Candidates gather in Winslow for quick rally
WINSLOW - In the last day prior to elections, Arizona Democrats left no stone unturned by visiting the far reaches of Winslow and Standin' on the Corner.
Governor Janet Napolitano, Congressional candidate for District One Ellen Simon and Senator Jim Pederson spoke briefly before a crowd of approximately 50 people. Although no republicans took the microphone, several were present in the crowd. However, contrary to what one might think, they were pledging their commitment to the visiting politicians.
"I'm a republican, but you've got my vote!" exclaimed an anonymous Winslow resident.
Helen Butler of Winslow attributed the crowd's enthusiasm to the choices and leadership of the administration currently in control of the U.S. government.
"The energy is there because people have had enough," she said. "They're going down to the last minute."
Ken Smith, another attendee from Pinetop, explained his view of the event.
"I'm excited about how enthusiastic they all are. I think people want to hear their message," Smith said.
To provide a glimpse of the candidates' views from the Corner, the Mail queried Simon and Napolitano about the same topics.
When asked about the new voter identification requirements, Gov. Napolitano responded: "It's hard to tell how it will affect the vote," Napolitano said. "I have my concerns, particularly in tribal communities. I'm really hoping that a lot of people voted by mail."
Ellen Simon described the identification requirements as "onerous."
"Everyone as a citizen of this country has a fundamental right to vote," Simon said. "Obviously these requirements were intended to depress the vote."
Event attendee Leo Maestas said the voter identification rules are in violation of rights afforded U.S. citizens through the U.S. Constitution.
"It's a basic right and people shouldn't be turned away if their citizens and registered voters," he said.
When asked about campaign tactics, Gov. Napolitano said she chose to run a 100 percent positive campaign for two reasons.
"It's kind of who I am," Napolitano said. "There's a good story to tell, because of all the successes we've seen in the past four years and that's what I wanted to focus on."
Simon responded by making a clear distinction between types of ads.
"There is a difference between ads that are false and ads that may not be flattering, but are a true communication of a person's actions and choices and how that person has violated the trust of voters," Simon said.
She explained that advertisements shedding a negative light on her were purely false and without substantiated evidence or documentation. In direct opposition, Simon said, each of the ads she supports are based on fact.
"They are true and fact and can be documented by evidence. There's a big difference," Simon said. "If you look closely, every statement has a footnote and can be documented and researched," Simon said.
In reference to working with tribal governments, specifically the Hopi and Navajo Nations in northeast Arizona, Gov. Napolitano said that she will continue to employ the same methods used in her previous term.
"We'll continue to hold quarterly meetings. I'll maintain an open door policy," she said.
Simon explained her intention to prioritize a commitment to the Native nations.
"It will be my highest priority to meet with these governments when I get elected," Simon said.
She detailed her intentions of asking each tribal government to prioritize issues of concern from which she would take direction and act.
"I will do everything in my power to get what they need," she said.
Simon discussed the heightened needs for infrastructure, educational funding, health care, law enforcement and recognition of sovereignty.
Following the morning rally, the campaign moved to Casa Grande and concluded the day in Tucson.
SUBMIT FEEDBACK
Click Below to: