votes 22,554 100.0

Libertarian primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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  • Michael Shoen

Results

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Libertarian primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Libertarian Michael Shoen 228 100.0
Total votes 228 100.0

Independents

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Running as independents were Mark Yannone (campaign website), Annie Loyd and Edwin Winkler.

Annie Loyd, running on a platform of "transpartisan politics", has been described by The Arizona Republic as a moderate. Born in South Dakota and a community activist in Los Angeles, Loyd is a 15-year resident of Phoenix. She has also appeared at Columbia University.[31] Shadegg's 2006 Democratic opponent, consultant Herb Paine, announced his support for Loyd.

However, none of the independents made the ballot.

General election

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Campaign

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The race was covered in the East Valley Tribune and showed a 27% independent voter population and noted increased registration of independents, in a district of 600,000 people cutting across urban Phoenix into rural parts of northern Maricopa county. The Federal Elections Commission reports that as of December 31, 2007, Shadegg had raised over $1,000,000, Lord over $600,000, and Loyd $26,000. May and Winkler had not reported any fundraising.[32][33]

Polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		John
Shadegg (R) 		Bob
Lord (D) 		Michael
Shoen (L) 		Undecided
Research 2000 (Daily Kos)[34] October 20–22, 2008 400 (LV) ±5.0% 50% 40% 2% 8%
Research 2000 (Daily Kos)[35] October 6–8, 2008 400 (LV) ±5.0% 48% 39% 2% 11%
Anzalone Liszt Research (D-DCCC)[36] October 6–8, 2008 400 (LV) ±4.9% 44% 45% 5% 6%

Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[18] Lean R November 6, 2008
Rothenberg[19] Likely R November 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball[20] Lean R November 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics[21] Lean R November 7, 2008
CQ Politics[22] Lean R November 6, 2008

Results

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Despite having his campaign privately criticized by Republican operatives, Shadegg was re-elected by 12 points in strong Democratic year.[37]

Arizona's 3rd congressional district election, 2008[23]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John Shadegg (incumbent) 148,800 54.1
Democratic Bob Lord 115,759 42.1
Libertarian Michael Shoen 10,602 3.9
Total votes 275,161 100.0
Republican hold

District 4

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2008 Arizona's 4th congressional district election
 
← 2006
2010 →
     
Nominee Ed Pastor Don Karg
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 89,721 26,435
Percentage 72.1% 21.3%
 
County results
Pastor:      70-80%
U.S. Representative before election

Ed Pastor
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Ed Pastor
Democratic

See also: Arizona's 4th congressional district

Incumbent Democrat Ed Pastor, who had represented the district since 1991, ran for re-election. He was re-elected with 72.5% of the vote in 2006. The district had a PVI of D+14.[3]

Democratic primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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Results

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Democratic primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ed Pastor (incumbent) 18,660 100.0
Total votes 18,660 100.0

Republican primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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  • Don Karg

Results

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Republican primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Don Karg 8,073 99.9
Republican Richard Grayson (write-in) 8 0.1
Total votes 8,081 100.0

Libertarian primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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  • Joe Cobb, retired economist and nominee for the 7th District in 2006

Results

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Libertarian primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Libertarian Joe Cobb 156 100.0
Total votes 156 100.0

Green primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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  • Rebecca DeWitt, accountant

Results

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Green primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Green Rebecca DeWitt 71 100.0
Total votes 71 100.0

General election

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Predictions

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CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.

Results

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Arizona's 4th congressional district election, 2008[23]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ed Pastor (incumbent) 89,721 72.1
Republican Don Karg 26,435 21.3
Green Rebecca DeWitt 4,464 3.6
Libertarian Joe Cobb 3,807 3.1
Total votes 124,427 100.00
Democratic hold

District 5

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2008 Arizona's 5th congressional district election
 
← 2006
2010 →
     
Nominee Harry Mitchell David Schweikert
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 149,033 122,165
Percentage 53.2% 43.6%
 
County results
Mitchell:      50–60%
U.S. Representative before election

Harry Mitchell
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Harry Mitchell
Democratic

