Giffords Formally Launches Campaign for Arizona’s 8th Congressional Seat
Giffords Formally Launches Campaign for Arizona’s 8th Congressional Seat
Congressman Raúl Grijalva Endorses State Senate Trailblazer
TUCSON €“ Former State Senator Gabrielle Giffords formally launched her campaign for Arizona’s 8th Congressional seat today. In front of a crowd of hundreds of supporters, Giffords stated that she is in this race to win it and is excited about representing the people of Southern Arizona in Washington, DC.
“I’ve served in the Arizona House and the Arizona Senate, and I’ve learned the ins and the outs of the issues,” said Giffords during her announcement. “I have a record of protecting Arizona’s families; I have a record of protecting Arizona’s environment; I have a record of protecting Arizona’s jobs.”
Giffords has attracted widespread bipartisan support from Southern Arizona residents. Her entry into the race for the open 8th Congressional seat has long been anticipated by many current supporters.
Her endorsement by Democratic Congressman Raúl Grijalva has been seen by many as an indicator of widespread support from progressive Arizona Democrats. “Gabrielle is a proven leader and a native Arizonan who has worked hard in the community over the years, which is why I have always appreciated her,” said Grijalva. “Best of all, she is a good candidate who can win.”
In the Arizona legislature, Giffords gained a reputation for developing solutions to complex problems in the areas of education, healthcare and the environment. She looks forward to addressing those issues on the Federal level. “As I did in the Arizona legislature, I will work to find ways to make medicine accessible and affordable,” Giffords said. “Arizona’s seniors are still having to take a bus to Sonora to find affordable prescription drugs €“ that’s not right!”
Joining Giffords at today’s kick-off was a bipartisan group of Arizonans who support her as the best choice for the people of Arizona’s 8th Congressional District. Congressman Grijalva introduced Giffords and was joined by Campaign Chair Michael McNulty, and Campaign Treasurer Laura Almquist. Other supporters of the Giffords campaign include former Congressman Jim McNulty, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, Douglas Mayor Ray Borane, former Tucson Mayor George Miller and former Pima County Assessor Rick Lyons.
Gabrielle Giffords was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2000; she was then elected to the Arizona Senate in 2002 and 2004. She served on the Appropriations, Commerce and Economic Development, Family Services and Finance Committees. Giffords received a Master’s Degree in Regional Planning from Cornell University. She is a graduate of Scripps College, where she was awarded a William Fulbright Scholarship for work with the Mennonite community in Chihuahua, Mexico. Giffords served as President and Chief Executive Officer of El Campo Tire, Inc.
A third generation Arizonan, Giffords enjoys spending time outdoors. Her commitment to protecting the environment earned her the Most Valuable Player at the Arizona Legislature award from the Sierra Club in 2005.
