Millionaire Backs Off Plan to Target Rep. Raul Grijalva

by Sandi Behrns

Last week, I broke the story, here on Liberaland,  of real estate speculator and GOP fund-raiser Don Diamond’s plans to pour millions of his own dollars into ads targeting one congressman, chair of the House Progressive Caucus, Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ7). The story was picked up by other outlets, and a flood of support came in for Rep. Grijalva. One other consequence:  the whiff of bad publicity got back to Mr. Diamond.

Diamond faced great scrutiny during the 2008 Presidential race, when the details of a shady land deal involving his good friend, Sen. John McCain became known, and his reputation took a bit of a ding. Apparently, he is cognizant that this background will continue to be dredged up if he were to persist in his plan to smear Rep. Grijalva. I am happy to report, that sources close to Diamond report that he has, at least for the time being, decided against pursuing the ad buys. Perhaps, at the age of 82, Diamond has decided that preserving his reputation is more important than any axe he may have to grind with Raul Grijalva. At any rate, score one for the blogosphere and netroots.

It should be noted, however, that although Don Diamond has rethought his involvement in this race, Rep. Grijalva continues to be the focus of attacks he would not attract were it not for his opposition to SB-1070. While my sources tell me it is merely a rumor, Republicans in Arizona are circulating the “news” that Grijalva is polling in a dead-heat with his GOP rival, Ruth McClung. While that may not actually be the case, it is certain to excite GOP activity in the race and continue to make Grijalva a target. This is one race we’ll be keeping an eye on.

By: Sandi Behrns

Sandi Behrns is a noted policy nerd, new media & web developer, and consultant to progressive organizations and campaigns. She is a senior contributor to Liberaland, and the Executive Editor of Progressive Congress News.