Arizona Illustrated Political Roundtable
Premieres with New Host Jim Nintzel
New format on PBS-HD Channel 6
Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m. starting September 16th

Tucson, Ariz. – September 9, 2011 – Jim Nintzel, senior writer for the Tucson Weekly and a longtime contributor to Arizona Public Media, will host a new political roundtable on the Friday evening edition of Arizona Illustrated premiering Friday, September 16th at 6:30 p.m. The program will feature a mix of political strategists and reporters who will bring insider perspective to the events of each week.

Arizona Illustrated Political Roundtable will be part of PBS-HD Channel 6’s Friday night news block airing at 6:30 p.m. before PBS NewsHour, Washington Week, Arizona Week and Need to Know. The program repeats at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday morning in addition to video-on-demand at www.azpm.org.

“I’ve missed doing the Friday Roundtable and am thrilled to be part of the team that’s bringing a new version to Arizona Illustrated,” Nintzel said. “As the host, I hope to bring fresh insights and perspectives from both the left and the right to our viewers. It’s great to be back in the AZPM studios providing in-depth political news for the community.”

Jack Gibson, Director and General Manager of AZPM states “This new restructuring of the Friday Roundable supports Arizona Public Media’s strategic focus on news and current affairs. Jim, with his respected standing in the community and long experience in the political arena, is a welcome addition to our broadcast team.”

New Arizona Illustrated Political Roundtable format:
• The format for Arizona Illustrated Political Roundtable will include Nintzel, political strategists and insiders from both the left and the right sides of the political aisle, reporters from Arizona Public Media and other special guests who will provide analysis of the week’s events in local, state and national politics, as well as forecasts of future political trends.

The premiere program on September 16th will include the following guests:
Jonathan Paton, former Arizona state lawmaker and congressional candidate,
Rodd McLeod, Political Strategist (Congressional campaigns of Congresswoman
Gabrielle Giffords and the 2010 gubernatorial campaign of Terry Goddard),
Andrea Kelly, political reporter, Arizona Public Media.

About Jim Nintzel:
Having covered politics in Southern Arizona for two decades at the Tucson Weekly, Jim Nintzel has won more than 30 statewide and national journalism awards for reporting, commentary and feature writing and was named a Journalist of the Year by the Arizona Newspaper Association in 2010. He was part of PBS-HD Channel 6’s Friday Roundtable for 15 years and has aided Arizona Public Media with political debates and other segments. He is an adjunct faculty member who has taught government reporting at the University of Arizona School of Journalism since 2001.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pima Dems to Honor Pima County Sheriff Clarence W. Dupnik

The Pima County Democratic Party will honor Sheriff Clarence W. Dupnik at a dinner on Saturday, April 16 at the Hotel Tucson City Center. Former presidential candidate and Colorado Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder will deliver the keynote address to more than 400 expected attendees. Democratic National Committeeman Fred DuVal will serve as master of ceremonies.

Tickets for the event are in limited supply but may be purchased online through the PCDP’s website, www.PimaDems.org or by calling (520) 326-3716. Tickets are $75 with proceeds will go to the Pima County Democratic Party.

Sheriff Clarence W. Dupnik Tribute Dinner

Time: 5:00 pm Registration and No-Host Cocktails
6:30 pm Dinner

Location: Hotel Tucson City Center, 475 N. Granada Ave. (south of E. 6th Street)

Honoree: Sheriff Clarence W. Dupnik

Kenote Speaker: Former U.S. Rep. Patricia Schroeder (D-Colorado)

Guest Speakers: Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (CD 7)

Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall

Hon. Terry Goddard (former Arizona Attorney General)

Hon. Dan Eckstrom (former Pima County Supervisor)

Master of Ceremonies: Fred DuVal

Contact: Adam Kinsey
Executive Director, Pima County Democratic Party

Cell – (520) 834-6384
Office – (520) 326-3716
director@pimadems.org

Website for Pima County Sheriff’s Dept. (click here). “A veteran of over 50 years in local law enforcement, Clarence W. Dupnik has served as the Sheriff of Pima County, Arizona, since his appointment in February 1980. County voters endorsed the choice nine months later by electing him to his first four-year term and ratified that decision by re-electing him six additional times.” Dupnik is up for re-election in 2012.

