In April, 2010 only two Democrats (Rudy Garcia and Dr. Rodney Glassman) were running for U.S. Senate, challenging the seat held by Republican Senior U.S. Senator John McCain, who has served since 1987. In May three other Democrats from the Phoenix area joined the race: John Dougherty, Dr. Cathy Eden, and Randy Parraz.

On June 21 Parraz will speak at the weekly luncheon of Democrats of Greater Tucson (DGT) at the Dragon View restaurant located at 400 N. Bonita Ave. (west of the I-10, south of St. Mary’s Rd.) Then Dougherty speaks the following Monday, June 28. Expect Eden to follow thereafter, prior to the August 24 primary.

I wrote about this race on May 6 (click here), as this election on the Democratic ticket heated up. For bios on these three new candidates, go to my previous blog. (Briefly Dr. Eden is a former state legislator & now the Director of the ASU School of Public Affairs, Dougherty is a freelance investigative reporter, and Parraz is a civil rights advocate and labor organizer.)

DGT states that their “mission is to support the Pima County Democratic Party and provide a forum for elected officials, candidates, and other organizations to address area Democrats. Over the years, DGT has hosted legislators, Governors, U.S. Senators, Sheriffs, Congressmen, countless community leaders and activists.” As a social group DGT meets every Monday (except holidays) at 12 noon to 1 p.m., and the cost of the Chinese buffet lunch is $8.50, which includes tax, tip, and a drink. It’s only $2.50 if you want to hear the speaker and order a drink. Membership dues are $10/year.

DGT also have a new website: tucsondemocrats.org and they publish an electronic newsletter which you can sign up for at: democrats.greater.tucson@gmail.com. If you want further info, call President of DGT, Marilyn Freed at 520-298-7316, marilynfreed@aol.com. She was a candidate for the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) Governing Board in 2004.

Stay tuned as to whether there will be any debates between these four Democratic contenders before the August 24 primary. Last week candidate Dougherty challenged the others to debates in Tucson, Phoenix, and Flagstaff, but candidate Glassman (who spoke at DGT on April 19) declined to commit to a debate schedule before the primary. Eden and Parraz said yes, and Garcia is not a contender according to the Arizona Secretary of State’s official website.

candidate John Dougherty

candidate Randy Parraz