Carville helps Mitchell; Mitchell "supports" Pelosi

Two recent developments on the Harry Mitchell campaign: one, Dem power campaigner James Carville signs on to the Mitchell campaign; two, Mitchell offers tepid support for "Speaker" Pelosi.

1. Democratic strategist to help Mitchell's congressional run

Former Tempe mayor and current congressional challenger Harry Mitchell is getting some fundraising help from top Democratic strategist James Carville.

Mitchell is challenging Scottsdale Republican Congressman J.D. Hayworth for his U.S. House seat in November. The race is a tight one with a recent poll showing Hayworth with a slight lead.

Carville is a former campaign consultant to Bill Clinton and has been a leading Democratic strategist. He will headline a downtown Phoenix fundraiser for Mitchell June 8.

I also received an invitation to this fundraiser in my email today. It will be held Thursday, June 8th from 7:30am to 8:30am at Cheuvront's restaurant (owned by State Senator Ken Cheuvront, LD-15).

2. Most Red state Dems will stick with Leader Pelosi

An overwhelming number of Democratic incumbents running in congressional districts that President Bush won in 2004 would support the ascension of Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to Speaker should Democrats capture a majority of seats in November.

But a handful of Democratic challengers running in Republican-leaning congressional districts are much more cautious than their party’s incumbents.

...Harry Mitchell, who is challenging Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.), said he hadn’t thought about the issue and offered tepid support when he did. Asked if he would support Pelosi, he said, “I guess so. I wouldn’t vote for a Republican.”