Disappointed that Dems are betting only on sure things

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Recently, I reviewed Swing Left Maricopa County’s schedule of online events. I emailed and asked why there was no event featuring Bernadette Greene-Placentia. The response was revealing:

“We appreciate your question. We would love to address every race, however it does not match our mission which is to flip red districts to blue in swingable Congressional Districts. Currently AZ 08 does not fall under that category as its vote spread is quite high: Vote Spread: 15.26% Leaning: Republican Competitiveness: Outside of Competitive Range . In Maricopa County we are currently focused on the swingable CD 01 (Shah) and two others statewide: CD 06 (Jo Mendoza) in Tucson and CD 02 in Flagstaff (Jonathan Nez)… Remember that LD 27 is half of CD 8 and it IS flippable with the AZ Legislative Senate candidate Kyle Clayton and House candidate Deborah Howard. So your effort can make an impact in not only the Legislative districts but in CD 8’s results.”

In 2024, Schweikert won CD 1 by 16,572. A reasonable margin in a district that has been won by Democrats twice in the last three elections. CD 8 on the other hand has elected three Republicans in the last three cycles. In 2024, Hamadeh won by 47,925 votes.

Here’s the thing. Bernadette Greene-Placentia presents a great story. Smart, well-informed and focused on all the right stuff. A knowledgeable and compelling candidate who deserves to be heard.

To my friends in the half of LD 27 that live in CD 8, you might want to let SLMC know you are not going to just lay down.

If voters in CD 8 believe their voices matter, they should remind organizations like Swing Left that competitive districts aren’t created — they’re built through organizing, candidate support and showing up.

Let’s get some game, CD 8!

This writer is using a pen name. Bernadette Greene-Placentia is seeking to unseat incumbent Abe Hamadeh in CD 8, which includes parts of Glendale, Peoria, north Phoenix, Sun City, Sun City West and Surprise. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.