Gabrielle is committed to protecting Social Security and Medicare. She is honored to receive the endorsement of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. Read the endorsement letter below.

Dear Congresswoman Giffords:

The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, on behalf of its millions of members and supporters, enthusiastically endorses your candidacy for re-election to the United States House of Representatives.

Our nation needs your leadership, vision and determination to fight for working families and older Americans. You earned the endorsement of the National Committee because you understand and support the critical roles that Social Security and Medicare play in the retirement and health security of our nation’s older citizens and their families. You are well-prepared to serve the needs of seniors and as your record clearly shows, you make the preservation of Social Security and Medicare a priority in office.

You understand that congressional efforts to privatize Social Security, which would undermine the most successful social insurance program ever, continue. You recognize fully that Health Care Reform extends Medicare’s viability and repeal likely would bring to an end this program so crucial to the health of older Americans. National Committee members and supporters want you to continue protecting Social Security and Medicare—the twin pillars necessary to a good quality of life for Americans of all ages— in the United States House of Representatives.

There is no membership in the nation more aware or active politically than the men and women who proudly are associated with the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. National Committee members know they can count on you!

Sincerely,

Barbara B. Kennelly

President and CEO

Member, NCPSSM-PAC Board of Directors

Tucson, Ariz. – At a press conference today, Republican leaders from across Southern Arizona endorsed Gabrielle Giffords’ reelection in Arizona’s 8^th District.  Today begins the week that early ballots are sent to voters.

These Republican leaders praised Gabrielle’s commitment to putting Southern Arizona first, listening to all points of view and delivering quality results for our community.

“As a lifelong Republican who served 8 years in the Arizona House, I support Gabrielle because she is thoughtful, listens to our concerns and works across party lines to craft solutions,” said former LD 26 state representative Pete Hershberger. “I first worked with Gabrielle in the Arizona legislature.  We worked together, Democrat and Republican, on policy and budget issues.  She has continued to reach across the aisle in Congress. In this country, this state and this district, we want a representative who will take a practical common sense approach, not engage in ideological purism. Congresswoman Giffords is a statesman, not a partisan. This is who we want representing us.”

Other Republican leaders endorsing Gabrielle include former state representative Jennifer Burns, Sahuarita Mayor Lynne Skelton, Sierra Vista Mayor Robert Strain and Lisa Lovallo, a Vice President at Cox Communications.

Republicans endorsing Gabrielle but unable to attend today’s press conference include Arizona Corporation Commission Chairwoman Kris Mayes; former AdjutantGeneral of Arizona Bill Van Dyke, Maj. Gen USAF (ret.) and Joe Reagan, immediate past commander of the Arizona VFW.

Former state representative Jennifer J. Burns, who represented LD 25 from 2003-2009, recognized Giffords’ thoughtful work for Southern Arizona, saying, “Gabrielle represents everyone in her district, regardless of party or ideology. She is a representative for all of Southern Arizona who fundamentally believes in bipartisanship. We need leaders like Gabrielle who put issues before politics, and who thoughtfully consider and actively educate themselves about issues and then make a decision that balances all sides of the problem. As a Republican and native Tucsonan, I endorse Gabrielle and ask Republicans, Independents and Democrats to cast their votes for her.”

Arizona Corporation Commission Chairwoman Kris Mayes praised Giffords in her endorsement. ”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 put partisanship aside and roll up their sleeves to do the hard work needed to get Arizona back on track.”

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.”

“Since her election, Gabrielle has been a solid friend to Sierra Vista, supporting Ft. Huachuca and its missions, working on behalf of the Upper San Pedro Partnership, sustaining our aquifer and providing the highest quality constituent services to our community,” said Sierra Vista Mayor and 30-year U.S. Air Force veteran Robert Strain. “I wholeheartedly endorse 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.”

Larry Lopez, President of Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs, the state’s largest public safety association said, “Gabrielle is a true champion for Arizona law enforcement. Last week’s announcement of a $12.5 million federal grant for the Tucson Police Department to hire 50 officers is a great example of how Gabrielle always puts the safety and well being of our communities first.”

