UPDATE: Libertarian Rick Biondi has contacted me to let me know that he is actually campaigning in this race. Biondi and Tribune writer Paul Giblin both explained that Giblin tried to speak with Biondi shortly before the original story was published, and Biondi was unavailable at that time to return Giblin’s phone call. But he is eager to have his point of view heard by District 6 voters.
A couple of people have asked me recently why no one is paying any attention to the Democratic “contest” between the two candidates in the Sixth Congressional District for the nomination to face incumbent Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz.
Tribune writer Paul Giblin’s reporting today lays out the facts that explain exactly why. Flake has gathered $1.1 million in campaign funds, a formidable number for a federal race but less than Flake could raise if he needed to.
One Democrat challenger, Chris Gramazio of Queen Creek has raised a little more than $3,000. The other, Rebecca Schneider of Mesa, apparently has nothing, as she doesn’t have any finance reports on file with the Federal Election Commission. Please see the update above about this next statement. (The Libertarian candidate couldn’t bother to respond to Giblin’s request for an interview, the only evidence I need to know he’s not a serious candidate for anything.)
Gramazio and Schneider don’t have enough money combined to put together a single decent mailbox campaign flier for Sixth district voters, much less compete with a high-octane campaign that Flake could fund.
As a Democrat precinct committeeman, Gramazio potentially could get a little attention from the party if he wins the nomination. But with at least three competitive House races in Arizona this year, Democrat donors just aren’t going to throw money at a hopeless cause.
Of course, this situation is a vicious circle. Someone challenging a well-heeled incumbent needs bushels of campaign money to be taken seriously by the media, donors and voters. But that same challenger needs to be taken seriously so he or she can raise bushels of campaign money. It’s one reason some candidates, such as Republicans David Schweikert and Jim Ogsbury in the Fifth Congressional District, put up several hundred thousand dollars of their own money. They sought to build interest in their bids by planting the seeds of a successful campaign infrastructure, in turn encouraging potential donors to give them a serious look.
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You’re undoubtedly correct. I filed with the FEC to run against Rep. Flake as a Democrat, annoyed that he had no opponent in 2 elections. It’s very important that every seat for Congress be contested by the major parties to at least give the minority-party voters in the district someone they can support, someone who shares their views.
I said from the beginning I hoped that other candidates would run, and when Chris and Rebecca did, I happily left the race to them. But they should not expect to get more than 40% of the vote at best in this gerrymandered district. Perhaps 85% of the 435 U.S. House seats are not in play. This is the safest Republican district in the state.
The only way someone could succeed in this effort is if he or she were a millionaire, or better yet, a Perot- or Bloomberg-style billionaire, who could highlight Flake’s horrendous voting record on economic issues and his extremist laissez-faire philosophy. But he’s also a very intelligent man who has some progressive positions — against the Iraq war, for gay rights and immigration reform and ending the Cuban embargo — and he’s an effective spokesman. A very rich self-funded candidate could make Flake spend a lot of his million-dollar warchest and put him on the defensive.
It is likely, after the 2010 census, that this district - the fastest growing not just in Arizona but in the entire nation — will be split into two districts. One, due to an increasing number of Hispanic voters, will be more hospitable to Democrats. The winner of the Democratic primary, probably Chris, may be able to parlay this year’s run to future success.
And remember, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton all lost races for the U.S. House. They did pretty well later!
Shamefully, there is no logical reason for District 6 to be “safe” for the republicans. Unless you consider Jeff Flake’s million dollar warchest a reason, as LeTemplar would suggest. He managed to write an entire column about the relative merits of Flake and Chris Gramazio without mentioning a single issue. Last thursday I listenedt to Mr Gramazio artriculate his positions on the things that matter most to the voters of District 6 and believe me, if I had a million to give he would be the one. Here is the race through Le Templar’s eyes.
Chris Gramazio would work to eliminate the National dedt.
Jeff Flake has a million dollars.
Chris Gramazio will do all he can to improve teacher salaries and our educational system.
Jeff Flake has a million dollars.
Cris Gramazio will vote to make health care affordable and available for all Americans.
Jeff Flake has a million dollars.
