As we sat at former Senate candidate J.D. Hayworth's primary night headquarters, we found it rather odd that his opponent, Senator John McCain, gave his victory speech before Hayworth showed up to concede -- there was a reason.
Traditionally, the loser of an election calls the winner to concede and offer their congratulations once the results become clear. That didn't happen on Tuesday night.
By about 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, it was clear Hayworth was the loser, but he made no call to McCain -- and still hasn't.
A McCain aide tells New Times that over the weekend Hayworth's campaign manager, David Payne, reached out to the McCain campaign to get a number to call on election night.
Hayworth's campaign spokesman, Mark Sanders, even called the number given to Payne on Monday to make sure it would work on election night.
McCain watched the results come in at his home and at 8:15, when it was fairly clear he had won, made his way to the convention center to meet supporters.
No call from Hayworth.
McCain waited 40 minutes for Hayworth call him, and it never happened.
Apparently tired of waiting, McCain hit the stage and and gave his victory speech.
"It's obviously classless, but not at all surprising to folks who've watched Hayworth for any amount of time," the aide says. "He basically did the same thing after Mitchell beat him in 2006 - refused to concede on election night and actually never gave a speech that night to thank his supporters and staff."
Way to go out like an asshole, J.D. -- we didn't expect anything less.
