“Experience, Wisdom, Trust” - Tucson Citizen Endorses Gabrielle Giffords
Gabrielle Giffords is known as a congenial but tough negotiator who wields logic and analysis to serve as the voice of reason.
By the Tucson Citizen Editorial Board
Gabrielle Giffords is the only candidate who can bring an exemplary record, rich experience, moderation and common sense to Congressional District 8.
Having enjoyed all those characteristics during 22 years with U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe, the district deserves nothing less.
While Giffords is a Democratic woman and Kolbe a Republican man, the two have far more commonalities than differences.
Giffords’ penchant for reasoning, logic and analysis long has earned her a high level of credibility. During two terms in the state House and as the youngest Arizona state senator ever, Giffords achieved much for her district and Arizona - despite being a Democrat from Pima County in a sea of Republicans from Maricopa County.
She has a proven ability to negotiate and cooperate, as well as a reputation for being congenial but tough.
Republican candidate Randy Graf has a solid core of support in southern Arizona, chiefly because of his enforcement-first approach to illegal immigration.
That platform allowed Graf to mount a credible, albeit losing, challenge against Kolbe two years ago.
He since has broadened his palette of issues and adopted a more civil tone in discussing illegal immigration, both commendable signs of progress.
Still, his record during two terms in the state House likely would be a harbinger for CD8.
For example, much to the chagrin of law enforcement, he sponsored a bill to let patrons carry concealed weapons in bars. It failed, fortunately.
Also, Graf promoted a public protest against a visit by Mexico President Vicente Fox in 2003.
Graf and CD8 hopefuls Jay Quick, an independent, and David Nolan, a Libertarian, cannot provide the statesmanship and credibility needed for this office.
Members of Congress must be able to work deftly and agreeably with others.
In addition, the CD8 representative should reflect the values and character of the district, which is largely moderate in its political character, as demonstrated by 11 straight elections of moderate Republican Kolbe.
In this four-way race, Giffords is the voice of reason. she also is marked by intelligence and insight.
She understands that illegal immigration cannot be stopped with a fence, just as 12 million or more illegal immigrants cannot be rounded up and deported or will not self-deport, as Graf suggests they will under the strictures of his proposals.
Rather, Giffords notes, we need myriad solutions, including high-tech border enforcement, economic development for Mexico and tamperproof IDs in a secure guest worker program so employers can hire legally - and be sanctioned if they do not.
Her stand on the war in Iraq also is reasonable - a call for a gradual withdrawal to ensure the safety of U.S. troops and Iraqis.
On other issues, from health care to Social Security, Giffords offers sensible, well-reasoned solutions.
The Tucson Citizen endorses Gabrielle Giffords for election to Congressional District 8.
[Note: Gabrielle Giffords is the youngest woman ever to have been elected to the Arizona State Senate. She is not the "youngest State Senator ever."]
