Photo Credit: Arizona Republic
Democrat State Representative Laura Terech recently stepped down in the latest iteration of an incredible amount of attrition from the Democratic caucus; she represented Legislative District 4, which covers much of central Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and a large swatch of Phoenix. As a swing district it is a particularly important seat in a district that traditionally elects relative moderates.
Recently the Dems in the district nominated three candidates to bring to the County Board of Supervisors for them to choose who will succeed Terech, and clearly the district has sacrificed interesting options for a steady hand.
Every nominee is very, very well known in the district, each was a leader in the old Legislative District 28. And while a steady hand is obviously a positive, especially in relatively trying times politically, we can’t help but be a bit underwhelmed.
First is Kelli Butler, a long-time legislator in the district who is known for being a relatively moderate pragmatist and is currently a candidate for the House in District 4. Next there is Madison Elementary School Board member Karen Gresham, who is also known as a relative moderate and is also currently a candidate for the House in District 4. Lastly is Eric Meyer, a long-term prior state legislator who is also known as a…wait for it…a relatively moderate pragmatist!
Clearly they wanted the seat to go to one of the current candidates, which is perfectly understandable. And moderate pragmatists play a much needed role in Arizona. That said, these names are already very, very well known in the district and have been for a long time. A different takeaway is that perhaps Democrats in that district are very insular, rather clubby, and lack a deep bench.
Part of growth as a new district is helping build a bench of the next stage of candidates. While Gresham hasn’t yet been a legislator, she is hardly new to politics. With other options offered to the Board of Supervisors amongst the litany of openings this year, there has often been relatively new names and some variety; an indicator of investing in new viable candidates. LD4 seems to be clinging to the old LD28 like its life depends on it.
As far as problems go, this isn’t a huge one. We prefer this option to the district offering three hard-left candidates as their option, or total idealogues. But perhaps the district would be well served in locating and growing talent instead of continuing to go back in the same well.