By Ronald J. Hansen and Ryan Randazzo | The Republic
Republicans want to make coal jobs a central issue in the congressional race in eastern Arizona
Both parties say they want to protect the coal-related jobs on economic grounds
Coal power faces an uncertain future from natural gas, renewable energy and government rules
Coal, a waning source of energy but a vital source of jobs for nearly 2,000 residents of rural eastern Arizona, is emerging as a key issue in Republican efforts to win that area’s congressional race this year.
Both major party candidates in the 1st District — Republican Paul Babeu and Democrat Tom O’Halleran — say they want to support the coal industry, though they differ as to how to manage its long-term fate.
