Babbitt mobilizing for race against Rep. Renzi

[NewJerseyDem]

http://www.thehill.com/campaign/040104_babbitt.aspx

Democrat Paul Babbitt’s campaign in northern Arizona to unseat freshman Rep. Rick Renzi (R) is just getting started.

But the name-calling between the Democratic and Republican parties is already well under way in a race expected by both sides to be one of the most contested in the country.

Babbitt, the brother of former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, is well-known in the largely rural 1st District and has his own financial resources to draw on from his family’s mercantile business. Babbitt also has a public-service record as a county supervisor and the former mayor of Flagstaff.

He will face Renzi, who has sponsored 18 bills during his term and brought more than $130 million to the district for the construction of schools, roads and healthcare facilities.

[blondeatlast]

1. The Babbit name carries tons of weight in that part of AZ,

and Bruce Babbitt was a well respected governor here. Very popular among the environmentalist types AND small business in the area.

Just found his website a moment ago, as it happens, and am sending a donation soon.

[ButterflyBlood]

2. Renzi is probably one of the 3 most vulnerable Repuke incubments

good luck to Babbitt.

[blondeatlast]

3. Babbitt can win this, and I will do all I can (out of his district)

to help. I love northern Arizona like it's my home!

[mndemocrat_29]

4. I'm really rooting for Babbitt

He's the sort of challenger who could beat an incumbent and then keep this district safe for 2006. I wish we had more like him.

[RedRocker]

5. he's not going to win if..

he doesn't get on the ball and actually raise money. he's not raised a whole lot of cash for the first quarter. he can win, but he needs to get on the ball with $$$. renzi has a ton of cash.