With the primary election four months off, Republican candidate for governor Len Munsil has the support of more than half of his party’s legislators, according to public endorsements and an informal survey.
His campaign May 11 released the names of nine senators and 20 representatives who endorse the conservative first-time candidate, and two more representatives who responded to an Arizona Capitol Times survey, but did not want their names used, say they also support Mr. Munsil.
In all, 31 of the 57 Republican legislators have thrown their support to the founder of The Center for Arizona Policy (CAP), an influential pro-life, pro-family lobbying organization.
At a news conference with many of his endorsers, Mr. Munsil said he would advance a “conservative reform agenda” if elected and urged Governor Napolitano to secure the border and reduce taxes.
“I would rather see the governor sign significant tax reductions and sign strong measures to address our illegal immigration problem, even if it helps her politically, because signing those measures would be in the best interests of the people of Arizona,” he said. “If she is not willing to do that, I am more than willing to clean up her mess next January,
While he was head of the CAP, the organization began an initiative drive to constitutionally ban same-sex marriage. At the news conference, however, in response to a question about gays and lesbians, Mr. Munsil said, “My statements have been very clear on those issues, and I believe every citizen, every gay and lesbian, is entitled to the same rights as everyone else.”
He was asked if he regrets anything he has written about homosexuality as a college editor at ASU and as head of the CAP.
“At times, I was a little bit more bombastic than I should have been, but my belief system is intact and consistent with most of the values of the people of Arizona,” Mr. Munsil said.
Only 2 have qualified for ballot, so far
Ms. Napolitano and Mr. Munsil are the only gubernatorial candidates who have qualified for the ballot, quickly gathering $5 contributions and signatures as Clean Elections candidates.
Most of the Republican legislators who responded to the survey say Mr. Munsil is the party’s best choice to beat Ms. Napolitano, who leads all comers, according to recent polls. The past two Zogby International polls have shown Republican Don Goldwater ahead of Mr. Munsil and former appellate judge Jan Smith Flõrez, who was endorsed by one representative in the survey.
Endorsements
Senate President Ken Bennett, who withdrew from the governor’s race, endorses Mr. Munsil, and Speaker Jim Weiers backs Ms. Flõrez.
Other senators endorsing Mr. Munsil are Jake Flake, Robert Blendu, Robert Burns, Ron Gould, Chuck Gray, Linda Gray, Jack Harper and Karen Johnson.
Also, Reps. Kirk Adams, John Allen, Mark Anderson, Ray Barnes, Nancy Barto, Tom Boone, Cheryl Chase, Eddie Farnsworth, Trish Groe, Russ Jones, Laura Knaperek, John McComish, John Nelson, Warde Nichols, Gary Pierce, Doug Quelland, Bob Robson, Bob Stump, Steve Tully and Steve Yarbrough.
Additionally, Arizona Congressmen Rick Renzi, Jeff Flake, John Shadegg and Trent Franks have endorsed Mr. Munsil.
Mr. Goldwater has picked up public endorsements from six legislators: Sen. Thayer Verschoor and Reps. Andy Biggs, Russell Pearce, Rick Murphy, Judy Burgess and Jerry Weiers.
Other Republicans who have filed for governor are Mike Harris and Gary Tupper.