Monday night was one of the first actual debates among the candidates for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Arizona, minus the current seat's occupant. Former State Senator Kelli Ward, businessman Alex Meluskey and former radio host Clair Van Steenwyk took part in the forum hosted by the Tempe Republican Women.


John McCain did not take part in the debate, but was still on the mind of all the candidates who are actively seeking to replace him.


Kelli Ward is McCain's nearest opponent in latest polling released by Public Policy Polling, with the other candidates in single digits in the same poll. There have yet to be any televised debates, but that is likely to occur closer to the August primary.


The Democratic nominee is likely to be sitting U.S. Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, according to polling.

You can find my photos from the forum here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskx7uZq9