Gabrielle Giffords Wins Democratic Nomination in Arizona’s Congressional District 8

TUCSON - Third generation Southern Arizonan Gabrielle Giffords was elected by the voters of Southern Arizona as the Democratic nominee for Congress in Arizona’s District 8 today. In her victory speech, she said that voters in the General Election face a choice between common sense leadership that brings people together and wedge issues that drive people apart.

“I will follow in the tradition of Congressmen Mo Udall and Jim McNulty — who is here with us tonight,” she said later. “They protected this beautiful place, and spoke plain English, and had the guts to tackle tough issues. And we can do that today, by grabbing hold of the values we have in common, not by grasping in the dark at fears to divide us. We know our values — strengthening our communities, creating opportunity, living up to our responsibilities, and keeping our families safe. These aren’t just Democratic values; these aren’t just Republican values — these are our values — America’s values.

“What is unmistakably clear is that the choice in this election is between common sense or beliefs that don’t fit Southern Arizona. If you elect me in November, I will work my heart out to bring Southern Arizona together, not drive wedges to force us apart.”

GIffords, who received 54% of the vote (with 89 percent of precincts reporting results), was joined at her victory celebration by two of her Democratic opponents, Patty Weiss, who came in a strong second, and U.S. Army veteran Alex Rodriguez. The two pledged their support to Giffords’ campaign for a new direction in Washington.