"The AZ Insider" with Kathy Shayna Shocket: Get the inside scoop on Arizona's social scene and celebrity news.
This week: A behind the scenes peek at private PV political event
As guests arrived at the private fundraiser in a posh Paradise Valley home, many of them stopped to mingle with the Vice President and share their support for Republican issues. I’m talking about a former Vice President, of course (as our current Vice President and Democrat Joe Biden, more than likely wouldn’t have turned out for this political gathering).
It was Dan Quayle. And the crowd of about 75 guests was there to support his son Ben Quayle who is running for Congress. He’s facing Democratic nominee John Hulburd and Libertarian candidate Michael Shoen in the November election, now just weeks away. Most Arizonans are familiar with this particular race for Congressional District 3. The high profile race has been a magnet for headlines, especially because there were ten Republicans running in the primary and at times, became heated.
Congressman John Shadegg, a Republican who is retiring, has held the seat on Capitol Hill for eight terms. District 3 has traditionally been characterized as a Republican and seemingly conservative district. Currently, it has a nine-point percentile registration advantage with 39% registered Republicans, 31% registered Independents and 30% registered Democrats. The district in North Phoenix stretches from Bethany Home Road, following the I-17 corridor to the community of New River.
The social calendar, (even during the normally quiet summer in Paradise Valley), has been buzzing with political fundraisers. For those gathered at this particular event for Ben Quayle, it was also a chance to mingle through Sheila and Mike Ingram’s home. The 10,000 square foot sprawling home is adorned with fine Southwestern art. The abode which also has a bit of Tuscany architecture boasts a home theatre and luxurious fish tank built into the living room and front powder room walls. It’s a grand display of a rainbow of tropical fish. In the picture above, I asked Mike and Shelia to pose with Ben in front of that spectacular fish tank.
Sen. Jon Kyl and former V.P. Dan Quayle
In the picture above I captured a moment of political conversation between Sen. Jon Kyl and former V.P. Dan Quayle. Yes, the guest list of supporters included some political heavyweights and business entrepreneurs. A case in point was John Dawson (king of the Scottsdale Plaza Resort), event specialist Sallie Sargent and US Airways Exec. CA Howlett.
John Dawson, Sallie Sargent and CA Howlett
Co-hosts of the fundraiser were the king of Shamrock Foods, Norman McClleland; founders of Childhelp and Shamrock Foods’ Phil Giltner.
The event at the Ingram’s was held on the heels of other Quayle events including the one at the home of Georgia and Steve Wolf.
More Candidate Buzz
John Driggs, Georgia and Steve Wolfe
Georgia and Steve Wolfe also opened their home in North central Phoenix recently for a private party to support Kate Brophy McGee. She’s the Republican candidate running for Arizona House of Representatives District 11. Some familiar faces were in the crowd, including those such as John Driggs, who have been a major part of Phoenix’s history. John, who was mayor of Phoenix for two terms in the early 70’s, looks fantastic! Just take a look at this photo I took of him flanked by Georgia and Steve Wolfe. By the way, John’s son, Adam Driggs is running for State Senate in District 11.
Kate Brophy McGee and Bob and Carol Matthews
Bob and Carol Matthews, pictured above with Kate Brophy McGee, were co-hosts with several others of the fundraiser. The philanthropic couple has been involved with many charitable causes.
Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Writer, and TV- Field Producer based in Phoenix, AZ. The former TV-Reporter has written for publications such as TIME Magazine, Money Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, The HollywoodReporter and The NEW YORK TIMES. You can reach her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
