[Editor’s note: Obviously, our blogger David Safier isn’t a big fan of Ethan Orr and has made that point pretty well known on the Range heading up to the election. Orr supporter Demitri Downing asked to explain why he’s voting for Orr in response, so here’s his take on LD9.]
A scorpion asks a duck to carry him over a river.
The duck is afraid of being stung during the trip, but the scorpion argues that if it stings the duck, both would sink and drown. The duck agrees and begins carrying the scorpion, but midway across the river, the scorpion does indeed sting the duck, dooming them both. When asked why, the scorpion points out that this is its unchangeable nature.
Moral of the story: some animals — political parties among them – cannot change their nature. But people, voters, free thinking people, don’t have to follow the party’s sometimes destructive and always self-serving path.
I start with this story because this is what could happen to State Rep. Ethan Orr, our LD-9 moderate duck, should the people believe the endless attacks by a small group of scorpion activists within the Democratic Party. In their quest to sting Ethan, they completely ignore that Ethan is the rare Arizona moderate who has brought balance and rational discourse to the State Capitol, a helpful duck for sure.
The Democratic Party, acting according to their nature to sting Republicans, has focused solely on two “fear” issues, abortion and guns — issues rarely the subject of meaningful legislation. Nonetheless, Ethan’s votes on even these “fear” issues have been thoughtful and rational. What truly speaks to Ethan’s nature as a helpful river crossing duck, are his numerous successes on legislation to improve health care, economic environment, public safety, and education policy for Tucson and Arizona. Additionally, his progressive efforts on Medicaid expansion, SB 1062 and leadership developing rational marijuana policy should be praised and rewarded by all, as they involved crossing traditional party lines.
Furthermore, the other ducks can’t help us all cross the river like Ethan can.
While the two democratic candidates are both kind and well meaning, their ability to function, have any meaningful impact on the debate, or achieve objectives is absolutely restricted by the Republican dominated majority almost 100% of the time. By “stinging” Ethan, the Democratic Party is really asking voters to send another non-influential representative to Phoenix – forsaking effective, meaningful, relevant representation that can actually deliver results for all of us.
While the party, through columnist David Safier, argues that it is better to have one more Democrat, in reality, it does not matter. There is almost no chance of a change in the majority until 2020 or beyond. The State House is, and will be, close to a 35-25 Republican dominated majority, period. Thus only Republican bills will get heard. We didn’t make this absurd partisan system – we just live in it.
Here is a real life example: Days ago, Steele mentioned that she would be seeking legislation to address sex trafficking of minors. However, just like the mental health bill she likes to claim as her one achievement, Ethan Orr was actually the prime sponsor, her new concept goes nowhere without his efforts or another Republican sponsor who is rational and willing to adopt it as his or her own. While Steele might argue: no big deal, I will find another moderate to run my bills once I am in Phoenix. Why in the world would we eliminate the only member of the majority party the people of Tucson have physical access to?
I am a native Tucsonan who puts Tucson before party politics. My votes are pragmatic, rational, and evidence based, not automatically cast under the D or R labels. While currently a registered independent, I had a father who served as a Democratic State Representative for our region. I learned from him how the “real world” works, the real world of the Arizona State Capitol. The only logical conclusion one can draw from a Tucson first perspective is that a vote to return State Representative Ethan Orr to the legislature is the most responsible vote, anyone, in any race this cycle, can cast. That is, if they are genuinely concerned about the U of A, the COT, Pima County and our individual representation, not their party!
Political parties’ and their unchangeable nature are in full force this political season, stinging away as partisans do, regardless of truth, but we the voters are better than that. Protect State Rep. Ethan Orr- our endangered Tucson duck!
This article appears in Oct 23-29, 2014.
I hear this argument regularly- you need to vote for a Republican because they are the majority in the legislature, nothing gets done. Well if we believe that it will always be true.
Given what the legislature has “accomplished” in the last six years, anything that can possibly them down (or prevent a veto override) at all is a good thing.
What a great article Mr Downing. Very well thought out and highly descriptive.
It reads like English Major wrote it. It would be great if one elected official could do something good for ALL Tucsonans.
Simply put: our legislature is a national laughingstock, enough already
Dimitri, I am sorry, but partisans such as David Safier are rarely pragmatic or thoughtful. I just hope the voters are on election day.
BS, one needs to vote for the better/best candidate i.e. the one that best represents you. To vote for someone that does not reflect your values because they will get elected or may influence their party is to deny the strength of democracy. Given the strength of party discipline this is particularly true now. I have no problem voting for a candidate of either party if that person represents my value. But generally speaking I want democrates representing me because that is where my values are and I am reluctant to vote for even middle of the road republicans because when the party whip calls they will have to march with the party majority.
