Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
The Arizona Republic has endorsed Congressman Ron Barber again. Barber deserves to retain job:
Democrat Rep. Ron Barber is not Gabby-lite. After winning a special election to finish Gabrielle Giffords' term in Congress, Barber showed himself to be independent and willing to serve his constituents' interests -- even if that means going against his party's wishes.
That's a good fit for Arizona's new 2nd Congressional District.
The district retains much of the independent character of the old 8th District, which elected Democrat Giffords three times despite a 6-point Republican voter-registration edge.
Barber, who was also hit in the shooting that wounded Giffords and killed six people, resumed Congress on Your Corner events this summer. It was a courageous statement about his commitment to hearing from constituents.
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CD 2 includes the Fort Huachuca Army and Davis-Monthan Air Force bases. Barber is co-sponsor of a bipartisan bill to protect veterans from predatory financial advisers. He says bipartisan collaboration is a goal.
GOP candidate Martha McSally has an impressive resume and an engaging style.
A retired Air Force colonel, McSally was the first female fighter pilot to fly in combat. She successfully challenged the Pentagon's requirement for female soldiers in Saudi Arabia to wear abayas when off base.
She's smart and full of energy, but her grasp of the specifics on issues is shallow. If she builds a base of knowledge and seeks some political experience, McSally will have a lot to offer.
But in this race, Barber has the edge.
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