Rep. Gary Pierce

House Republicans are jockeying for position as the frontrunner for the caucus’ top leadership post will run for a seat on the Arizona Corporation Commission instead of seeking re-election.
At a June 24 meeting, the Arizona Republican Party’s Executive Committee selected Rep. Gary Pierce, R-19, to fill the vacancy on the ballot created when Corporation Commissioner Marc Spitzer called off his re-election campaign after being nominated to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Two days later, Mr. Pierce withdrew his candidacy for the House of Representatives in District 19.
With current House Majority Leader Steve Tully, R-11, not running for re-election, observers had penciled Mr. Pierce — the majority whip — into the vacancy over Rep. Laura Knaperek, R-17. Now that Mr. Pierce is not returning, several other names have surfaced as possible candidates for the post.
Though no other lawmakers have officially thrown their hats into the ring, Ms. Knaperek said there is no doubt others will enter the race.
“I’m never going to expect that I’m the only one running for majority leader,” she said.
Names mentioned
Other names mentioned as possible candidates for majority leader in the upcoming term are Reps. Tom Boone, Bill Konopnicki and Russell Pearce.
Mr. Boone told Arizona Capitol Times June 28 he is seriously considering running for the leadership post.
“From my perspective, that would be a good fit for me right now,” he said.
As one of the House’s two Appropriations Committee chairmen, Mr. Boone says he has a lot of experience working on the budget and negotiating with the governor.
Mr. Konopnicki, a District 5 Republican from Safford, said he is interested, but has not made any final decisions.
“At this point, I’m not committing to anything,” he said. “I would like to be in leadership.”
In 2004, he led a group of 16 Republicans who bucked House leadership and collaborated with Democrats to pass a budget designed by the Senate. House Republican leaders had opposed the budget, saying it spent too much.
Mr. Pearce, who represents District 18, chaired the other House Appropriations Committee. He was not available for comment, but he has expressed a desire to be in leadership in the past.
Mr. Pierce’s run for the Corporation Commission also results in a vacancy for majority whip in the House. Reps. John Allen, R-11, and John McComish, R-20, are considered the favorites for the job.
A battle will also likely be waged for the chamber’s top spot, as Rep. Andy Biggs, R-22, is expected to challenge current Speaker Jim Weiers. Mr. Konopnicki has also been rumored to be interested in running for speaker.