Redux of 2002 Laura Knaperek vs. Harry Mitchell?
The list of potential candidates grows
Laura Knaperek is making the rounds, telling folks she is definitely in the Congressional District 5 race, mounting a challenge to Harry Mitchell.—again. Mitchell was the incumbent state senator in the old Legislative District 27 when Knaperek lost to him in 2002.. Now she is on his scent again, this time with much bigger stakes.
The most interesting news accompanying her message is that she has the endorsement of U.S. Rep. John Shadegg. Political operative, Nathan Sproul will be “involved” in her campaign.The list of those expressing interest in a Mitchell challenge is growing::
State Rep. (LD 18) Mark Anderson
Term limited Corporation Commissioner, Jeff Hatch-Miller
Maricopa County Treasurer, David Schweikert
Lobbyist Jim Ogsbury
Knaperek’s strong support for Lisa James in the January 2007 race for GOP state chairman, moved her to write an inflammatory letter against Randy Pullen—the eventual winner in the chairmanship race. It could cost her support. Republicans have long memories.
August 29, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Knaperek’s ugly attacks certainly are not forgotten and will not be forgotten. The only good news is that she is hiring Nathan Sproul, so a 30-point drubbing isn’t out of the question! Still, seeing Shadegg cuddle up to those folks is sad to see.
August 29, 2007 at 8:23 pm
You folks are crazy. You would rather keep Harry Mitchell than have a solid conservative like Laura Knaperak, simply because she endorsed someone in the race for the party chairman whom you did not support? Wow. You folks will be the ones who prevent us from winning in 2008. Have fun digging your own grave.
August 29, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Schweikert is a much preferable candidate to Knaperek. He served in the state legislature, is the current county treasurer and is a bright guy with a Master’s degree in finance. Wouldn’t that be a fine quality in a congressman?
Dave Schweikert is well regarded and possesses too much integrity to have ever engaged in the pettiness we witnessed with Laura K. We have excellent choices without resorting to Knaperek. Besides, Mitchell beat her once already.
If it’s true that our congressman is backing her, I have only one question: What happened to the concept of not making pre-primary endorsements? Sproul? He’s another story. Just Google his name and see what comes up.
August 29, 2007 at 10:12 pm
Over here at the dimly lit (just conserving energy) McCain Hqs we have long memories too. That is why we support Laura Knaperek and John Shadegg. After all, not only did they work to defeat that evil suppporter of grass roots Republicans, Randy Pullen, but they also signed the letter from the “Gang of Ten” who tried to take the grass roots leadership out in District 11. Remember they backed Symington and anti-employer sanctions leader Mangruder (the two had been too busy helping McCain to have attended any District 11 meetings) in their unfortunate loss. We are sure the McCain supporting duo of Knaperek and Shadegg will prevail in CD 5. Go Laura and John! Go Nathan!
August 30, 2007 at 8:09 am
You guys are so kind on this site.
First, your information is wrong. Knaperek challenged Mitchell in the newly formed District 17. That, as most political observers know, is the most Democrat part of CD-5 and is also Harry Mitchell’s base area.
http://www.azsos.gov/results/2002/general/GEN-3117.htm
As you can see from the link, Knaperek was within single digits. If she can duplicate those results in a congressional match-up, she will win b/c the rest of the district is overwhelmingly Republican.
Her strategy should be to stay close in Mitchell’s base area and win heavily everywhere else.
August 30, 2007 at 9:24 am
Alright people- Clearly the McCain Staffer comment was a joke. The primary race for CD-5 will boil down to two conservative candidates: Laura Knaperek and David Schweikart. Both backed Lisa James in her run for Chairman, which was a 4 vote loss to Pullen. 4 votes is seriously nothing to be joyous over.
Furthermore- since it seems that this site loves to bash on Sproul. I googled his name, and it appears that some Democrats don’t like him. oooohhh…. Imagine that. Some Democrat bloggers don’t like a Republican political consultant.
August 30, 2007 at 10:19 am
Knaperek also got spanked by the two Dem House candidates. If her “base” is weak enough that after ten years in office she can’t even come in 2nd, then forget about Congress. Schweikert is cool with me.
As to LD-11 saying that we want Mitchell instead of Knaperek, he offers a false choice. They aren’t the only two candidates running. We want someone other than Knaperek to beat Mitchell. Knaperek’s losses reflect the way folks feel about her. I think its telling that the GOP House members aren’t trying to get her to run for the Legislature again. She wears out her welcome wherever she goes and ends up with friends that are fewer in quantity and quality (Sproul, et al). Not exactly the mark of a successful politician.
August 30, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Why in the world would we want Knaperek as our candidate when we could have either of two proven winners in Schweikert or Hatch-Miller? Hopefully they will know enough to stay away from McCain & Sproul.
August 30, 2007 at 2:32 pm
What’s not to get? Knaperek was less than charming with her Pullen bashing letter.
The party needs a solid Republican to support. Knaperek is divisive and engaged in behavior that spoke volumes about her. There was no need for that. I live in the district and found her actions offensive then, and i still do now. That’s my opinion, just as all of these others are merely opinions. Those of us who are offended by her actions will not support her. The rest of you will….if you are even residents of CD 5.
As to Pullen winning by 4 votes or 400, get over it. He won!
September 9, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Lets see who can raise the most money and get out of the primary. The candidate who makes it needs every republican’s support to beat that “shamefull politico” Mitchell.
September 9, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Silvia— With the political climate the way it was the last election cycle Laura K had no chance in the highly Mitchel leaning D17. Do you not remember Clinton, Obama on the stage @ ASU? The nasty hit pieces sent out by the sweet school teacher? Anyway, once(if) the truth gets out about Harry “shame” Mitchell we will definatley beat him. We just need to get the word out.
Lets dontate to our chosen primary candidate and send the powers that be a message that we need alot of $upport for our primary winner.
September 14, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Why?Why?Why? This makes no sense for Laura Knaperek to run for this seat. She lost her state legislative seat in ‘06 and lost to Mitchell in a head-to-head in ‘02. She may have the plan to run, but can she raise the money? To beat Mitchell you have to be able to raise MONEY. That is something that she has not done in her last three campaigns, she ran clean election each time. There are much better candidates who may be running who can raise the money and play better throughout the district than her. Keep in mind that this district has one big giant special issue, ASU. Other candidates have a much better profile with ASU than Mrs. Knaperek. Laura, I like you, but save yourself for a run at Lt. Governor in 2010.