Final campaign spending reports from the 2010 election season revealed desperation by ultimately unsuccessful candidates who loaned their campaigns large amounts of money, as well as aggressive spending by winning candidates who likely didn’t need it.

Many candidates who spent big and lost big this election cycle were bound by one thread — they’re Democrats.

Indeed, Democrats in several races outraised and outspent their opponents by tens of thousands of dollars while others benefited as much by independent spending aimed at helping their campaigns.

A full list of the 50th Legislature membership

Sen. Al Melvin, a Republican from Tucson, was elected to a second term in Legislative District 26.

Several well-known Republicans from southern Arizona have thrown their political weight behind U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, a Democrat who is facing a challenge from Republican newcomer Jesse Kelly in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.

The jockeying has begun for Senate leadership positions besides the presidency, the Arizona Capitol Times has learned.