There’s a reason that Republicans who have worked with Democrat Ron Barber are stepping across party lines to support him.
It’s because those Republicans—former Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup, Tucson City Councilman Steve Kozachik, homebuilder John Wesley Miller, former state lawmaker Pete Hershberger, former SAHBA lobbyist Alex Jacome, former president of the 162nd Fighter Wing Minuteman Committee Tim Amalong, and many others—have worked with Barber in the past. So they know from personal experience that he’s the kind of guy who will work with other people to make Southern Arizona a better place, regardless of political ideology.
And that’s why we’re urging you to vote for Ron Barber in the June 12 special election to complete Gabrielle Giffords’ congressional term.
Barber has deep roots in Southern Arizona. He has lived here since the 1960s, graduating from Rincon High School. He raised his family here. He built a career as head of the Southern Arizona branch of the state’s Division of Developmental Disabilities, learning how to use the levers of government to help the most vulnerable in our community. He also successfully moved people out of state-run institutions and into the community, where they could live better lives.
With his wife, Nancy, he ran Toy Traders/Stork’s Nest for more than two decades and learned about the challenges facing small businesses.
In 2006, Barber was inspired to leave his job with the state to help Giffords get elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. After she won that race, he headed her Southern Arizona office.
In that role, Barber gained the experience that would make him an excellent congressman. He helped build a staff that, by all accounts, reached across all sectors of the community to serve the people of Southern Arizona.
On Jan. 8, 2011, he was among those who were victims of a madman’s rampage. But even after taking two bullets and nearly losing his life, Barber demonstrated his resilience. His first inclination was to find a way to make some good come out of a terrible event. As he recovered in the intensive care unit, he came up with the idea to find a way to raise money to help kids who are bullied, and young people who suffer from mental illness.
Barber created the nonprofit Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding. Just about two months after the shootings, he brought an array of rock stars to Tucson for a fundraising concert—and ended up onstage himself, alongside his family, to sing “Teach Your Children” with the likes of Jackson Browne, Alice Cooper, David Crosby and Graham Nash.
Ron Barber has a spine of steel.
Now Barber is stepping up to serve one more time. At the behest of Giffords and her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, he’s taking on the challenge of representing Southern Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Barber’s opponent, Republican Jesse Kelly, is a Tea Party extremist. As we’ve noted in these pages, Kelly will tell voters almost anything to get elected. We won’t rehash it all here, but his radical views on getting rid of the minimum wage and all corporate taxes, eliminating loans for college students, banning abortion even in cases of rape or incest, and shutting down the Environmental Protection Agency are far out of step with Southern Arizona voters. And we’ve given up trying to figure out what his plans are for fixing Social Security and Medicare, since in the last few weeks, he’s gone from insisting the programs must be privatized to swearing he would never allow them to be phased out.
And don’t even get us started on his fantasies about how the United States has more oil than Saudi Arabia—an assertion so absurd that one of his fellow GOP primary candidates, Martha McSally, took the brave step of telling him he was dead wrong about that.
Jesse Kelly is full of nonsense—and in the three years we’ve seen him on the campaign trail, he’s done nothing to persuade us that he cares one whit about helping people in Southern Arizona.
It’s little wonder that Daniel Scarpinato, the National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman who is now running an expensive negative campaign against Barber, said that in 2010, Kelly ran “one of the most negative, slanderous campaigns that we’ve seen in Arizona probably in decades.”
Southern Arizona voters have a stark choice in front of them. For us, it’s an easy choice to make.
Vote for Ron Barber for Congress.
This article appears in May 17-23, 2012.
Well thought out and well stated endorsement. Ron Barber is an exceptionally good person to fill the remainder if Gabby’s term, Jesse Kelly is an exceptionally wrong person to represent us in Congress. Let him go back to Texas and work for papa, his brand of crazy sells much better there.
Jesse Kelly’s advertisement with his grandpa claiming he will save Social Security and Medicare, when all along he’s made it clear he wants to destroy them, is the biggest boldest bald-faced lie I’ve ever seen a politician put on the air. He’s no good for anything but teaching a class in Doublespeak.
Jesse Kelly is an inarticulate, thoughtless and empty suit. It would be patently stupid to send someone to Congress whose sole idea for fixing government is to get rid of it – except for the parts that personally benefit him. He is a carpet-bagging, prevaricating tea bagger.
Ron Barber started his campaign by stating he was running to complete the term of Gabrielle Giffords. Nothing more. As soon as other Democrats were run off the trail, conceding that Barber would ONLY fill out the remainder of Giffords’ term Barber flipped and started running for the CD2 seat.
Civil? Maybe. Lying about his plans, even before he got to the CD8 special election? Classic.
I’m shocked that this editorial backs Barber……shocked????
After watching the debate why would anyone vote for Kelly?
He is a prim example of what your tax dollars get you in our educational system.
Yeah!…..I have to say Ron Barbers got my vote.
If you like Phoenix, you’ll love Jesse Kelly. Vote for Barber!
The Tucson Weekly endorses Barber…… well knock me over with a feather!
The Debate: Jesse Kelly endorsed Obamacare! http://tinyurl.com/cmo9zan
former Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup was a do nothing, no growth politician; Tucson suffered under his watch. Ron Barber will be more of the same but on a grander scale – Washington! At least Gabby showed interest in her voters – she always reported back her progress and bipartisan roadblocks. Personally, neither one of these jokers can hold a candle light to Gabby!
Although he’s all about health care, the most impressive candidate in the recent debate was Charlie Manolakis. In the United States, we’re either gonna bite the bullet and go with a single-payer, government health insurance or we have to outright say those who can’t be insured die (or sneak in the emergency room door which costs the rest of us much more).
If Jesse Kelly wants to be elected, let’s see if he can get a job with someone other than his father (Oh yeah, being a congress person is a job).
Barber was solid in the debate–and was calm, measured, and assertive when Kelly accused him of mudslinging. Rather than directly establish how Barber was misrepresenting things that Kelly has actually said (on tape, no less), Kelly launched into the litany of his military service, family values, private sector businessman, etc. . . . As Samuel Johnson remarked (from the other side of the Atlantic) back in the days of the founding fathers “revered” by Kelly, “patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels.” Notably, too, Barber was grounded and realistic about the work of a committed representative for CD 8, a job he’s eminently prepared to take on.
My blog post today (Locally, Vocally — Citizen online) in no way relates to — or mocks, on any level — a recent local debate. But it IS good for a laugh.
I’ve always found it funny that when you talk to a Liberal, Barber is an articulate, caring man while Kelly was this screeching buffoon. Talk to a Conservative and Kelly is the eloquent speaker with fresh new ideas while Barber is this closet socialist waiting to steal all your money.
Face it folks, we’ve got two goobs fighting for a job that’ll last for 6 months… then they’ll start this fiasco all over again.
A liberal paper supports the liberal candidate… someone notify Brian Williams!
I’d say this endorsement is a no-brainer…but I expect those with no brains are supporting the other guy.
I am sorry , but I not only watched the debate on TV, but I also watched it again on my computer. Mr Manolakis, was heads above Mr. Barber. Mr. Ron Barber was inconsistent. Mr. Manolakis, was the only one to agree with Congresswoman’s Giffords views. Mr. Barber is already wavering, and it is very obvious. He sees that Many Arizona voters are not pleased with “Obamacare”. Mr. Manolakais is much younger, and it shows. His thinking was more consistent. Mr. Barber looks as though he had different paragraphs to use depending on what the questions were asked, even at that he would become somewhat confused.
There is no question, Mr. Manolakis is a much better representative than Mr. Barber. The article in the Arizona Blog was way off.
I am wondering why no one has brought up the fact that in the 2010 campaign Kelly held an event called “Get on Target for Victory”—as well as “help remove Gabrielle Giffords from office–Shoot a fully automatic M16 with Jesse Kelly. He didn’t pull the trigger on January 8, but he should be held accountable for campaigning like that. Shame on Jesse Kelly–or anyone that votes for him.
Jesse Kelly for Arizona’s next Congressman!
Jesse Kelly for US Congressman from Arizona!
Not on your life… He is a progressive that seeks whats is socialist… Time to take america back from this kind of scum….
The state is doomed with this kind of failed leadership. But go ahead, give this bozo the job…par for this low life state. It is safe to say what ever the weekly says should be enough to convince you to vote for the other person, regardless who it may be.
I can not vote for Ron Barber! He as the District Manager for Rep. Giffords failed to provide a security detail on 8 January 2011 which was his responsibility. He failed Rep. Giffords, was incompetent & negligent in not providing sufficient security to protect her and the constituents surrounding her. Such incompetence and negligence cannot be rewarded with greater responsibility. He has demonstrated his true dereliction of duty. I hope all will join me in not supporting this unworthy candidate.
Most intelligent voters know what Kelly stands for. It is his self interests and NOT of the people. Vote for Barber for a better Tucson.
All the voters have to do is pull up and view past campaign videos of Kelly, That tells the about the real Kelly, Right now, it is out for votes, so is changing his views to get votes, then flip flop after he got elected. Don’t trust Kelly, he is a tea partier and would never accomplish anything in Congress. They do not compromise, but just say NO>
Notice how the pro-Kelly/anti-Barber editorial comments don’t name one thing they like about Kelly other than the obligatory shouts of “freedom!”, and fear-mongering cries of “not a Socialist” (whatever that means), “he will protect the Constitution!” (whatever that means), and “the Government is evil” (whatever that means). I get how you are are angry and scared. Watching Fox News, listening to GOP talking points (not Barry Goldwater’s GOP anymore), and a poor economy caused by a housing market collapse, govt/business collusion to deregulate the financial sector, and unrealistic expectations about continued U.S. dominance/prosperity in a World economy is troubling. But when our politicians are unwilling (or unable) to have a coherent conversation on the REAL problems (let alone the solutions), and instead rely on the old trick of scaring people to win votes (watch any political ad (liberal or conservative) and you’ll know what I’m talking about), we become pawns in a greed/power/influence-based political system based on the lowest common denominator (what candidate can feign outrage and anger better than the other). Because what is better than a candidate who understands us and our problems, right? Unfortunately, when these people get into office they are quick to give handouts to their business friends while keeping the voters distracted by invoking God, Guns, and Taxes (and those pesky illegal aliens!) whenever we start to get wise to them. I am not interested in red, blue, Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative non-sense. I am interested in a candidate who can “make sense” whether I agree with their position on anything or not. I don’t pick a doctor based on his/her personality or because they always agree with my self-diagnosis. I pick him/her because of their experience, training, ethics, and commitment to the patient’s well being. Personality is a bonus. Why should our politicians be any different? Jesse Kelly’s limited practical (business, government, volunteer) experience, and tired, fear-based talking points (with little to no substance) are not for me. Until the GOP returns to moderation and reality (not any time soon), there is not much to consider. Maybe a third-party, the “Reality and Sane Party” is the answer? For now, Ron Barber is the only logical choice (by a wide margin). P.S. If you are a Kelly-supporter, you probably didn’t read this far into my editorial without responding with “you socialist pig”, “You and your illegal alien buddies can go back to Mexico”, or “the only reason you can write this editorial is because of freedom!”…..sigh. Thanks for making my point.
Anyone that can say that it was Ron Barber’s responsibility to protect Gabby Giffords on January 8, 2011, is spewing nonsense. Giffords herself said she did not want added security, and still would not. It’s no one’s fault but an insane gunman that many were shot, including Barber, and 6 lost their lives.
I can not believe that this periodical is telling people how to vote, will the press ever shut up about their veiws?
I am glad to see that more voters are looking at Charles Manolakis. He would not have allowed Congresswoman to be put in such a dangerous situation. He is much smarter and after hearing about Ron Barber’s video and watching the debate, the poor man is obviously losing it. Let face it. not only is he too old, but after all the stress he has been under, his thought are not consistent. Charles Manolakis agrees with Congresswoman’s policies and does not waver. Why they picked Mr. Barber is beyond me…..
