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Political Buzz – August 31st, 2011

GRIJALVA V. FLAKE V. A TANK

Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona) says Congressman Jeff Flake (R-Arizona) is costing Arizona jobs. But Flake’s office says Grijalva has it wrong.

Grijalva is heading to the Charles E. Gillman military manufacturing plant in Rio Rico for a tour at the end of the week. In a press release, Grijalva’s office says while the Congressman is at the facility he will discuss Congressman Flake’s request for a three-year freeze on the construction of Abrams tanks.

Congressman Grijalva says that proposal will cost Arizona jobs. The news release is of particular note because Flake is the front-runner in the race for the US Senate seat being vacated by Senator Jon Kyl (R).

It is also worth noting that Flake’s office says Grijalva has his facts wrong. An email from a Flake spokesperson says, “There has been no legislative effort by Congressman Flake to single out funding for the Abrams tank. Given the federal government’s fiscal crisis, spending is going to have to be cut, including the defense budget. However, there’s been no focus by Congressman Flake on funding for the Abrams tank.”

Flake budget military tank,

WON THAT ONE; NOW BACK TO WORK

Democrat Jonathan Rothschild, candidate for mayor of Tucson, was ensconced in his law office downtown first thing this morning, even after a celebration of his victory in Tuesday night's virtually uncontested primary election.

Rothschild's car was in its usual spot in the parking lot of Mesch, Clark & Rothschild before 7 a.m. It's not uncommon to see him at work that early. But the morning after the primary election seemed a bit of a surprise.

Rothschild will face Republican Rick Grinnell in the general election in November. Grinnell won his spot on the ballot the hard way, by collecting more than 5,700 write-in votes. He needed 1,060 to make the ballot.

Rothschild has said he already is stepping away from his position as the law firm's business manager to focus on his campaign and that he will resign the firm altogether if elected.

Jonathan Rothschild Rick Grinnell Tucson election Tucson mayoral race,

About Political Buzz

News, commentary, analysis from the AZPM political team: Christopher Conover, Andrea Kelly, Michael Chihak.