By Rebekah L. Sanders | The Republic | azcentral.com
Disagreements over political strategy and other issues between the chief of staff and other members of U.S. Rep. David Schweikert’s inner circle caused a rift among the advisers in recent months and contributed to a string of departures.
Internal e-mails obtained by The Arizona Republic and interviews with four current and former members of the congressman’s inner circle indicate the conflict centered on Schweikert’s direction as he looks to run for higher political office.
One group wanted to position Schweikert as a principled Washington outsider backed by “tea party” activists and willing to take on the GOP leadership that the far right mistrusts. The other sought a more moderate path for him, as a politician who can implement a conservative agenda and expand his influence in Congress, even if it means cozying up to Republican leaders and seeking bipartisan relationships.
It appears Schweikert has chosen the latter path for now.
