Giffords, citing qualifications and experience, endorses Kirkpatrick

Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has endorsed District 1 Congressional candidate Ann Kirkpatrick, a former Flagstaff State Representative and Sedona City Attorney.

“Ann has shown she can reach out across the aisle…and achieve results,” Giffords said in a Thursday morning conference call with reporters. “She will be an independent voice and it is a pleasure to endorse her.”

Kirkpatrick is running to replace retiring U.S. Congressman Rick Renzi. On the Democratic side, former TV anchor Mary Kim Titla and attorney Howard Shanker have entered the race. On the Republican side, Trade Association Executive Director Sydney Hay and State Rep. Andy Tobin have jumped in.

Giffords, a former Tucson Representative, served with Kirkpatrick in the state legislature from 2004-2006. She stressed that Kirkpatrick, with her background in law, has “unusual qualifications” for the job and is the only Democratic candidate to have served in elected office from District 1.

Kirkpatrick thanked Giffords for her support and said that her experience in elected office meant she “understood the needs and concerns of people who live in rural Arizona.”

Kirkpatrick also focused on the themes of change and bipartisanship.

“Real change comes about when we stop shouting and start listening,” she said.

Giffords won election to the U.S. Congress in 2006, when she defeated Republican Randy Graff. Her District 8 seat spans an area south of Tucson.

Kirkpatrick, Giffords said, “will be a terrific congresswoman.”