• Mariana Dale

In a reminder that the Arizona Republic often leans further to the right than most people remember, their editorial board has endorsed Martha McSally, mostly because they feel she would bring more leadership to the fight for the A-10 and for her "genuinely solid grasp of foreign policy and national security":

These are strong, good Americans.

Only one can represent the district. In previous election seasons, including primaries, we have backed both candidates. Each brings unique attributes. Barber has a constituent orientation, strong support for the district's military installations and a willingness to part from the Democratic party line.

McSally, who has yet to hold office, brings charismatic, principled leadership honed by 26 years as an Air Force officer, blazing trails where women had never gone before. She and Mia Love of Utah constitute the crown jewels of the Republican Party's effort to increase gender diversity in Congress.

We believe this is her time. The Arizona Republic recommends Martha McSally for Congress in District 2.

However, their endorsement does seem to come with a relatively significant caveat:

She has drawbacks, certainly. She is vague to the point of frustration on questions of immigration reform. But she is no ideologue on the subject.

The Republic seems to see something in McSally that I haven't noticed, however, other than her insistence on repeating slogans about her independence:

An ideologue would face a short tenure in this swing district. So would any representative unwilling to buck the party line. McSally is as unsparing in her criticism of some Republican positions as Barber is of Democratic ones.

The Republic's other endorsements applicable to Southern Arizona: Ann Kirkpatrick in CD1; Terry Goddard for Secretary of State; Felicia Rotellini for Attorney General; David Garcia for Superintendent; and Tom Forese and Democrat Jim Holway for Corporation Commission. Their endorsement for the governor's race is still to come.