Click here for the interview.

Grijalva is in his 5th term representing CD 7, serving since January 2003. He faced a tough bid last year against political newcomer physicist Ruth McClung, winning by 9550 votes. There was also a Libertarian George Keane and Independent/Nonpartisan Harley Meyer running in that race in November, 2010.

Two Republicans are already listed on the Pima County GOP website as running for this CD 7 seat:
Chris Flowers, and Gabby Saucedo Mercer, whose announcement I attended back in March (click here for previous blog).

Information on Flowers:
chris@voteflowers.com
www.voteflowers.com
623-308-9732

Information on Mercer:
gabriela@saucedomercer.com
www.saucedomercer.com
P.O. Box 87332
Tucson, Arizona
520-344-3847

Congressional District 7 will be subject to redistricting by the Arizona Independent
Redistricting Commission (due to population increase in Arizona from the 2010 Census). The first round of public hearings are being conducted by the Commission throughout Arizona, with the next one scheduled for August 15 in Casa Grande. Two public hearings were held recently in South Tucson/Tucson on August 2 and 6.

Gabriela Saucedo Mercer

Her announcement will be made at 11 a.m. Wednesday March 2nd at the Inn Suites/Tucson Hotel, 475 N. Granada Avenue, Copper room in Tucson, 85701. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

From her website:

Gabriela Saucedo Mercer lives on Tucson’s west side with her husband of 24 years, Ted Mercer. Gabriela, “Gabby” for short, set aside her work career with a defense electronics firm in order to raise her 3 children and continue her education. As the kids were growing up Gabriela became more and more concerned about the direction that her adopted country had taken in recent years. She legally emigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in 1986 in order to live in a nation full of opportunity and Constitutional protections of individual liberties. She became a proud U.S. citizen in 1991.

I happened to be at the Tucson City Council meeting last Spring when Gabriela stood up & spoke against the Council’s opposition of SB 1070, and Congressman’s Grijalva’s call for a boycott of the State of Arizona. Most of the Mexican Americans in the room spoke against SB 1070.

Campaign info: www.saucedomercer.com, 520-349-5600, gabriela@saucedomercer.com.

Congressman Raul Grijalva has served since January, 2003 and won his last November, 2010 campaign against political newcomers Republican Ruth McClung, Libertarian George Keane, and Independent Harley Meyer. Results of that recent race:

GRIJALVA, RAUL M. (DEM)
50.16% 79,935
MCCLUNG, RUTH (REP)
44.16% 70,385
KEANE, GEORGE (LBT)
2.71% 4,318
MEYER, HARLEY (I-N)
2.83% 4,506
Write-in
0.14% 228
159,372 total votes cast

3/3/11 UPDATE: 2 live videos of this campaign kick off event:

http://tucsoncitizen.com/in-the-aggregate/2011/03/02/gabriela-saucedo-mercer-releases-two-videos-in-race-for-cd-7/

1) Join U.S. Senator John McCain, U.S.Senator Jon Kyl, Jesse Kelly (for CD 8 U.S. House) and Ruth McClung (for CD 7 U.S. House) for a Republican get out the vote rally on Monday, November 1st from 3:30PM till 4:30PM. “This will be a great opportunity to bring out those undecided voters so that they will have a chance to meet with the candidates prior to Election Day.” This event is free and open to the public.

Location: 2945 E. Grant Rd., Tucson (McCain/McClung HQ). This is on the NW corner of Grant & Country Club.

——————-

2)Get Out The Vote rally with Democrats on Monday

Join Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, candidates Penny Kotterman (for Superintendent of Public Instruction), Rep. Chris Deschene (for Secretary of State) and Manuel Cruz (for State Mine Inspector) along with other candidates to Get Out the Vote! Also free & open to the public.

When: Monday, November 1, from 4:30 – 5:30 pm

Where: El Guero Canelo, 5201 S. 12th Ave, Tucson (SE corner of Utah Street, south of Irvington) — home of the famous Sonoran hot dog

Last chance today to meet & greet these politicians & wannabees before the election tomorrow!

Both major parties need every vote for those close races. Vote wisely tomorrow. Polls open at 6 a.m., close at 7 p.m.

Doors open at 8 a.m. Coffee & donuts will be served.

Also attending will be U.S. House candidates Jesse Kelly in CD 8 and Ruth McClung in CD 7.

Here’s your chance to meet these Republican candidates and ask those questions about issues affecting Arizona.

U.S. Senator John MCain

Governor Jan Brewer

event flyer

This is probably one of the few times you will have a chance to discuss issues with both Democratic Congressmembers Raul Grijalva (CD 7) and Gabrielle Giffords (CD 8), along with their Republican challengers Jesse Kelly and Ruth McClung.