Chris Gramazio will provide the needed health care and educational opportunities our Vets have so bravely and selflessly earned.
Jeff Flake has a million dollars.
Chris Gramazio will vote for Fair trade not free trade, and to keep our jobs at home.
Jeff Flake has a million Dollars.
Chris Gramazio has 25 dollars more to add to his 3000 cause I just wrote the check.
Jeff Flake has a million dollars.
I for got to give my name on the million dollar blog. I am Jim Wilkinson.
Mr. Templar obviously has a bias regarding this election. That’s fine. However, his facts are not all correct. I have raised over $3000, but have elected not to file the FEC paperwork because it is not yet REQUIRED. I work full time in addition to the time spent conducting this campaign. I’m not independently wealthy like Jeff Flake and cannot add hundreds of thousands of dollars to my own race.
I am fully in agreement with Chris regarding the hurting of the working class. We’re in agreement on virtually all the major issues such as healthcare, Iraq, veterans, trade, education, transportation and the economy. I support small business which is the true backbone of our economy, not the giant multinational businesses.
I believe I have a broader view than the other candidates in this race. There are other important issues not being addressed by anyone other than me.
The erosion of our Constitutional rights should frighten all Americans. The push towards tyranny and fascism is clear. I submit that you should read the following:
They came first for the Communists,
and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time no one was left to speak up.
One can clearly show a parallel with our rights here:
First they took away privacy,
But I didn’t care because I had nothing to hide.
Then they took away free speech,
But I didn’t care because I never spoke out.
When they took away habeas corpus,
I didn’t care because I wasn’t a criminal.
Then they took away the right to assemble,
But I didn’t care because I didn’t demonstrate.
Finally, they took away my freedom…
And no one cared because they were all silenced or jailed.
You think this can’t happen? Look up KBR and detention centers. Read history. This slow theft of our rights is insidious and effective. It will only continue if we don’t stand up now. That is what I want to do in Congress. That is what Jeff Flake should have been doing, but he hasn’t.
If you want to allow money to purchase our election yet again, vote for Jeff Flake. If you want true representation from a patriotic American who cares about your family and this country, vote for me. It’s your choice: you either want a country that follows the rule of law and represents its citizens or you want tyranny. It’s that simple.
If money is the key determining factor of who gets elected to represent the people in our government then truly all is lost and the end of democracy in this country is indeed over.
I support Chris Gramazio with both my efforts and dollars because I believe he best represents my interest and the interest of our community. I wouldn’t care if Flake has two million dollars he still does not represent me or where I feel the future of our country needs to be.
I’m a teacher and today I taught a lesson on the beginnings of our constitution and I don’t recall anywhere in the lesson plan or text book anything about the importance of money in our political system.
It was stated that a candidate has to raise enough money “…to be taken seriously by the media, donors and voters…” This concept totally against what the founding fathers had in mind for this country and I’m sure they are rolling over in their graves over this turn of events in our nation’s history. If you in the media would discuss and talk about the issues and not focus so much on the “horse race” issues than maybe people would have more respect for the press and pay attention more to what is really important - the economy, health care, education and transportation problems.
Scneider is obviously the right choice for the job. If we don’t stand up and defend our rights, there will be no more “elections” and bank accounts won’t matter anymore. Gramazio never fails to bring up his newborn son. Why would anyone believe that simply being married with a child makes him the better candidate? It truly makes no difference to may voters–just like a campaign fund account makes no difference when the message is on target.
I live in Arizona’a 6th District
I had nearly given up hope of ever voting for a viable Democrat for the US House.
I will vote on Tuesday. I will vote in November.
I will vote for Chris Gramazio.
I will finally have a chance to vote for a candidate I believe in for US House.
Three small observations. Just from a marketing standpoint you’d do better to change the picture of you on your opening web page to something a little bit more accessible - a little less sour/threatening. You want people to vote for a good guy, right? You’ve got a great smile - use it.
The pix with the new baby is great, (and congratulations) but as an “I’m just like you” prop it’ll only be good once or twice. And if you keep holding him while you type, sooner or later he’s going to spit up on the keyboard - trust me. I think you have enough substance not to need the prop.
