Guest Comment: Possibility of run for Congress requires thought, exploration

It’s been an honor to represent Green Valley for the past seven years in the Arizona State Senate.

When I took over as Senate president during the last legislative session, I made a commitment to lead the Senate chamber in a manner befitting the citizens of this community and the rest of Legislative District 30.

That’s why when I became president, I made a concerted effort to change the way business was done at the state capitol. We needed a change in tone. I believe that when we set partisanship aside we can do great things for our state.

I think my Senate colleagues and I have been successful. The 2007 legislative session was marked not only by significant accomplishments in areas such as tax relief, border security and education, but by a commitment to put the needs of Arizona ahead of those of our respective parties.

But not all of our state’s challenges can be addressed at the state capitol. Oftentimes we need action from engaged lawmakers in Washington, D.C. But Congress needs leaders who are willing to stand up on behalf of their constituents for commonsense solutions to our nation’s problems, even if it means breaking rank with party leaders. This past summer, my wife, Grace, and I began to discuss whether I could make an impact on national policy as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The decision-making process of whether to become a candidate for Congress is not an easy one.

Having run many campaigns for the Legislature, I can attest to the hours that are required to attend candidate forums, walk neighborhoods and meet with the press. But voters should expect nothing less than a full commitment from those of us who seek to represent them.

A run for Congress comes with its own unique challenges. In addition to assessing the impact that a congressional campaign would have on my young family, the unavoidable truth in today’s political world is that viable candidates often need significant financial resources in order to mount a credible campaign.

Most importantly, though, I need to ensure that I can continue to devote the level of attention to my work on behalf of Legislative District 30 that I have over the years while also standing as a candidate for Congress.

While I have been dismayed by the attacks launched at me by the Arizona Democratic Party over my decision to form a congressional exploratory committee as I determine whether to enter the race for Congressional District 8, I have been heartened by the response I’ve gotten from my friends across Southern Arizona, including Senate Minority Leader Marsha Arzberger, who has rebuked her party’s tactics.

Voters can rest easy that forming an exploratory committee is not only legal, but it’s the right thing to do. Unfortunately, the hyper-partisan rhetoric we’re seeing from the Democratic Party is what turns many potential leaders away from seeking public office. Should I enter the race for Congress, I am hopeful that my potential opponent will follow Sen. Arzberger’s lead in rejecting her party’s tactics.

I am fortunate enough to be the first Senate president from Southern Arizona in over 30 years, and it’s a responsibility I take seriously.

To represent Southern Arizona in this leadership position is critical to our region’s success, and there’s still more work to be done.

Despite the manufactured controversy coming from the Democrats, I owe it to my constituents in Green Valley and the rest of District 30 to enter into this decision carefully.

If I decide to become a candidate for Congress, I won’t be shy when it comes to expressing my opinions on the issues of the day. From the war in Iraq to immigration, candidates for federal office deserve to face tough questions.

But during this exploratory period, I want to hear from you. I’ll be traveling throughout the region to listen to your opinions about the issues facing our district.

As I gauge whether the support is there to launch a campaign for the U.S. House, I want to hear your ideas about how together we can make Congress more effective and more accountable.

Throughout my decision-making process, you can rest assured that I’ll be keeping my constituents in Green Valley at the forefront of my mind.

State Senate President Tim Bee represents Legislative District 30, which includes Green Valley. His exploratory committee Web site is at www.timbee.com.