Some Arizona GOP critics want a new direction at the state party after some major election losses, but it's easier said than done.
The struggle between the state party's establishment and conservative wings is not new, and over the years has reflected a split between grassroots activists on the right and some of the party's best-known elected officials, including at times former Sens. Barry Goldwater and John McCain, respectively the Republican presidential nominees in 1964 and 2008. A deep-rooted conservatism has long run through the state and Ward, though chair, is not responsible for those undercurrents.
In 2014, for example, the more traditional Republican wing embodied by McCain, R-Ariz., launched an effort to moderate an Arizona Republican Party dominated by right-wing leaders who were hostile towards him by recruiting more PCs to get involved who were ultimately supportive of his agenda. The goal was to moderate internal party politics by shifting the electorate base and party posts.
“Too many have been sitting on the sidelines and not having their voices formally be heard. I think in time — and maybe we'll even see the results sooner than later — it will bear fruit by getting more people involved,” Adams told The Republic in October 2014. That effort to shift the party back in 2014 took months of work from strategists and resources and even then was an uphill battle. And there’s no clear McCain-type leader who moderates and centrists might work to support.The state GOP will pick its next chair in January
Some have speculated that Ward might back Pam Kirby, the party’s executive director, who some expect to lead in the same style as Ward. Ward and Kirby did not respond to messages seeking comment from The Republic.Arellano said he’s had discussions about running but is waiting to see who else does. He said the worst thing the party could do is pick Kirby, who he views as an extension of the culture under Ward."The direction of the party needs to change.
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