See also: Arizona's 5th congressional district

This district has been represented by Democrat Harry Mitchell since 2007. Mitchell unseated conservative Republican J.D. Hayworth by 50% to 47% in this Republican-leaning district in the northeastern Phoenix suburbs that gave George W. Bush 54% of the vote in 2004. The largely Republican nature of this district made a tough 2008 race certain, though Mitchell, who has a government complex in Tempe named after him, had won a lot of tough elections in the past. The district had a PVI of R+4.[3]

Democratic primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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Results

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Democratic primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Harry Mitchell (incumbent) 25,174 100.0
Total votes 25,174 100.0

Republican primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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Eliminated in primary
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Declined
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Results

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Republican primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican David Schweikert 14,233 29.5
Republican Susan Bitter Smith 13,212 27.4
Republican Laura Knaperek 7,523 15.6
Republican Mark Anderson 6,539 13.6
Republican Jim Ogsbury 6,042 12.5
Republican Lee Gentry 706 1.5
Total votes 48,255 100.0

Libertarian primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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  • Warren Severin, businessman and nominee for this seat in 2006

Results

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Libertarian primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Libertarian Warren Severin 207 100.0
Total votes 207 100.0

General election

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Debates

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Polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		Harry
Mitchell (D) 		David
Schweikert (R) 		Undecided
Bennett, Petts and Normington (D)[42] March 9–11, 2008 400 (LV) ±4.9% 50% 24% 26%
Hypothetical polling
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		Harry
Mitchell (D) 		Laura
Knaperek (R) 		Undecided
Bennett, Petts and Normington (D)[42] March 9–11, 2008 400 (LV) ±4.9% 49% 26% 25%

Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[18] Likely D November 6, 2008
Rothenberg[19] Safe D November 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball[20] Lean D November 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics[21] Safe D November 7, 2008
CQ Politics[22] Lean D November 6, 2008

Results

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Arizona's 5th congressional district election, 2008[23]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Harry Mitchell (incumbent) 149,033 53.2
Republican David Schweikert 122,165 43.6
Libertarian Warren Severin 9,158 3.3
Write-In Ralph Hughes 9 0.0
Total votes 280,365 100.0
Democratic hold

District 6

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2008 Arizona's 6th congressional district election
 
← 2006
2010 →
     
Nominee Jeff Flake Rebecca Schneider
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 208,582 115,457
Percentage 62.4% 34.6%
 
County results
Flake:      50–60%     60–70%
U.S. Representative before election

Jeff Flake
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Jeff Flake
Republican

See also: Arizona's 6th congressional district

Incumbent Republican Jeff Flake, who had represented the district since 2001, ran for re-election. He was re-elected with 74.8% of the vote in 2006. There was no Democratic candidate in this heavily Republican district in 2004 or 2006. George W. Bush won with 64% here in 2004. The district had a PVI of R+12.[3]

Republican primary

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Flake, who was perhaps best known for his opposition to pork barrel projects and advocacy for earmark reform ran unopposed.

Candidates

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Nominee
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Results

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Republican primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jeff Flake (incumbent) 51,562 100.0
Total votes 51,562 100.0

Democratic primary

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Candidates

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Richard Grayson, an Apache Junction resident who ran as a write-in candidate in Florida's 4th congressional district in 2004, filed with the Federal Election Commission to run for this seat as a Democrat, as did trucking-firm account manager Chris Gramazio. Rebecca Schneider (campaign website), a library supervisor from Mesa, also filed and ended up defeating Gramazio in the Democratic primary.

Nominee
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Eliminated in primary
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  • Chris Gramazio, trucking-firm account manager
Withdrawn
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Results

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Democratic primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Rebecca Schneider 15,644 73.8
Democratic Chris Gramazio 5,568 26.2
Total votes 21,212 100.0

Libertarian primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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  • Rick Biondi

Results

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Libertarian primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Libertarian Rick Biondi 175 100.0
Total votes 175 100.0

General election

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Predictions

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CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican'.

