Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
Press release from the Rodney Glassman "exploratory" committee — he's not exploring anymore:
It's Official: Glassman for U.S. Senate
Rodney Glassman is officially running against John McCain for U.S. Senate
TUCSON, Ariz. — In accordance with Arizona’s resign-to-run law, Rodney Glassman resigned from the Tucson City Council Tuesday night to run against the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate. Glassman's resignation came hours after the Tucson City Council completed sending its budget recommendations for 2011 to the Tucson City Manager.
“This was a very serious decision for me. As I traveled across Arizona, I heard a resounding message that John McCain has been in Washington so long that he’s become part of the problem,” said Glassman, who has been traveling across Arizona for several months on a listening tour. “The families who call Arizona home want a senator who also calls Arizona home—a senator who will put Arizonans first.”
Glassman will soon make announcements about upcoming events in cities and towns across Arizona, including a formal statewide kick-off tour later this month.
Glassman has earned the support of elected officials, community leaders, labor organizations and activists across Arizona. Thousands of Arizonans have already donated and pledged their support to Glassman.
“I am honored and humbled that so many Arizonans are asking me to run against a Washington, D.C. fixture like John McCain,” said Glassman, “Arizona is my home. I love the city of Tucson where my wife Sasha and I will raise our family. I will bring Arizona values to the DC beltway.”
Glassman’s labor endorsements include:
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2384
Arizona State Council of International Machinist and Aerospace Workers
Communication Workers of America Local 7000
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 570
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 428 Arizona
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 469 (Arizona statewide)
Sheet Metal Workers Local 359 of Arizona
Statewide Teamsters Local 104
United Association Road Sprinkler Fitter's Local 669
United Transportation UnionArizona’s leaders and activists are standing behind Glassman’s run for U.S. Senate:
“Having served in the House of Representatives for four terms, it would be nice to finally have an Arizona Senator that is willing to work with our entire Congressional delegation regardless of party affiliation,” said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.). “Rodney has a unique desire and ability to work with everyone and provide everyone with equal set at the table.”
"Rodney Glassman has been a strong business advocate during his time with the Tucson City Council. He understands the needs of the business community and has always been willing to discuss our issues and be sensitive to them,” said Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce President Jack Camper.
“Arizona needs someone representing us who has the interests of our state, not Washington, D.C. bureaucrats, in mind. We need someone approachable and involved in Arizona,” said Arizona Sen. Paula Aboud (D-Tucson). “We need someone who doesn't need a GPS to find his way around Arizona. Rodney Glassman knows his way around our state and he's working for us.”
“Rodney is going to surprise a lot of people who don't know him. Those of us who are in Arizona know him. He's our guy. He's the guy we want in this race," said Phoenix Vice Mayor Michael Nowakowski.
"Rodney has already proven to Southern Arizonans that he will stand up for us against lobbyists. Unlike McCain who stands up for people who already have money and power, Rodney will continue to stand up for Arizonans in the U.S. Senate," said Gila County Supervisor Shirley Dawson.
"It is refreshing to see an elected official who is enthusiastic about trying new approaches to solve old problems. And, Rodney really means it when he says he wants to take a bipartisan approach to policy-making. His track record proves it. Isn't it about time we saw that from Arizona senators?" said Mesa City Councilman Dennis Kavanaugh.
“It’s time Arizona got a Senator with integrity, honesty, and a real concern about the economic future of the state. Rodney Glassman is that man,” said Cottonwood City Councilmember Darold Smith.
“Rodney Glassman is the breath of fresh air we have been waiting for. It's time we have a Senator who will represent us, who will stand with us, and who is not only looking out for his own interests. Rodney has the ability to cross party lines and work well with others, something that is critical and not easy to come by among Politicians,” said Wellton City Councilmember Alex Bejarano.
“Rodney Glassman's enthusiasm for the exciting race ahead will help energize Democrats in Arizona. We're eager for fresh and insightful leadership in Washington, and he brings many talents to the campaign that will inspire the base and open-minded voters.” said Mark Manoil, former Maricopa County Democratic Party Chair. “It's about time we elected an excellent senator. Arizonans have proven that they can make bold decisions when given the choice: Goldwater in '52 and DeConcini in '76. We'll add "Glassman in '10" to that list.”
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Contact: Dawn Teo
dawnt@rodneyglassman.com
(480) 518-9901 x712
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