Democratic inroads into Mesa

Don't think the Democrats have their sights set on Arizona? Think again. President Obama has made his presence known in Mesa once again, this time sending U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to La Mesita family homeless shelter as part of the "United We Serve" volunteer program. West Mesa, which is part of Congressman Harry Mitchell's district, has become a high profile spot, landing one of 17 visits as part of the kick-off.

This President has taken more interest in Mesa in 6 months than the previous President took in 8 years. Could it have anything to do with the fact that the conservative Republican leaning district is being represented by a Democrat who is at the top of the GOP target list? Let's hope that Mesa has the ear of the President and the Congressman on keeping the Cubs here.

When you think about it, Obama's team has taken quite an interest in Arizona in general. He has spent quite a bit of time in Phoenix, and he even came to Tempe to give ASU's commencement speech. Is this to make sure that he has a better showing in Arizona the next time around, or do the Democrats think that they can make some moves in Arizona?

With the Republicans fighing over the budget, they have eclipsed the fact that Napolitano caused this problem in the first place. The longer this goes on, the greater the liklihood that the Democrats have a shot at the Governor's office once again.

Mitchell has done a decent job as an independent voice, voting against the Democrats when he has to, and still riding the Obama train as much as possible. This combined with the fact that the Republicans will probably face another bloody primary, pretty much seals the deal for Mitchell. There aren't any other apparent moves being made in the East Valley as far as we can tell, but maybe the Dems will try to muster up more than a scapegoat to run against Flake next year.

The elections in 2010 will be the first true test to see if Obama still has the "charm" of if it is already starting to wear off.