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Dear Friends,
Exciting news! This morning we learned that The Arizona Republic has recommended me to serve as your next representative in Congress.
I'm humbled by their endorsement just as I am by the tremendous support I have received from you and many others throughout this campaign. I think we all agree it's time for a new direction and new leadership in Washington.
And that time is coming soon! There are just 11 days left until Election Day, and we are in a dead heat with J.D. Hayworth! I need your help knocking on doors and making phone calls to turn out the vote on Election Day. With your help and hard work, we can begin setting a new course in Iraq, investing in stem cell research and ending the increasingly partisan tone in Washington.
In the meantime, I hope you'll take a few moments to read why The Republic has endorsed my candidacy.
Thank you for your continued support.
Mitchell over the bully
Oct. 27, 2006 12:00 AM
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.
And there's a place for that. The outraged-partisan routine works pretty well on Sean Hannity's radio show or the Fox News Channel, where Hayworth often does yeoman's work blasting anybody who doesn't agree with him. It works poorly, though, in discussions or debates - forums in which even small measures of civility can go a long way.
And that scalding approach doesn't help get anything done.
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.
The Arizona Republic has recommended Hayworth's election each of the past six times he has run for Congress. In those editorials, we noted his characteristic bluster and needlessly confrontational attitude but also praised his strong work ethic and dedication to serving his district's constituents.
Not this time. This time, we're going to recommend his opponent, Harry Mitchell.
Mitchell, a Democrat, has served this community for more than three decades, as a city councilman and long-time mayor of Tempe and most recently as state senator. He is a consensus-builder, respected by community leaders and supported by high-profile Republicans in this race.
It isn't The Republic that has changed since 1994, when Hayworth was first elected to Congress. It's Hayworth. He no longer reflects the 5th Congressional District, which, while solidly Republican, has a progressive and moderate complexion. The district includes Tempe, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Fountain Hills and parts of the East Valley.
During this past term, Hayworth has devolved from a windy and sometimes cartoonish politician into an angry demagogue who has shamelessly and divisively exploited the immigration issue, arguably the No. 1 concern of Arizonans. Hayworth and Joe Eule, his chief of staff, rushed out a quickie border-security book, Whatever It Takes, and the 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.
Meanwhile, other Republicans in Arizona's House delegation - most notably Jeff Flake and Jim Kolbe - have been positively statesmanlike as they pursued a comprehensive approach to dealing with this complex problem. Hayworth and like-minded allies did manage to monkey-wrench this year's hope for realistic immigration reform. Some accomplishment.
As wrongheaded as Hayworth's "enforcement first" mantra is, Americans still can disagree on public-policy strategies toward immigration and other topics. It is Hayworth's increasingly combative demeanor and high-octane partisanship that is more troubling.
Hayworth has been in Washington for more than a decade and by now should have demonstrated some growth in office. Take a look at Rep. John Shadegg, R-Ariz. A colleague who joined the House at the same time, Shadegg is one of the conservative caucus' most respected members and a leading contender for a GOP leadership position if the Democrats regain the majority.
And what if the Democrats do regain control? Hayworth has never served in a Democrat-controlled House. If that happens, his partisan streak likely will become even more pronounced, if that's possible. The 5th District needs a representative who is eager to work with others, not an unrepentant partisan.
Hayworth's bombastic rhetoric and obnoxious behavior have gotten him into his toughest political fight yet.
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.
For his part, Mitchell may not be the political saint idolized by some of his loyal boosters. Nobody is that perfect. Still, it's hard not to be impressed by his public-service resume. He was Tempe mayor from 1978 to 1994 (and a council member for eight years before that). He oversaw the revitalization of Mill Avenue, which had become somewhat seedy by the 1970s.
Mitchell was elected to the Arizona Senate in 1998 and rose to the leadership rank of assistant minority leader. He offers a better future.
If elected, we hope Mitchell flashes back to his days as mayor, when he had to constantly work with competing interests to get results. He will need those skills in Washington where his constituents will demand that he reach across the aisle with other centrists.
The 5th Congressional District needs a bridge-builder, not a bomb-thrower.
The Republic recommends the election of Harry Mitchell.
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Paid for by Harry Mitchell for Congress
P.O. Box 23748, Tempe, AZ 85285
www.harry2006.com
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