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The Gold Standard: Barry Goldwater’s 30-year U.S. Senate career made him an icon in Arizona politics
Barry Goldwater was born three years before Arizona became a state. Who could have imagined that this toddler would become the man most associated with the Grand Canyon State? A five-term U.S. senator and the Republican presidential candidate in 1964, he epitomized the ruggedness of the Wild West and loved the state, with its magnificent vistas, as much as anyone possibly could.
The Washington Connection: Four Arizonans figure big on Capitol Hill
Since statehood, the Arizona-Washington D.C. political connection has been unbelievably strong and uncharacteristically influential, especially for a state with a relatively small, though growing population.
‘Fab Five’ Arizona makes history, elects women to top 5 posts
Ten years after an Arizona governor was impeached and barely a year after another governor was forced from office by a federal conviction – both of whom were men – the Grand Canyon State made political history.
The colorful and tumultuous political career of Evan Mecham
Evan Mecham occupies a place in Arizona political history that has all the earmarks of a Greek tragedy. How else can you explain the events of Mecham’s political life?
Barr & Giss: Practicing the fine art of legislative legerdemain
Burton Barr, who was memorialized when his name was given to the Phoenix Central Library, wrote the book on political wheeling and dealing in the Arizona Legislature.
But, even before Barr burst onto the Capitol scene in 1964, Harold Giss was pulling the legislative strings. Both were pragmatic practitioners of lawmaking.
Babbitt & Bolin: Linked by the length of their terms
Democrats Bruce Babbitt and Wes Bolin represent the long and short of Arizona’s gubernatorial reigns.
Bolin, born Harvey Wesley Bolin in 1908, set a longevity record as Arizona secretary of state, serving almost 29 years, from 1949 to 1977. And when Raul Castro resigned as governor on Oct. 20, 1977, to become U.S. ambassador to Argentina, Bolin moved up to the Governor’s Office.
DeConcini & Goddard Democratic families rose to political heights
Two generations of two high-profile Arizona Democratic families — the DeConcinis and the Goddards — landed influential state and federal positions dating back to the mid-20th century.
Udall — the name says it all An Arizona political dynasty
The Udall name has dominated Arizona’s political landscape and beyond for the better part of the 20th century, with Morris King Udall, affectionately known as Mo, the only member of the family to reach for the presidency of the United States — so far.
The Creightons: An Arizona political news legacy
Three generations of an Arizona family developed deep political roots, but were never tempted to run for office.
Race to the Top: Sandra Day O’Connor and Lorna Lockwood
Arizona’s two most esteemed jurists were pioneers in their own right, opening the door for women to courts of the highest level.
Both icons — Sandra Day O’Connor and Lorna E. Lockwood — also served in the Arizona Legislature.
McFarland and Fannin: Men of many hats
Wearing multiple hats was not uncommon for Arizona’s political figures when the state was much younger and less populated, but the career of at least one legendary figure merits being labeled as unique.
Rose and Polly Stateswomen racked up nearly 100 years of service
It doesn’t quite add up to 100, but the combined service to the state of Arizona by two gals from Globe totals an amazing 96 years.