Tucson’s rally was held today at Jacome Plaza (in front of Joel D. Valdez Main Library) to support the Fix Gun Checks Act of 2011, which will “help get the records of prohibited buyers into the national database, and close the loopholes that let dangerous people buy guns.”

Victims of the Tucson shooting and other tragedies, numerous politicians, and community leaders spoke today calling on U.S. Congress to fix the background check system. Hundreds of people were in attendance at Jacome Plaza, and t-shirts stating “34 Americans are murdered with guns every day” were given out to those who signed the petition.

Ward 3 City Councilmember Karin Uhlich was the MC of today’s rally, saying she spoke with the support of Councilmembers Regina Romero (present), Paul Cunningham and Steve Kozachik (both not present). Uhlich said that “Tucsonans were standing together so that the suffering of January 8, 2011 will not be in vain, and to promote reasonable measures to safeguard the public.”

List of those who spoke at the Tucson rally:

–Patricia Maisch, citizen heroine on January 8, 2011 who stopped shooting suspect Jared Loughner from reloading

–Dr. Peter Rhee, Chief of Trauma, University Medical Center, who helped the January 8, 2011 shooting victims in the emergency room and thereafter

–Randy Gardner, Jan 8, 2011 shooting survivor

–Ross Zimmerman, father of Jan. 8, 2011 murdered victim Congressional aide Gabe Zimmerman (who also spoke for Gabe’s fiancee Kelly O’Brien)

–Dr. Ann Nichols, widow of State Senator Andy Nichols, whose father was killed by a gunman (when Andy was 4 years old)

–Tony Baccerra, gun shooting survivor, accompanied by his mother & sister

–Carol Gaxiola, Homicide Survivors Executive Director, whose 14 year old daughter was killed by a gunman

–Omar Samaha, whose sister Reema Samaha was one of those students killed at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007

–Vicky Walker, mother Pat Yuhas and sister Kristy Johnson – Vicky’s husband and daughter were killed in their car by a gunman

–former U.S.Senator Dennis Deconcini

–former Assistant Attorney General Vince Rabago, a gun owner & hunter

–former Attorney General Terry Goddard (with the support of former Attorney General Grant Woods)

–former Mayor Tom Volgy (with the support of former Mayor George Miller)

–Tucson Police Dept. Assistant Chief Brett Klein (for Police Chief Robert Villasenor)

–Pima County Sheriff Captain Byron Gwaltney (for Sheriff Clarence Dupnik), who was on duty on January 8, 2011

–Santa Cruz Sheriff Tony Estrada

–Rev. Jan Flaaten, Arizona Ecumenical Council

–Rev. David Wilkinson, St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church

Also in attendance was Registered Nurse Nancy Bowman, who rendered CPR and first aid to shooting victims Judge John Roll, Congressional aide Pam Simon, and Suzi Hileman on January 8, 2011 at the NW Safeway.

Most of the speakers agreed with Vince Rabago’s statement that “those who shouldn’t have guns shouldn’t have guns”. And most asked that there be background checks for those who are mentally ill, convicted felons, drug abusers, and at gun shows. Ross Zimmerman asked for “responsible behavior regarding gun ownership” stating that his son’s death “changed our community forever.”

Parked behind the speakers was the Fix Guns Checks national truck with a sign on the side stating “Americans murdered with guns since Tucson”. When the rally began the tally number on the truck was 2687, when the rally ended a hour/half later, the number had increased to 2689.

The National Drive to Fix Gun Checks kicked off in the wake of the Tucson shooting with one simple message: “We need to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people.”

