Sen. John McCain is leaning on top political aides to Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey in his bid to win a sixth term.
Ducey, then Arizona’s treasurer, navigated a crowded primary field on his way to the GOP nomination and victory in the general election one year ago. McCain, a Grand Canyon State institution and the Republican Party’s presidential nominee in 2008, is hoping to do the same next year, albeit the strength of competition he’ll face in the primary has yet to be determined. McCain trounced former Rep. J.D. Hayworth in the primary in 2010 despite a Tea Party insurgency, which continues to call for the political scalp of the senator it considers the face of the GOP establishment.
“I am proud of the team we have assembled for this campaign,” McCain, 79, said in a statement. “For the next fourteen months, our team will build a grassroots campaign united around my message and record of building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Arizona and America. Serving the people of our state has been the greatest honor of my life, and I look forward to this campaign.”
McCain’s 2016 team includes:
Ryan O’Daniel, senior advisor to Ducey’s 2014 campaign, will serve as campaign manager. Ryan toiled on several legislative and municipal campaigns in Arizona. He advised Ducey during his gubernatorial transition.
Blaze Baggs, a field hand for Ducy’s 2014 campaign involved in grassroots voter turnout, will serve as field director for McCain’s campaign. Blaze most recently was press and policy coordinator for Ducey’s administration.
Stephen Shadegg will serve as the campaign’s political director and deputy campaign manager. Shadegg is the son of former Rep. John Shadegg and the grandson of Stephen C. Shadegg, the longtime close adviser and campaign manager for the late Sen. Barry Goldwater.
Lorna Romero will serve as communications director. Recently an associate director with the Arizona consulting firm Veridus, Romero served as the director of legislative affairs for Ducey’s predecessor, Republican Gov. Jan Brewer.
