Tucson, Ariz. – At tonight’s AZ-08 congressional debate, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords defeated opponent Jesse Kelly with her clear vision to secure the border, protect Social Security and Medicare and invest in our schools.

Jesse Kelly – who said the word “Arizona” only once during the debate – again promised to privatize Social Security, raise taxes on the middle class and cut $1 billion from Arizona’s schools.

On border security, Giffords laid out concrete steps for securing the border and fixing our broken immigration laws, including putting to work the $600 million in funding she brought home for over 1,000 more boots on the ground and 21st Century security technology. She also called for a mandatory program to crack down on employers who hire illegal workers.

Kelly meanwhile reiterated his opposition to the Border Patrol’s checkpoint on I-19. The checkpoint has stopped thousands of pounds of marijuana and increased apprehensions of illegal crossers in the Tucson sector by 28 percent.

Gabrielle made her position on Social Security crystal clear saying, “I’m going to strengthen Social Security, not privatize it.”

Kelly, on the other hand, stuck to his plan to privatize Social Security. Despite a direct question on the topic by moderator Chris Conover, Kelly failed to explain how current retirees’ benefits could be maintained if younger workers opted out of paying Social Security.

Kelly has said that seniors who receive Medicare need to “get off the public dole,” and he has advocated for replacing Medicare with a voucher system that does not fully fund our seniors’ health care. He did not back away from those statements tonight.

Kelly also held fast to his radical plans to cut $1 billion from Arizona’s already struggling schools. He said proudly that Gabrielle’s description of his plan to cut $1 billion from Arizona schools was “pretty much true.”

Even after tonight’s debate, Kelly owes Southern Arizona real answers to the following questions:

• How can current retirees’ Social Security benefits be met if Kelly’s plan for younger workers to stop fully paying into the system becomes law?
• How can we secure the border if Kelly’s objections to Border Patrol agents asking people for their ID are made policy?
• How can Arizona schools cope with the loss of another $1 billion in cuts?
• How can middle class families in Arizona survive the huge tax increase of the so-called Fair Tax—an average of $3,800 for the bottom 80 percent of earners according the Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy?

“Jesse Kelly would do for middle class Arizona what A.I.G. did for its shareholders—clean them out,” said Rodd McLeod, campaign manager of Giffords for Congress. “His plans to supersize the sales tax and privatize Social Security would cause a lifetime of damage to middle class families across Southern Arizona.”

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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With support of more than 4,000 Arizonans, Giffords files with $1.3 million cash on hand

Tucson, Ariz. – Today, Giffords for Congress will report more than $1.3 million cash on hand as of September 30th. This puts Giffords in a strong position for the final weeks of the campaign.

Giffords for Congress had previously reported raising over $700,000 in the third quarter. This successful effort was driven by the generous contributions of more than 4,000 Arizonans so far this cycle.

This outpouring of support demonstrates Arizonans’ enthusiasm for Giffords’ work securing the border, protecting our schools and fighting to protect Social Security and Medicare. Voters are increasingly alienated by Kelly’s assault on the middle class that includes establishing a 23 percent national sales tax that would raise taxes for 80 percent of Arizonans by an average of $3,000 each year, cutting more than $1 billion from Arizona schools and privatizing Social Security and Medicare.

Giffords for Congress’ full financial report was filed with the Federal Election Commission this morning.

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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Note to reporters, producers and fact checkers: The report filed today covers the period from August 5 – September 30. The full quarter fundraising includes this filing as well as the pre-primary filing that covers the period from July 1 – August 4.

Tucson, Ariz. – Today, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords released the following statement regarding the announcement that there will be no cost of living adjustment (“COLA”) for Social Security benefits this year:

“Today’s announcement that there will be no cost of living increase for Social Security benefits this year is bad news for Southern Arizona seniors who depend on them. Under Jesse Kelly’s plan to privatize Social Security in personal accounts with no government guarantee, the news would be even worse. Seniors could face a crushing decrease under the Kelly Privatization Plan. Seniors who worked their entire lives have earned their Social Security benefits, and Jesse Kelly’s plan to gamble them in the stock market might make sense for Wall Street traders, but not for Southern Arizona retirees.”

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.

Tucson, Ariz. – Jesse Kelly’s plan to eliminate the Department of Education would not only do damage to Arizona schoolchildren, it would also end a grant program that provides college money to the children of servicemembers killed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants help pay college tuition for students “whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001.” (Source: Student Aid on the web, accessed 10/11/10)

Even after being questioned about his plan by leading Southern Arizona publications, including The Arizona Daily Star and Tucson Weekly, Kelly unapologetically stands by his call to cut $1 billion from Arizona’s struggling public schools and eliminate college tuition assistance that middle class families rely on.

