Kirkpatrick contender takes Ariz. job

A potential contender to face freshman Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick
(D-Ariz.) in 2010 has taken an appointment to become Arizona’s next secretary
of state.

Former state Senate President Ken Bennett (R), who was
unsuccessfully wooed for the open-seat race to replace Rep. Rick Renzi (R) last
cycle, was awarded the post by the incoming governor, Jan Brewer (R).

{mosads}Despite the battleground nature of the northern Arizona
district, Kirkpatrick cruised to victory last year over Republican
businesswoman Sydney Hay. Hay wound up with the Republican nomination after
several more prominent GOPers passed on the race.

Were Bennett to run against Kirkpatrick in 2010, he would
have to begin campaigning for the office soon after assuming his new duties.

He has also hinted at a run for governor, but Brewer’s
ascension and the appointment would appear to make that unlikely.

Brewer will replace Homeland Security Secretary-designate
Janet Napolitano, the current Democratic governor of the state.

Bennett will assume Brewer’s current job. Arizona does
not have a lieutenant governor, so secretary of state is second in line for
gubernatorial vacancies.