Russell Pearce (center)State Rep. Russell Pearce announced today (Wednesday) he has created his exploratory committee for a possible challenge to U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz. This would be a Republican primary race in Congressional District 6, which is dominated by GOP voters from Mesa and Gilbert. The Tribune first reported July 15 that Pearce was seriously looking at a bid as he has reached his term limit in the Legislature. Pearce is convinced Flake’s views on immigration reform make him vulnerable in a Republican primary.Former state lawmaker Stan Barnes tried and failed four years ago to use immigration as a wedge to separate Flake from the Republican grassroots that are so important in this district. But immigration has become a more hotly contested issue since the 2004 primary, and the differences between Pearce and Flake on this issue would be more clearly defined for voters. There are previous few other political disagreements between the two, which usually gives an overwhelming advantage to an incumbent congressman.Some other state lawmakers have used exploratory committees to raise campaign money while avoiding the state’s

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