I haven’t been following the goings on in the LD24 primary very closely but an alert reader sent me a flyer (click for larger image) that appears to be an independent expenditure on behalf of former State Senator Ken Cheuvront, who is running against Rep. Katie Hobbs for the open Senate seat.

I’m especially impressed that the AZ Cattlemen’s Association has taken such a keen interest in Central Phoenix. In addition to this expenditure, Cheuvront also enjoys the endorsements of the AZ Chamber and was the only Democrat to be endorsed by that bunch of radical right wingers pretending to be a small business association, NFIB.

For all the attention paid to the sharp right turn of the GOP and how “moderate Republicans” are an endangered species and all, I’m actually more concerned about well-heeled business interests targeting progressives in safe Democratic districts to replace them with business-friendlier ones. As I’ve said before, progressives represent the only real threat to corporate power and dominance. The most embarrassing right wingers can still be counted on to vote pro-business every time. Citizens United opened the floodgate to these attacks on progressives and the fact that Arizona business groups are so overtly pushing Cheuvront over Hobbs tells me they’re testing the waters. I don’t think it’s going to work in this race but progressives concerned about things like poverty and social justice should be alarmed about this trend and so should everyone seeking “moderation” in the Legislature. You’re not going to achieve it by having no liberals at the table.