A redrawn House district in Arizona has cost Rep. Ben Quayle, R-Ariz., his congressional seat, bringing an end for now to the political ambitions of the former vice president's son.
Quayle lost the Republican primary to freshman Rep. Ben Schweikert, R-Ariz. Also a first-term congressman, Quayle was forced into the primary contest after redistricting pitted the two men against each other.
Although Quayle already represented two-thirds of the voters in the new district, Schweikert has had a decades-long political career in the state.
The primary was highly negative, with each candidate accusing the other of dishonesty.
Schweikert made most of his inroads with voters by attacking Quayle's character and maturity - attacks that proved even more effective when news broke earlier this month that Quayle was among a group of Republicans who swam naked or near-naked in the Sea of Galilee during a congressional trip last year.
Quayle also had to contend with lingering doubts about his father's political effectiveness from Dan Quayle's four years as President George H.W. Bush's No. 2.
In a statement, Quayle thanked his supporters.
"I am very grateful for the thousands of Arizonans who voted for us tonight. This has been a hard fought race," Quayle said. "We fought for the right principles and we fought each day with honesty, integrity, and honor."
He added, "I will continue to do whatever I can to make sure true conservative leadership is working in Washington. We all need to continue to fight for the conservative cause to make sure that we keep the House, take the Senate, and take back the White House. The real battle lies ahead- for our country and the next generation."
by RTT Staff Writer
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com
Political News