Prediction: 2020 AZ Senate race will be Ducey vs Mark Kelly
And we win big time.
If Ducey didn't want the seat but wanted to promote someone else to the Senate he would have appointed them now.
Appointing Kyl to the Senate allows him run in 2020 while still Governor without having to give up his position.
Ducey cannot succeed himself to a third term (without a break) so he can run with no downside.
If Mark Kelly runs I predict we have an easy win because of the emotional connection to him and Gabby and the fact that he is very smart and articulate. He has a great record on sensible gun control that has broad appeal in AZ.
He has been on Dems' minds since 2013
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2013/01/31/mark-kelly-arizona-democrats-dream-candidate/?utm_term=.d1aec8802cb3
Look at his latest tweet and tell me that guy doesn't grab you
https://twitter.com/ShuttleCDRKelly?lang=en
There is a clip with both Mark and Gabby where someone asked if he were running for the Senate and he had a very specific reply
"Not for this seat"
This was widely understood that he wasn't going to create problems in the primary and helped clear the field for Sinema.
But it was said in such a way that it clearly meant that he was considering 2020.
Gabby also said that she might be open for 2020 which I took as meaning that she would encourage Mark to run.
At both the Pima and Maricopa events speakers made a big move to thank the couple ( they were at the one at Maricopa County) for their support for the candidates.