Results

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Arizona's 6th congressional district election, 2008[23]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jeff Flake (incumbent) 208,582 62.4
Democratic Rebecca Schneider 115,457 34.6
Libertarian Rick Biondi 10,137 3.0
Total votes 334,176 100.0
Republican hold

District 7

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2008 Arizona's 7th congressional district election
 
← 2006
2010 →
     
Nominee Raúl Grijalva Joseph Sweeney
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 124,304 64,425
Percentage 63.3% 32.8%
 
County results
Grijalva:      40-50%      50–60%     70-80%
Sweeney:      50–60%
U.S. Representative before election

Raúl Grijalva
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Raúl Grijalva
Democratic

See also: Arizona's 7th congressional district

Incumbent Democrat Raúl Grijalva, who had represented the district since 2003, ran for re-election. He was re-elected with 61.1% of the vote in 2006. The district had a PVI of D+10.[3]

Democratic primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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Results

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Democratic primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Raúl Grijalva (incumbent) 30,630 100.0
Total votes 30,630 100.0

Republican primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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  • Joseph Sweeney, educator, nominee for this seat in 2004 and candidate in 2000, 2002 & 2006
Eliminated in primary
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Results

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Republican primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Joseph Sweeney 11,011 66.8
Republican Milton Chewning 5,464 33.2
Total votes 16,475 100.0

Libertarian primary

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Results

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Libertarian primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Libertarian Raymond Petrulsky (write-in) 33 100.0
Total votes 33 100.0

General election

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Predictions

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CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.

Results

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Arizona's 7th congressional district election, 2008[23]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Raúl Grijalva (incumbent) 124,304 63.3
Republican Joseph Sweeney 64,425 32.8
Libertarian Raymond Petrulsky 7,755 4.0
Write-In Harley Meyer 5 0.0
Total votes 196,489 100.0
Democratic hold

District 8

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2008 Arizona's 8th congressional district election
 
← 2006
2010 →
     
Nominee Gabby Giffords Tim Bee
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 179,629 140,553
Percentage 54.7% 42.8%
 
County results
Giffords:      40–50%     50–60%
Bee:     50-60%
U.S. Representative before election

Gabby Giffords
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Gabby Giffords
Democratic

See also: Arizona's 8th congressional district

Incumbent Democrat Gabby Giffords, who had represented the district since 2007, ran for re-election. She was elected with 54.3% of the vote in 2006. The district had a PVI of R+1.[3]

Bush narrowly won here with 52% to 47% for John Kerry in 2004.

Democratic primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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Results

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Democratic primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Gabby Giffords (incumbent) 46,223 100.0
Total votes 46,223 100.0

Republican primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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Results

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Republican primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Tim Bee 52,671 100.0
Total votes 52,671 100.0

Libertarian primary

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Results

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Libertarian primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Libertarian Paul Davis (write-in) 40 100.0
Total votes 40 100.0

Independents

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Derek Tidball (campaign website) also ran.

General election

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Campaign

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Early on in the campaign, Bee was assessed by the Rothenberg Political Report to be the number one challenger race in the nation saying "In 2008, Giffords will face state Senate President Tim Bee (R), whose candidacy represents a slice of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy election cycle for national Republicans... the 8th District should feature one of the most competitive races for the House in the country."[44] Roll Call stated said that Bee's candidacy "erases some key advantages the freshman incumbent carried into her successful 2006 Congressional campaign."[45]

Giffords attracted a lot of attention in late May and June due to the shuttle flight of her husband Mark E. Kelly, who served as commander of the space shuttle's STS-124 mission.[46]

Bee's campaign generated state and national press coverage when his campaign co-chair, former Congressman Jim Kolbe, resigned and withdrew his support in early July.[47][48][49] Kolbe had held the seat for 22 years until Giffords took office in 2007.