Looking at the overall candidates, they are roughly even on the issues, with their relative goods and bads offsetting each other.
That being said, the deciding factor is the Democratic candidate’s fetish with that bogus issue of gun control, which it their format, is nothing but a feel good issue that does absolutely nothing to address the alleged issue they have with gun violence, but has more to do with control and power.
So, given that, even though Victoria Steele has not made an ass of herself at the Legislature, and has tried to represent us well, I am only casting one vote, and that is for Ethan Orr.
The biggest problem with the mess the partisan system has created is in cases such as Damien Alexander who wanted a relatively sane non partisan bill about bikes pushed. He went to Ethan Orr, where does he go to if Ethan is gone?? Someone answer this question about our individual right to work with someone who can get things done! Damien does not live in Phoenix, if Ethan was not there because of the partisan nonsense that is and will be Phoenix until 2020, it would have been twice as challenging for him!
I will cast my vote for Ethan proudly. How can my fellow Democrats not see that if we are to really be more principled then we have to recognize when someone from the other party is doing his job in representing us.
Ethan is quite simply the better candidate. Don’t be sheep. I won’t be this Election Day. Thank you Ethan for standing up for Tucson, and standing up to your own party, for being a voice of reason. I apologize for those Tucsonans who can’t see past their own party propaganda.
I pray we don’t lose you.
Is Ethan Orr doing a good job in representing us? Here are some facts to consider. He has procured funding for some projects & programs that help people, but the fundamental fact is the Tea Party GOP controlled legislature has engaged in such reckless tax-cutting over the years that vital programs across the state are starved for money, e.g. foster care, public education, job training. Ethan Orr is like a typical politician, placating some well-connected groups with some crumbs to win their support while the state as a whole starves.
Here’s another fundamental truth: Ethan is a Republican and the Republicans in the state House are predominating Tea Partiers, and that fact won’t change this year because the moderate Republicans, even with Gov. Brewer’s support (e.g. Jo Grant in LD 11) couldn’t unseat the Tea Partiers in the primary. Re-electing Ethan allows the Tea Party-dominated GOP to maintain their control of the legislature, and we all know the extreme measures the Tea Party Republicans favor. Re-electing Ethan Orr is simply enabling the Tea Party to dominate our state legislature.
In addition Ethan Orr’s voting record has a dark side. First, his votes have left women vulnerable because he thinks a fertilized egg should have “person-hood”, i.e. equal rights to a mature woman! Second, his votes have left our environment vulnerable because he has a “F” grade from the Sierra Club. Third his votes have left victims of gun violence vulnerable because he has an “A” rating from the NRA & the Arizona Citizens Defense League which believes people should be able to carry guns where ever they want. By these votes Ethan has lost any ability to claim he is a compassionate or moderate person.
Re-electing Ethan Orr doesn’t solve our problem in Arizona: chronically under-funded programs. Yes, he might be able to obtain funding for a few projects to placate some well-connected interests & earn their support, but the state as a whole suffers because there’s not enough money to go around. Furthermore, this funding comes at too high a price, paid by vulnerable women, the environment & victims of gun safety. Re-electing Ethan Orr will be a continuation of politics as usual in Phoenix. Re-electing Victoria Steele & electing Randy Friese in LD 9 will start the process of building a new Arizona where the Tea Party is no longer the dominant force in our state.
BrianClymer: A republican rep shared with me at a dinner once the following quote, “WTF is wrong with Tucson, don’t they know that when we Caucus he is the only one who stands up for Tucson.” Would you rather have nothing than crumbs and lets not diminish what Orr has done. As I told him once, they might unseat you but you can hold your head up HIGH my friend for your leadership on shutting down SB 1062!
“Start the process of building a new Arizona where the tea party is no longer the dominant force”?
(BrianClymer)
Do you still believe in the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and Peter Pan?
Remove Ethan and the Tea Party is stronger because the moderate wing of the Republicans is weakened. The Arizona legislature is Republican. Period. No amount of hoping and wishing will change it this election. You can go close your eyes and clap your hands in fairy land while wiser voters protect Tucson’s voice and actually walk the walk of weakening the Tea Party – and defending Tucson.
Hopefully I’m not the only Democrat who won’t be a lemming.
The voters of LD 9 speak next Tuesday. The results we live by for the next two years. Actions we may have to live with for years. Slight improvement or no improvement, that is the question. Putting the three candidates up for sharp comparison, Representative Victoria Steele, moderate, experienced legislator with a reasonable fiscal and social agenda certainly deserves our vote.
