Nan Stockholm Walden declines to run for U.S. Senate

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Press release from Nan Stockholm Walden regarding her decision not to run for U.S. Senate:

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – Over the last couple of weeks, Dick and I have received an incredible outpouring of support from political leaders, friends and even strangers across the state and across the country. All have been urging me to run for the United States Senate.

This expression of confidence has been such a great honor. It says to me that Arizonans want leaders who understand what it takes to run a business, serve their community, steward our natural resources and to hold their state and federal officials accountable. People are weary of the partisan bickering and finger pointing. They expect our state and federal government to support the small businessmen and women who are the backbone of our economy. They expect our government to balance its budget like families have to balance theirs. But they also expect government to invest in the future through wise support of public education and infrastructure that has enabled generations of hard working people to better themselves and their children in America.

When the average citizen believes that the government is not serving him or her, or that his hard earned tax money is being used irresponsibly, that makes him angry, and I share that anger. However, venting reckless anger without proposing constructive alternatives is dangerous. In the extreme it leads to the collapse of democratic institutions and even revolution and anarchy. Patriotic Americans of all stripes must guard against this kind of irresponsibility. Part of what has made our country great is the vibrant yet respectful exchange of ideas. I am committed to doing my part to ensure that continues.

However, after thoughtful and prayerful consideration, I have decided that the time is not right to enter this Senate race. Dick and I are partners in our family enterprise, and are in the midst of a number of important initiatives for our town, our county and our state. I cannot abandon these obligations to our family, our partners, our 60-year-old farming business, our 250 employees and our Santa Cruz Valley.

I trust and hope that there will be other opportunities for me to be in public service in the future. Meanwhile, Dick and I both will support those public servants that embody the ideals so necessary to lead our country during these challenging times.