In Arizona, True Small-Government Candidates Are Scarce

Across the country, small government candidates, supported by Tea Party conservatives, are overthrowing incumbents in record numbers. Voters who are tired of business as usual will have the chance to change the way government is run in November. Although these Tea Party endorsed candidates will take their place in ballots nationwide, in Arizona, small government choices are limited. In some cases, the best choice may be to vote "none of the above".

Governor's Election: Brewer vs. Goddard

Janet Brewer inherited the governor's office when Janet Napolitano was chosen to lead the Department of Homeland Security. She is fairly popular with the people in Arizona, and will probably win over Terry Goddard. Although she made national headlines earlier this year when she supported the anti-illegal immigration bill SB1070, she also supported Proposition 100, which increased sales taxes to prevent school budget cuts. Although the Arizona Health Care System, AHCCCS, is cutting services, the maximum income level for those that are eligible for the service, which was raised under Napolitano's term, has not been reduced. While she may not be pushing for a bigger government, she could do more to slash government. Her opponent, Terry Goddard, does not plan on cutting the size of government; on his own web site, he speaks of creating a fund to assist businesses with public infrastructure, along with reversing some of the budget cuts that have already been made. For those that want small government, the better choice would be to vote for Brewer.

Senate Race: McCain vs. Glassman

In the race between current Senator John McCain and Rodney Glassman, I don't think that Glassman has a chance. Although not extremely popular with many conservatives, McCain posters decorate almost every street corner, while Glassman's campaign posters are mysteriously absent. Glassman is not a candidate that would attract a small-government conservative either. He is not in favor of the locally popular SB1070, is in favor of providing students with healthy meals at schools (rather than encouraging parents to take that responsibility), and was in favor of adding regulations to Tucson home builders, making them wire buildings for solar water heaters. Unfortunately, John McCain is not a small-government conservative either. He supported the TARP, auto, mortgage, and AIG bailouts. McCain's current campaign paints him as a tough-on-the border conservative, but his conservative leanings only last until the election is over; as soon as he is voted back in, he'll probably be back to his big government ways. I'm not sure if it really makes a difference which person gets elected. I may end up writing in a protest vote for J.D. Hayworth, sending in my small message that "none of the above" is acceptable.

Outside of My District

Outside of my district, there are a couple of races for the House of Representatives that interest me. Ben Quayle is running to represent District 3. I have heard him speak, and he seems to be a small-government conservative; I hope that he wins. The Arizona Patriot Caucus, whom I first learned of at a Tea Party rally that I attended, is supporting Janet Contreras for the House of Representatives against Ed Pastor in District 4. Perhaps these candidates are Arizona's best small-government hope.

Sources:

Arizona Patriot Caucus. Facebook.com messages to myself and other members.

"Jobs." Terrygoddard.com.

Malkin, Michelle. "Big Government Huckster John McCain's Bitter, Clingy $21 Million Primary Fight". Michelle Malkin.com, 24 August 2010.

Pitzl, Mary Jo. "Schools Play Important Role in Prop 100 Victory" Arizona Republic, 20 May 2010.

Rodneyglassman.com.