AZ-01: OPEN (Kirkpatrick) (D) - Northeast: Flagstaff, Navajo Nation, Casa Grande Toss Up. Kirkpatrick's decision to run for Senate makes this northern Arizona seat one of Republicans' best pickup opportunities. But Democrats are optimistic that their latest entry, former state Sen. Tom O'Halleran, has the unique nonpartisan profile it will take to win this Romney-won seat. O'Halleran, a former Republican, narrowly lost a race for state senate as an independent in 2014. On the Republican side, former Secretary of State Ken Bennett and rancher/2014 candidate Gary Kiehne are the frontrunners, but Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu is considering as well. Kiehne may be able to raise more money than Bennett, but Republicans are worried that Kiehne's history of controversial statements and Babeu's personal baggage could give Democrats an extended lease they don't deserve here. AZ-02: Martha McSally (R) - Southeast: Tucson, Cochise County Lean Republican. After several top choices passed, the Democratic primary looks like it's coming down to state Rep. Victoria Steele, a counselor and former news anchor, and former state Rep. Matt Heinz, a physician. But even some

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