AAPI VOTE 2018: Indian American physician has pulled even with opponent, says new poll

TIPERMENI FOR CONGRESS

Democratic candidate Hiral Tipermeni is hoping to turn a red district blue.

THE DEEP RED Eighth Congressional District of Arizona is supposed a safe district but a new poll says it is now a dead heat. That's good news for the Democratic Hiral Tipirneni, and Indian/American physician.

A new poll of district voters by Emerson College shows Tipirneni leading Republican state senator Debbie Lesko by a 46-45 margin.

Earlier polls had Lesko leading by double digits. The poll numbers are similar to polls prior to Pennsylvania's vote 18th District where Republicans had a safe lead. Democrat Conor Lamb ended up taking that seat.

Tipirneni was delighted with the poll results Monday (April 16). She says the turnabout was because of her positions on issues that people in the district are most concerned about, particularly the future of health care and Social Security

Riding the Blue Wave, the backlash against Donald Trump, political novice Tipirmeni has even raised more funds that her opponent, a more seasoned politician.

Out of fear of losing another deep-red district, the GOP has begun pouring money into Lesko's campaign. Three groups ― the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee and the Congressional Leadership Fund super PAC ― have together spent nearly $1 million boosting Lesko’s bid, dwarfing the Tipirmeni's $750,000 war chest.

While local Democratic groups have pitched in, the response from the national Democratic organizations have been disappointing monetarily, perhaps withhoding any cash contributions because the Eighth District is so solidly Republican.

That didn't prevent the Asian/American groups from throwing their support to Tipirmeni.

ASPIRE PAC, AAAFund, AAPI Victory Fund, and the Indian American Impact Fund have endorsed her candidacy and that includes financial support.

Republicans have strong roots in the district and make up 41 percent of registered voters — a huge advantage over Democrats, who only make up 24 percent of registered voters. It’s home to Maricopa County and Arpaio, the racist sheriff known for infringing on the constitutional rights of residents by assuming immigration status. 

Despite Arizona’s fast-growing Latino population statewide, the Eighth District is nearly 90 percent white. Almost half the population is 55 or older. It includes the Sun City retirement community, a massive chunk of the district that consistently votes Republican.

Tipermeni believes her focus on local issues is her strong suit while her opponent rails against immigrants. As a former ER doctor, when she speaks about health care and other safety net issues, people believe her, especially the retirees who depend on Social Security, Medicare or Medicaide. She believes she made inroads on the Republicans who voted for Trump in 2016.

Perhaps there is one sign that the GOP is nervous about the Eighth District. Conservative national media outlets have begun running negative articles about Tipermeni. Unfortunately, national mainstream media have not focused on the Arizona contest, which may be one reason the national Democratic institutions have been slow to react.

“There’s no conventional wisdom that’s applied here,” she told Think Progress. “This is a very winnable race… If there’s a time for change, it is now.”

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