However, the plan contains another devastating cut.

Arizona’s 8th District is home to tens of thousands of military families. By abolishing the Department of Education, Kelly would end this program to help ensure our fallen heroes’ children can still afford an education.

“The Kelly school cuts plan would be a disaster for Arizona’s kids and Arizona’s economy,” said Anne Hilby, communications director for Giffords for Congress. “But ending a college grant program for children who lost a parent in the war is even worse than a disaster. It’s a disgrace.”

Gabrielle Giffords is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the only person in Congress with an active duty military spouse.

She fought for the New G.I. Bill of Rights, so our servicemen and women returning to Davis-Monthan and Ft. Huachuca can afford the full cost of four years of college tuition. And she helped push through the largest funding increase in VA history, so our brave men and women receive the quality care they have earned.

Gabrielle has been endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC as well as leading Southern Arizona veterans, including Sierra Vista Mayor Robert Strain; retired General John Wickham, who served as U.S. Army Chief of Staff under President Ronald Reagan; and retired General Bill Van Dyke, former Arizona Adjutant General.

Gabrielle also supported the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (HR 3221). This bill, which became law in March, reforms the system of federal student loans to save taxpayers $87 billion. It invests $77 billion of those savings back into education, including increasing the maximum Pell Grant from $5,350 in 2009 to $6,900 in 2019 and keeping interest rates low on subsidized federal student loans. It directs $10 billion back to the Treasury to reduce entitlement spending.

Giffords for Congress’ new TV ad, “Absolutely None,” highlights the dangers of Jesse Kelly’s plan to cut more than $1 billion dollars more from Arizona schools. The ad began airing in the Tucson media market yesterday. It can be viewed at http://bit.ly/9q1way.

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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Tucson, Ariz. – Today, Giffords for Congress announced that the Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee (VFW-PAC) has endorsed Gabrielle Giffords.

In his endorsement letter, VFW-PAC Director Salvatore J. Capirchio praised Gabrielle’s “strong support for veterans, national security and defense and military personnel issues.”

The VFW-PAC’s goal is to provide the 2.1 million members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars with the ability to voice their support for candidates who are fighting for “our nation’s veterans and America’s security.”

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the only person in Congress with an active duty military spouse, Gabrielle takes the pressures on military families seriously. Looking out for the more than 94,000 veterans in Arizona’s 8th District is one of her top priorities.

Gabrielle helped pass the post-9/11 G.I. Bill, so our servicemembers – along with their spouses and children – can improve their educations when they return home.

She also voted for the largest funding increases in the history of the VA, including $600 million in additional research for behavioral health, Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury care.

Gabrielle was the author of the 2008 law that allows members of the military who serve in combat zones to qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. She continues to stand up for Southern Arizona’s servicemen and their families everyday.

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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Tucson, Ariz. -- Today, Giffords for Congress released a new TV ad “Absolutely None,” highlighting the dangers of Jesse Kelly’s plan to cut more than $1 billion dollars more from Arizona schools.

The ad begins airing in the Tucson media market tonight.

Even as Arizona schools struggle under the weight of bigger class sizes, teacher layoffs and the elimination of full-day kindergarten in many districts, Kelly has repeatedly expressed opposition to any federal support for Arizona public schools and called for eliminating the Department of Education. This would deny Arizona schools and students more than $1 billion dollars every year in critically needed funding.

Kelly’s plan would also eliminate millions of dollars in federal student loans, such as Pell Grants. This would make it even harder for families trying to make ends meet to send their kids to college.

Gabrielle Giffords knows that Arizona’s most important resource -- and our most important long-term economic investment -- is our children. She voted to bring home $1.6 billion to Arizona schools last year alone. And this summer she voted for emergency funding to save more than 3,300 Arizona teachers’ jobs in a bill that was paid for by closing tax loopholes for companies that ship jobs overseas.

She is a champion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education programs and voted in favor of the America COMPETES Act to provide over $33 billion in funding to STEM education.

Gabrielle also supported the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (HR 3221). This bill, which became law in March, reforms the system of federal student loans to save taxpayers $87 billion. It invests $77 billion of those savings back into education, including increasing the maximum Pell Grant from $5,350 in 2009 to $6,900 in 2019 and keeping interest rates low on subsidized federal student loans. It directs $10 billion back to the Treasury to reduce entitlement spending.

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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Transcript of “Absolutely None”

[Gabrielle Giffords]

I’m Gabrielle Giffords and I approve this message.

[Jesse Kelly]

I can tell you what I think the federal government’s role in education is, and that is none. Absolutely none.

[Text Graphic]

Jesse Kelly

Tucson Meet & Greet

8/17/10

[Voice Over]

Wait a second.