If he was head honcho then it was his responsibility for security……the whole crew were naive in not thinking anything would happen…..now they woke up too late…..the mindset was oh that violence happens in NY not in Tucson……Barber is a second rater who is forced to back obongocare……
Both Kelly and Barber will say whatever they think the audience wants to hear, and neither one is interested in representing the interests of those who live in CD 8. I am tired of voting for the “lesser of two evils.” I could not figure out whether Kelly or Barber was “the lesser,” so I voted for Manolakis.
Really? Gabriel Gifford’s was a Republican turned Democrat in a town where only Democrats can get elected, so much so we have an inbred leadership. The Democrats don’t compete to represent their constituents they are ordained by the “establishment” that has led us to a city that is taking on the look of a third world city. We should be embarrassed by what surrounds us, yet we keep electing the same inbred leadership passed on from generation to generation. Ron Barber is a Democrat and he will aid our President carry us further to the left. I watched the liberal Democrats get their wish, the most liberal President in our countries history, I have to admit I figured that they would get some favors that would help our community but no, all we got was a couple of fund raising visits and a streetcar that will cost us out of pocket, our tax dollars enough money to repave ALL our streets and have money left over to do some landscaping. Ron Barber represents more of the SAME not the CHANGE Tucson needs. I’m sure Barber is a good old boy but the good old boys have led us to being a third world destination, I’m tired of it and I am going to vote Republican to see if we can begin to work with Phoenix for the good of all instead of complaining and blaming Phoenix for EVERY mistake our leaders make! ENOUGH!!!!!!!
Look around us? Do you like what you see? Really? What we see is failed leadership, who seems to be able to stay in power by blaming Phoenix for our ills? That is insane! We are Tucson, unique but since when does being unique mean a failing infrastructure, schools with a focus on radicalization, dirty and old as our theme? No this City in my 35 years here has been hijacked by want-to-be San Francisco liberals who have no clue except obstructionism of how to lead. We have thrown all our treasures into a downtown that doesn’t produce tax revenues in excess; instead this lack of leadership is obsessed to revive a downtown without a PLAN? SO ME YOUR VISION AND THE SUPORTING MATH that shows what we end up with is a solid investment. Why is Marana nice and clean? Why is Oro Valley the same? Do they steal our money like we say Phoenix does? Just more, more, more, you tight wad taxpayers and we can buy a vision? Bah humbug, proud Democrat? Lol Why is that again? Look around Tucson is Democrat leadership, not based on a master plan and the leadership to take us there but instead based on feudalism and a stale leadership who can only blame others for our woes! ENOUGH!!!!! Hell we all should vote republican without even looking for the next twenty years just to find some balance and to get our economic engine running again! JOBS we can’t even get a mine open in a recession? Where’s the owls? Oh that’s right the Democrats failed there also, just what can they do right? Complain about and blame Republicans, well look around and see what supporting that idiocy has gotten us!
Residents of the correct portion of 85743! I am in the other portion of 85743 and to my utter dismay cannot vote in this election.
Please, I beg of you, vote for Ron Barber and not send another
tea(deleted) to Congress. I will be eternally grateful if Ron Barber wins. WBA Picture Rocks
Ron Barber says we need to balance the budget, but not how to accomplish that laudable objective. I believe that the reason is that he has absolutely no idea how to balance a budget. Mr. Barber is a 30+ year bureaucrat at the State and Federal level. I’m sure that he did a good job helping the disabled in Arizona and I believe that he did a good job as Gabby’s district director. However, he has never been a leader, an inovater or a producer. He has been a consumer of tax revenue for more than 30 years. Did he ever give money back out of his budget…no. Did he ever argue for less money in his budget…no. His objective was to give away (spend) more and more tax dollars for what, I’m sure, he believed to be, good causes. He has sucked on the public teat for more than 30 years, that is enough. We need fresh ideas in the congress not re-runs of Obama or Bush. We are at the precipice of financial ruin in this country and need to address the issues of debt, deficit and entitlements, not new and expanded government programs, which is what Ron Barber’s history is all about. Sorry guys…you got it wrong on this one.
If Kelly were to get elected, go to Washington, and, as he would be required to do by the Republican leadership, sign the Devil Norquist pledge and support the Ryan budget, when he returned to Arizona, “grandpa” might just beat the Hell out of him.