SAFFORD — Graham and Greenlee Democrats are hoping enthusiasm for the top of the ticket helps the down-ballot races.
That was the message coming out of a voter and candidate town hall in Safford on Wednesday, hosted by the Arizona Democratic Party.
“A lot of people would just vote the top and not all the way to the bottom, but we are pushing that,” said Yolanda Bejarano, Arizona Democratic Party chair. “We are doing play cards and, across the state, we are pushing that message.”
The large meeting room at the Graham County Chamber of Commerce was packed with voters wanting to hear from candidates, and have their voices heard as well, including members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe who criticized Democratic leaders for a lack out outreach on the reservation, despite being the first tribe in the nation to formally endorse the Harris-Walz ticket.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Candidates taking part in the town hall included:
- Bob Karp, running for state Senate. He said he’s running because his opponent, Republican David Gowan, voted against repeal of the 1864 abortion ban. He also said he wants to return the school voucher program back to its original purpose of helping parents of special needs children.
- Gregg Frostrom, running for state House. He said Democrats have to take back the mantle of patriotism from the people who don’t actually believe in the concept.
- Joshua Polocheck, running for Corporation Commission. He said he’s running to protect people from the utility monopolies.
- Sarah Stacey-Camacho, running for Greenlee County Recorder. She said she’s running to make sure her community’s votes are counted.
- Luke Chavez, running for Safford City Council. He said he’s running because he wants to serve and make a difference.
- Alma Flores, running for Safford City Council. She said she’s running to help the city be fiscally responsible.
- Paul David, running for Graham County Supervisor. David is unopposed in his election, and he said this will likely be his final term on the Board of Supervisors.
On Saturday, Sept. 14, starting at 9 a.m., Graham County Democratic Headquarters will serve as the base for the Arizona Democratic Party’s Day of Action.
“We’ll be doing some training for those that would like to learn about being a poll observer, door canvassing, phone banking (and) meeting some of our state members,” said Patty Cervantez, Graham County Democratic Committee chair.
Democratic Headquarters is at 624 S. 5th Ave. in Safford.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