After record cuts to our schools, Jesse Kelly would eliminate the Department of Education,

[Text Graphic]

Jesse Kelly

“The entire Dept. of Education can go away”

Kelly, Northwest Republican debate, 2/11/10

[Voice Over]

and cut nearly a billion dollars more from Arizona schools;

[Text Graphic]

Jesse Kelly

Cut $1 billion from Arizona schools

(AZ Dept. of Education 2009 Annual Report)

[Voice Over]

forcing teacher layoffs and overcrowded classrooms;

[Text Graphic]

Jesse Kelly

Teacher Layoffs

Overcrowded Classrooms

(AZ Dept. of Education 2009 Annual Report)

[Voice Over]

eliminating student loans and college scholarships.

[Text Graphic]

Eliminate Student Loans

Jesse Kelly

Dept. of Education, Federal Student Aid

[Jesse Kelly]

None. Absolutely none.

[Text Graphic]

“none… absolutely none.”

[Voice Over]

Jesse Kelly is a risk we just can’t afford.

Tucson, Ariz. – The contrast between Gabrielle Giffords’ work standing up for Southern Arizonans and Jesse Kelly’s work for Wall Street was made clear by the endorsements each received this week.

Giffords was endorsed by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, an organization dedicated to fighting for working families and seniors.

In their endorsement letter, the group praised Giffords’ understanding of and support for “the critical roles that Social Security and Medicare play in the retirement and health security of our nation’s older citizens and their families.” The group went on to say that Giffords is, “well-prepared to serve the needs of seniors.”

Also this week, Social Security privatizer Newt Gingrich began using his lobbyist ties to raise special interest money for Jesse Kelly. Gingrich, the disgraced former Republican Speaker of the House who was forced to resign after being found guilty by the House Ethics Committee, is an outspoken proponent of privatizing Social Security and Medicare.

Dating back to 1996 Gingrich, has said he believes that any plan to partly privatize Social Security would help future retirees. About Medicare he said: “Now, we don’t get rid of it in round one because we don’t think that that’s politically smart, and we don’t think that’s the right way to go through a transition. But we believe it’s going to wither on the vine…” [The Tribune, September 10, 2010; New York Times, July 20, 1996]

Gingrich is the latest in a string of pro-privatization advocates to back Kelly, who has called to “privatize,” “phase out” and “eliminate” Social Security.  Following the primary election, Americans for Prosperity – the political slush fund of known privatizer and oil billionaire David Koch – and the 60-Plus Association – another front group that won’t disclose its funding – both ran TV attack ads supporting Kelly.  The Club for Growth – most recently known for the slogan, “Privatize Social Security? Hell Yeah!” – also endorsed Kelly last month.

It’s not surprising that these privatizers have picked Kelly as the newest regional sales representative for their radical agenda. Kelly’s views on Social Security are dangerous for our seniors. He does not believe that the risky private accounts he calls for should have any kind of insurance or guarantee. If the market crashes, seniors – according to Kelly – are on their own.

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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Tucson, Ariz. – At a press conference held earlier today, Jesse Kelly continued his assault on the middle class and made it clear he is sticking by his joblessness plan for Southern Arizona.

Kelly was joined at this press conference by out of work Southern Arizonans, or, as Kelly describes them, “the unproductive” who “sit on [their] couch and eat bon-bons.” (UA Republican Club Debate, 4/8/2010; Arizona Illustrated Debate, 7/30/2010)

Throughout the campaign, Kelly has called for an economic package that would devastate middle class families and seniors in order to cut taxes for corporations that send jobs overseas and the Wall Street CEOs whose abuses led to the financial crisis.

Kelly’s joblessness plan includes:

• Charging middle class families a 23 percent sales tax on food and medicine that will raise their overall tax burden by an average of $3,000 each year and cut taxes for millionaires by an average of over $40,000 each year.
• Letting corporations that send American jobs overseas stop paying income taxes altogether.
• Cutting a billion dollars from Arizona schools, which will deter new businesses from coming to Southern Arizona and leave our children unable to compete in the 21^st Century workforce.
• Opposing incentives to create tens of thousands of long-term, high paying jobs in Southern Arizona’s renewable energy industry.

“Jesse Kelly has no plan to create jobs,” said Giffords for Congress campaign manager Rodd McLeod. “If he feels real concern for Southern Arizonans who have lost their jobs, I don’t see why he would try to raise their taxes with his national sales tax scheme and let corporations that send jobs overseas stop paying income taxes at all.”

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Giffords’ record of investing in Southern Arizona

As a former small business owner, Gabrielle Giffords knows that the best economic stimulus is a job, and her first priority is to create and protect American jobs.

