Rebekah L. Sanders

The Republic | azcentral.com

Democrats face steep odds to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz., in his East Valley's 5th District.

The party has lost every election in which it has fielded a candidate since 2002 by a whopping 28 to 39 points. Its voters are outnumbered by Republicans 2-to-1. And the promise of an easy November win has drawn five GOP competitors into the August primary race.

What Democrat would take those odds?

Meet, Talia Fuentes, an aspiring veterinarian and single mom. She doesn't live in the district but touts her family's ties to the area, such as her grandfather's Chandler cotton farm that was begun in 1935.

Her strategy is to appeal to the area's high number of independents. But the challenge is many of those voters lean conservative.

Fuentes talked to The Arizona Republic about her campaign. Her responses have been edited for space and clarity.

Question: How old are you?

Answer: 30.



Q: Where do you live?

A: I currently live in Tempe due to a co-parenting situation with my son's father, however ... I will be moving back to the district (in a year after her son moves on from his school).



Q: What is your current job?

A: I work from home for a sports technology company called Synergy capturing live game footage for the NBA, NCAA, NHL and MLB.

Q: What is your education?

A: I was supposed to graduate this May from ASU Poly. However, my mother's cancer came to light last year and I decided to draw it out. I have two classes left (to earn) ... a B.S. Applied Biological Sciences (and will be) applying to veterinary school.

Q: What is your previous elected or government experience?

A: None.

Q: What are your top three issues?

A: Education access and affordability. Climate change and environmental preservation. Rebuilding the middle class by raising the minimum wage and reinstating the Glass-Steagall Act that limits banks.

Q: Why are you running against the odds?

A: I could not stomach the thought of someone not fighting for the majority population of the place I call home and feel scientific reasoning is severely lacking within our government, which I hope to fix.

The man many wanted to topple McCain kisses politics goodbye