Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Republican No Shows Part II

Posted By on Wed, Sep 1, 2010 at 7:31 PM

To follow up yesterday's Range regarding the Republican no shows at last night's campaign forum sponsored by the NAACP, the Southern Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce and the Urban League, we talked earlier today with Chamber Executive Director Clarence Boykins, who helped organize the event.

Boykins said e-mail invites went out to Republican and Democratic candidates for state-wide offices — Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Superintendent of Public Instruction, U.S. Senate and U.S. Congress — right after the primary. No invites went out to the state legislative candidates.

"All the legislative folks who attended last night didn’t get an invite," Boykins said about the 10 Democrats and 1 Independent who showed up — which included Terry Goddard for Governor, Rodney Glassman for U.S. Senate, and Chris Deschene for Secretary of State.

"We were surprised by who showed up. Even the mine inspector candidate was there, Manuel Cruz, and all various districts throughout the state and city. We were surprised they were there, but we welcomed them. We had met beforehand to decide what questions we would ask, and all of our questions were for the people we invited."

Boykins said he never heard from the Republicans who were invited - Gov. Jan Brewer, Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate John Huppenthal, Attorney General candidate Tom Horne, and Secretary of State Ken Bennett. Boykins said he heard back from U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' office, as well as Attorney General Candidate Felecia Rotellini and Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Penny Kotterman, who told Boykins they were unable to attend

According to Ken Moyes, campaign volunteer with state Senate candidate Frank Antenori, state Representative candidate Ted Vogt, and state Representative candidate David Gowan, the whole thing was "designed to be a set-up."

"Maybe it would not be the most receptive crowd," Moyes said.

When asked why it wouldn't be a receptive crowd, Moyes said, "I don’t know. That was probably a misstatement on my part."

Moyes also accused the forum organizers of fraud because they didn't explain to those in attendance that the Republicans were not invited.

Boykins said the first hour of the forum was reserved for Republicans, the second hour for Democrats and then questions from organizers. Since Republicans were not in attendance, that time was given to eight legislative candidates, including LD 28 Senate candidate Dave Ewoldt, a Green-turned-Independent.

Boykins said the campaign forum organizers would be happy to host a second forum for the Republican candidates who were not invited and all Democrats. Moyes said the three candidates he volunteers for would be interested in attending.

We e-mailed Huppenthal for comment, and called Brewer and Horne's campaign. When and if they call back with comment, we will let you know. We also have a few e-mails and calls out to LD Democrats to find out why they decided to show up, even if they were supposedly not invited.

Keep reading to see Boykins' campaign forum invitation.

Hello Arizona Candidates,

On behalf of the Tucson Urban League, Tucson Branch of the NAACP, The Tucson-Southern Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce, and our Community Partners we congratulate each of you on your success thus far in one of the most important freedoms of our great country, the political process and the right to participate. As representatives of our various organizations it members and families we extend to you an invitation to attend and participate in a community forum where we can hear your views and political positions on questions that are of the greatest concerns to all Arizonians but specifically the African American Community. This is not a debate but a discussion,there is no partisan agenda but an opportunity to establish relationship based on understanding, commitment, and trust.

Some would believe that understanding, commitment, and trust are not word normally associated with politics, but we remain hopeful that everything is possible. We have extend invitations to each candidate of the top State and Federal positions to participate. We hope that you will look favorable upon our request.

The invitation attached details the schedule and how the evening will unfold. Please give me a call with any questions or concerns that you might have regarding this Community Forum. Our state is facing some of the greatest challenges in recent history. But as Arizonians we have proven we have the willingness and the toughness to rise above the difficulties. It will require all of us to make strong choices and great sacrifices to navigate through this quagmire of challenges that are ahead. We have little interest in blame, only results. We are not willing to sit on the sideline and be spectators we will be actively involved. We intend to have a voice in the direction and future of our state it begins with our vote. We are offering an opportunity for partnership not partisanship as we move forward, and forward we will move.

We understand that for some this may be a short notice for your participation. If this is the case please us know and we would be willing to schedule another time that will work for your schedule. It is important that we hear your views.

We look forward to meeting with you and having a discussion about the future of Arizona, “It’s Time To Talk”
Please call to RSVP your attendance.

Clarence Boykins