By Jacques Billeaud
The Associated Press
The race between the two candidates vying for the Republican nomination in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District in southeastern Maricopa County boils down largely to a difference in experience.
Former U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon and former Arizona House Speaker Kirk Adams have offered similar platforms, such as promoting economic growth, reducing government debt, repealing the health care overhaul pushed by President Barack Obama and strengthening border security. So experience is the key difference separating the two Republicans in the low-wattage primary race.
Salmon touts his experience and connections in Congress, while Adams promotes himself as having none of the entanglements from a career in Washington.
Salmon and Adams are seeking the Republican nomination in the race to fill the seat now held by U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake, who is running for a U.S. Senate seat that is opening up with the retirement of U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl. The 5th Congressional District includes Gilbert, most of Mesa and parts of Chandler and is considered a safe Republican seat.
The winner of the Aug. 28 primary will face Democrat Spencer Morgan, a 26-year-old former Mesa Community College student body president who doesn’t face a primary opponent.
