The heat in Arizona

100 degree temperatures aren’t the only reason why Arizona’s been hot lately. The votes are in and our eight Political Opportunity Program (POP) candidates took the primaries by storm!

In a very tight attorney general race, veteran prosecutor and consumer advocate Felecia Rotellini maintained a lead the whole night and came out on top to win the nomination. She’s worked with former Governor Janet Napolitano (another EMILY’s List alum) to crack down on the banking industry and tackle the home mortgage lending crisis by increasing loan officer accountability and improve enforcement.

Former president of the Arizona Education Association, Penny Kotterman, won the hard-fought race for the Democratic Superintendent of Public Instruction nomination with 65% of the vote. Kotterman is a superb candidate for SPI with over 30 years of experience in education. She worked with then Governor Janet Napolitano to put successful education policies in place including AZ Learns and the Arizona school accountability system. She will take on Republican state Senator John Huppenthal in November.

Two native Arizonians beat out Ken Clark in the 15th state House district: former state Senator Lela Alston and political newcomer and social worker Katie Hobbs. Both exceptional women are heavily favored to win in the general election.

EL backed candidates Cheryl Cage of SD-26 and Andrea Dalessandro of LD-30 move on to battles against their ultra-conservative Republican incumbents. If they win, it will be a Democratic pick up in both the Senate and House.

Current legislators Rep. Pat Fleming of LD-25 and Rep. Nancy Young Wright of LD-26 also move forward to face tough reelection battles in November.

These women are joining the ranks of many other Arizona women backed by EMILY’s List, including Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Congresswomen Gabrielle Giffords and Ann Kirkpatrick. Our candidates will work hard to protect the communities of Arizona and ensure the state moves the right direction on critical issues like job creation and education.

They will face tough opposition from Republican candidates and your continued support of these outstanding women is imperative.

Congratulations ladies!