Renzi's 2006 opponent files the papers to run again

[Greeby]

http://www.aznetroots.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=252

AZ-01: Ellen Simon is in!
by: ellensimon2008
Wed May 02, 2007 at 20:34:59 PM MDT

( - promoted by Zelph)


Ellen Simon formally filed papers with the FEC to run for the tainted Rick Renzi seat. Simon got into the race late in 2006 and still gave the incumbent a scare. Renzi outspent her almost two to one and ran what Campaigns and Elections magazine called the "nastiest campaign" of the year. He still only won with 52% of the vote.

It looks like Renzi will have to step down, leading to a special election. Arizona law requires an election 3 to 5 months from the time the seat is vacated. In a district the size of the state of PA, Ellen would be the obvious front runner with name recognition, an organization and a strong fundraising base.

Now that it's obvious that the seat can be taken however, everybody wants a piece and the establishment is lining up behind their own. The monied players want a conservative Democrat who will tow the party line and they're not worried what the voters in the district think.

Ellen jumped into the race against Renzi in 2006 to make sure that the Republicans would have to fight to hold the seat. She got in too late to build the type of network needed in a district as large as this, but she made significant progress. If we start over from scratch with a new candidate, we'll be throwing away the work that Ellen and her volunteers put in last year.

We can't afford to move backwards on this district. Ellen is running and she's our best bet to win.

[Sedona]

1. Welcome back...

http://www.ellensimonforcongress.com/

After careful consideration and many heart to heart discussions with my family, friends, and supporters, I am announcing my candidacy for Arizona's 1st Congressional District. We made a lot of progress in 2006 — from building a community of volunteers to learning the nuances that define this large and diverse district, and setting up a solid financial network that will allow us to communicate our message of hope, fairness and integrity.

We have a unique opportunity at this moment in history to renew the spirit and re-iginite the spark that makes our country great. We can demand the integrity and honor we deserve from our elected officials. As many of you know, I have devoted my professional life to fighting for the rights of individuals against powerful special interests - I want to continue that fight in Congress.

Please join me in this effort. With your support, we came close this past November. Let's take this second chance to build on the progress we made. No fight is too big, no injustice is too small...with courage and competence we can win this seat back for Arizona. Please sign up as a volunteer. Contribute what you can. Stay involved in the campaign. Your input is the key to our success.

Thank you,



Ellen Simon