Crossposted from SmokeyMonkey.org
I just received this message from Gabrielle Giffords, who is running in the 8th Congressional District of Arizona. This is an open seat in the 2006 elections as Jim Kolbe has resigned from the seat.
Gabrielle speaks to many of the issues that are important to those here. I would like to see the Tucson Kossacks stand behind Ms. Giffords.
If you need background on this, please check out this diary that I did previously. Please note that an update to that diary is that Ray Carroll may not be running. I was unable to find an article to back that up, so it is recollection only.
A Special Message from Gabrielle Giffords
January 13, 2006
Dear Friend,
As you know, I resigned my seat in the Arizona Senate last month to run for Congress. Rep. Jim Kolbe's unexpected retirement announcement required this difficult decision. I was honored by the opportunity to be in the Legislature, but our country is facing some historically difficult times. All of us must step up during this crucial period to assist our country. This is why I decided to dedicate all my time, and all my energy, to serving Arizona's 8th Congressional District.
I begin this journey by traveling throughout Southern Arizona. I want to hear from people like you - folks who know and understand this land and our people. So far, they're telling me how it feels to be thrust onto the front lines of an immigration crisis. I'm hearing farmers and ranchers who are concerned about their crops and cattle. I hear from teachers, parents and students who worry about our schools, and whether working families can afford a college degree. Too many people are uninsured or underinsured. Our seniors fear for the security of their pensions, and everyone is worried about the solvency of Social Security. Medicare recipients are dealing with complex prescription drug plans that inflate costs and still restrict access to medication. Families with soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan are concerned about their loved ones. Veterans are seeing their benefits reduced each year. This is just the beginning of what I'm hearing, and this is why I am running.
I believe there are solutions. I will be laying out my ideas and plan of action as the campaign unfolds.
I deeply love Southern Arizona. I was born and raised here. My roots stretch back several generations. I worked hard to build public policy experience through my service in the state House and Senate. I am proud of my reputation for reaching across the aisle to get things done.
Remember the Buck Stretchers? The experience I gained by running El Campo Tire taught me that money doesn't grow on trees. You really do have to stretch those dollars to make payroll and cover costs. My academic background in Urban Planning and international links to Israel, Mexico, Europe and China help me understand the global nature of the challenges we face.
The campaign is off and running. I am blessed by help from my dear friends Eddie Basha and Dorothy Finley, who serve as honorary co-chairs. Michael McNulty will continue to chair my campaign, and Laura Almquist is my treasurer. We will soon be announcing our fulltime staff who will bring a wide array of expertise to meeting the needs of the 8th Congressional District.
I would like to invite you to join Congressman Raúl Gríjalva and other supporters at our official campaign kickoff, which will begin at 10 a.m. on Jan. 24 at the Arizona Inn, 2200 East Elm Street. This will be followed by a 12:30 p.m. event in Green Valley at the American Legion Post, 1560 W Duval Mine Road in Sahuarita and some other stops around our district over subsequent days.
The campaign headquarters at 5704 E. Broadway in Tucson will be open by Feb. 1. Please stop by anytime to share your thoughts on issues. And of course I'd love to have you roll up your sleeves and add your talents to our effort.
As in the past, I will be using the Internet to keep you informed. I sincerely appreciated your support during my legislative service. If you are no longer interested in receiving my messages, simply follow the link at the bottom of this letter to remove your name from my email list.
With help from people like you, we will find solutions and bring the necessary strength and leadership to Southern Arizona. Thank you for all you did in the past, and for all I hope you will do in the future.
As always, I would enjoy hearing from you. If you would like to contact me about the campaign, please call me at (520) 792-9980 or email me at Gabrielle@GiffordsforCongress.com.
Sincerely Yours,
Gabrielle Giffords
I added all hyper-links in this letter.