Brewer to weigh GOP candidates at Arizona debate

PHOENIX — While tonight's presidential debate airs nationwide, at least some of the pitch by the four contenders will be toward someone sitting front and center: Gov. Jan Brewer.

The governor has so far withheld her endorsement for who she believes should be her party's standard-bearer in the November race to oust incumbent President Barack Obama. Brewer said she wants to hear what they have to say when they face off in Mesa.

Top issues for her are jobs and the economy, the border, states' rights and natural resources. And Brewer is expecting the two-hour event hosted by CNN to be far more educational than those that have come before.

Some of that is simply the fact that there are only four people to answer questions, as other would-be presidential candidates have fallen by the wayside. But the governor said she also believes the discussion will be far more focused.

“I think that the issues will be answered more concisely,” Brewer said.

But that focus also means it is less likely that the candidates, having a chance to polish and refine their message, will make mistakes.

“They're more experienced and they know what the people want them to talk about and the problems the people want them to solve.”

At this point, the governor is not tipping her hand on who might get her backing.

“I think all the candidates are notable on several different issues that make it more difficult for us as voters to determine exactly who we are going to support.”

The governor pointed out this is the last scheduled currently scheduled debate, and definitely the final one not only before next week's Arizona and Michigan primaries but also before Super Tuesday the following week. That could put pressure on the contenders to break away from the pack.

“Someone's got to jump out front and shine. I'm thinking that we might see that.”

Brewer said she isn't making predictions about what her endorsement might mean to the recipient. But she said they can make a difference, especially in national races.

“Locally, you're able to know your candidates.” But she said when voters are less familiar with a name on the ballot, “I believe they will go with someone they respect” who has endorsed that person.

Earlier this week, Public Policy Polling found Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum in a virtual dead heat among Arizona Republicans questioned. That means Brewer's backing of either one could make a difference — though not necessarily what she might have in mind.

While a quarter of Republicans questioned said her endorsement would help sway them in favor of that candidate, another 21 percent said her backing would help convince them to vote for someone else.