It’s been a tough primary season. One to race to watch is the newly redrawn 6th congressional district in Arizona. The Independent Redistricting Commission carved up the map in favor of Democrats, forcing two incumbent congressmen to run against one another. The primary is August 28.
One of the contenders, Rep. Ben Quayle, was first elected to represent the 3rd district in 2010 and was a favorite of the tea party movement. He has been faithful to his conservative principles, garnering the “Most Conservative Member of the House of Representatives” distinction from National Journal. He was also recognized with the “National Taxpayers’ Friend Award” from Americans for Tax Reform and the “Spirit of Enterprise Award” from the Chamber of Commerce.” He has received primary endorsements from Gov. Mike Huckabee, Condoleezza Rice, Sen. John Kyl, Mike Pence and Hugh Hewitt.
Rep. Quayle’s current constituents make up 70% of the new district, yet his primary opponent called him a “carpetbagger” because his home was drawn out of the 6th district. He has since moved into the district – a move of about 150 feet. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.”
I’d add that you can also test a man’s character by taking away his power. While Rep. Quayle has stayed away from political pettiness in this odd race, his opponent hasn’t. I have no doubt this won’t escape the attention of the residents of Arizona’s 6th district. Each week the De Pasquale's Dozen asks political figures and free market-minded writers and entertainers to take a break from politics and talk about their pop culture obsessions.
1. If there were a television channel that showed only one movie over and over, what movie should it be?
Chariots of Fire
2. What’s one of your favorite movie quotes?
“Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they’re fascist. Throw some groundballs. They’re more democratic.” – Bull Durham
3. In A Clockwork Orange, Malcolm McDowell is strapped in with his eyes propped open and forced to watch images until he was "cured." If you could give President Obama, Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Leader Harry Reid the "Clockwork Orange treatment," what movie would you make them watch?
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
4. What pop culture souvenir do you own that people would be surprised to learn that you cherish?
I cherish my daughter’s GloWorm because it calms her down when she’s upset.
5. What's your current “guilty pleasure” non-news television show?
30 Rock
6. What’s the best present you ever received as a child?
Lawn Darts
7. What was the first rock concert you ever attended and where did you sit and who went with you?
I went with my dad and brother to see Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5.
8. What advice do you remember your mother or father giving you? Did you take it?
Both of my parents always told me to stand up for what I believe in regardless of what others are saying. Also, they taught me to never compromise my core convictions, because, at the end of the day, I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror and believe that I did what was best.
9. If Republicans and Democrats had theme songs for 2012 what would they be?
The theme song for Republicans would be “Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty. The theme song for the American people regarding the Democrats would be “I Need a Job” by Burns and Poe.
10. Tell me about your favorite teacher and how he or she influenced your life.
Mr. Vern Williams, my 7th grade math teacher, taught us the importance of persistence, perseverance, and hard work. There are no shortcuts to success.
11. What would you like tomorrow's news headline to say?
“Romney Wins, Republicans Take Back Senate and Hold on to House”
12. Tell me about the moment you decided to enter the political arena.
Deciding to enter the political arena wasn’t an easy decision. At the time I was leading a successful small business, was about to get married and was very content with my life. But I was disgusted with the direction our country was taking under President Obama and the Democrat majority. I decided that I either had to try and do something to help change the direction of our country, or I had to stop yelling at the television. So, I decided to run for Congress and help lead our country to a more prosperous future.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member