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Subscribe to RSSA little more than two weeks after Rep. Gabrielle Giffords resigned from Congress to focus on her recovery from the shooting in Tucson last year, her former District Director Ron Barber announced his campaign to fill the seat in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District for the remainder of her term.
Barber, who was also injured in the shooting last year, has worked with Giffords since 2006, and he indicated on a conference call with reporters Thursday that he would continue many of her priorities if elected in the special election set for June.
“I think we have a very strong bond,” Barber said of Giffords. “I know what her priorities are. In almost every case, they are my priories too. I feel I'm a moderate like she is.”
Barber said he decided to run after Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly urged him to run a few weeks ago, but he said it is "hard to say" if Giffords would be out on the campaign trail with him in Tucson.
"The Congresswoman looked at me directly and said, ‘Ron, will you run?” Barber recounted. “I have their full support going forward. I'm very fortunate and honored to have that.”
He added, “I hope the Congresswoman's support and Mark Kelly's support will be one way to let the voters know if they elect me they're going to get a similar kind of representation -- a hardworking, problem-solving, moderate in Congress."
State Rep. Matt Heinz had said he would seek the nomination in the April special election primary, but Heinz announced this afternoon that he was endorsing Barber and would focus on the general election for the new second congressional district. That could result in a showdown with Barber, if Barber wins and decides to seek a full term.
Barber said he has not decided whether he would seek a full two-year term in the general election this November in the redrawn 2nd Congressional District.
Once Barber returned to work after the shooting at the Safeway in January 2011, he was working half days up until his resignation, but he said that he feels he is physically and emotionally up to the job.
“I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't think I could,” Barber said. “I've never given less than 100% to every job, project, or initiative I've been involved with.”
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Totally makes sense!
Who better to fill the position then her trusted aide & confidant?
Gabby may be gone from DC for now, but her legacy could now live on while she recuperates!
I am pleased to hear that Mr. Barber has agreed to run. I don't think I could turn down a direct request from somebody like Giffords. She has brought hope to so many.
A good decision by Gabby. It certainly makes sense because he would know what is going on and believes much like Gabby and her constituants do.
I agree with the sentiments expressed by the former three commentators
Feisty, I lived in Arizona for 18yrs. I have been to that same Safeway plaza many times. Gabby helped my two good friends fund a clinic for Drug and Alcohol abuse for the homeless. She has a special place in their hearts and in mine.
Thanks for sharing that Lisa!
I grew up in Tempe, couldn't wait to get the hell out of that state! ;o)
Feisty, Wow, I wasn't far from Tempe my daughter played for the Tempe Soccer Club.
wait a sec, you moved from Arizona to Chicago? Now we know the rest of your story.
It's a small world after all... lol
Feisty, It is a very small world, Have a nice night.
I think Barber will have tough time winning. He'll probably end up running (and losing) against either Martha McSally or Jesse Kelly.
He's a great well meaning guy who started the Fund for Civility Respect and Understanding after the shooting...and he likes to talk, so he'll be a good fit for Washington!
I just hope that the voters in this very Purple District don't decide to go with the Tea Party guy she barely beat in 2010, or the even crazier state senator who are running as Republicans. For at least the next couple years, can we honor Giffords' sacrifice by not turning the seat over to the enemy?
Liked the way your praised his starting of "Civility Respect and Understanding" and then ended your comments by calling fellow American republicans, "the enemy". Can you say hypocrisy?
I'll give you that one - I regretted it the moment I entered it.
Sick to death of hearing about Gabby. I feel for the people who died because they were at the store when some sick so and so opened fire. Especially the survivors of those who died. She didn't die, and she is not a hero. She was just a woman who had run for and been elected to do a job for which she was being paid. End of story.
Surely how one chooses to respond to terrible, life changing events (especially those over which we have little if any control) is an apt way of deciding who is a "hero"? I'm sorry, Jay Lee, but whom would you consider a hero?