THATCHER — Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes told the story of meeting a World War II veteran, and the veteran’s advice for tackling any difficult matter. The advice, Fontes said, was 10 little two-letter words that carry significant weight for Democrats heading into November’s General Election.
“If is to be, it is up to me,” Fontes said.
Fontes was the featured speaker at the Graham County Democratic Committee’s annual Rose Mofford Dinner Friday at VFW Post 10385.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
He said he will continue to fight against the Save Act and federal incursion into the state and counties’ operation of elections in Arizona.
“I find it insulting that this administration will push so hard to radically change systems that have no real issues in them, at least not backed by evidence,” Fontes said.
He also said his opponent in this year’s election — Alexander Kolodin — has repeatedly tried to eliminate the vote by mail option used by upward of 85 percent of Arizona’s voters, regardless of party.
“The choice is pretty clear. If you’re going to vote for my opponent, you’re voting to stand in line the next time you cast a ballot. If you’re voting for me, you’re voting to give Arizonans a choice,” Fontes said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The dinner — a fund-raiser for the local Democratic Party — also featured Charlene Fernandez, chair of the state party, who said the only path to victory for Democrats in the General Election is a strong voter turnout and talking with independents.
“It’s not something that is guaranteed to us, it’s not something that’s owed to us; it’s something that we have to work for,” Fernandez said.
Also speaking briefly were Bob Karp, candidate for state Senate, and Jackie O’Donnell Anderson, candidate for state House. Both said they have a priority of water policy reform.
Master of ceremonies was David Fitzsimmons, the retired political cartoonist for the Arizona Daily Star newspaper.
“This is what we need to keep the energy going,” said Graham County Democratic Committee chair Patty Cervantez. “Think about where you’ve been, where you are and where you’re going. Stay engaged.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
