/ Modified mar 11, 2016 4:36 p.m.

Presidential Preference Primary Under Way in Arizona

Arizona Week looks at how political newcomers are changing the political dynamic.

The presidential preference primary is under way in Arizona, with early ballots already coming in and election day March 22. Arizona Week Friday looks at how political newcomers are changing the dynamic.

Donald Trump is the key agent in the changing dynamic, with Republican National Committeeman Bruce Ash of Tucson calling him "a phenomenon" who has "changed the face of politics as we know it."

Ash also called Democrat Bernie Sanders "a lot more viable than anybody would have given him credit for," and said Sanders is challenging Hillary Clinton on trust issues with the voters.

Barbara Lubin, political director of the Arizona Democratic Party, said she thinks there is a "trend, whether it is to purple or blue," meaning Arizona may not remain a red state in the long term.

Lubin pointed to new Democratic voter registration for the presidential primary outpacing new Republican voters by a 3-to-2 margin.

She said Sanders is bringing energy to the voting populace, especially younger voters.

On the program:

  • Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary Claudia Ruiz recently visited Tucson and spoke with AZPM’s Nancy Montoya.
  • Bruce Ash, Republican National Committeeman for Arizona.
  • Barbara Lubin, Political Director for the Arizona Democratic Party
  • The Buzz with AZPM’s Christopher Conover and Nancy Montoya.
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