Four years ago, J.D. Hayworth defeated Democrat Craig Columbus by a 61% to 36% margin. It was Hayworth's first year competing in the newly reconfigured District Five. Hayworth found his large, multiple-county district a bit different and a lot smaller, but much more Republican. That was a really good year for the GOP, so there were no surprises when he won by a landslide.
Fast forward to today, Hayworth is vulnerable. We have a great candidate in Harry Mitchell, a man with 30-years experience and a well-known community leader. Mitchell has gotten to know his constituents by being a teacher, an activist, and a dedicated public servant. Before Hayworth was elected, he got to know his constituents by giving us the sports on TV. Hayworth has been in Congress for 12 years, ten years too long. The guy is obsessed with what he thinks is a Mexican invasion. To him, it's the only issue.
I got news for you, J.D., our sovereignty is not being threatened by Mexico. Nor is it being threatened by the millions who come here to work, to help their families. J.D. Hayworth is disconnected from reality. He's been a Rubber Stamp for all of Bush's crappy proposals and policies: Iraq, Medicare Part D, decreasing funds for education and healthcare, etc., etc. We've known this for a while now and I haven't seen Democrats in this district more united against J.D.
Like misery, ignorance loves company. So who do we get joining J.D. in his fantasy world along with Bush and the rest of the Republicans in Congress? Craig Columbus.
From
Arizona Congress Watch:
The Hayworth for Congress campaign today announced that Hayworth’s 2002 general election opponent, Craig Columbus, has endorsed the congressman’s re-election and has agreed to head up “Democrats for J.D.”
“Since the 2002 campaign I’ve come to know J.D. Hayworth as a very hardworking member of Congress who always listens to his constituents and does what he thinks is best for Arizona,” said Columbus. “As a Democrat, I have no hesitation in supporting J.D.’s candidacy and urge other Democrats to do likewise.”
Congressman J.D. Hayworth commented: “Craig Columbus was a strong adversary in 2002 and will be a stronger friend in 2006. I am so pleased that Craig has decided to head up this important effort and I look forward to working with him in the coming campaign. It’s a rarity in politics to win the endorsement of past opponents, so Craig’s is one that not only means a lot to the campaign, but a lot to me personally.”
I've got no problems with Columbus' pro-business views or his allegiance with the DLC. The DLC will no doubt be a part of the growth of the Arizona Democratic Party. They are friendlier with the Chamber of Commerces and the centrist label goes over well with Indy voters. I do have a problem, though, if Craig is basing his endorsement of J.D. due to his pro-business views. J.D. Hayworth is not a friend to business, or to anyone who works. Look no further than his record: tax cuts for Paris Hilton and Exxon, the expansion of corporate welfare, all the votes for every single piece of legislation pushed by Bush and his billionaire friends.
Craig, by endorsing J.D. Hayworth you are endorsing the broken status quo. Bush, Hayworth, Columbus, I hope you're enjoying the status quo through your jaded lenses. Because we all know that the status quo will be coming to an end soon. Maybe then reality will set in...
