Flagstaff dentist and political newcomer Paul Gosar is leading incumbent Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick by 10 points in the battle over Arizona's 1st Congressional District.

If little things win elections, then Gosar’s campaign strategy may be right on target. The Flagstaff dentist has spent the past several months traveling across one of the most expansive and diverse congressional districts in the nation, sometimes making speeches, sometimes handing out campaign flyers, but mostly just shaking hands and assuring voters that he is one of them.

Kirkpatrick, who is counting on Democrats to vote for her despite her independent streak, has gone out of her way to appeal to independents and moderate Republicans who disagree with Gosar’s conservative platform.

What began last year as rallies to protest government spending has emerged as a political force that could influence elections across the nation.

Despite the lack of central tea party organization and some internal disagreement, three basic principles unite them: fiscal responsibility, limited government and support of a free market.

While Democratic U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick and her opponent, Republican Paul Gosar, have brought in nearly the same amount of money over the past three months, Kirkpatrick has reached into her much deeper coffers, outspending Gosar nearly 4-to-1 in the same period.

Arizona Capitol Times reporter Evan Wyloge discusses the latest developments in the race for Arizona's 1st Congressional District, as well as the arguments behind Proposition 109.

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and two other Arizona Democrats running for re-election have spent three times as much money sending fliers touting their accomplishments to constituents this spring as they did during the same period last year.

After years of watching Gabrielle Giffords, Ann Kirkpatrick and Harry Mitchell stick out like blue nails on a very red board, Republicans are ready to swing their hammers again.

Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick is challenging her opponent in the Nov. 2 election to a series of five debates.

Republican voters in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District chose a political newcomer over a couple of familiar faces, giving Flagstaff dentist Paul Gosar a chance to retake a seat the GOP lost in the Democratic surge in 2008.