A four-term state legislator joined the Republican gubernatorial race Thursday, saying his experience getting elected makes him the most qualified.
Rep. Ted Carpenter, RPhoenix, said he has the most experience marshalling voter support. Aside from his four legislative races, Carpenter also has been elected to the Deer Valley Unified School District governing board in north Phoenix.
Carpenter, who joins a field of four other candidates, is little known outside of legislative circles. And Carpenter himself, when pressed on why Republicans should vote for him, provided few specifics. “I think I’m the only candidate out there who can unify the Republican Party,’’ he said. “That’s greater than the other candidates.’’
He rebuffed questions about how his views differ from others in the race.
Carpenter said he supports new restrictions on abortion. The primary winner will face incumbent Democrat Janet Napolitano.
