Today Giffords for Congress is releasing a new TV ad, “She’s One for Our Side.” In the ad, Cochise County veterinarian and rancher Dr. Gary Thrasher testifies that Gabrielle Giffords is, “the best advocate for border security that we’ve ever had down here,” along the border.

The ad begins airing today in the Tucson market. A transcript of the ad is pasted below.

In July, Dr. Thrasher presented Gabrielle with the Arizona Cattle Growers Association’s annual award for public service in recognition of her work to secure the border.

Since taking office in 2007, Gabrielle has been one of the strongest advocates in Congress for securing the border and fixing our broken immigration system. Along with border representatives from both parties, Gabrielle has fought to:

• Push through $600 million in border security funding for additional Border Patrol boots on the ground, new forward operating bases and new surveillance aircraft.
• Secure the border through measures such as doubling the number of Border Patrol officers and deploying National Guard troops to the Arizona sectors of the border.
• Break down the power of Mexican drug cartels by blocking the flow of money they receive and increasing prison sentences for those who smuggle drugs across the border.
• Establish a mandatory verification system to stop employers from hiring illegal workers in Arizona and throughout the U.S.

TRANSCRIPT of “She’s one for our side”

[Gary Thrasher]

I’ve been harping at politicians along the border, our Representatives, for at least fifteen years.

[Gary Thrasher]

She is the first Representative that has ever listened to us.

[Gary Thrasher]

Congresswoman Giffords has just shown a tremendous amount of energy and compassion for what’s going on out here.

[Text Graphic]

“Giffords pushes for Feds to act on border, Mexico issues” (The Herald – March 15, 2009)

[Gary Thrasher]

She’s probably the best advocate for border security that we’ve ever had down here.

[Text Graphic]

“Giffords helps push through House border bill” (Douglas Dispatch – August 4, 2010)

[Text Graphic]

“Giffords urges government to deploy Nat’l Guard” (Arizona Range News – April 7, 2010)

[Gary Thrasher]

I can talk to her. She’s accessible. She’s one for our side, I’ll tell you that.

[Gabrielle Giffords]

I’m Gabrielle Giffords and I approve this message.

###

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.

Earlier this month, Gabrielle brought home $600 million in border security funds. She successfully fought to put National Guard troops on the border. And she introduced legislation to block smuggling proceeds from flowing into Mexico and strengthen penalties for those who smuggle drugs into the U.S. using ultralight aircraft.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Forty-five minutes into the CD8 GOP primary debate on KUAT on July 30, 2010, host and moderator Bill Buckmaster asked the candidates if they support privatizing Social Security.  Read their responses for yourself:

Jonathan Paton: “I think we also need to make sure that younger people at least have an option to set aside some of that money to invest it as they see fit. They should have that choice.  Not, not – it shouldn’t be mandated and it shouldn’t be the entire amount, but they should have that choice.”

Jesse Kelly:  “We must… It’s not an option.”

While Gabrielle Giffords stands up for Southern Arizona, her opponents’ commitment to rejected ideas and failed policies was absolute. Neither of them bothered to explain how current retirees’ benefits could be met under the privatization plan. With no new ideas of their own, they would take Southern Arizona backwards.

Click here to contribute $250, $150 or $50 today to help Gabrielle win in November and ensure that Southern Arizona keeps moving forward not backwards.