Jesse Kelly during the Republican primary season

© 2012 NewellMediaGroup

The Republican primary season now over and Jesse Kelly the candidate to run against Democrat Ron Barber, a number of interesting developments were clearly on display.

The Congressional District 8 seat has an obvious strong emotional element associated with it after the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in January 2011.

At the time, some tried to gain political mileage out of a horrible tragedy, with those of the left and sympathetic media accusing Republicans of a “harsh tone” or aggressive political dialog which in some absurd way was responsible for  such a despicable act.

As was then and now, nothing could be further from the truth, instead one could argue there was a strong sense of civility and decency associated with the conduct of all four Republican candidates of Jesse Kelly, Martha McSally, Dave Sitton and Frank Antenori.

During several public debates, each candidate argued with ideas and thoughts on policy and rarely took to personal or bitter attacks on each other. Instead robust debate and the odd joke were exchanged. It was a refreshing change for the public in attendance and made for entertaining and informative discussion on the issues that matter most to Tucsonians.

Quite clearly the public warmed to this approach. The Federal Republican party strategists could take a leaf out of their Arizona counterparts playbook, after a bruising and at times ugly primary season. As Herman Cain stressed to us earlier this year, the need for unity is vital if the Republicans wish to beat a well-drilled Obama campaign.

A perfect example of this decency could be seen at a debate in Oro Valley which was organised by the Pima County Young Republicans. Chairman, Tyler Mott spoke to the audience prior to the commencement of the debate. Mott made specific mention of the Gifford's shooting, his voice quivering with emotion, pointing out that the dreadful act had occurred only a short distance away.There was genuine emotion in his voice and this was a clear illustration and an indirect rebuttal of the claims that somehow Republicans were heartless or had no feelings.

It was very encouraging to see such behaviour being displayed by talented people making a run for public office.

Not only the candidates, but the Pima Republican Party is also in good shape. Healthy numbers, excellent administrators and thought provoking policy and issue forums signal to the Democrats in Pima County that they will not find any election easy.

Whilst the incumbent Obama administration could be considered at this time favourites to hold office purely on the grounds of a reawakening of their campaign base, the good Republican folks in Pima County and all around the USA can turn the November election with the strength of local sentiment and a state by state breakdown of Obama’s numbers. There lies the key to victory for Mitt Romney.