Ex-lawmakers vie for party bid in 1st District
Web Producer: Taylor Avey
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - The primary race to represent the largest swath of Arizona in Congress is largely being fought like it's the general election.
Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick and Republican Jonathan Paton are the front-runners. They're counting on name recognition and past legislative experience to secure the 1st District seat.
The district extends from the northern outskirts of Tucson on the south to the Arizona-Utah line on the north, including Flagstaff, much of eastern Arizona and some American Indian reservations. Though Democrats have a slight majority in voter registration, the seat has been won more often by Republicans.
Kirkpatrick lost it in 2010 to political newcomer Republican Paul Gosar. She faces Wenona Benally Baldenegro in the Aug. 28 primary for the Democratic bid.
On the Republican side, Paton faces Gaither Martin and Patrick Gatti.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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