Mike Caccioppoli adopts aggressive campaign for Congressional District 1

Mike Caccioppoli, is running  as a Democratic candidate for Arizona Congressional District 1.

Mike Caccioppoli, is running as a Democratic candidate for Arizona Congressional District 1.

FLAGSTFF -- Mike Caccioppoli, 34, Democratic candidate for the District 1 Congressional seat came to Arizona two years ago to work on the John Kerry and Paul Babbitt campaigns and has resided in Flagstaff since February.

Caccioppoli worked in talk radio for 10 years in New York City and another 1.5 years in Las Vegas but, for now, is devoting all his time to the congressional race.

"I'm tired of things being so screwed up and not being able to change anything," he said. "I have to get things off my chest. This the first time I've run for anything."

Caccioppoli said he was shocked when he attended the Tuba City Fair in October to find out the number of people on the reservation who do not have running water, electricity and decent roads.

"Why hasn't Renzi improved these issues? Or unemployment and the alcohol problem?" Caccioppoli asked. "He brings in pork and offices, but minimum wage in Arizona is $5.15 and gas prices are high."

Unlike Renzi, Caccioppoli said he plans to live in Flagstaff even after he is elected.

"I do promise, when elected, to come back to the district every other weekend," he said. "I am much more in tune to the needs of the average person. Renzi, and most representatives, are so detached from these needs."

Caccioppoli is a proponent of national healthcare, pointing out the United States is the only civilized country without it.

"Education is another huge issue," he said. "Salaries are low and the most qualified people are in the private sector."

He referred to Rick Renzi's recent effort to proclaim Nov. 7 as Native American Indian Veterans Day as "just another political ploy from someone who places proclamations and photo opportunities ahead of legislation that can truly help the citizens of Arizona and our country."

"Renzi has done nothing to improve the everyday lives of our veterans," Caccioppoli said. "I have received letters from and spoken to veterans who tell me of the horrors they have to go through in order to get medical care and food stamps."

As far as Iraq goes, Caccioppoli believes US troops should be withdrawn immediately.

"Bush-Renzi lied about the reasons of going to war and then they managed to bungle it every step of the way," Caccioppoli said. "We need to bring out veterans home now."

"My campaign is about ending our occupation of Iraq, about providing health insurance for everyone, about making sure that a woman's right to choose is protected, about raising the minimum wage so people don't have to work two or three jobs to support their families."

When asked how he feels about the snowmaking proposal for Arizona Snowbowl, he acknowledged the need to be sensitive to how Native Americans feel and suggested seeking a compromise on the issue.

Caccioppoli said he wants to ensure equal rights for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or race.

"I don't hear Jack Jackson talking about any of this, and that's disturbing as a Democrat." Caccioppoli said. "I'm in this race because I care, because I truly want to make a difference, not because I was asked to run."

He stressed it will be the people of Arizona who make the decision regarding who they want to go up against Renzi.

"The only way to defeat Rick Renzi is to be unafraid to take a stand, no matter who it offends, and to run an aggressive campaign on the issues that matter, which is what Renzi is ultimately afraid of," Caccioppoli said.

"I think Jack Jackson should prove himself in the Native American community rather than count on Native American votes because he's Native American."

He said it would be like him counting on the Italian vote because if his Italian heritage.

"It's really important to talk about the issues that matter," Caccioppoli said. "Whether controversial or not, we shouldn't be afraid to put them out there."

Caccioppoli said he plans to hold a series of town hall type meetings throughout the congressional district and will be announcing their dates in the next couple of weeks.

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