Doug Ducey punts with Jon Kyl selection to succeed John McCain

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey punted, choosing the political safety of a short-term placeholder over an ambitious appointment that might have shaped the future of the seat left vacant with the death of iconic Sen. John McCain.

Ducey on Tuesday selected Republican Jon Kyl. A former senator who served in leadership, Kyl is a respected conservative who is competent and experienced. But he committed to serve only through the beginning of next year, a convenient timeline that allows Ducey to get past a dicey re-election bid without risking blowback from GOP cliques whose support he needs to win.