Pima GOP attacks Giffords on aide's appearance at meeting of liberal group

The Pima County Republican Party is calling for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-8) to cancel the scheduled appearance of her chief of staff, Maura Policelli, before a meeting of Democracy for America.

A press release issued today stated:

"Gabby Giffords’ Chief of Staff Maura Policelli tonight will be the special guest at a meeting of the Tucson chapter of Democracy for America, a far left-wing activist group bent on seeing that President Bush and Vice President Cheney are impeached.

“'There are real problems facing southern Arizona like border security, healthcare and education,' Pima County Republican Party Chair Judi White said. 'It’s hard to believe that Congresswoman Giffords would dispatch her top aide to such a frivolous event.'

"According to the agenda posted on the group’s Web site, Policelli will participate in a discussion over topics relating to impeachment, including H. RES. 799, a resolution calling for the impeachment of the Vice President introduced by Congressman Dennis Kucinich."

But Giffords's press secretary, C.J. Karamargin, asserts the Pima County GOP has misconstrued Policelli's purpose in being there, claiming that Giffords doesn't support impeachment and the appearance is simply a matter of "constituent services."

"Rep. Giffords neither co-sponsored nor voted for Rep. Kucinich's bill," said Karamargin, "and she does not support impeachment." He said Policelli is being dispatched to address those of her constituents who wish to see Pres. Bush and V.P. Cheney impeached. "Every Monday there are between 15 and 20 protesters outside Congresswoman Giffords's office urging impeachment," he told PolitickerAZ. "While she doesn't agree with all of her constituents, she respects their opinion."

The Pima County Republican Party could not be reached for a reply.