Representative Victoria Steele is a proven effective legislator who has earned
re- election. So that leaves our other choice.
Alright two choices standing. Ethan Orr certainly not the same as some in the Republican Party. Not a unrealistic right-wing ideologue, insanely voting to ruin state government functions to remold them at some future date along some different unknown course.
Ethan Orr has to be given credit for joining with the Democrats and Governor Brewer to expand healthcare for thousands of needy Arizonans. Not so good on protection of our citizens from gun violence or allowing women to make their own decisions in health matters. Overriding religious belief, sound medical background, or he just doesn’t think women know their own bodies or trust their intellect?
We can’t fault Ethan Orr for actions of the small group of tea party activist in control of the Republican legislative agenda, but lets face it, some things better left undone with no Governor’s veto pen out what did Orr’s presence as a Republican legislator accomplish for us?
What is this wait until 2020 for revamping the legislature? Why not start next Tuesday and build from there?
The other choice, Dr. Randy Friese. A total newcomer to the political scene, what does he bring to the table for us to compare and award our vote. A solid member of the community, well-educated University of Arizona trauma surgeon and Professor of Surgery, Navy Veteran from a humble background.
Dr. Friese raised by a single parent with limited financial means, product of a public education, a person with dedication to pull himself along that trail to adulthood. A person who has answered that call of conservatives, pull yourself up by your boot-straps make your way in the world, show us your stuff.
Well even the harshed conservative inclined would have to agree Dr. Friese has matched the qualification and his stuff is totally worth our vote. With no handicap of alliances within the ruling tea party GOP Legislature just that fresh freedom warrants our vote. Elect Dr. Randy Friese our second state representative.
Sorry, as a woman, I couldn’t possibly vote for this guy given that he continues to relegate my sex to second class citizenry 🙁
Demitri got the story wrong; it’s a frog carrying a scorpion across the river — the Tigris, if I remember correctly — and the punch line is: “This is the Middle East.” Just as he bowdlerizes his scorpion story, so with his defense of Ethan Orr, a truly conservative Republican. Yes, Ethan voted for Medicaid (AHCCCS) expansion in 2013 and then in this year’s session he supported an effort to limit eligibility to 5 years. I suspect the rationale for that vote was that anyone worth helping would be able to grow her income beyond the level of poverty in 5 years. And if gun safety and women’s rights weren’t important issues, why would Republicans work so hard so long to keep from placing restrictions on gun ownership, much less to restrict women from making decisions that are absolutely not in the proper purview of the state? And from where is the money by the wheelbarrow full coming in support of Ethan’s moderate Tucson Republican candidacy? From our moderate Tucson Republican governor and from others north of the Gila who have interests he will represent in Phoenix. I’m afraid Demitri has stepped into a cow flop and can’t shake it off his shoe.
Although Demitri’s lesson on politics is accurate, this from a guy who did jail time for election fraud. Go figure, perhaps Orr could get Even Mecham to endorse him too if he were still alive.
All this doesn’t change the fact that Orr is opposed to a woman’s right to make her own health decisions. Period.
Nice gesture at fairness and balance, but I have no tolerance for cynical, Machiavellian machinations masquerading as a lecture in civic responsibility, especially when they’re delivered by a proven cheater. Sorry, but I do not give the slightest crapita what this irrelevant punk thinks.
Mr. Downing’s writings have Ethan Orr’s fingerprints of ‘just listen to what I say, do NOT check the facts” all over his commentary.
I found the duck/scorpion tale most amusing, and easy to dispute.
What one doesn’t know is that this particular duck (the erstwhile Mr. Orr) has webbed feet of clay and is being carried across the river by a hidden school of radically conservative Republican fish.
Facts are facts. Let’s review:
Medicaid expansion,
Orr voted ‘yes’ on Medicaid expansion in 2013.
BUT, in 2014 Orr then voted for a bill that would have thrown over 450,000 low-income adults off Medicaid. A bill so mean-spirited that Gov Brewer vetoed it.
Where’s his discussion of this vote?
SB 1062
Orr voted ‘no’ against SB 1062 during a time when it was OBVIOUS that a ‘yes’ vote would raise voter ire.
BUT, four months earlier Orr voted YES on HB 1178; the EXACT SAME discriminatory bill.
In addition, Orr would not throw his support behind any Democratic bills that would have expanded the prohibition against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Where’s his discussion of this vote?
Legalization of Marijuana
Orr would not support nor sponsor Rep. Ruben Gallego’s bill to legalize marijuana.
BUT OH WAIT, when an election season comes around and it appears this might get him some press he comes out in support of marijuana legalization. Where’s his discussion of this vote?
