With the debate on health care and budget deficits heating up the Capitol, it’s no wonder that Arizona Republicans are champing at the bit in anticipation of fall elections.
And tomorrow, people in Ahwatukee Foothills and Congressional District 5 will get a look at the GOP candidates who hope to unseat Democratic Congressman Harry Mitchell.
The forum will be March 20 at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 South 48th St., starting at 10 a.m., and feature Dr. Chris Salvino, Jim Ward, Mark Spinks, Lee Gentry, Susan Bitter Smith and David Schweikert.
For political insiders, the last three should be familiar.
Schweikert defeated Bitter Smith in the six-way primary two years ago by 1,000 votes, only to lose to Mitchell in the general election. Gentry came in last in that race, but is ready for a rematch.
What all the Republicans have in common is they are running against Washington, health care reform and what they see as a giant government that has grown out of control.
Anthony Miller, chairman of the Legislative District 20 Republicans, organized the forum, which he said is open to everyone including Democrats and Libertarians, as well as Republicans.
He also plans for more candidate forums including one with gubernatorial candidates, possibly next month, and one for GOP v.s. Senate hopefuls seeking to unseat John McCain.