Lastly, and I know this is something of a futile hope, but since you’re the only one talking about what you’d like to do and change in office, talking a little bit about HOW you think these things can be done would be so very refreshing. You can beat Jeff Flake by being candid and real (the new baby was a good start).
By the way, I voted for you this afternoon. Good luck!
I want to say money and power when running for office don’t always mean someone will do the best job ! A very close friend of mine died recently due to she was too broke in America to afford to get health care she needed to live ! People should really think hard and see America is in bad shape economically in 2008 ! I am glad I saw the website Rebecca Schneider in the 6th district has ! I really started to understand how important there needs to be change to happen A.S.A.P. . Check it out and it will make you think we need a good person to help with the 6th district. schneider2008.com is the website and it scares me how our country is not having all the rights it needs. I PRAY WE GET GOOD LEARDERS TO RUN OUR COUNTRY AND I WANT TO ADD IT’S NOT JUST A RECESSION ONLY IN AMERICA THAT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH TODAY BUT ALOT OF TROUBLES LIKE PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF WHO WANTS RIGHTS NOT TO BE TAMPERED WITH FOR AMERICANS.
I strongly believe that Chris has the ability to win this election. Not having a lot of money in the bank during a local primary season is not something that should be stressed about since most people are just starting to tune in. Let’s face it if Chris had a million dollars in the bank like Jeff does it would coming from the same tainted sources that Jeff gets his money from. Chris is building a grassroots campaign and from what I’ve seen he’s got a pretty good start. Once we get into the general election and people start tuning in you’ll see not only his base of supporters grow but also his donations, and come election day you’ll see him give Jeff a well needed break from doing nothing. Jeff may end with the most money but Chris will end with the most supporters and the most votes.
A note to Rebecca: Reporting to FEC may not be required but it is something you should be doing anyway. Tyranny works hard to make sure that they only place you have to get information about them is from them. What message does it send that even before you’re elected you’re opting not to be transparent by not filing with the FEC?
Wendy,
It has nothing to do with transparency and everything to do with not enough time. I’m sorry I don’t have a spouse who’s not working sitting at home doing my paperwork for me. If I had one, I’d have filed the paperwork just to have it done. However, I don’t have nearly enough time in a day to do it all by myself and my volunteers are not able to complete it.
Anyone who wants to know where my money is coming from is welcome to view the filing when it gets in. It is all grassroots and nothing else.
For Annette to point out that “Gramazio never fails to bring up his newborn son” as if it were a bad thing, is tasteless. Chris mentions his newborn son simply because he’s a proud parent. And guess what? He’s exactly the same whether he’s with friends, colleagues, or talking to potential voters. What you see is what you get. He’s a nice, normal guy who happens to be an extremely proud papa. Plus, if using children to get votes is pandering as you suggest, then how do you explain Rebecca using her niece in a photo on her website?
“Why would anyone believe that simply being married with a child makes him the better candidate” you ask? As you can tell from the responses here, it’s for reasons beyond that. He is the better candidate because he understands the district, he has solid issues that he stands for which have not changed since Day 1 of his campaign, and he has overall more appeal to the voters of this district. In other words, he has a better chance to win against Jeff Flake than Rebecca.
Here are some highlights that I’ve observed from Rebecca’s campaign, however:
1. At a Pinal County Democrats meeting, she confessed to the whole room that she had no idea that Pinal County was part of District 6 until the week prior. This was several months into her campaign, yet she didn’t know the scope of the district? One member even had to show her a map. How can she claim she understands the voters of District 6 when she didn’t even know the depth of the area?
2. Rebecca has continually presented herself in a crass and inappropriate way, giving speeches where she referred to the “Stupid Republicans” and the “Right-winged Wackos.” She even referred to our great country as being “just like the Nazis.” She used expletives in the presence of my two-year-old son. Please explain to me how a candidate who behaves in this manner will appeal to the voters of this district?
3. Rebecca has changed her position depending on the audience continually. During an interview on KPHX, she claimed that Chris “did not see the bigger picture” because he was concerned with family issues, education, and transportation. She then went on to say that her issues such as The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act were the “bigger picture.” Someone please tell me which area of District 6 is more concerned with this act over the quality of their children’s education or the price at the gas pump? Then, suddenly several weeks later, she lists transportation as one of her major issues on the AZCentral website. It seems that she changes based on who she thinks is reading/listening.
