Shades of Blue: Democrats: "The Rest of the Story"
Article in the Nogales International
July, 2006
Morris Farr
There is hardly anyone in this state who does not recognize the name Janet Napolitano. The Democratic Party is blessed with one of the most popular and respected governors in the history of Arizona and almost every Democrat is going to vote to return her to the Governor’s Office for another term. Her level-headed leadership has consistently received positive reviews by virtually all Democrats and many Republicans as well.
However, as a prominent radio personality used to say, there is "the rest of the story". In this case the rest of the story involves a legislature dominated by ideologues of the extreme right who just do not understand that the process of making laws, at its best, is a process that involves mutual respect and compromise. Last session these right wingers, most of whom represent heavily Republican Phoenix districts, passed a series of extremely flawed bills, forcing the Governor to exercise her veto power forty-three times. In spite of the mandate that the voters of Arizona have given the Governor, these same legislators have set their sights on a veto-proof legislature with Republican majorities large enough to override any veto by our popular Democratic Governor. If they are successful, the last incentive to compromise for the good of the people will be gone.
Regrettably, the Republicans are very close, lacking only one seat in the State House and two in the State Senate. Thus, if we are to maintain bipartisan government in Arizona, every legislative race is critical in the elections this November. In Santa Cruz County, we are lucky to have competent, qualified Democratic candidates - District 25: Marsha Arzberger, Senate, Manny Alvarez and Pat Fleming, House; District 30: Jeff Chimene, Senate and Clarence Boykins, House.
If we really want to support Janet Napolitano and want her to continue to govern effectively, then we must give her a legislature she can work with. That means electing every one of these fine Democratic candidates. The future of our state truly hangs in the balance.