No Graf lost because CD8 leans left. Right out of the primary Graf was way behind the polls. The minute Kolbe announces his retirement CD8 could be safely moved to the Dem column, then when a hardliner won the GOP primary it became all done but the crying. It also didn't help that sometimes Graf comes off as a little crazy. The RNC shouldn't have given him money, they'd have just been pissing it waway.
Several Freepers who live in the 8th said they knew people who voted against Graf because of incorrect statements that were applied to him and his inability to get the word out. I'm in a very conservative part of the State, so I have to go by what people who live in the Tucson area have to say.... but, yes, it's a very liberal district.
Buuuutttt...it's the RINO's fault! If we ran Graf clones in every district, we'd win every race if it weren't for the RINO's! Clearly, since I like Graf, and deem him to be acceptably 'conservative' as I define it, he's the greatest candidate ever!
/sarcasm