4. When Rebecca first announced her candidacy, her personal website at my.care2.com/ghost122 looked drastically different than it does today. Originally, she had statements on there such as “We humans could all die and that would be alright so long as the animals weren’t hurt too.” (That was her “philosophy.”) She also wrote that that “If [she] were Mayor, [she’d] make the world a better place by making animal cruelty or abuse a federal or national crime with SEVERE punishment exacted…probably the punishment being of the ‘eye for an eye’ type in which whatever is done to the animal will be done to the perpetrator…” If this is how she feels, then why did she feel the need to change it so dramatically? Why does she keep straying from who she is for votes? Does she fear that this conservative district won’t respond well to a radical animal activist?
5. Rebecca keeps saying in speeches that the Constitution guarantees “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Technically, that’s the Declaration of Independence, not the Constitution. Another slip that would make voters question her knowledge and ability to be effective in Congress.
Don’t get me wrong…I know that Rebecca is a person with good intentions at heart. Her work for animal rights in commendable. Chris Gramazio also would vote to protect animal rights, but he knows that there are greater issues to focus on as a congressman for District 6 at this current point in time. People – particularly the middle class – are hurting and we need representatives like Chris in Congress who will represent their concerns. These are people who are paying so much for health care and gas that they can no longer afford to take their kids to the movies or a restaurant like they did a year ago. They are concerned about our economy, our country’s infrastructure, and our children’s educations.
Finally…in response to Rebecca. Why do you make assumptions about me and my working situation? Until recently due to being at the end of my pregnancy and giving birth, I was working. I’m a certified teacher. I was working as a teacher for a charter high school on top of taking care of my son, house, and my duties as treasurer for Chris Gramazio for Congress. I guarantee that time is as precious for me as you. And you have a treasurer listed on your committee who is not you anyway. What is your point? Where does your treasurer live? Hmmm??? This tells me that you are extremely out of touch with the female voters of this district, especially those who understand how difficult it is to balance family, careers, and outside interests. Why do you also hint that a mother is “sitting at home” and not working just because she has chosen to care for her child herself? I don’t know a single stay-at-home mom who feels they are just “sitting at home” with nothing to do but dote on their husbands. YOU ARE VERY OUT OF TOUCH WITH THIS DISTRICT. You claim to be a member of N.O.W.? Guess, what? So am I and I am appalled as a woman by your assumptions. Feminist you are not.
My husband is a very kind man who has been polite enough not to call Rebecca out on the above points; he has always taken the high road. But as his wife, I cannot sit here and let a lesser candidate and her cronies take ill-informed shots at my husband’s campaign. I trust that the voters have already seen through this and have/will vote for Gramazio since he is the only intelligent choice. I look forward to Wednesday when Schneider will just be a memory and I can proudly watch my husband move forward with what’s important and that is giving a democratic voice to District 6.
I support Rebecca Schneider. I have meet her several times and had a number of conversations with her. She is down to earth and ready to work for her constituents. She has a “get it done” attitude and I believe she can improve LD6 tremendously. I have spoken with her on her beliefs including animal welfare and she is not a “radical animal activist”. Amungst her beliefs is the humane treatment of animals……this does not seem like a radical idea to me.
Stacy Gramazio wrote, “Someone please tell me which area of District 6 is more concerned with [The Animal Enterprise Terrorism] act over the quality of their children’s education or the price at the gas pump?” I am, and so is everyone else who ever exercised–or wants to exercise–their First Amendment rights to stand up for something they believe in. When our constitutional rights are taken away, the rest of it really doesn’t matter, and those rights are being eroded and taken away. Our constitutional rights are a higher priority than education or the price of gas.
It’s the big picture that Schneider gets, and few other candidates, including Gramazio, get. It’s the big picture that affects the smaller picture, and something had better change sooner than later in the big picture. That’s only one of the reasons why Schneider has my vote.
