Jim Pederson (businessman and politician)

After high school in Casa Grande, Pederson went to the University of Arizona where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's in public administration.

Both won, and credit is often given to Pederson for his funding,[1] his fundraising ability,[2][3] and his leadership in rebuilding the Democratic party infrastructure.

[4] Pederson's work, however, did not carry the state for Democratic candidate John Kerry in the 2004 U.S. presidential election, and none of the much-publicized campaigns by Democratic challengers in Arizona for the 2004 United States House of Representatives elections were successful in unseating Republican incumbents.

On September 14, 2005, Pederson formally announced his intention to run, in his home town of Casa Grande, Arizona.

As of May 7, Kyl's campaign had raised over $9 million primarily from private donations and large fundraising dinners.