AZ-08: National Republicans commit a half-million dollars to protect red district.

[RandySF]

NOTE: FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP HIRAL TIPIRNENI AT hiralforcongress.com

The Arizona race pits former state Sen. Debbie Lesko (R) against Democrat Hiral Tipirneni, a physician and first-time candidate, in the April 24 election. Franks resigned from the seat in December after allegedly discussing paying a staffer to carry his child.

Lesko served in the state legislature for nearly a decade, building relationships in the district. By comparison, Tipirneni is a political newcomer who will need to scramble to build up her name recognition.

But strategists on both sides of the aisle believe Tipirneni is a top-notch candidate, particularly after Democrats neglected to recruit challengers in the past two cycles.

With early voting kicking off Wednesday, Republicans are sending in reinforcements.

The Republican National Committee jumped into the race last week, investing nearly $300,000 in canvassing efforts. And the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is spending $170,000 on TV in a coordinated buy with Lesko’s campaign, an NRCC official confirmed to The Hill.

Meanwhile, the Congressional Leadership Fund, a major GOP super PAC allied with Speaker Paul Ryan (Wis.), is investing $100,000 in a digital and phone program.

In a normal political climate, Republicans wouldn’t have to spend any money to defend the seat. About 45 percent of the voting-age population is 55 or older; it’s overwhelmingly white; and Republicans make up 41 percent of registered voters in the district — a 17-point advantage over Democrats.


http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/380722-gop-seeks-to-avoid-dem-upset-in-arizona

[hurl]

1. Love it! Even if we don't win...

We send the message that we will show up to the fight, and that it will cost a LOT more money and effort for the GOP to retain control than it has in the recent past. Seeing signs of this in my very red area also.

[fierywoman]

2. I wonder how many 18-30 year olds there are in that district

who might be activated by Mr Hogg & Friends...

[bobbieinok]

3. April election to fill vacancy - and another one in November?

[Hermit-The-Prog]

4. clickit! clickit now!

http://hiralforcongress.com/

(Reminder to dirty old men: she's married).