AZ-2: Dems Poll

With Rep. Martha McSally (R-Tucson) leaving this politically marginal district to run for the Senate, Democratic conversion chances are enhanced.  Former state Rep. Matt Heinz (D), who lost 57-43% to Rep. McSally in 2016, is running again and brandishes a Public Policy Polling survey that suggests he would fare better in an open general election than former 1st District Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Flagstaff).  Last year, after her loss to Sen. John McCain (R) in the statewide contest, Ms. Kirkpatrick re-located to Tucson and quickly jumped into the 2nd District campaign.  Therefore, if Mr. Heinz is to have a chance at winning in 2018, he must first overcome the former US Representative in the Democratic primary. 
 
According to Heinz’s data (2/8-10; 841 AZ-2 registered voters), he would lead Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Lea Marquez Peterson (R), by a   45-31% margin.  In comparison, Ms. Kirkpatrick would lead the lone announced Republican candidate, 43-34%.  But, the former nominee is considerably behind ex-Rep. Kirkpatrick in campaign resources, and he did not release early Democratic primary numbers from the survey.  The latest FEC report finds the former Congresswoman holding $463,977 in her campaign account, versus only $193,117 for Mr. Heinz.

--Jim Ellis