But, I find Mr. Downing’s last comment the most disheartening:
“While the two democratic candidates are both kind and well meaning, their ability to function, have any meaningful impact on the debate, or achieve objectives is absolutely restricted by the Republican dominated majority almost 100% of the time.”
Interesting I agree with him on this one; the Republicans will NOT allow anything that goes against their ideological stands to move forward. This is EXACTLY why we must change the conversation by changing the make-up of the House.
The Dr Friese for House campaign simply asks that voters make an informed choice by reading the facts, not just a fable presented by Mr. Orr via Mr. Downing.
Dimitri’s only interest is Dimitri. It always has been and it always will be. If Dimitri would benefit by throwing Mr. Orr under the bus he would not hesitate to do so. Mr. Orr is poorly served having such a charlatan as a campaign adviser.
I suppose, since the Tucson Weekly is so desperate to show that they are politically balanced (see their ‘courageous’ recommendation for LD9!), the elevation of this comment is some sort of bone tossed to the Republican view. More likely this is the only person that’s supplied ANY reason to elect State Representative Orr. Since the GOP offered no combatant for either State Representative Victoria Steele or Senator Steve Farley’s seat, we can only assume that Orr’s survival is their last best hope for capturing the last three voters in Arizona who actually call themselves ‘Republican’ and ‘moderate.’ But let’s look at Mr. Dowling’s main argument . . . that Tucson needs a local, non-Tea Party Republican to front for us in the legislature. That assumes that the leadership of the AZ GOP will really listen to Orr on an issue that is contentious and that Orr will have the backbone to stand up to them and fight for it; however, the only time Orr has voted against his party leadership is when a Republican victory was not in jeopardy. He has, quite simply, shown NO appetite to fight for anything except his own position in the GOP as token rationalist. In point of fact, Mr. Dowling admits this sorry excuse for leadership by the GOP when he claims the difficulty of finding a ‘rational sponsor’ and posits Orr as our only choice! There’s another choice: flip the Legislature and get rid of the Republican leadership. After THAT, Majority Leader Steele and State Representative Friese will happily consider all those rational bills Mr. Dowling wants passed!
Did I read that correct? Mark Murphy stated, “Majority Leader Steele”, does that mean the total sum of Ethan Orr’s campaign of having him back in the Legislature is because he will be admitted into the room where the Republicans decide what to tear down next?
If Victoria Steele is the Majority Leader, a good pick by the way, Dr. Randy Friese is needed even more in the House. Wow, Mr. Murphy just destroyed Orr’s argument for sending him back for another session of the Legislature.
It did make some sense to have a Republican from Tucson in the caucus room of the majority party. It just didn’t seem Orr was respected enough from all segments of the Republican party or had demonstrated any sort of power within the Republican party up in Phoenix to do much good for us down here in Pima County.
The way Orr runs around Tucson pretending he’s not part of that Republican legislative group, it is a wonder they allow him in their private meeting room. Representative Orr can’t have it both ways, either he is in solid with the other Republican Legislators or he isn’t.
The other daily newspaper that I happen to have delivered to my door every day says, vote for Orr, but now why? He’s going to huff and puff to blow the brick wall he built down to get into a room with a minority party he and Governor Brewer succeeded in producing?
That really makes it easy, next Tuesday the two to vote for are Victoria Steele and Dr. Randy Friese in Legislative District 9.
Demitri, thank you for your intelligent comments. In typical left wing speak they try to condemn you for thinking for yourself and not ALWAYS following party lines. I became Ind. 3 years ago and I support Orr too. I’d also LOVE to see another Democrat run against Raul Grijalva so I can have some real representation in Congress.
I love the personal attacks guys! That is hilarious, ah no jail time sorry, no such charges, sorry and at least I do not hide behind false names! Have the COURAGE to stand up for what you say and place your name on it like Cheryl and some others do!
Back to the issues: The HOUSE will be Republican until 2020 and therefore no voice for Tucson.
Oh, you know, I am tired of the HATE and ANGER from the Democratic partisans who put party before Tucson, so sad as you show your true colors, its all out there………..
The truth will set you free, so will registering as an independent!
Come out of hiding guys, post your name to your real name to your opinion! Have courage, you can do it! Thank you Cheryl and Donna, I have enjoyed our civil discourse! : )
Demitri: Don’t forget to remind Independents that Ethan Orr voted for HB 2305 which would have made it harder to Independents & 3rd party candidates to get on the ballot. Of course he then flipped flopped & voted to repeal it when it was facing a vote of the people. Another Ethan Orr “Profile in Courage”.