On July 13, the Arizona Republic summarized the race: "Giffords has proved adept at fundraising and is considered a rising star in Democratic circles. But Bee is one of the state's highest-profile political figures and has enlisted the support of some heavy-hitters, including President Bush, the headliner of a Tucson fundraiser planned for later this month." Giffords has the "advantages of incumbency. Plus, Bee is just off a tough legislative term in which he drew heavy criticism for his role in a state budget deal and the referral of an anti-gay-marriage proposal to the November ballot. Bee remains a popular political figure, and registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by more than 14,000 in the district."[1] On July 16, the Arizona Republic reported that freshman Congresswoman Giffords "has proved to be the most successful fundraiser among the state's House delegation and now has more than $2 million in her campaign coffers."[50]

Polling

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Bee (R) vs Giffords (D-i) graph of collected poll results from Pollster.com

Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		Gabby
Giffords (D) 		Tim
Bee (R) 		Undecided
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner (D)[51] June 18–22, 2008 502 (LV) ±?% 58% 32% 10%
Kenski (R-Bee)[52] May 15–23, 2008 500 (LV) ±?% 47% 40% 13%

Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[18] Likely D November 6, 2008
Rothenberg[19] Safe D November 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball[20] Lean D November 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics[21] Safe D November 7, 2008
CQ Politics[22] Lean D November 6, 2008

Results

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Arizona's 8th congressional district election, 2008[23]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Gabby Giffords (incumbent) 179,629 54.7
Republican Tim Bee 140,553 42.8
Libertarian Paul Davis 8,081 2.5
Write-In Paul Price 3 0.0
Total votes 328,266 100.0
Democratic hold

