Can Hayworth Win Moderates?

Though he will officially launch on Monday, February 15th, JD Hayworth’s challenge to McCain for Senate in Arizona seat is already in full swing.

His website has launched.

He is taking money.

And, most important, Hayworth is picking up endorsements. He has received a slew of support from Arizona conservatives, particularly immigration hawks.

Arizona most famous immigration hawk, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, has come out in favor of former Congressman Hayworth. Arpaio issued a statement in support of Hayworth, writing:

Senator McCain has served this country admirably but it’s time to replace his moderate or even liberal positions on taxes, the border, social causes and big bank bailouts with a consistent conservative like J.D. I just wish Senator McCain had run as hard against Barack Obama as he is against a conservative like J.D. That could have prevented the harmful, liberal agenda we are all now suffering through.”

Additionally, Barry Goldwater’s nephew Don Goldwater, a controversial and unsuccessful 2006 candidate for Arizona governor, has endorsed McCain. Though Don himself wields little political influence Arizona, the Goldwater name remains (symbolically) important. He writes:

Today, I am writing you to join with me to help elect J.D. HAYWORTH, to the United States Senate and retire his opponent Senator John McCain. On August 24th, Arizona Republicans will select their party’s nominee for U.S. Senator. Recent independent polling shows this race too close to call and JD need our help now!

How do we send a message to Washington that the people of Arizona don’t support amnesty, government subsidies for illegals and won’t tolerate the guns, drugs and gangs flowing over the border into our state any longer?

…by joining me today and making an online contribution to JD!

While Hayworth’s success grows, his national support is a tricky topic.

The Arizona Senate race is quickly becoming one of the most politically sensitive in American politics.

Republican Senator DeMint of North Carolina, a favorite of the Tea Party movement, has promised to stay neutral in the Arizona contest. He no doubt hopes to avoid choosing between the de facto leader of the Republican Party in John McCain and the “consistent conservative” (read: Tea Party favorite) in JD Hayworth. Additionally, controversy over Palin’s promise to support McCain still lingers.

Will Hayworth pick up more national and “mainstream” Republican support? His announcement next week will be a big test.

In the meantime, Hayworth is not doing so well in that category.

Key Arizonan Congressmen all support McCain. Arizona Junior Senator Jon Kyl, Congressman Jeff Flake and Congressman John Shaddegg have all publicly endorsed McCain for reelection.