By Phil Riske
Managing Editor, Rose Law Group Reporter
During a recent golf game, I asked a die-hard, Massachusetts Democrat if he were going to vote for Obama. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly, he said he was not going to vote for any incumbent, including the president.
He ended up out of the election loop Tuesday as voters applied very little makeup to the face of the state’s governments. Incumbents in major races held on to their posts.
Out of dozens of elections, only 7 incumbents were defeated, and two others hung in the balance.
Democrat office holders lost five seats, and the GOP lost three reelection bids.
Pinal County
Growth in Pinal County’s population and Republican registration played a role in the defeat of Democrat County Attorney Jim Walsh and long-time supervisor David Snider, also a Democrat.
Snider’s opponent Steve Miller made a name for himself as a Casa Grande city councilman.
Walsh lost to Republican Lando Voyles.
Arizona Corporation Commission
The GOP turned out for its incumbent and challengers in the Arizona Corporation Comission race. Commisioner Bob Stump was reelected and will be joined by Bob Burns and Susan Bitter Smith, who defeated Democrats Paul Newman and Sandra Kennedy. (SEIA Congratulates Newly Elected Arizona Commissioners. Looks to work together on pro solar policies )
Legislature
One House incumbent, Ted Vogt (R) lost his seat, and Republican Sens. Frank Antenori and Jerry Lewis were defeated by Democrats David Bradley and Ed Ableser, respectively.
City Councils
Voters rejected Gilbert Vice Mayor John Stenz and Glendale Councilwoman Joyce Clark. (Former Scottsdale mayoral candidate’s ethics complaint dismissed/The Arizona Republic)
Congress
Former Rep. Gabby Giffords coattails could be trumped in CD 2. Former Air Force Pilot Martha McSally (R) as of Thursdau held onto a 462-vote edge over Ron Barber, who replaced Giffords in a special election last summer. Late word on Wednesday had the race down to 462 votes.