I am so tired of the same people getting into office because of their financial status or relatives. Jeff Flake has not been doing the job! Why do we all put up with it! Way to go Chris! I like what you have to say and I wish you all the best. If I were a millionaire, you would have my support financially. You definetely have my vote and I will see what I can do to donate. I think your pictures with your family and on your own are sincere.
Gramazio is a true champion of the middle class. He’s already got my early vote. HE GETS IT!!!
Being a strong and avid voter throughout the years and following on how this country seems to be falling down the tubes I am a middle class Housewife, Mother of 4, Teacher, Cook, Cleaner, Accountant, Nurse, Mechanic, Shopper, Entertainer, and did I mention a Democrat. I do more than stay at home sitting around watching tv and wiping nose’s all day. Following the election and knowing who can make a turn for the better in the district! I vote for Chris Gramazio and back him up on all points of the issue. You can rest assure that all the PTA mom’s, and those I come in contact with through my day will be aware of Chris and what HE stands for and means to our District.
One writer mentions that Chris Gramazio never fails to bring up his child and why shouldn’t he. A huge part of this community is made up of parents just like him. Its a sad fact of our society that many fathers walk away from their responsibilities and don’t join in child rearing. Chris Gramazio and his family represent this community. The whole reason for stepping forward and making things better with what’s wrong in our society is for our children so they don’t have to deal with the chaos that has been created. Many issue’s are important but if you open your ears and listen with your heart you’ll realize that the issue’s that we really need addressed are the one’s that Chris Gramazio is willing to stay on top of and turn things around for the better. All he needs is your vote and support to do that.
Make the right choice and Vote “GRAMAZIO” he is the best Congressional Candidate for District 6.
I am a stay at home mother and am appauled at the comment made by Rebecca. Just because a mother chooses to take care of her child DOES NOT mean they sit at home doing nothing. I’ve worked most of my life and I can tell you raising my son has been the hardest job I’ve ever had. Rebecca, you sincerely need to get in touch with the mothers in your district before you completely turn them against you. As for me …… Go Chris, you have my vote and congrats on your new addition.
If you actually read what I said, I said I didn’t have a spouse not working and sitting at home DOING MY PAPERWORK. I fully understand that Stacey was/is a teacher. I also know she is not working at present in that position due to her recent birth. Yes, taking care of a family/child is work, but having been a long-term nanny for twins, I also know there is enough free time to get other things done….such as paperwork.
I never said that mothers who stay home are doing NOTHING. That is the read of it that Stacey and others have chosen because it fits their picture of what they’re trying to paint of me because they have no better ammunition than to slander my character. Some “high road”.
As for supposedly changing my emphasis in speeches….well, adding additional items isn’t at all wrong especially when I’m being asked about it by voters. Sorry if you don’t agree with that. I’ve been saying all along that Chris and I are extremely similar in our views on traditional Democratic issues. To mention those periodically isn’t changing a thing. I don’t need to pander for votes.
And what you may consider “crass” is plain talk to folks who are tired of political double speak. I call it like I see it. Personally, many find it refreshing for a candidate to speak honestly. Your husband would have been more of the same old, same old…go along to get along and suck up to anyone who can help. Well, I’ll never be that person and don’t want to be. I will have the courage to stand up and call it like it is.
As for taking the high road…well, I’ll leave that out of this venue, but don’t you dare try to say he’s only done that. Bah!
I know my district and it’s people. I’ve been here for 8 years compared to your 1 1/2. Just because I didn’t realize that the district went down as far into Pinal as it does isn’t the same as not recognizing that our Constitutional rights are critical to remaining America. Guess Gramazio supporters are the very people that poem above applies to, eh?
I will fight for the middle class, the working class, the poor and every other American who needs a voice. Yes, Stacey, that includes the animals, too. An awful lot of violent crime against people is directly linked to cruelty to animals. Protecting them protects people - particularly women and children. You want to try to paint me as a radical for believing they need a voice, too. That’s like saying children don’t need a voice. Both are helpless innocents who need protection.
Obviously, the voters recognized who would best represent them. You’re right. Yes, Chris is a nice man who cares about his family and his community, but he isn’t the best person for this job.
Those in the know are aware that I spoke the truth. I’ll address your lies privately. You’re right. The voters chose who they wanted. Godspeed.