GOP candidates gather in GV

Saturday morning brought a number of Republican candidates seeking a variety of offices in the coming primary and election.

Candidate for the Arizona State House representative Frank Antenori said he got his campaign going early and learned a lot when he ran for the House two years ago.

“I’m running a principled campaign—an open and honest campaign. I’m running with the same honor and integrity as in the military,” said this former Green Beret, who served with the U.S. Army for 20 years. “I answer questions very honestly; I want people to vote for me knowing what they’re getting.”

Antenori said as a Green Beret he had to plan meticulously for all eventualities and wants to bring that same ethic to the Arizona State House.

Candidate for Pima County Sheriff Harry Shaw voiced his strong commitment to being tough on crime and the need for Pima County to be tough on criminals coming into the country.

“I’m running as someone who will stand up and say ‘enough is enough’… it’s necessary for everyone to be alert for their role in our community and their obligation as an American.”

Asked what he thought about his chances of winning, Shaw said, “I believe I have the best chance ever of winning.”

Candidate Brad Roach who is running for Pima County Attorney said as former Deputy County Attorney he saw how politics affects safety. “We deserve to be safe… crime in Pima County is higher than in New York City. I want to target the career criminals… the 10 percent who commit 85 percent of crimes.”

Roach’s campaign literature advocates “Victims First” and says, “In Pima County, if you are a victim of a crime you become a victim of the system. It’s likely that the person handling your case will have no idea what your case is about. The system is designed to assure that defense attorneys in court have more information than prosecutors, leaving victims inadequately represented. It’s time to fix the system.”

Running for the Arizona Corporation Commission is Marian McClure, who is completing eight years as a state House representative. To use campaign funds wisely, McClure is campaigning with Bob Robson and Bob Stump. However, voters can vote for any of the eight candidates.

Once the primaries are over there will be three candidates for the ACC; five will drop off, McClure said.

Also present at the Republican event was Gene Chewning, who is running opposite U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva in District 7, and David Gowan who is running as a state House representative.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net. Comment on this story online at www.gvnews.com.