3rd-place finisher won't back either of his foes

The two Glendale mayoral candidates who survived last week's primary hope to corral residents who backed third-place finisher Walt Opaska.

In the wake of Opaska's loss, candidate Manuel Cruz called the "tea party" ally to discuss Glendale issues, and fellow conservative Jerry Weiers sent an e-mail to supporters emphasizing his own Republican credentials.

But Opaska, a political newcomer, said he has no immediate plans to endorse either candidate.

He and Weiers often sparred in the weeks leading up to the primary over their positions on a proposed sales-tax initiative and Opaska's campaign signs labeling Weiers, an eight-year state lawmaker, as a "career politician."

In a debate hosted by The Arizona Republic, the two conservative candidates tussled, and Opaska targeted Weiers more than Cruz, whose campaign has received backing from Democrats across the state.

Opaska acknowledged that the interactions with Weiers made him less apt to immediately voice support for either candidate in the nonpartisan race.

"At this point, I'm not going to endorse anyone in the race," Opaska said. "Some of what went on in the primary does have an effect on me not getting involved anymore and not wanting to endorse anyone."

Late last week, Weiers said he had yet to contact Opaska because he wanted to respect his space after his primary loss.

"When Walt is ready, I would love the opportunity to sit down and talk with him," Weiers said.

Meanwhile, Weiers publicly encouraged residents who supported Opaska to get behind Weiers' campaign.

"I want to thank Mr. Opaska for showing courage to run for office," Weiers said in a recent campaign e-mail. "As we are fellow conservatives, I share many of his viewpoints. The same cannot be said of Manuel Cruz, a liberal Democrat. He doesn't understand that Glendale has a spending problem."

Chuck Foy, Cruz's campaign manager, said that he could not provide details on the candidate's efforts to draw Opaska supporters but that the campaign will continue to focus on Glendale issues.

Valley political consultant Bob Grossfeld said Weiers' conservative politics may not automatically win him votes from Opaska supporters.

Municipal elections have become increasingly partisan, but many city voters are more apt to consider local issues such as Glendale's strained budget or city services rather than political party when they go the ballot box.

"(City candidates) are judged on very, very obvious simple things," Grossfeld said. "Is the garbage picked up? Is the water on? Do we have police officers when we need them?"

Opaska, who is involved with the local Republican Party, agreed.

"Jerry opposes the (proposed Tohono O'odham) casino, and I support it. It cuts both ways on Glendale issues," Opaska said. "City issues don't always fall along the typical Democratic-Republican line."

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