The daily reports on the 2010 gubernatorial aspirations of Paradise Valley’s appointed mayor Vernon Parker. If he decides to run, Parker, 49, says he could enter the race as early as next month — and would do so regardless of the political plans of Gov. Jan Brewer.
Both Parker and Brewer are Republicans — as is state Treasurer Dean Martin, who has also expressed interest in the post.
The daily writes that Parker, owner of a diversity promotion business, said he sees himself as a “unifying force” at a time when the state capitol is locked in a budget dispute and bipartisanship is in short supply.
The “unifying” that Parker could engender is that of the Democrat party, no doubt licking its chops at the prospect of multiple Republicans entering a primary and allowing a Democrat to slip through the bicker-filled cracks.
This is how the newspaper previously covered Parker. Seeing Red AZ filed this report last July.
Seeing Red AZ 
So Parker is a professional race baiter who got caught with his own hand in the Affirmative Action cookie jar.
Sounds like kind of a non-starter to me. Sure, the biggest liberal in the race, Parker, would earn the AZ Republic endorsement but that should only help a real candidate.
Parker was also part of the McCain Brigade that worked to oust Maricopa County GOP Chairman Tom Husband from his position as a precinct committeeman, thereby rendering him ineligible to run for reelection as the County Chair. Parker is one who would assassinate his political brethren.
With inter-party friends like Mr. Parker, there’s not much need for enemies. Why would he actively be working to pick off a hard-working and knowledgable guy like Husband? I’ve met him several times and he is always upbeat and puts a lot of energy into the AZ GOP. On the other hand, I saw a local magazine article spotlighting Parker not too long ago. He was dressed entirely in what looked like a white linen ensemble and sipping wine from a crystal goblet on some toney pah-tee-o. Would he expend the energy of a Tom Husband who shows up at every Republican event I attend? Raw-tha doubtful.
EVPC:
The answer to your question is a barebones, simple one. Tom Husband represents the grassroots of the AZ Republican Party. Vernon Parker is another McCain elite, who will never lift a finger for anything unless it’s expressly self serving.
Ah, but Husband had the last laugh. He is now the Maricopa County GOP’s Executive Director!! We beat the McCainiacs at their own game!!! Plus we have a man in our corner who’s not afraid to get out and work for the benefir of the Republican Party. He doesn’t just show up.
Here’s an article on Parker in the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/07/washington/07sbiz.html
So Parker endorsed Tony Bouie who lied his way through a state legislative race last election cycle. Is that an indication of Parker’s depth of commitment to the Republican Party? Bouie had been registered less than a week as a Republican before he decided to run as one. Then he lied to anyone who would listen, until he was caught as a lifelong Democrat. It beats me why would Parker think this action merited an endorsement.
Look at the last sentence of the article “This is how the newspaper previously covered Parker” and click on “previously covered”. A precedent regarding this type of behavior has already been set. In the political world, he’s fully qualified and can wear his shameful act of dishonesty as a badge of honor. Unfortunately, it’s politicans like Parker who give the “good guys” a bad name. Until we say ENOUGH these type of individuals will continue to seek elective office.
The political education I gain from being on this site is phenominal. Seriously.
This Parker character…please tell me; after lying to get a federal grant…why is he not incarcerated? I agree with Realist, but this one, to me, shouldn’t even be a topic up for discussion. The guy oughtta’ be in jail…What’s up?
Thank You all again for allowing me to learn from your expert tutelage .
One of Parker’s admirers is none other than Nathan Sproul. That name should send shivers down any reasonable person’s spine.
http://www.vernonparker.com/pm_0509.php