By Ben Giles | Arizona Capitol Times
The resignation of U.S. Rep. Trent Franks has set off a flurry of political activity as Republicans clamor to gauge if they stand a chance of winning a seat in the staunchly conservative 8th Congressional District.
Those political maneuvers have impacts at the state Capitol, immediate and long term, as potential candidates shift their focuses from one race to another. For some, running likely means resigning, whether it’s a requirement due to Arizona’s resign-to-run law or if it’s simply in the best interest of their campaigns for Congress, considering the expedited special election cycle.
Related: Political experts ponder Franks endorsement – boost or baggage?
Consultant says Dems need to be lucky and good to win CD8
A primary election in CD8 will be held on February 27, and candidates must submit their nominating petitions for the race by January 10.
But that deadline to jump into the race will only trigger more action, as new legislators must be appointed to fill vacant House or Senate seats, and new candidates emerge in several statewide races.
