Tucson, Ariz. – Gabrielle Giffords won last night’s AZ-08 debate in Sierra Vista by laying out a vision for strengthening Southern Arizona’s economy, securing the border and protecting Fort Huachuca.

Giffords presented a three-part economic plan that includes extending tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses; developing the solar energy industry, which has the potential to create tens of thousands of high-paying jobs in Southern Arizona; and investing in Arizona’s schools.

As in Monday’s debate, Jesse Kelly nervously dodged questions about his support for a 23 percent national sales tax on food, gas and other essentials.  Despite having said that he supports the 23 percent consumption tax in the past–including in a video his campaign posted on their Kelly4Congress youtube channel–Mr. Kelly refused to answer the question when he was directly asked during last night’s debate.

Also similar to Monday’s debate, Kelly unabashedly stood by his call to eliminate the Department of Education, cutting a $1 billion from our schools.

On questions about Fort Huachuca, the economic heart of Cochise County, Giffords discussed the need to be vigilant protecting the San Pedro River, without which theFort could be forced to close. Giffords also committed to continue fighting for resources for the Fort, such as those she secured for a new fire station on the base and the joint Fort Huachuca – U of A battle lab that will use computer simulations to help predict and prevent insurgent attacks.

Kelly knew next to nothing about the Fort. Despite having been running for Congress for roughly 18 months, Mr. Kelly has not bothered to learn about the treasures of the 8th district, such as Ft. Huachuca.  Incredibly, Kelly said he would refuse to request  federal earmakrs for the Fort. He also appeared unaware of the steps needed to protect the San Pedro River and, by extension, the Fort itself.

On border security, Giffords made a powerful case.  Having recently pushed through $600 million in border funding, Giffords highlighted the need for additional boots and 21^st Century security technology on the ground, the importance of the I-19 checkpoint and a nationwide employee verification program.

Per usual, Kelly repeated his hollow call for a double-layer fence, unaware that tunnels, ladders and ultralight aircraft are used by smuggling cartels to bypass the fence.  While Kelly touts the double-layer fence as a cure-all, Giffords is working across the aisle to achieve the comprehensive solutions to stop the sophisticated cartels that threaten Southern Arizona.

“It’s no wonder that Kelly is afraid to tell voters about his plan to supersize the sales tax and crush the middle clash,” said Rodd McLeod, campaign manager for Giffords for Congress. “But his unwillingness to answer the question over and over has to make you wonder: who does Kelly think he’s fooling?”

Gabrielle Giffords is a third generation Southern Arizonan and the only person in Congress with an active duty military spouse. Gabrielle is not like other politicians. She takes an independent view on the issues and was rated Arizona’s most moderate member of Congress by the National Journal in 2009. She’s voted against a Congressional pay raise every time one has come up, and she doesn’t make earmark requests for campaign contributors. Most importantly, Gabrielle stands up for Southern Arizona by working across the aisle to secure the border, protect our military and veterans and create jobs by investing in solar energy.

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