The 2010 Congressional races could prove to be a turning point in Arizona politics, as Rep. Harry Mitchell, a District 5 Democrat, faces criticism from both sides of the political spectrum and long-time Sen. John McCain faces an inexperienced, but determined opponent.

Mitchell, serving his second term in office, represents a legislative district that includes the Tempe campus of the University and part of Scottsdale.

The Tempe representative has tried to reach out to his diverse constituency by labeling himself a “moderate” and working closely with Republican Rep. Jeff Flake. Though he voted in favor of the stimulus package, Mitchell has voted against his own party on the $490 billion omnibus spending bill, which determines 2010 spending for a variety of different federal agencies. He also voted against President Barack Obama’s proposed 2010 budget.

Mitchell’s press secretary Adam Bozzi said this demonstrates Mitchell’s pragmatism during the economic crisis.

The stimulus package was necessary to jump-start the slumping economy, but the other spending would simply burden future generations with excessive debt, Bozzi said.

“In a time when many people in Arizona and across the country aren’t working, it’s important for fiscal responsibility to start at home,” he said. “[And] I think you’ll see a strong record of fiscal responsibility if you look at where Congressman Mitchell is voting.”

Bozzi also pointed to Mitchell’s record of expanding Mesa’s Gateway Airport, which has led to the creation of jobs, and his calls for transparency in the distribution of Troubled Assets Relief Program, or TARP, funds.

But Young Democrats President RJ Watson said some members of the party are concerned Mitchell could be alienating other Democrats.

“That’s been a concern of a few Democrats, that he’s alienating the base to try to appeal to independents,” Watson said.

Watson did not give his personal opinion on Mitchell’s negative votes on the budget and the spending package, but he said the Young Democrats are “strong supporters” of Mitchell regardless.

“He’s our Democratic representative in Congress,” he said. “We support him now, and we’ll probably support him in 2010.”

On the Republicans’ side, former Maricopa County Treasurer David Schweikert is poised to oppose Mitchell for a second time. Schweikert lost the last election by 10 percentage points in the fall 2008 elections, but he said he is confident he will be able to take Mitchell’s seat in 2010.

Schweikert said Mitchell’s approval of the stimulus package plunged future generations into debt. This could upset young voters from across the spectrum, he said.

“If you’re the biggest liberal in town, and you care about causes, like the environment, that you want to pay for [in the future], there’s going to be no money left to pay for it,” he said.

One of the state’s two senatorial seats will also be up for grabs in 2010. Sen. John McCain’s term ends that year, and he is facing one of the most provocative and controversial candidates on the ballot in recent years.

Immigration activist Chris Simcox is expected to announce his candidacy Wednesday. Simcox is the founder of the anti-illegal immigration group, the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps. Founded in April 2005, the group patrols the U.S.-Mexico border looking for people crossing into the United States illegally and reports them to Border Patrol.

Simcox did not comment on the border issue, insisting he is not a one-issue candidate. Instead, he accused McCain of being “elitist” and taking his office for granted.

“What we’re doing is challenging John Mccain’s sense of entitlement for what he seems to consider a lifelong position,” Simcox said. “We’re trying to being Sen. McCain back down to where the people are.”

McCain’s office declined to comment on Simcox, but sent an e-mail statement saying he takes every race seriously.

“I always anticipate spirited races and don’t take anything for granted,” the statement read.

Reach the reporter at derek.quizon@asu.edu.