CERRITOS, Calif., Aug. 3, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The sun is not the only thing heating up the Arizona desert. Author George Chalagonian takes readers back to the 1994 U.S. Congressional elections in his new novel, The Sage Brush Rebels (now available through AuthorHouse), which focuses on Arizona's senate race.
The political game in Arizona is as prickly as a cactus, as dry as the desert air and as sweltering as the heat, but Nick Chaconas, a Republican representative for the 4th District, finds his race nothing to sweat about. His sixth term seems to be a sure thing according to his insane campaign manager, Alex "the Terrible" Jasonovich. However, this realization is more troubling than reassuring as Nick wonders if the challenge of politics has been lost after so many easy victories.
Then an opportunity arises. The Republicans are poised for a coup in the 1994 elections and hope to retake the majority on Capitol Hill. However, Washington, D.C. insider "Uncle" Tim Donley, Nick's senior staff chief, mentor, resident dealmaker and oracle, has a different take. A military procurement scandal brewing around Democratic Sen. Daniel De La Cruz of Arizona has forced him into retirement, which leaves a seat in the Senate open. After some coaxing from "Uncle Tim," Nick is left with a choice between a safe seat in the House or a risky race for Senate against one of the most powerful titans on the Hill. He could keep his job, which bores him, or he could lose and return to the measly world of real estate law. There is also the secret romance Nick shared with the future German Minister of Defense, Christine Rahm, during law school at Oxford University. Knowledge of his indiscretion could jeopardize his reputation and family life.
A novel of risks and secrets, The Sage Brush Rebels is a detailed examination of political mudslinging, the difficult election process and the consequences of public life in America.
Chalagonian is a teacher, lecturer and international affairs specialist. An astute observer of Arizona politics for nearly 40 years, he was elected to the Maricopa County (Ariz.) Precinct Committee at 21. After earning a degree in political science from Arizona State University, he moved to Taiwan and taught English. He has also worked for the U.S. Navy and as a political asylum officer for the Department of Homeland Security. The Sage Brush Rebels is his first novel.
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