Election 2010
Glassman delays Senate run decision
Rodney Glassman, the Tucson City Councilman who's been mulling a run for U.S. Senate, will think it over some more.
Glassman announced on Monday that he will make a decision on running in early April. The Ward 2 councilman says he's delaying jumping in (or out) to focus on the city budget.
"I will not abandon my duty for ambition, especially in a time of crisis," said Glassman in a news release. "Other politicians are leaving the people who voted for them in a lurch by resigning in the middle of the worst financial crisis in the history of Arizona, a crisis that must be dealt with at every level of our governments."
The council is expected to send budget directives to City Manager Mike Letcher on April 6, Glassman said.
Putting off a decision may affect Glassman's ability to quickly raise the vast war chest needed to take on the Republican nominee. Jim Pederson spent $12 million in 2006, and still lost the Senate race to incumbent Republican Jon Kyl.
The other wrinkle in this election cycle is the challenge that John McCain faces from J.D. Hayworth. The ex-Congressman turned radio host is hoping to surf a wave of conservative, anti-Washington sentiment to the GOP nomination over McCain.
A run against either McCain or Hayworth will likely run up a tab just as lengthy as Pederson's.
Will the brewing Tea Party movement be bitter enough to scorn the long-time senator? Will they swallow Hayworth's Washington connections?
With Glassman delaying, will another Democrat throw a hat in the ring? Will Glassman yet declare his candidacy? Will the Sentinel ever stop asking pesky questions?