Since then, more than a quarter million Americans have signed the petition to Fix Gun Checks, and President Barack Obama has made fixing background checks a national priority, calling for reforms that would make the system instant, accurate and comprehensive.

The Fix Gun Checks Act of 2011 has been introduced in the U.S. Senate and will soon be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

To sign the National Petition to Fix Gun Checks, go to www.fixgunchecks.org.

Blogger Hugh Holub has written extensively on this issue and announced this event about federal legislation for background checks on guns:

http://tucsoncitizen.com/view-from-baja-arizona/2011/03/27/national-drive-to-fix-gun-checks-comes-to-tucson-monday-at-1-pm-downtown/.

Photos of today’s rally to be posted by me (separately), courtesy of Curtis Dutiel:
http://tucsoncitizen.com/community/2011/03/28/photos-from-todays-mayors-against-illegal-guns-rally/

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.

Governor: Terry Goddard (D)
Secretary of State: Ken Bennett (R)
Attorney General: Felecia Rotellini (D)
Superintendent of Public Instruction: Penny Kotterman (D)

U.S. Senate: none (“A race not worth watching” is their characterization)
CD 7: Congressman Raul Grijalva (D)
CD 8: Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D)

The Wildcat opinions board state that their “Endorsements are based on candidates’ platforms and if applicable, records in office, with special attention paid to their history with and plans for higher education.”

Read online Wildcat (or today’s paper edition) for rationales: http://wildcat.arizona.edu/perspectives

As for the U.S. Senate race (page A5), the Wildcat editors state “A closer look, however, reveals a race that is embarrassing for both candidates. McCain’s record on education this past decade is abysmal.” As for Glassman, they say ” Despite his degrees from and his connections to the UA, Glassman has not offered anything substantial when it comes to education. His website is vague about how he would improve Arizona’s educational standing, and Glassman himself has been equally vague in interviews & public appearances…”

These endorsements are similar to The Tucson Weekly’s, which endorsed Democrats except for the “no recommendation” in the U.S. Senate race. Read my previous articles on newspaper endorsements (click here.)

Vote wisely, on or before November 2nd.

U.S. Senator Mark Udall

He also asked the hundreds of loyal Democrats in the room to “carry on for my dad Mo”. He spoke of how the previous Bush Administration had “driven the bus into the ditch” economically, and that it was not time to “give them back the keys” to the bus, but to get the bus out of the ditch & put the bus into “D” for drive (and Democrat), not “R” for reverse (and Republican).

Also speaking tonight were Rep. Chris Deschene, candidate for Arizona Secretary of State, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (CD 8 U.S. House), and finally Attorney General Terry Goddard, running for Governor. Goddard joked that something was “wrong with our immigration policy” to allow the Udalls (Mark and Tom) to leave the State of Arizona. Tom Udall is former U.S. Rep. Stewart Udall’s son and now U.S. Senator of New Mexico. Mark and Tom’s fathers Mo and Stewart Udall were brothers, and both represented Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Goddard said there was “no gap of enthusiasm in Southern Arizona”, and that there was “no bigger push than now” to take back the state and bring the “prosperity train” back to Arizona. (Incidentally, Goddard is a graduate of Rincon High School while Giffords is a graduate of University High School, which shares the same campus in Tucson.)

Also attending tonight ‘s rally were Rep. Daniel Patterson (LD 29 House candidate), Bruce Wheeler (candidate in LD 28 House), Dr. Macario Saldate (candidate in LD 27 House), Vince Rabago (former AG candidate), and Tim Sultan (former candidate in LD 28 House). Congressman Raul Grijalva (CD 7) was initially scheduled to attend tonight, but was unable to due to a scheduling conflict.

Chair of the Pima County Democratic Party Jeff Rogers also spoke of the tremendous activity in the four Democratic headquarters in Southern Arizona . He emphasized that this was a “pivotal time” in Democratic politics in Arizona, due to the necessity of electing Terry Goddard to Governor, in order for him to veto bills coming from the Republican Arizona legislature.

