DeRose, according to inside sources not wanting to be named, is the target independent expenditure mailers from the Arizona Voter Education Project, reportedly heavily funded by the Phoenix Fire Fighters union, who is afraid DeRose may be another Sal Diciccio. Councilman Diciccio is a public endorser of DeRose, along with Councilman Jim Waring, Congressman David Schweikert and some other prominent Republican officer holders.
The mailers have labeled DeRose a "Fraud," saying he stole research on one of his best-selling books, is not really a felony prosecutor, just works appeals issue in the Arizona Attorney General's office, doesn't really live in the District and he donates to Democrats. Interestingly enough, residency is not a requirement to run, only to hold office. As for donating to Democrats, DeRose is a long time personal friend of Councilwoman Kate Gallego (he was the best man at her wedding to her husband Congressman Ruben Gallego).
Deb Stark's campaign, not to be caught without Republicans has outgoing County Supervisor Andy Kunasek endorsing her in a Stark mailer entitled "What Republican Leaders Are Saying About Councilwoman Deb Stark." Stark, a lifelong Democrat, has been shunned by the Democratic party leadership, who is backing Jim Mapstead, who left the Democratic party and became a registered independent before running for council. It seems Mapstead's campaign mail is going to Democrats and independents, not to Republicans - at least I haven't found a Republican getting his mailers.
Not to worry, thought, because the Conservative Families Support DeRose independent expenditure released its mailer stating DeRose is "The only Republican in the Race."
Mesa - vote for the church guy?
Jeremy Whittaker is running for Mesa City Council and in his campaign promotions, has a photo of himself and his wife embraced in front of Mesa 's Mormon Temple
Whittaker is the owner of N2 Network Solutions, some type of electronic marketing firm. Whittaker, as reported in his campaign finance statements, has loaned his campaigned several thousand dollars. His campaign has also spent more than $6,000 with N2 Network Solutions for "digital ad creation and placement." Good plan - loan your campaign money, then pay the money to a company you own to do the electronic work.
Shelly Allen, a Republican, is running against Whittaker in the November 8th run off. Allen is backed by the fire fighters - but the Mesa Firefighters play well with Republicans and their local president is a Republican. Whittaker's independent expenditure attack piece, funded by the "Arizona Citizens United" hit Whittaker hard on his church photo and other fine points.
Confused? It is just that kind of election year.
About Jon C. Altmann
Jon C. Altmann is professional educator, GOP PC, and a retired senior enlisted leader having served in Navy intelligence. He has been a public safety consultant and past executive in emergency health care/rescue systems. He serves in national leadership in a veterans organization and sits on both Federal and local commissions/committees serving the needs of veterans, military members and their families. He has been a paid political consultants to several campaigns over the past several years. Comments and opinions expressed by Jon C. Altmann are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of any government organization or any of the organizations he volunteers his time in helping others. Distributed by Media News Services. All Rights Reserved, 2016.
