Az Daily Star editorial board recommends that Arizona voters choose Dr. Richard Carmona (D) to replace Republican junior U.S Senator Jon Kyl (who is retiring). Senator Kyl has served since 1995, and before that as CD 4 Congressman since 1987.

The Tucson Weekly also endorsed political newcomer Dr. Carmona, who served as the 17th Surgeon General of the U.S. under President George W. Bush’s administration. Dr. Carmona was a life-long Independent until he registered as a Democrat last November, 2011.

I knew trauma surgeon Dr. Carmona (slightly) when we were both Commissioners on the now defunct Domestic Violence Commission back in the 1990′s. His campaign website is www.carmonaforarizona.com.

Republican candidate for this U.S. Senate seat is CD 6 Congressman Jeff Flake, who has served in that office since 2003, and for CD 1 in 2001 – 2003. He is the nephew of the late State Senator Jake Flake.

Libertarian candidate is Marc Victor, a criminal defense attorney in Phoenix.

Dr. Richard Carmona

Read the endorsements for yourself, and vote on or before Nov. 6:

Star:http://azstarnet.com/news/opinion/editorial/carmona-s-bipartisan-views-will-benefit-all/article_e32337ef-d256-592c-b6f1-db0b580897ff.html

Weekly:http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/the-tucson-weekly-2012-endorsements/Content?oid=3546754

Press release from Women’s Commission:

The Pima County / Tucson Women’s Commission recently released a new and revised Resource Guide on Domestic Abuse, Assault and Violence made possible through a $5,000 grant from Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall’s office. The funds for its printing came from seizure of criminals funds and not taxpayer dollars. Attorneys at Southern Arizona Legal Aid spent much time checking the document’s accuracy. Jan Vasilius of Kaimas Foundation was also a sponsor.

The guide will be distributed to various city, county and law enforcement agencies, as well as hospital emergency rooms. A PDF of the guide will be available at person-pimatucsonwomen.org. The Women’s Commission is a 501c (3) organization dependent on donations to continue its work. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Pima County / Tucson Women’s Commission, 240 N. Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701.

This Guide is available online at: http://pimatucsonwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DV-Guide-Final-2012.pdf.

It is a a very comprehensive 50 page guide full of resources for a person seeking assistance from any domestic violence situation, whether married, in a partnership or dating, straight or gay. Having worked in this field for a number of years first as a staff attorney for an Americorps DV victims project, then as a DV Commissioner & Interim Director of the now defunct Domestic Violence Commission, I can attest to the seriousness of domestic abuse, and how difficult it is to leave the abuser.

Kudos to the Pima County Tucson Women’s Commission for making this guide available in our community.

And don’t forget about tonight’s “Stand Up to Stop Violence” show at the Fox Tucson Theatre at 7 p.m. Click here for previous blog post about that stand up comedy show, which benefits Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse.

Sunday, September 9, 2012, 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6 p,m.)
Stand Up to Stop Violence at the Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.

Join Host David Fitzsimmons, Headliner Eric O’Shea and top local comedians for one hilarious night of comedy! Get ready to go to a funny place you’ve never been before, where basketball heroes and talented comedians come together for charity. The Second Annual Stand Up to Stop Violence comedy fundraiser benefits the Emerge Center to Prevent Domestic Abuse and the Blair Charity Group.

Local comedians to perform include Elliot Glicksman, Gary Hood, Suzie Sexton, Nick Seivert, Nancy Stanley, Tom Potter, and Joey G.

KVOI talk show host John C. Scott interviewed two attorneys Elliott Glicksman and Susan Agrillo (aka Suzie Sexton) on August 23 about this comedic show/benefit. Click here to listen to that interview which is posted on the Tucsonsentinel.com website. I was fortunate caller #5 to the radio show contest & won two free tickets for this event. As the former Interim Director of the Domestic Violence Commission (and former Commissioner) here in Tucson, and a former staff attorney for an Americorps DV Victims Project back in Hawaii, this will be a meaningful show for me (and my husband).

Get tickets at the Fox Theater box office or online here from the Fox website. Tickets range form $15 to $50. ($50 VIP tickets includes 1 drink ticket, preferred seating, meet and greet with appetizers and desserts). Student tickets are only $10.

More info about this comedic group, to to www.standuptostopviolence.com. Suzie Sexton’s sister was mugged & murdered in Chicago in 1980, so she personally knows about violence.

Stand Up To Stop Violence is an organization that cares. Building hope through laughter and striving to involve the community actively. Through event hosting with various comedians in the industry, Stand Up To Stop Violence raises funds to donate to various charities.

So please stand with me to “Stand Up to Stop Violence” (especially against women & children).