VP Biden headlines Phoenix fundraiser for Obama

PHOENIX (AP) -- Vice President Joe Biden's visit to Phoenix on Thursday and a visit by first lady Michelle Obama set for April 30 in Tucson are sparking talk that Democrats think they may be able to win Arizona in the fall.

Republicans say don't bet on it.

Biden attended a fundraiser at the Heard Museum to benefit President Barack Obama's re-election campaign, the Democratic National Committee and several state Democratic campaigns, drawing more than 100 of the party faithful.

"We think we have a real shot at winning the presidential race here in Arizona," Biden said to raucous applause.

The Obama campaign is not accepting the conventional wisdom that Arizona will go Republican, and "you're going to see organizers here," Biden added.

Biden said he believes Democrats will prevail because for "the first time in my career, the Republicans aren't hiding the ball. ... They're saying exactly what they believe."

Voters won't embrace the GOP agenda to "end Medicare as we know it" and slash other programs, according to Biden.

He said the expected matchup between Obama and the Republicans' presumptive nominee, Mitt Romney, will present "the starkest choice of any presidential election in my memory."

Among those gathered to hear Biden speak at the private event was Democratic Party Executive Director Luis Heredia, who said he believed Obama has a chance in Arizona. He noted that despite what Republicans say about Arizona being locked up for the GOP, Romney is set to hold a rally here Friday.

"Arizona has all the ingredients for winning: A large segment of the independent vote, an engaged Latino electorate, a contrast of how Republicans have overreached in this state," Heredia said. "When you define everything, you can't just say it's one element over another one, (but) this state is very much in play.

"I think if you calculate what they're doing, and how intent they're fighting back against that, they seriously see what we're seeing on the ground," Heredia added.

Republican National Committee spokesman Darren Littell said a Democratic win is about as likely as a cool August day in Phoenix.

"Arizona's a red state," Littell said. "The idea that Obama thinks it's in play is a complete mirage."

Phoenix City Councilman Michael Johnson said he believes Obama has an outstanding chance to win the state, which he lost to John McCain by 9 percentage points in 2008.

"I think there are a lot of good people here who believe in what the president is doing, believe in the direction that the president is actually taking the country, and really have hope that they can do it," Johnson said. "I think we put everything together that's it very well possible that the president could win here the same as Clinton did."

Former President Bill Clinton won the state during his 1996 re-election race.