“Arizona needs leaders like Gabrielle who have the vision to see how a new industry can bloom in the desert and then do the hard work needed to turn those ideas into reality. I wholeheartedly endorse Gabrielle Giffords for Congress.” – Arizona Corporation Commission Chairwoman Kris Mayes

“Bar none, we have never had a more determined, better advocate for rural border security representing our district in Washington.” - Gary A. Thrasher D.V.M., veterinarian, cattleman, small business owner, Cochise County Republican

TUCSON – Giffords for Congress today is kicking-off the first in a series of endorsements with the announcement that Giffords has earned strong support from many of Southern Arizona’s leading Republicans and Independents.

“Gabrielle Giffords is working hard for Southern Arizona and the strong support she has earned from across the spectrum is evidence of that,” said campaign Chairman Michael McNulty. “Respected community leaders want Gabrielle to remain in Congress because they know she is a tireless advocate for the kind of practical, common sense solutions we need to solve our nation’s problems.”

Today’s announcement includes Arizona Corporation Commission Chairwoman Kris Mayes; former Arizona National Guard Adjutant Gen. David Rataczak; Sahuarita Mayor Lynne Skelton; former Chairwoman of the Cochise County Board of Supervisors and former President of the Arizona Board of Regents Judy Gignac; President, Chairman and CEO of Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy Paul Bonavia and longtime Tucson auto dealer Don Mackey.

“Party affiliation doesn’t matter to these men and women,” said McNulty. “They want a representative who rolls up her sleeves and reaches across the aisle to get the job done.”

Arizona Corporation Commission Chairwoman Kris Mayes praised Giffords. “Arizona is lucky to have a strong, thoughtful leader like Gabrielle Giffords. While many talk the talk, Gabrielle is providing real leadership developing a renewable energy industry here in Arizona that will create jobs, lower our dependence on foreign oil, and protect our environment. Arizona needs leaders like Gabrielle who have the vision to see how a new industry can bloom in the desert and then do the hard work needed to turn those ideas into reality. I wholeheartedly endorse Gabrielle Giffords for Congress.”

David Rataczak, who served as Adjutant General of the Arizona Army and Air National Guard from June 1999 through December 2008, highlighted Giffords’ work for Arizona’s military community. “When Washington bureaucrats tried to implement misguided changes that would have cost Arizona’s National Guard units hundreds of thousands of dollars and untold man-hours in wasted time, Gabrielle stood up for taxpayers and our troops. She single-handedly brought the issue to the attention of top Air Force officials and succeeded in preventing the unnecessary and costly changes. She is a tireless fighter for the 162nd Fighter Wing, working to ensure the future of its missions at Tucson International Airport as well as the millions of dollars it pumps into Southern Arizona’s economy every year.”

Sahuarita Mayor Lynne Skelton praised Giffords, saying “Gabrielle represents Southern Arizona with integrity. When faced with a tough decision, she does not simply do what is politically popular. Rather, she opens herself up to the questions and concerns of the public and really listens to what her community has to say. She may not agree with every comment she receives, but she always takes each concern to heart and makes her decision based on what she believes is right for our district and our state. Sending Gabrielle back to Congress is the right thing for Southern Arizona, and I am proud to endorse her.”

Judy Gignac, the former Chairwoman of the Cochise County Board of Supervisors and former vice president and general manager of Bella Vista Water Company in Sierra Vista, lauded Giffords’ deep connection to the district. “I don’t get bumper sticker statements from Gabrielle Giffords. What I get is thoughtful decision-making and an in-depth understanding of the issues. She educates herself about the needs of the business community and the many other constituencies she represents in Arizona’s 8^th District, and she delivers on her promises.”

“Gabrielle is a proven leader who turns good intentions into action,” said Paul Bonavia, the chairman, president, and CEO of UniSource Energy and Tucson Electric Power. “Just a year ago, she brought stakeholders from across the community together at our first Solar Forum. Today, every single one of the recommendations developed at that forum is well on its way to becoming a reality.  These solar energy projects will bring much-needed jobs, capital investment, and economic growth to Southern Arizona. This is the kind of results-oriented leadership we need, and it is why I’m proud to support Gabrielle.”

Lolly Almquist, a Republican, longtime community leader, and three-time Giffords for Congress campaign treasurer, commended Giffords’ strong values. “Gabrielle represents the values of our community, our state and our nation – in that order. She is a champion for our military community, including the Air National Guard 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson International Airport, and she stands out for her effective work on behalf of everyone in her district. As a longtime Republican, I can proudly say that I’m on her team, I trust her, and I believe in her.”

