I don’t foresee any more influence than say, Halliburton had.

So, enough influence to start a war and make millions in defense contracts? I’ll take it.

The AZMOs I know are mostly reactionary hicks, bless their hearts. When the illegals left, a lot of businesses were left hurting. It sunk in for enough people that there was some pushback.

But seriously, anyone with real compassion would have to take exception to the crackdown. Such as: Illegals have no legal protection against predators and thieves, the cops use them as a personal piggy bank since the only place they can store their cash is on their person, their property can be stolen at any time under color of law, etc.

My assessment of conservative Mormons in Utah and elsewhere is that they are not really buying into the kinder and gentler stance the Church is peddling on immigration.

As an Arizona resident, I think you might be overstating the Church’s political influence. Pierce was an asshole and that got exposed in a big way. I’m pretty damn conservative and most in my circle of friends lost trust in Pierce, starting with the Fiesta Bowl and Pierce’s connection to the event. The statement made by the Church was not influential in this district or election. It mainly had to do with Pierce and a complete rejection of who he was and the political mud-slinging he constantly engaged in.

Good to know…

But, a few things about the Arizona race: both of the candidates were Republicans, and many of their differences were more tone than substance, although Mr. Lewis was significantly more moderate and open to compromise than Mr. Pearce on immigration.