References

edit

Specific

  1. ^ a b Arizona's most competitive congressional races The Arizona Republic, July 13, 2008.
  2. ^ 2008 Election Information Archived 2008-07-23 at the Wayback Machine Arizona Secretary of State.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h "Cook Political Report, PVI for the 110th Congress" (PDF). cookpolitical.com. Cook Political Report. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 6, 2008. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  4. ^ Arizona's Rep. Rick Renzi to retire[permanent dead link‍] Associated Press August 23, 2007. Retrieved August 24, 2007.
  5. ^ Larson Newspapers (September 12, 2008). "Official results: Hay won a squeaker". redrocknews.com. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  6. ^ Hay seeks GOP nomination for Renzi seat[permanent dead link‍] Associated Press August 30, 2007. Retrieved February 22, 2008.
  7. ^ Theresa Bierer (August 21, 2008). "1st Congressional District Profiles: Sydney Hay Continues Work for Government Reform". knau.org/. KNAU. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  8. ^ Laurel Morales (August 19, 2008). "1st Congressional District Profiles: Barry Hall Runs as the Anti-Politician". knau.org/. KNAU. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  9. ^ Geoff Norcross (August 17, 2008). "1st Congressional District Profiles: Sandra Livingstone Emphasizes Local Roots". knau.org. KNAU. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  10. ^ Gillian Ferris Kohl (August 27, 2008). "1st Congressional District Profiles: Newcomer Tom Hansen Touts His National Energy Grid System". knau.org. KNAU. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i Mike Sunnucks (April 27, 2007). "Replacements waiting in wings as Renzi ponders resignation". bizjournals.com. The Business Journal of Phoenix. Archived from the original on April 28, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  12. ^ a b c Marie Horrigan (July 25, 2007). "More Dems Probing Bids for Seat of Embattled Arizona Republican". cqpolitics.com/. Congressional Quarterly. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  13. ^ Young, Ty (February 19, 2008). "Arizona Corporation Commissioner Kris Mayes considers run for Congress". Phoenix Business Journal. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  14. ^ Marie Horrigan (August 23, 2007). "Embattled GOP Rep. Renzi to Retire From Arizona Seat". cqpolitics.com. Congressional Quarterly. Archived from the original on August 31, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "STATE OF ARIZONA OFFICIAL CANVASS" (PDF). azsos.gov. Arizona Secretary of State. September 15, 2008. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  16. ^ a b c d e f Marie Horrigan (April 27, 2007). "Renzi Swats Down Rumors of Resignation as Candidates Eye House Seat". cqpolitics.com. Congressional Quarterly. Archived from the original on April 30, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  17. ^ Ann Kirkpatrick for Arizona Archived October 29, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  18. ^ a b c d "2008 Competitive House Race Chart". House: Race Ratings. Cook Political Report. November 6, 2006. Archived from the original on November 6, 2008. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  19. ^ a b c d "2008 House Ratings". House Ratings. The Rothenberg Political Report. November 2, 2006. Archived from the original on November 6, 2008. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  20. ^ a b c d "2008 House". Sabato's Crystal Ball. November 6, 2008. Archived from the original on November 6, 2008. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  21. ^ a b c d "Battle for the House of Representatives". realclearpolitics.com. Real Clear Politics. November 7, 2008. Archived from the original on December 17, 2008. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  22. ^ a b c d "Race Ratings Chart: House". cqpolitics.com. Congressional Quarterly Inc. Archived from the original on November 6, 2008. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h "STATE OF ARIZONA OFFICIAL CANVASS: 2008 General Election - November 4, 2008" (PDF). Secretary of State of Arizona. December 1, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 19, 2008. Retrieved December 6, 2008.
  24. ^ [1][dead link‍]
  25. ^ Kraushaar, Josh (February 21, 2008). "Shadegg Un-retires, Will Run For Re-election". The Politico. Retrieved February 21, 2008.
  26. ^ a b Hensley, J.J (February 14, 2008). "Shadegg is asked to stay". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved February 15, 2008.
  27. ^ Pershing, Ben (February 19, 2008). "Will McCain Quit the Senate?". The Washington Post.
  28. ^ Newton, Casey (February 13, 2008). "Ex-lawmaker Steve May to seek Shadegg seat". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
  29. ^ "May drops out of GOP primary race against Shadegg". azcentral.com. The Arizona Republic. Associated Press. March 20, 2008. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  30. ^ a b c d e f David M. Drucker (February 13, 2008). "Arizona: State Speaker Weiers Eyes Shadegg's Seat". rollcall.com/. Roll Call. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  31. ^ Astor, Maggie (February 4, 2006). "Independent Calls for End to Bipartisan Politics". Columbia Spectator.
  32. ^ "Federal Elections Commission Disclosure Page for Annie Loyd". Archived from the original on October 5, 2008. Retrieved September 10, 2008.
  33. ^ "OpenSecrets.org". Archived from the original on April 9, 2008. Retrieved September 10, 2008.
  34. ^ Research 2000 (Daily Kos)
  35. ^ Research 2000 (Daily Kos)
  36. ^ Anzalone Liszt Research (D-DCCC)
  37. ^ David M. Drucker (October 8, 2008). "Lord Shows No Mercy for John Shadegg". rollcall.com. Roll Call. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  38. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Arizona GOP Targets Freshman Rep. Mitchell for 2008". Marie Horrigan. Congressional Quarterly. May 18, 2007. Archived from the original on November 3, 2008. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  39. ^ a b c d e f g David M. Drucker (October 2, 2007). "County Treasurer Eyes Race Against Mitchell". rollcall.com/. Roll Call. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  40. ^ [2] Archived October 10, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  41. ^ David M. Drucker (September 4, 2007). "Republicans Mobilizing for Mitchell's House Seat". rollcall.com/. Roll Call. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  42. ^ a b Bennett, Petts and Normington (D)
  43. ^ Daniel Scarpinato (January 20, 2008). "Bee running for House seat because 'Congress is broken'". Arizona Daily Star. Tucson, Arizona. Archived from the original on July 6, 2008. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  44. ^ "The Rothenberg Political Report: New Print Edition: Alaska At-Large & Arizona 8". Washington, D.C.: Stuart Rothenberg. March 12, 2008. Retrieved April 20, 2009.
  45. ^ GOP Gets Bee Team In Arizona – Roll Call
  46. ^ Mary Ann Akers, Rep. Giffords's Spacey Party Archived May 23, 2011, at the Wayback Machine The Washington Post, July 16, 2008.
  47. ^ Evan Brown, Kolbe, Bush put AZ-8 back in national spotlight Archived September 7, 2008, at the Wayback Machine PolitickerAZ.com, July 7, 2008.
  48. ^ Bill Hess, Kolbe out of Bee’s hive; Bush set for fundraiser The Sierra Vista Herald, July 4, 2008.
  49. ^ Alexander Burns, Bee Gets Stung By Leading Campaign Backer CBS News, July 7, 2008.
  50. ^ Matthew Benson, Incumbents lead money race The Arizona Republic, July 16, 2008.
  51. ^ Greenberg Quinlan Rosner (D)
  52. ^ Kenski (R-Bee)

General

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Preceded by
2006 elections 		United States House elections in Arizona
2008 		Succeeded by
2010 elections
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