Arizona's Heated Gov Race

Due to Professor Pitney's request, I'm posting about the extremely close gubernatorial race in my home state. Prior to former Coldstone CEO Doug Ducey's win in a six-candidate rep. primary, Fred DuVal (as an uncontested dem. candidate) had been taking a more conservative approach to focus on fundraising, endorsements, etc. After Ducey's primary win, DuVal has been marketing himself as an independent to distance himself as far as possible from his heavily-conservative opponent.

DuVal's #1 priority is education. In a state that's ranked #44 in public education, he could provide Arizona with much-needed funding and address some of the negative stereotypes held by the rest of the nation.

As a businessman and former state treasurer, Doug Ducey's pure focus is on attracting business to Arizona. His education plan consists of looking to successful charter schools and attempting to replicate their systems (without any change to funding).

While DuVal has the support of a wider range of voters, (Hispanics, females, college students) Ducey carries heavy recognition among those who are more likely to cast their ballot (ex: old white men). Although recent polls do show Ducey to be slightly ahead, the race is still a toss-up as each candidate attempts to take full advantage of the final few days leading up to the election. With DuVal's huge social media presence and Ducey's hefty campaign spending, it will be interesting to watch each candidate's move next week.

Here's an ad that further explains DuVal's moderate approach:

(You can also see me at 0:20)