AZ-5

It was a good night for Arizona's incumbent members of Congress, as all three representatives up for re-election are set to be returned to office in January.

Republican challenger David Schweikert came closest to pulling an upset, but not very close. He trailed U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-Tempe) by a little over nine points with 97 percent of returns in.

At 99 percent of precincts reporting, U.S. Rep. John Shadegg (R-Phoenix) had a larger margin over his opponent, Democrat Bob Lord, leading 54 to 42 in the 3rd District.

Tim Bee, president of the Arizona State Senate, had the same deficit against U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (R-Tucson) as of midnight, attracting 43 percent to Giffords's 55. However, with only 73 percent of precincts in, it's still possible Bee could pull an upset over the first term 8th District Democrat.

With a little over a third of votes counted, incumbent U.S. Reps. John Shadegg (R-Phoenix) and Harry Mitchell (D-Tempe) lead their challengers by similar margins.

According to the latest numbers from Arizona Secretary of State Jan Brewer's office, Shadegg is topping Democratic opponent Bob Lord by a margin of 54 to 42.

Harry Mitchell has a lead of 53 to 44 over Republican David Schweikert.

Seth Scott, campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-Tempe), has responded to the claims of rival David Schweikert's campaign that the Republican is finding support among three-fourths of independents.

"We'll see who earned what support in a few hours," Scott said. 

Scott also put in a dig at the challenger.

"He also claimed the support of the Arizona Republic and Arizona Police Association - he got neither," Scott said, referencing claims Schweikert made that the Mitchell campaign said amounted to false endorsements.

The campaign of David Schweikert, 5th Congressional District Republican candidate, claims it has made 23,000 phone calls to voters over the last four days, employing 20 to 30 volunteers at a time, and is calling for more campaigns over the last part of the campaign.

"There is still time to come down to Headquarters and help us in our final push to turn out Republicans to the polls!" read an email message to supporters.

Democrats believe incumbent U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell will retain the seat, and have moved resources out of the race over the last month. However, in a sign of optimism for Schweikert, the campaign claims they have been focused on calling registered independents.

Here are the Election Night happenings for congressional candidates and Sen. John McCain. 

This post will be updated as events are announced.

JOHN MCCAIN:

Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa

2400 E. Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85016

This is a ticketed event. No one without a ticket will be admitted.

David Schweikert, Republican candidate for the 5th Congressional District seat, is calling a mail piece sent out by the Arizona Democratic Party "shameful," saying it unfairly attacks Schweikert for his pro-life stance.

"David Schweikert if out of step with mainstream Arizona," reads the mailer. "He would overturn Roe v. Wade and opposes a woman's right to choose even in cases of rape and incest.

"It's time to tell politicians with extreme positions like David Schweikert that women want and deserve control over their own bodies," the ad concludes.

"It just shows how desperate the Democrats are in district five," wrote Schweikert communications director J.P. Twist.

Twist went on to say that due to Schweikert's personal history, the ad crosses a line. Schweikert was put up for adoption by a young mother who was counseled against having an abortion.

David Schweikert

David Schweikert, Republican candidate for the 5th Congressional District seat, is calling a mail piece sent out by the Arizona Democratic Party "shameful," saying it unfairly attacks Schweikert for his pro-life stance.

"David Schweikert if out of step with mainstream Arizona," reads the mailer. "He would overturn Roe v. Wade and opposes a woman's right to choose even in cases of rape and incest.

"It's time to tell politicians with extreme positions like David Schweikert that women want and deserve control over their own bodies," the ad concludes.

"It just shows how desperate the Democrats are in district five," wrote Schweikert communications director J.P. Twist.

Twist went on to say that due to Schweikert's personal history, the ad crosses a line. Schweikert was put up for adoption by a young mother who was counseled against having an abortion.

The League of Conservation Voters has endorsed U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-Tempe) Tuesday in his re-election bid against Republican challenger David Schweikert, the organization announced.

"Congressman Mitchell has done a remarkable job in his first term, working across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation that promotes clean energy, energy efficiency and holds oil companies responsible," said League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinksi. "His hard work will help create thousands of new jobs in Arizona, cleaner air and safer water for Arizona families."

"Harry Mitchell has stood up for Arizona's environment during his time as mayor and at the state capitol," said Catlin. "We knew he would take that commitment to Washington and he has delivered. We are thrilled to send him back."

Yesterday Inside Edge reported former U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate Fred Thompson would be in state on October 22nd to do a fundraiser for Tim Bee.  Inside Edge learned earlier today that Thompson will also be doing an event for David Schweikert before the election.

Rumor on the streets is Vice-President Dick Cheney is coming to Arizona for a fund raising event with AZ-5 Republican David Schweikert. Evidence points to a fund raising event by either Cheney or George Bush in the near future. On September 8th Schweikert amended his statement of organization to add an affiliated committee - Friends of David Schweikert. A similar committee was filed by Tim Bee before Bush's fundraiser.

The Schweikert campaign says they have not had contact with the VP's office. **Note: While this is not a confirmed visit, it is standard procedure and required for a campaign to deny a visit from the President or VP until just before the visit.