The RSVP for this exciting breakfast event is due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday October 20 to www.mpaaz.org/events/breakfast. Cost is $25 for members of Metropolitan Pima Alliance (MPA), non-members/public cost $35 (including late and no RSVP). The Breakfast wll be catered by Creative Catering, at the Tucson Association of Realtors’ office, 2445 N. Tucson Blvd. (north of Grant Road).

Questions can be directed to Executive Director Michael Guymon, at 520-751-1030 or michael@mpaaz.org. I worked with Michael when he was Chief of Staff for former Ward 6 Councilmember Fred Ronstadt (R).

“Metropolitan Pima Alliance’s goal is to participate, educate and influence public policy and decision making for Metropolitan Pima County. MPA leads the charge in facilitating dialogue between members of the development community with those in the public-sector. Unique to the region, MPA is an alliance of business, government and non-profit organizations. MPA’s goals directly relate to improving our region’s quality of life and economic vitality and to that end, MPA strongly believes in the positive participation and contributions of the private business sector working in collaboration with local jurisdictions.

As part of this mission, MPA’s members include representatives from both sectors. The MPA Board is made up of prominent business leaders from a variety of development sectors from planning to banking. As such, our meetings and events are well-attended by an impressive group of people including elected officials, local governmental staff and individuals from a variety of private-sector industries. Our members are relied upon to contribute expertise in their respective fields to fulfill MPA’s core goal to create sensible community planning solutions. MPA offers a variety of events in which networking and sponsorship opportunities are offered.” (from their website, http://www.mpaaz.org/.

MPA office is at 110 S. Church, Suite 6320, Tucson, AZ 85701.

The first CD 7 debate between Democratic 4 term Congressman Raul Grijalva and his 3 challengers– Mortgage loan servicer George Keane (L), physicist/rocket scientist Ruth McClung (R), and former math teacher Harley Meyer (I) will be at 5:00 to 6 p.m. at Pima Community College Desert Vista Campus, 5901 S. Calle Santa Cruz, Pueblo Building cafeteria.

This event is co-hosted by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Public Media, ASUA, and Pima Community College Desert Vista Campus. FREE and OPEN to the public, so show up to ask your questions of the candidates.

Campaign websites:
Congressman Raul Grijalva (D), www.grijalvaforcongress.com
George Keane (L)
Ruth McClung (R), www.ruth4az.com
Harley Meyer (I), www.harleymeyer.com

Also on Wednesday, October 13, Arizona Illustrated at the UA will televise a forum with Congressman Grijalva, Keane, McClung, and Meyer. They will tape this interview earlier in the day. You can then watch it at 6:30pm on Channel 6 KUAT. Or online at www.ondemand.azpm.org/ usually a few hours prior and thereafter.

CD 7 registered voter totals (from Arizona Sec. of State’s office after the 8/24/10 primary):
Democrats 142,283, Libertarians 2740, Republicans 75,437, Greens 674, Others 103,750 for a total of 324,884. An updated count for the General Election is not available online as yet.
Congressional District 7 encompasses parts of five Arizona counties: La Paz, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and all of Yuma County.

Congressman Grijalva has served this new district since January, 2003 and it was created in time for the November, 2002 election, based on the increase in population in Arizona from the 2000 Census.

The local Sonoran Desert Chapter Conference of the Arizona Junior State of America (JSAZ) was held today at the Joel D. Valdez Main library downtown from 10:15 to 4:30 p.m. The event was mostly organized by 14 year old Conference Director Caleb Rhodes (home schooled). Welcome remarks were made by their elected JSAZ Governor Theo Jones (also home schooled) and their Program Director Karen Prosser.

Local political candidates for the November 2010 election who were invited to speak today were Ruth McClung (R), CD 7 U.S. House candidate; Rodney Glassman (D), U.S. Senate candidate; 3 candidates from LD 27 House of Representatives – Sally Ann Gonzales (D), Robert Compton (R) and Kent Solberg (G); LD 29 House candidate Pat Kilburn (R); and David Nolan (L), U.S. Senate candidate & founder of the Libertarian Party.

So a cross- section of candidates from four different parties were represented today to indicate to these high schoolers the range of political party viewpoints in Tucson. The Constitution Party, Tucson Tea Party, ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), and both Jan Brewer for Governor and Terry Goddard for Governor campaigns were also included in the lunchtime Political Fair.