“Gabrielle Giffords is a smart and passionate representative of Southern Arizona,” stated longtime Arizona business owners Dorothy Finley and her son John Finley. “She has worked tirelessly on behalf of the needs of Arizona’s businesses – from those such as ours that have been here from generations to the promising new field of renewable energy. Her understanding of the complex issues faced by business owners in this tough economy as well as her commitment to the families, traditions and communities that make Southern Arizona special are second to none. We enthusiastically support Gabrielle.”

“Gabrielle is a passionate and effective public servant fighting for the interests of Arizona and our nation in Washington,” said businessman Steven Lightman. “Her commitment to her district and her keen understanding of the critical foreign affairs challenges facing America and its allies are impressive. I like Gabrielle, I respect her, and I am proud to support her re-election.”

Longtime Tucson-area automotive dealer Don Mackey praised Giffords’ hands-on work for local businesses. “Gabrielle is not your average politician. She works tirelessly for her constituents, no matter who they are. I am a life-long Republican, and when I received notice that my car dealership was being shut down, Gabrielle was the only elected official, on either side of the aisle, who helped me. Gabrielle is a true public servant, and I have pledged to her to do everything I can to make sure she continues to represent us in Washington. I won’t always agree with her on every issue but I can always trust that she is listening to all sides and doing her best to fairly represent her district.”

Tucson-based green building pioneer John Wesley Miller and his wife, community volunteer Lorraine Drachman, agreed, stating, “Gabrielle Giffords has honored all of her promises. We support Gabrielle because she is a champion of solar energy, advocates for small businesses and supports sustainable homebuilding. Plus, she is carrying on the fine tradition established by Jim Kolbe of coming home to her district to meet with constituents nearly every week of every year – not just when she’s running for office.”

Priscilla Storm, a Republican from Marana, said of Giffords, “I understand Congresswoman Giffords’ voting record. I believe returning Giffords to Congress for another term offers southern Arizona our best chance to make essential progress.  I believe Congresswoman Giffords welcomes the opportunity to represent Independent and Republican voters in CD8.  As a moderate, she is positioned to assume a key leadership role in building bipartisan consensus in Washington. I think she feels a sense of urgency and accountability to do so. I have lived in Marana for 16 years. During her tenure in Congress, she has spent a great deal of time in Marana, as well as throughout her district. Her willingness to stay involved with her district and advocate for her constituents’ day-to-day concerns is impressive. I certainly appreciate her advocacy on behalf of the issues that have faced the community where I live.  Her record shows that she takes her responsibilities seriously, puts in the time to make informed decisions, and is willing to be held accountable for her positions. I know she will continue to be accessible and accountable to her constituents.  I am a conservative Republican who supports the re-election of Congresswoman Giffords for District 8.”

“Gabrielle Giffords is accessible, actually listens, and personally works with us to try to solve problems in her district, regardless of our political affiliations. Bar none, we have never had a more determined, better advocate for rural border security representing our district in Washington. Gabrielle Giffords astounds me with her interest in the needs of farm, ranch, and small businesses families in rural Cochise County. There aren’t many votes out here in the wide open spaces, but she responds to our calls, hears us out, does what she can, and follows up.” Gary A. Thrasher D.V.M., veterinarian, cattleman, small business owner, Cochise County Republican.

Award-winning sustainable homebuilder Bill Viner also praised Giffords’ work for small businesses. “As a former business owner herself, Gabrielle understands the needs of small businesses and their important role in our economic recovery. She is a valuable advocate in Washington for Southern Arizona’s business community and a champion of the local renewable energy industry, which holds great promise for job creation and economic growth in our region. I appreciate Gabrielle’s hard work and her passion for our district, and I am proud to support her.”

Giffords welcomed the endorsements. “I am honored to receive the support of these distinguished leaders. Working across partisan boundaries, they have been invaluable partners in the efforts to create well-paying renewable energy jobs, improve security along our southern border security, invest in our men and women in uniform, support Southern Arizona businesses, and reign in Washington spending. I am grateful for all that they have done for our community and humbled by their support.”

Today’s endorsements are the first in a series that will be announced in the weeks ahead, according to McNulty.

“Today’s endorsements are a few from the long list of Gabrielle’s supporters.  These are people we all know and admire. They are our friends and neighbors,” McNulty said. “Other candidates like to tout their support from Washington insiders and partisan extremists. Not Gabrielle. She’s an Arizonan first, last and always. Like those who want her re-elected in 2010, she wants to be judged by her commitment to Arizona’s future.”

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