Ron Barber to run in special congressional election for the Giffords seat

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Ron Barber announced to the media that he is running for the Giffords seat in the special congressional election.

Press conference from Ron Barber announcement (highlights):

Congresswoman Giffords asked him to run and he has the full support of Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly.

Barber resigned his congressional staff position on Tuesday and made the commitment to run in the special election on Wednesday.

Barber said there were no preconditions to his entering the race. Barber said that he has made no decision regarding the CD 2 general election race, his focus is only on the special election right now. He said that he would make his decision regarding CD 2 known in the near future.

Some reporters pressed Barber on Matt Heinz having said that he would clear the field if Barber was only running in the special election. Barber was also asked if he ran for the CD 2 general election, did he expect that other Democrats would enter the race to primary him. Barber said that "I am not trying to dodge your questions, but my focus is only on the special election right now." Barber said he would be working events and getting petitions signed this weekend.

Barber was asked about the Giffords "war chest" and whether those funds would be available to him. Barber indicated that he is new at this and did not know all the legal requirements, including FEC regulations involved, but that is something which is being looked at.

Barber was asked about his health. Barber said that his strength and energy have returned and he feels that he is fully capable of performing  the job. He was pressed by a reporter about working half days in his congressional position until he resigned on Tuesday. Barber explained that this did not mean he was not putting in full days with the several other projects to which he is committed, such as the Arizona Centennial and the Fund for Civility.

Barber was asked about the contentiousness of the 2010 race and what he thought this race portends. Barber said he would run a civil campaign. "I believe it was Barry Goldwater who said that we can agree to disagree without being disagreeable."

Barber indicated that he and his family have deep roots here in Southern Arizona. In running for Congress, he would continue Rep. Giffords' commitment to border issues and to veterans issues. He would be a moderate voice in Congress.

David Safier made an audio recording of the press conference and will fill in any details I may have glossed over in these abbreviated highlights.

As the press conference was just getting underway, this email announcement from Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly was received, as I am sure many of you received as well:

We are writing today to share some exciting news – our good friend Ron Barber is running to represent Arizona's 8th Congressional District in Congress.

Ron is a leader who puts politics aside and brings people together.   From running Gabby's district operations and working with people to resolve their problems, to 35 years of service helping people with disabilities, Ron has spent his career fighting for those in need.

Gabby and I are honored to stand with Ron as he launches his campaign. We have set a goal of helping him get 1,000 donors before Monday to get his campaign off the ground quickly.

Can you help us by being a founding partner to Ron's campaign and help him continue Gabby's work?

Ron will always put Southern Arizona first. He is committed to solving problems – balancing the budget, protecting Social Security and Medicare, creating jobs and securing our border.

Gabby and I want to make sure that Ron's campaign gets off to a strong start.  You have always been so generous to Gabby and we hope we can count on you to click here and join us now.

Thank you for standing with me and Gabby through this last year.   Now, we ask you to stand with Ron as he helps to continue the work we began together.

Sincerely,

Mark Kelly