The Arizona Secretary of State has posted the final & unofficial results of the 2012 General Election for CD 2, here in Southern Arizona (although ballots are still being counted statewide). Pima County Elections finalized their ballot count today Nov. 19. Congressman Ron Barber (incumbent in CD 8) has won by 2454 votes. Automatic recounts only occur if the margin of victory is less than 200 votes per state law. Barber declared victory on Nov. 17 and McSally conceded on that day as well.

Ron Barber (D) 147,338, 50.32%
Martha McSally (R) 144,884, 49.48 %

This was a very close race, with early and provisional ballots in the thousands being counted in Pima and Cochise Counties since Election Night November 6. The lead changed many times, but Barber ultimately began to take the lead on Saturday November 10. McSally was leading on the morning of November 7 by 1312 votes when I first reported the Arizona general election results.

Barber was first elected to Congress in CD 8 in June, 2012 by defeating Republican Jesse Kelly in a special election. Then Barber won the CD 2 primary in August, 2012 against LD 29 Rep. Dr. Matt Heinz. Barber was chosen by his former employer, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords to run in CD 8 after she resigned in January, 2012, to spend more time in her physical recovery from the 1/8/11 Tucson Tragedy shooting. Giffords and her retired astronaut husband Mark Kelly have since moved back to Tucson, from Houston, Texas.

Congratulations Congressman Barber.

Congressman Ron Barber

Congressman Ron Barber (Democratic incumbent in CD 8) will be debating his Republican challenger ret. Col. Martha McSally on October 23, 6 p.m. at the University of Arizona Student Union Memorial Center grand ballroom, 303 E. University Blvd. The Student Union is south of E. 2nd St. near Mountain Avenue. Barber was elected to his seat in June, 2012 when he defeated Republican Jesse Kelly in a special primary election. Now he is running for newly reapportioned CD 2.

Arizona Illustrated: The CD2 Forum
Airs Tuesday, October 23rd @ 6pm
Live simulcast on NPR 89.1 and azpm.org

This is a live, one-hour forum.

Panelists include:
AZPM’s Christopher Conover & Andrea Kelly (political reporters)
Tucson Weekly’s Jim Nintzel (investigative reporter)
ASUA President Katy Murray

Campaign websites:

Ron Barber (D), incumbent Congressman in CD 8, former Tucson District Director for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, www.ronbarberforcongress.com

Martha McSally (R), retired Colonel in U.S. Air Force, former Professor of National Security Studies at the George C. Marshall Center in Germany, www.mcsallyforcongress.com

There is also a Libertarian write-in candidate Anthony Prowell in this race.

Arrive early as this may be a crowded debate as there have been very few in this particular race in CD 2.

Martha McSally

Congressman Ron Barber

Dr. Matt Heinz

Press Release:

UPCOMING CD2 TOWN HALLS
Hosted by CD2 Candidate Matt Heinz

Candidate Dr. Matt Heinz invites press and voters in Arizona’s new 2nd Congressional District to upcoming Town Halls in Tucson and Bisbee/Naco, Ariz.

Join us at these local events to learn more about his congressional candidacy and stance on policy issues. Dr. Heinz will deliver opening remarks followed by a Q & A session with the voters and the press. Dr. Heinz and his campaign team look forward to a lively discussion about the issues that matter to the district.

Tucson Area Town Hall
Date & Time: Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 4:00 P.M.
Location: Jewish Community Center
3800 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718
https://www.facebook.com/events/263175740449738/

Bisbee/Naco Town Hall
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 6:00 P.M.
Location: Turquoise Valley Golf Club
1794 West Newell, St. Naco, AZ 85620
https://www.facebook.com/events/199815533479100/

More events will be scheduled in the upcoming weeks. For the latest information about CD2 events, visit http://www.HeinzForCongress.com.

Contact: Kraynal Alfred, Communications Director
kraynal@heinzforcongress.com
(404) 751-6152

Tucson Medical Center physician Dr. Heinz is a member of the Arizona state house, having served 2 terms representing LD 29. He is facing a Democratic challenge in the August 28 primary from newly elected Congressman Ron Barber, of CD 8. Then the winner will be running against the Republican winner of their primary, either Martha McSally (who ran in the 4-way CD 8 special primary and lost to Jesse Kelly) or Mark Koskiniemi, a political newcomer.

So if you’re undecided as to whom to vote for in the Democratic CD 2 primary, turn out at these town halls & listen to what Matt has to say about the issues affecting Southern Arizona.