GIFFORDS-KYL-REDISTRICTING DYNAMIC AND WHAT IT MEANS

posted by Michael Chihak

The specter of a 2012 U.S. Senate race in Arizona featuring Republican Jon Kyl and Democrat Gabrielle Giffords had people talking as far back as a year ago.

How things change. Kyl has announced he won't run for a fourth term, and Giffords is in rehabilitation for a bullet wound to the head, her political future unknown.

Those factors plus redistricting are combining to drive a unique political dynamic in the state. It's one that has left some would-be candidates flat-footed, others hesitant and everyone wishing for a crystal ball.

How the dynamic is playing out beyond the gossip and the superficial speculation and what it means to Arizona voters will be the topic of Friday's Arizona Week. On the program:

• Kate Kenski, University of Arizona communication professor whose research delves into political candidate messaging, campaign dynamics and voter behavior. Last year, she co-authored The Obama Victory: How Media, Money, and Message Shaped the 2008 Election.

• Carol E. Zimmerman, partner in Zimmerman Public Affairs where she has been involved in strategizing planning and executing political campaigns, media services and political consulting.

Analyzing and commenting will be a three-journalist panel: National Public Radio Southwest Correspondent Ted Robbins; New York Times Phoenix Bureau Chief Marc Lacey; Arizona Republic reporter Amy B. Wang, who has covered the Giffords story from Day 1.