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PHOENIX, AZ -- Former Congressman J.D. Hayworth might just be Arizona's next senator. The local radio personality has publicly toyed with the idea of running against Senator John McCain in the Republican primary, but on Monday he took the first serious step toward a possible run by asking his supporters for money on the premise that he may mount a challenge to McCain's seat.
On Friday, after Rasmussen released results of a poll showing Hayworth and McCain in a statistical tie, Hayworth told listeners of his radio show that he was having serious conversations with his family about running, explaining that he is in the "due diligence" stage. Hayworth said the primary obstacle to mounting a challenge against McCain would be fundraising. He has debt leftover from legal bills incurred through a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into his ties to Jack Abramoff.
On Monday afternoon, Hayworth sent a fundraising plea to help pay off his legal bills on the premise that he may run against McCain. Until now, Hayworth's musing on a Senatorial campaign seemed like political banter, but on his show Friday, he said his ability to raise funds will likely determine the matter. In the fundraising letter, Hayworth says his efforts to pay off old political debt "would certainly be a factor in the decision" of whether to run.
Senator Jon Kyl (R), Arizona's other senator, expressed doubt that Hayworth would run against McCain, "He's got a radio program that I understand is very popular. A lot of folks listen to it. My guess is he will carry on his political activity in that venue."
Hayworth lost his seat to Rep. Harry Mitchell (D) in 2006 largely because of his ties to the Ambramoff scandal. Today, Hayworth would easily garner the conversative vote in Arizona. He has become a local hero among Arizonan immigration enforcement activists, and he is a popular figure among Arizona Tea Partiers. He has promoted the Tea Parties on his radio show and has spoken at Tea Party events.
Rodney Glassman, the only Democrat running against McCain, was not included in the poll. Glassman is a young Tucson city councilman who has the support of the local and state Democratic Party structure and is considered an up-and-comer in Democratic circles in Arizona.
Read Hayworth's fundraising plea:
Fellow Citizen:
You have contacted me with words of encouragement following the release of a Rasmussen Reports Poll which finds me in a statistical dead heat with John McCain for the Republican nomination for the United States Senate in 2010.
Miss Mary, our children, and I will do a lot of praying and a lot of talking in the days ahead, as we determine the best course of action to take for our nation and for our family.
You have also asked what you can do in the days ahead.
There is something you can do right now...you will find attached an invitation to an event scheduled for Dec. 5, featuring Joe Arpaio, "America’s Toughest Sheriff." "Sheriff Joe" has very graciously agreed to raise funds for the "Freedom In Truth Trust." The FIT Trust is the fund that was established to help us satisfy legal debts incurred during the 2006 campaign. You can read more about it at http://www.jdhayworth.com/fit-trust.html
You may not live in Arizona...but no matter where you call home, would you respond to the attached invitation and please send a contribution to the FIT Trust?
That would certainly be a factor in the decision we will make at the "Hayworth Hacienda!"
Please feel free to share this e-mail and the attached invitation with others.
In closing, let me stress again that I have made no formal decision regarding a campaign for the U.S. Senate, but if your kind words are followed by tangible support of the upcoming event on Dec. 5, that would serve as another encouraging sign--even eclipsing the recent poll results!
Thank you for your support, and may God bless you and yours.
Sincerely,
J.D. Hayworth
Member of Congress, 1995-2007
The link to the invitation is here. The reply card and contribution form is here.
Follow Dawn Teo on Twitter: www.twitter.com/dawnteo
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That is good news, the tea baggers will help get rid of all of the do nothing republicans. Good for the Dems in 2010!
Well, well, well...won
Of course she should endorse Hayworth, early and often if he decides to run. They share the same beliefs spreading lies and hate as they go about their business of misinforming. Maybe, just maybe she will endorse him, and finally John McCain will be able to tell us all what a horrible mistake he made in 2008. That would be way too much to expect. But, it will be interesting to watch. You betcha!
Thanks for sizing this up! Who knows whether she will flip or flop. If she flips she goes with Hayworst is she flops she backs McCain!
Probably the coward's way out.......
J. D. Hayworth is a big mouth buffoon. He was voted out of office and now what does he do? Hate radio. Big surprise.
He can't support his family AND pay his selfish legal bills and get freebies yakety yakking on the radio so he wants some stupid people to pay his legal bills for him and send him back to Washington so he can continue fleecing the lobbyists while he beats up on poor hispanics and pumps wicked Sheriff Arpaio's ego!
Whenever I use the label, "Republicans," I don't mean all of them. They're not all extremists - especially the ones who are not politicians. They're well-educated and even though I do not agree with them, they have no voice in govt. This is exactly how Americans who want a public option have felt for 60 yrs.
Introducing Senator Earl Grey from Arizona.
McCain pretty much got Hayworth his congressional seat, and now this is how he is paid back. Man, I love watching republicans eat each other.
That's what happens when you have a party full of bullies. One of the hallmarks of a bully is betrayal. It may be a safe bet to say that this is only the beginning.
So thats what they did at C Street?
I'm scared. I want my country back from these tea baggers.
Is it just me or all of these people look and sound like the politicians from the movie"Oh Brother Were Art Thou."
sure victory for McCain...J
Yes, dance my pretties. Eat your own, eat your own.
Pretty little fly. Why does he cry? Caught in a web. Soon he'll be... eaten.
McCain is reaping what he sowed.
Toss Johnny Boy out on his rear admiral.
they ( the conservative right) created this disease (teabaggers), now let them deal with the infection (without the help of gov't sponsored health care)...
How come in politics, your choices are always bad and worse. ?
thats all the gop has.....
Its bad and much worse, or more of the same.
and the "toughest sheriff in the world" announces he may run for governor.
If it doesn't rain here soon it won't matter who's running the joint.
The only reason the Sheriff would run for governor would be to get gas to run that $475,000.0
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