Pima County Democratic Party headquarters in Tucson is located at 4639 E. 1st. Street, phone 520-326-3716. Website is www.pimadems.org.

and incumbent Ken Bennett (R) for Secretary of State (who takes over should the Governor resign or leave office):
http://azstarnet.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_4213e38c-ca88-5e44-983e-09cec7885d0d.html

They also endorsed for U.S. Senate incumbent John McCain (R) today:
http://azstarnet.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_6b670cb4-20f2-57b6-9f29-c51cfcb42434.html

And for the Congressional seats in Southern Arizona, incumbent Gabrielle Giffords (D) for House CD 8:
http://azstarnet.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_6036f82e-eea6-50c6-85b0-ab7e74d7ca98.html

and incumbent Congressman Raul Grijalva (D) for CD 7:
http://azstarnet.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_4167e7b8-c9ae-5016-aafd-98b99e98b7f5.html

Incumbency does seem to matter in these top races.

I wrote a previous blog about Tucson newspaper endorsements for state-wide offices (click here).

Recap of Star’s previous endorsements: Felecia Rotellini (D) for Attorney General, Doug Ducey (R) for Treasurer, Penny Kotterman (D) for Superintendent of Public Instruction, and incumbent Gary Pierce (R) & Brenda Burns (R) for Corporation Commission (2 seats). The only incumbent in these races is Pierce.

Reminder — The Tucson Weekly (10/7/10 issue) endorsed all Democrats except for U.S.Senate (no recommendation).

Vote wisely on or before November 2nd.

Goddard family photo

Attorney General Terry Goddard (Gubernatorial candidate), his wife Monica, and their son Kevin (and two dogs) live in Phoenix, from his campaign website:

http://www.terrygoddard.com/meet-terry.

More of his bio (also from the website):
“Terry Goddard is an Arizona native, born and raised in Tucson. His father, Sam Goddard, served as Arizona’s Governor in the 1960s. Terry received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his law degree from Arizona State University. He served an active duty tour in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Commander after 27 years in the Naval Reserves.”

10/14/10: Just got another family photo from his campaign (they seem to like the color blue):

Goddard family photo

“Most polls show Attorney General Terry Goddard lagging behind Gov. Jan Brewer by double digits in the governor’s race. Can Goddard close the gap by Nov. 2?” (dated 9/28/10, 330 votes so far). Vote now or see online results by checking their website & scrolling down on the left of the homepage, http://azcapitoltimes.com/.

Past polls from their archives:

“Which statewide Democratic candidate has the best shot at winning on Nov. 2?”
–Felecia Rotellini, attorney general’s race (44%, 148 Votes of 339 votes)

“Who will be the next Senate president?”
–Sen. Steve Pierce (42%, 171 Votes of 408 votes)
–Sen. Russell Pearce (31%, 127 Votes)

“Who is the most vulnerable Democratic member of AZ’s congressional delegation?”
–Harry Mitchell (34%, 121 Votes of 361 votes)
–Ann Kirkpatrick (29%, 104 Votes)

Which primary race was the biggest surprise?
— CD3 (R) – Quayle beats field of 10 (40%, 188 Votes of 473 votes)

“Which Republican will win the primary race for state treasurer?”
– Doug Ducey (42%, 171 Votes of 403 votes)

Some of these polls were accurate (State Treasurer one, which was surprising as all 3 opponents had state legislative experience and Ducey is a political newcomer). And of course the Ben Qualye win was another surprise by a political newcomer, though son of former U.S. Vice President Dan Qualye.

Wait for November 2nd for some of the results for these other polls, or thereafter for the Arizona State Senate President vote. I’m not much of a believer in political polls, but they do indicate some trends. Readers, do you agree with these poll results?

For other interesting political polls from their archives click here.

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

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