A poll just a week ago (Cronkite/Ch. 8) showed Barack Obama down 20 points in this state (Arizona) to Hillary Clinton. After all, Bill won this state in 1996, back when he was on the Bridge to Tomorrow (as opposed to the Bridge to Yesteryear he has now mounted). Latino 'Leaders' Rep. Ed Pastor and County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox had endorsed Hillary, and Latinos (they comprise some 30% of the State's population) seemed not to have much reason to board the Obama Bandwagon. Then things began to change here. Follow me to the jump to see what happened....
At first, there were even more reasons for doubt. Hillary fled SC for Salinas, California, where she snagged the endorsement of Cesar Chavez' United Farm Workers. She hopped over to Cesar Chavez HS in Southwest Phoenix where, inexplicably and an hour late, she failed to take questions or even mention Immigration, which is red-hot here and on the minds of all.
But former Senate Majority Leader Alfredo Gutierrez, former House Minority Leader John Loredo and Reps. Steve Gallardo and David Lujan came out for Obama, along with the balance of Bill Richardson's Support Committee here. Alfredo has the Valley's most-listened-to talk program daily on the UFW's Radio Campesina. Obama placed a 60-second (!) spot on Univision, the #1 tv station here, English or Spanish. And today the venerable Arizona Republic came out with an endorsement of Obama.
It begins, "This is historic. Savor it." It concludes, "Obama represents a fresh, optimistic approach. His youthful voice calls for fundamental changes and a return to 'an America that believes again.' His oratory soars. While talk alone isn't enough, it has been a very long time since Americans had a leader who appealed to their better nature."
Previously, Governor Janet Napolitano had endorsed Obama. Janet is not to be underestimated in this state. In her second term, she still sports a 65% approval rating, and can call upon fierce loyalty, in particular, from Women of all stripes and allegiances across the State.
Oh, and another poll, yesterday, by Behavior Research Center, showed Obama only 10 points behind Clinton (pre-SC), 11 points better than Cronkite's result.
I'm not that up on doings in Tucson, where Rep. Raul Grijalva has endorsed Edwards, but, I think it's safe to say that, while we're currently behind here, a win is certainly within reach.
I believe that just two well-planned appearances (one in Phoenix, one in Tucson) would light this Super Bowl Hosting Desert State on Fire for Obama. It's doable, and would be a big win. GoBama!!!!
UPDATEThere are indications from maineac and Populista that Obama just may visit Arizona, possibly even w/Ted Kennedy!!! If that happens, there will be a Desert Wildfire for Obama!!!
Update #2-I am now informed by local sources that Obama will visit Arizona (probably Phoenix) on Wednesday, so he can slide in just before the Super Bowl Hoopla goes crazy...more details as they become available....