Received this e-mail today from former Rep. Ron Barber (D. AZ) in support of Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick’s (D. AZ) U.S. Senate campaign:
January 8, 2011 is a day I will never forget. It is the day I was shot.
The day started off like a typical Saturday. I was outside a grocery store in Tucson conducting a meeting for constituents with my then-boss Gabby Giffords. Tragedy struck quickly and, in less than 20 seconds, a lone gunman took the lives of six people, wounding 13 more, including Gabby and me.
It was shocking and horrific. It profoundly changed my life and the lives of many Arizonans.
Arizonans witnessed firsthand that day how tasteless and dangerous imagery can influence acts of aggression and violence towards elected officials.
Now, five years later, it appears the Arizona Republican Party is either deliberate or clueless about the message transmitted by such images. This week, they sent Congresswoman Kirkpatrick a “Wanted” poster with her photo surrounded by bullet holes.
I have joined Gabby, Ann, and many others in asking Republicans to denounce this ad. And their reply? They refused to apologize, saying it wasn’t offensive and accusing Ann of playing politics.
I don’t understand how they could disregard what happened that tragic day in 2011 and the toxic environment created by such violent images. How could they forget the day that altered so many lives and is deeply ingrained in the memories of Arizonans?
There is one thing I do understand. They are becoming desperate to re-elect Senator McCain and will stoop low enough to use deeply offensive messages to attack his opponent.
Please join me and others who want civility and respect in our political process and call on Senator McCain to denounce this despicable ad and its violent imagery.
Thank you for your support since that terrible day five years ago,
Ron Barber
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