Their afternoon Thought Talks were entitled” Should the U.S. Implement a National I.D. Card? (moderated by Theo Jones), followed by “Laissez-Faire or Socialism, what is the role of government in the economy?” (moderated by Ashlen Smith)

In the student-run Junior State, and at The Junior Statesmen Summer Schools and summer Symposia, participants learn statesmanship as they engage in political discourse. They cultivate democratic leadership skills, challenge one another to think critically, advocate their own opinions, develop respect for opposing views, and learn to rise above self-interest to promote the public good.” (all quoted statements from their website, www.jsa.org)

Local chapters of Junior State of America exist at 3 private high schools in Tucson: Salpointe Catholic High School, St. Gregory’s College Prep School, and River of Life Christian School, plus for those home schooled.

They are planning a JSAZ Fall State Convention for 2 days (October 30-31) at the Phoenix Hilton Suites Hotel (10 East Thomas Road) for interested high school students & teachers. Cost is $60 per person which includes one night at the hotel, guest speakers, debates, “provocative thought talks”, Halloween Dance & prizes for best costume. Register online at www.jsa.org. For more info call Karen Prosser at 1-800-334-5353 (Junior State West Headquarters in San Mateo, CA).

“Since 1934, the nonprofit Junior Statesmen Foundation (JSF) and the Junior State of America (JSA) have helped over 500,000 student leaders acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be active, informed and responsible citizens, voters and statesmen. (They) are committed to developing a diverse cross section of young leaders throughout the entire country.”

This sounds like a wonderful opportunity for high schoolers to become active leaders in politics, civics, learn about how government works at all levels, meet actual candidates & politicians, debate current issues, etc. Reminds me of the “debate clubs” we used to have back in high school.

JSA is non-profit and non-partisan, so tell your high schoolers about it today, or their American Government teachers to start up a chapter, if your high school doesn’t have one. And attend that Fall State Convention in Phoenix.

Here’s a list of the women candidates seeking office in Southern Arizona and statewide. Most of these candidates have been endorsed by the Arizona Women’s Political Caucus (AWPC), EXCEPT for Republicans Governor Brewer, candidates Ruth McClung, Brenda Burns, Gail Griffin, Peggy Judd, and Terri Proud, and Democratic candidate Margaret DiFrank.

The AWPC only endorses women candidates who are pro-choice.

Congressional District 7: Ruth McClung (R), candidate
Congressional District 8: Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D), incumbent

Governor Jan Brewer (R), incumbent (appointed)
Attorney General – Felecia Rotellini (D), candidate
Superintendent of Public Instruction – Penny Kotterman (D), candidate
Corporation Commission (2 seats) – Brenda Burns (R), candidate

Southern AZ legislators:

LD 25 Senate – Gail Griffin (R) candidate, former legislator
LD 25 House (2 seats) – Rep. Pat Fleming (D),incumbent and Peggy Judd (R) candidate

LD 26 Senate – Cheryl Cage (D), candidate
LD 26 House (2 seats) – Terri Proud (R) candidate, and Rep. Nancy Young Wright (D), incumbent

LD 27 Senate – Rep. Olivia Cajero Bedford (D), candidate, current legislator
LD 27 House – Sally Ann Gonzales (D), former legislator

LD 28 Senate – Senator Paula Aboud (D), incumbent

LD 29 Senate – Senator Linda Lopez (D), incumbent (unopposed)

LD 30 House – Andrea Dalessandro (D), candidate

Clerk of Superior Court – Margaret DiFrank (D) candidate, Clerk Patti Noland (R), incumbent

After the General Election 5 of the 6 Southern Arizona State Senators could be women, mostly Democrats — incumbents Senators Paula Aboud and Linda Lopez, plus veteran legislator Olivia Cajero Bedford, former legislator Gail Griffin, and newcomer Cheryl Cage.

Here’s their mission statement of AWPC:

“The Arizona Women’s Political Caucus is the state affiliate of the National Women’s Political Caucus. We are the only multi-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to increasing the number of pro-choice women in elected and appointed office. We work to help women attain leadership positions at all levels of government.”

Early voting starts on October 7 for the November 2nd General Election.

Over 1000 community leaders, business leaders & clergy and members from over 50 institutions (churches, synagogues, schools & non-profits) across Pima County convened today at 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Tucson Conventon Center’s Copper Ballroom to present an agenda that builds stronger families & communities in Southern Arizona, through “values reflection, inquiry, and constructive action.”

Sitting politicians (federal & state) and candidates seeking those offices were asked questions pertaining to workforce development, education, services to families, and immigration.And they were asked to promise to meet with PCIC delegations after the General Election.