Tucson-based green building pioneer John Wesley Miller and his wife, community volunteer Lorraine Drachman, agreed, stating, “Gabrielle Giffords has honored 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.”

Joe Reagan, Commander of the Arizona Department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), personally endorsed Giffords saying, “Gabrielle is a true champion for Arizona’s veterans. I appreciate that she takes the time to really learn about the issues facing Arizona’s military community and what she can do to help. Her passionate work for our men and women in uniform has led to concrete improvements in the way our veterans are treated, including getting critically needed funding for the VA and making sure our women veterans have access to the unique care they need. I can think of no one better than Gabrielle to represent Southern Arizona and our veteran community in Congress.”

Priscilla Storm, a Republican from Marana, said of Giffords, “I am a conservative Republican who supports the re-election of Congresswoman Giffords for District 8. I believe returning Gabrielle to Congress for another term offers southern Arizona our best chance to make essential progress. She 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.”

Life-long conservative Glen W. (Bill) Van Dyke, Maj. Gen USAF (ret.) and former Adjutant General of Arizona said, “I have known Congresswoman Giffords for a number of years and my respect for her integrity and moderate approach to issues continues to grow. Her concern for our men and women in the service of our country is especially noteworthy. Frankly, even though I have been a lifelong Conservative, I find that Congresswoman Giffords brings a sense of thoughtfulness and moderation to any issue, and I like that… [S]he is not an emotional, ‘shoot from the hip’ politician. When Gabby shoots, it’s on target.“

Earlier this year, longtime Tucson-area automotive dealer Don Mackey endorsed Giffords, recognizing her 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.”

Retired General John Wickham, U.S. Army Chief of Staff for President Ronald Reagan, in his endorsement earlier this year, strongly praised Giffords’ record in Congress, where she serves on the House Armed Services Committee. “Having worked with Congresswoman Giffords, I know first hand that she represents Arizona’s interests one hundred percent,” the General said. “She not only understands defense and veterans issues, but she provides rock solid support for them.  I strongly endorse her re-election.”

“It is an honor to be endorsed by these distinguished Republican leaders,” said Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.  “America’s problems are bipartisan, so our solutions must be bipartisan. It doesn’t matter to me whether you’re a Republican rancher, an Independent small business owner or a Democratic Air Force veteran.  My job is to stand up for Southern Arizona, to look out for your families, for people who go out every day and work for a living.”

###

Gabrielle Giffords has led the effort to reform corrupt earmarking in Congress. She has refused to vote for a pay raise since taking office and sponsored a constitutional amendment that requires Washington to balance the budget.

Gabriele Giffords fights for Southern Arizona seniors. She is a champion for our veterans and military families. She has promised to protect Social Security.

Last month, Gabrielle fought to restore $50 million for local law enforcement agencies in the southwest border region. She has also successfully helped secure $13.8 million for local Arizona law enforcement agencies working to secure the border.

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.

Share Independents for Giffords on Facebook and Twitter

Veterans for Giffords!

A member of the House Armed Services Committee, Gabrielle improved the new G.I. Bill, worked to pass the biggest VA funding increase ever and fights for the needs of Southern Arizona’s military families.

Share Veterans for Giffords on Facebook and Twitter

Fire Fighters for Giffords

Gabrielle has been endorsed by the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona. Watch the video to see local firefighters share why they support Gabrielle.

Gabrielle has fought to provide Arizona’s fire fighters with the resources and equipment they need to keep our community safe. Gabrielle always stands up for Southern Arizona, not the agenda of one party or another.

Educators for Giffords!

Click on the video to watch educators from Sierra Vista to Marana testify about their support for Gabrielle.

Educators for Giffords is just one example of the growing enthusiasm for Gabrielle’s work standing up for Southern Arizona. She is a champion for math and science education, fighting to make sure our students have the skills they need to compete in a global economy.