Although the look of Arizona’s 6th district is likely to change next year as the East Valley continues to boom in population, Republicans expect to have an edge in the open-seat race for Rep. Jeff Flake’s seat.
The Republican announced two weeks ago that he is running for the seat being vacated by Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R), and a handful of Republicans are in turn expected to run for Flake’s seat. Former state Senate Majority Leader Chuck Gray is already in the race.
Gray told Roll Call in a recent interview that he was already looking into running for the state’s new 9th district, which it will gain in reapportionment, when the 6th district opened up.
“I’m expecting others will jump into the race,” Gray said. “I’m also expecting that they will think twice about running against me.”
Both state Senate President Russell Pearce (R) and state Speaker Kirk Adams (R) are believed to be looking into it.
“I’m seriously considering a run there. I’ve been surprised by the amount of support I’ve received,” Adams told Roll Call recently. “My phone almost exploded at Kyl’s announcement. I’m being encouraged by many people to get in this race. But this is not something you do lightly.”
Lois Lerner, director of exempt organizations for the IRS, arrives for a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the investigation of the IRS' targeting of political groups. Lerner invoked her Fifth Amendment right to not testify and caused a protest from some committee members when she offered an opening statement and engaged in dialogue with members before invoking the right.
Roll Call has launched a new feature, Hill Navigator, to advise congressional staffers and would-be staffers on how to manage workplace issues on Capitol Hill. Please send us your questions — anything from office etiquette, to handling awkward moments, to what happens when the work life gets too personal. Submissions will be treated anonymously.
