Seems likely.
But notice that he is “straddling the fence” (and thereby NOT assuring voters that Cindy McCain is eliminated, or an more liberal (establishment RINO) is appointed by not saying ANYTHING until after the primary (er, burial).
We are very fortunate the vote on Judge Kavanaugh is pending and soon.
Ducey will be forced to name a replacement rather than dawdling and it absolutely cannot be someone who even thinks twice about supporting Kavanaugh. Therefore it will be someone reasonably conservative.
My AZ sources tell me the following:
*Both McCains are out.
*DeWitt is out
*Jon Kyl told me months ago he isn’t interested.
*the appointment will be someone who will “help Ducey” (but I don’t know if that means this election or in the future. I’m guessing both.
*”Could be someone unexpected.”
Further, simple logic says it will not be either McSally or Ward: this would have the effect of “punishing” the winner of the primary (likely McSally) if he named the loser, in which case the winner might lose the general. If he named the winner of the primary, I’m not sure what protocol is on what follows. I don’t know that automatically the nomination to run for Flake’s seat would fall to the loser (likely Ward).
Either way, this would stir up a real hornet’s nest. My strong suspicion is that he stays out of the primary and names someone else.
What about current congressmen? Doubt it. I think either Schweikert or Grajalva would have seniority, Biggs is the most conservative but a freshman, and I’m told Gosar really doesn’t want it. Regardless, naming ANY house member would a) cause a war with all the other factions, b) throw open yet one more House seat that we can’t afford to lose.
There are suggestions about former Gov. Jan Brewer (a strong possibility if she wants it) or former Cong. Matt Salmon (a decent choice). But Brewer is a Trumper who Ducey banned from the state convention delegation, and Salmon has a full time gig. Probably either would be acceptable to both wings of the AZ GOP and would be a “soft Trump” support in the Senate-—but certainly not a Flakey or McTurd.
Finally, one source tells me it’s just his “guess” that Ducey could go completely unexpected with his chief of staff Kirk Adams. But I doubt he’ll go with anyone who hasn’t won some election somewhere.
Oh, and I humbly volunteer for the seat.