Ah, here's another one that makes me happy.. Will make Ebrown happy too.
Arizona, U.S. House - District 5. Democratic challenger Harry Mitchell vs Republican incumbent J.D. Hayworth.
Judging on the National Journal rating of his voting records (see NYT map), Hayworth is one of the most conservative members of the House (and that's saying something). In 2004, Hayworth won his race 59% to 38%. The NYT rated the district as "Leaning Republican", CQ as a toss-up.
The conservative newspaper
The Arizona Republic described Hayworth as a bully when for the first time it endorsed his opponent - and it did so in a scathingly-worded editorial:
Quote:The biggest problem in Congress is extreme partisanship, and Rep. J.D. Hayworth, R-Ariz., is among Capitol Hill's worst offenders. Hayworth always has been an enthusiast for rough-and-tumble politics. [..]
It is high time to hit this matter squarely: J. D. Hayworth is a bully. He may not yet have reached the point where you can't take him anywhere, but you certainly can't take him to a calm, civil discussion. [..]
It isn't The Republic that has changed since 1994, when Hayworth was first elected to Congress. It's Hayworth. [..] Hayworth has devolved from a windy and sometimes cartoonish politician into an angry demagogue who has shamelessly and divisively exploited the immigration issue [..].
[T]he congressman transformed himself into Mr. Tough Guy on illegal immigration, reliably appearing on the cable-TV news shows as a spokesman for the fire-breathing hardliners. [..]
The 5th District needs a representative who is eager to work with others, not an unrepentant partisan. [..]
In a meeting last week with The Republic's Editorial Board, Hayworth repeatedly positioned himself like a smirking hawk, inches from the face of his "prey," Mitchell, while the Democrat responded to questions. For that overbearing attempt at intimidation, Hayworth deserves a sound rap on the knuckles. [..]
The 5th Congressional District needs a bridge-builder, not a bomb-thrower. [..]
OK, so here's the results in so far:
Harry Mitchell (DEM) 49,260 52%
J.D. Hayworth (REP)* 42,075 44%
88% of precincts reporting