Here’s a list of who attended today (supposedly all Democrat & Republican candidates of these offices were invited):

Congressman Raul Grijalva (D), CD 7
Ruth McClung (R), candidate in CD 7

State Senate candidate Chery Cage (D), LD 26
State House candidate Terri Proud (R), LD 26
State House Rep. Nancy Young Wright (D), LD 26

State House caniddate Robert Compton (R), LD 27
State House caniddate Sally Ann Gonzales (D), LD 27
State House candidate Macario Saldate (D), LD 27

State Senator Paula Aboud (D), LD 28
State Senate candidate Greg Krino (R), LD 28
State House Rep. Steve Farley (D), LD 28
State House candidate Ken Smalley (R), LD 28
State House candidate Bruce Wheeler (D), LD 28

And for the statewise offices:
Gubernatorial candidate Terry Goddard (D), current Attorney General
Attorney General candidate Felecia Rottellini (D)
Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Penny Kotterman (D)
Corporation Commission candidate David Bradley (D), current LD 28 House rep.

Statements were also made by TPD Chief Robert Villasenor and Councilmember Regina Romero in support of Proposition 400, to raise the city sales tax by one half cent/dollar.

Question asked of the State Legislature candidates:
Will you vote to enact additional revenue sources so that funding for vital services such as education & health care can be protected? (All State Senate & House candidates responded “yes” in their one minute replies, some with conditional responses.)

Questions asked of the Gubernatorial candidate:
1. What measures will you take & what leadership will you provide to ensure that budgets are not balanced on the backs of our children & most vulnerable citizens?
2. Will you support our efforts to expand innovative job training initiatives like Job Path throughout the state?

Questions asked of the Attorney General candidate:
1. What role can you play as attorney general that would benefit our families that are abused by mortgage companies? 2. Will you ensure that the enforcement of SB 1070 is done in a humane manner, and that local police departments receive accurate & just interpretations of the law?

Question asked of the Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate:
In light of the budget crisis, what leadership will you provide to improve public education in the State of Arizona?

Tucsoncitizen.com fellow blogger David Morales (“3 Sonorans”) was present videotaping this candidate session, so hopefully he will be able to provide a video later with the specific responses.

Protesting outside the Tucson Convention Center were Independent candidates Ted Downing and Dave Ewoldt (both for LD 28 Senate), and Green Party candidate Kent Solberg (for LD 27 House), who were apparently not invited to participate. Solberg handed out a statement which read that “Limiting debate, discussion & points of view is not discussion and is not consistent with the Pima County Interfaith Council’s stated goals and purposes.”

Also in the audience today were former Mayor George Miller, former TUSD Superintendent Stan Paz, current TUSD Governing Board candidate Miguel Ortega and member Adelita Grijalva, and former Pima County Attorney candidate Claudia Ellquist.

For more information on PCIC:
639 E. Speedway Blvd. #1, Tucson, Arizona
520-903-2333, office@pimacountyinterfaith.org

logo

–Republican Unity event & Meet the GOP candidates– expected to attend: Governor Jan Brewer, U.S. Senator John McCain, and Congressional District 7 (CD 7) candidate Ruth McClung and CD 8 candidate Jesse Kelly, along with statewide candidates for Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Corporation Commission, and State Mine Inspector. The candidates who won the Republican primary for those respective races in order are: Ken Bennett, Tom Horne?, Doug Ducey, John Huppenthal, Gary Pierce and Brenda Burns, and Joe Hart. (AG candidate Tom Horne is leading by 433 votes, with provisional ballots still being counted in Maricopa County).

Also attending will be Southern Arizona candidates in the State Senate and House (LD 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30) and some judges.

Date: Friday August 27
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Place: Historic Manning House
450 W. Paseo Redondo in downtown Tucson (west of Granada Avenue)
Light refreshments/cash bar
RSVP: pimagop.secretary@gmail.com
phone: 520-398-4755 (Leave message)

–Democratic Unity Party
Join the Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469 and the Pima County Democratic Party for a barbecue picnic at Himmel Park to celebrate DEMOCRATIC UNITY!
Date: Saturday, August 28
Time:11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Place:Himmel Park (near northeast corner of the park & the Himmel Park Branch Library, 1035 N. Treat Ave.)
Contact:Jason McDonald
Phone:(602) 626-8805
RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=110737635640131

No word if Gubernatorial candidate (and current Attorney General) Terry Goddard will be at the Saturday picnic, but he is scheduled to speak at the Democrats of Greater Tucson 2010 Awards Luncheon the next day on August 29. That event will be at the Marriott University Park Hotel at 11 to 2 p.m. Not too late to RSVP for $40 lunch tickets ($45 at the door), call the Pima County Democratic Party at 520-326-3716 and speak with Cheryl Rogers. Website: http://www.actblue.com/page/dgt-awards-luncheon.