Cage throws down the gauntlet

by David Safier

In a press release sent to BfA and other media outlets by Cheryl Cage, who is running for the LD-26 Senate seat, she let opponent Al Melvin and others know she's serious.

Cage has decided to run traditional.

Cage raised $32,000 in the year preceding the legislative election, with most donations being under $100.00.

[snip]

The $32,000 she raised is almost exactly the amount she would be allowed to spend for an entire campaign, were she and her opponent receiving state funds. The campaign has more than $30,000 cash on hand going into this pivotal election year.

She's drawing the clearest line possible between her priorities and Melvin's.

Cage will fight for better public schools, a stronger economy and pledges to listen to all sides in the political debate. She knows that as long as Arizona ranks last in classroom spending, the state is forfeiting the 21st Century. She knows that the right industries, including solar, can create and sustain quality jobs that will build a better economy.

Her opponent, Sen. Al Melvin (R-Saddlebrooke), has used the state budget crisis as an excuse to wage his war on public schools and those most hurt by the crash of his "anything goes" economic theories. As vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee, he's failed to deliver a balanced budget more than six months after the constitutional deadline. When questioned Melvin returns to the tired old political practice of hurling epithets, rather than engaging in debate.

"Southern Arizona is tired of failed economic policies and narrow ideological warfare substituting for sound government, Cage said. "I'm grateful for the support that will bring inclusive leadership to the state capitol and I will fight hard for southern Arizona."

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