I wrote a diary about AZ-08 last week when State Rep. Matt Heinz-D announced his bid for Gabrielle Giffords former seat in AZ-08. Today, Ron Barber announced his bid for the same seat. If you remember, Barber was shot twice by Jared Loughner.
There are about 500 links I can provide you about this story. When Matt Heinz announced...there were three. Matt Heinz is an openly gay two term state legislator and physician. Ron Barber was Gabby Gifford's Campaign director. He will get the most money from those who supported her. He knows how to run a campaign. He is 66 years old, Heinz is 34.
UPDATE: After reading some of the comments I have decided to provide this quote from Barber
Barber "is thought to be offering himself up as a caretaker for the remainder of Giffords' term," but multiple sources say he will not run in the November election.
However, sources tell First Read that Barber is not necessarily a caretaker, that he's considering running for a full term if he wins the special.
He may or may not run for the seat in November. Fine.
Story Link 1: Political Wire
Story Link 2: Tucson Weekly
Story Link 3: MSNBC
Story Link 4: Wa Po
Jesse Kelly is going to come out guns blazing to get the seat he narrowly lost in 2010. Barber wants to win the Special Seat first before he decides to run in the general. Still, what record does he have that we can look upon and say, "Hey, I want to vote for him because of his position on this, or that."
Matt Heinz has that. Not to mention his LGBT status. it would be exciting to have a Democratic LGBT AZ CONGRESSMAN as the person who took over Gifford's seat.
So why the media blackout on Heinz? Notice how the links I provide don't mention him at all as competition to Barber? I wouldn't be surprised to see a Barber story on the front page of DailyKos within the next few hours. Barber will win this district based on what? His affiliation with the previous Congressperson and notoriety. Fine, let's say he takes the seat for 5 months, then what? He retires and Jesse Kelly takes the seat in November.
Listen up, if we are going to have someone take this seat, let's have someone who is in it for the long haul.
I refuse to support Barber in the Democratic Primary. I detest the amount of coverage he is getting today compared to Heinz last week. I watched the film, Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore? and I can't help but think that this is the same sort of thing that is happening. A normal person cannot get his foot in the door to Washington unless he is high up, or has personal relations with another Washington member.
Matt Heinz Speaking on CNN about Health Care Reform
Matt Heinz Speaking at Rainbow Keshet Awards
I'm pissed. I will try to work for the Heinz Campaign and if Barber wins it...Good luck to him in June, and Happy Retirement in November.
UPDATE: Matt Heinz releases first Ad
Heinz for Congress
Heinz Twitter
Ron Barber
Matt Heinz
Matt Heinz Wiki
Matt Heinz Facebook
Matt Heinz State Rep. Page
2:54 PM PT: Matt Heinz dropped out of the race for AZ-08.
"Ron Barber will do a terrific job in carrying on Congresswoman Giffords' values and spirit in Congress," Heinz said. "His strength and courage will provide valuable leadership for the people of southern Arizona.I am happy to support Ron and I'll be one of the first to sign a petition for his candidacy."
"I look forward to a spirited campaign where we honor Gabby's legacy of bipartisan leadership even as we advocate our values as Democrats," Heinz said.