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Tempes Mitchell eyes race against Hayworth

By Paul Giblin, Tribune

March 10, 2006

Harry Mitchell

Democrat Harry Mitchell is considering running against Republican incumbent J.D. Hayworth for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

If Mitchell decides to challenge Hayworth, it would mark the political campaign of his life.

Mitchell has served in municipal and state government for more than 30 years, but the former Tempe mayor and current state senator has never faced an opponent of Hayworths name recognition and financial firepower.

Hayworth is serving his sixth two-year term for Arizonas 5th Congressional District. He is one of the leading conservative spokesmen in Congress and is a frequent guest on television and radio talk shows.

Hayworths chief of staff Joe Eule said, Whoever the Democrats nominate to challenge Hayworth had best be prepared for a relentless, nonstop, 24/7 campaign, because thats the only way we know how to campaign.

Mitchell planned to announce his decision today, but said he is still considering the matter.

Im contemplating it, yeah, but I havent made a decision yet, Mitchell said.

He still needs to consult with members of his family and gather information about the requirements of mounting a serious campaign for federal office, he said.

Im used to using all volunteers and working from my own backyard. This is a whole new type of campaign for me. Im just weighing it and talking to people, Mitchell said.

Mitchell has served in the Senate from 1999 and is in his fourth and final two-year term because of term limits. He is the assistant minority leader.

He served as Tempes mayor from 1978 to 1994 and a city councilman from 1970 to 1978.

Contact Paul Giblin by email, or phone (480) 970-2331