• Giffords voted to cut taxes for 98 percent of Americans and supported over $800 billion in tax cuts for families and small businesses.
• She supports extending the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts for working families – 98 percent of Americans.
• She brought more than $1.8 billion back to Arizona public schools in the past two years. Funding our children’s education is the single most important long-term investment Arizona can make in its economic future.
• She voted for the HIRE Act, which cuts taxes for businesses that hire unemployed workers and awards an income tax credit of $1,000 to businesses that retain these new employees.
• She introduced the Older Americans’ Workforce Agenda to help seniors get the jobs they want and give them the financial assistance they need if they choose to go back to school.
• She voted for the Small Business Lending Fund Act to establish a $30 billion fund to boost lending to small businesses looking to hire and expand their operations by providing additional capital to community banks.
• She is a nationally recognized champion for Southern Arizona’s renewable energy industry.  The worldwide market for power is over $6 trillion a year– there is a large and fast-growing demand for new, clean sources of electricity. Solar means tens of thousands of good jobs in Arizona and a competitive America worldwide.

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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Tucson, Ariz. – Today, ranchers and law enforcement officials from across Southern Arizona stood up for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ strong border security record and condemned AZ-08 GOP candidate Jesse Kelly’s TV ad claiming Giffords supports amnesty.

No one knows the security challenges along the Southern Arizona border better than those ranchers and law enforcement official who live and work there everyday. Today they released the following statement concerning Kelly’s misleading claims:

“Securing the border and stopping the narco-traffickers who threaten our communities is Southern Arizona’s greatest challenge, and no one has done more to address this challenge than Gabrielle Giffords. Since the day she took office, Gabrielle has been our advocate, pushing for commonsense enforcement measures like cracking down on employers who hire illegal workers, deploying boots on the ground and funding our law enforcement agencies.

“Jesse Kelly’s claim that Gabrielle is soft on border security is an election year stunt. The truth is that Giffords does not support amnesty. She does support real action to fix our broken immigration laws, and her work to protect our community from smuggling violence has been effective and aggressive.”

Law enforcement officials taking part in today’s joint statement include:

Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik
Santa Cruz County Sheriff Tony Estrada
Yuma County Sheriff Ralph E. Ogden
Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall
Pinal County Attorney James P. Walsh
Former Cochise County Attorney Chris Roll

Ranchers taking part in today’s joint statement include:

Warner and Wendy Glenn, Cochise County ranchers
Kerry Kimbro and Kelly Glenn-Kimbro, Cochise County ranchers
John Ladd, Cochise County rancher
Bill McDonald, Cochise County rancher
Dennis Moroney, Cochise County rancher
Dr. Gary Thrasher, Cochise County rancher

Gabrielle has a strong record of border security accomplishments. Since taking office,

• She helped double the number of Border Patrol officers stationed in the Tucson Sector.
• She pushed through a bill that brought home over $600 million to fund 1,000 more Border Patrol agents and three new operating bases along the border.
• She fought successfully to bring National Guard troops to the border.
• She authored a bill that cracks down on smugglers who use ultralight aircraft to bring drugs over the border. This bill recently passed in the House by an overwhelming bipartisan majority, 412-3.
• She introduced the New Employee Verification Act with Republican Sam Johnson of Texas. This bill would create a new mandatory electronic employment verification system along with a voluntary biometric pilot program. It would be more effective than the current E-Verify system.
• She worked to establish a Border Patrol checkpoint along I-19. Kelly continues to oppose this common sense measure.

Kelly’s new TV ad makes two blatantly deceptive claims about Gabrielle’s record:

Claim 1: Gabrielle Giffords “voted against funding the double layer fence.”

False. The measure Kelly’s ad refers to would have meant eliminating funding for high tech equipment that the Border Patrol needs and that has proven highly effective in tracking and apprehending smugglers. Gabrielle will not vote to eliminate funding for the Border Patrol—no matter how much pressure comes from Washington, DC.

Claim 2: Gabrielle Giffords “supports amnesty.”

False. What Giffords supports is Arizona Representative Jeff Flake’s STRIVE Act, a bipartisan attempt to fix our nation’s broken immigration laws.  That’s what Kellycalls amnesty.  Kelly is using Rep. Jeff Flake to raise money for him and campaigned with Flake in Phoenix on Tuesday. Will Kelly condemn Rep. Flake for writing this bill?

Earlier this year, the Arizona Republic‘s non-partisan AZ Fact Check site assessed that the STRIVE Act is not an amnesty bill, as it “does not support granting automatic legal status to those here illegally and would impose penalties on those here illegally.” http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/azelections/azfactcheck/fact-story.php?id=5.

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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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.”

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