Grijalva says nation's at a turning point
New leadership on critical issues needed, he says

By Daniel Scarpinato
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
June 3, 2006

Reflecting high hopes within his party of a Democratic takeover of Congress this November, U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva called this a "profound and delicate time" while offering a critical evaluation of Republican policies during a local speech Friday.

"I know all of you sense it," Grijalva told the crowd of about 350 people. "We're at a turning point in our country."

The event, held at the Tucson Convention Center, was hosted by Greater Tucson Leadership, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Black Chamber of Commerce and attracted officials from all over Southern Arizona.

Grijalva said the country is "facing the consequences of past actions" and is ready for new leadership on issues such as the economy, health care, education, Iraq and immigration, which he termed the "crucible issue."
The speech landed one day before Grijalva, now running for his third term in District 7, was set to open his campaign headquarters. In 2004, Grijalva won with 63 percent of the vote, facing little competition. So far, two Republicans have announced intentions to run against Grijalva: former Avondale Mayor Ron Drake and perpetual candidate Joe Sweeney, who lost to Grijalva in the general election two years ago. District 7 includes Tucson's South and West sides, Nogales and Yuma.

With no opposition in the primary and much focus on that other congressional race — District 8, the neighboring seat where Democrats and Republicans are lining up to replace the retiring Jim Kolbe — you'd think Grijalva's next few months would be fairly low-key.

But in an interview after his speech, the congressman said he is "constantly insecure about every election" and wouldn't take anything for granted heading into election season.

Discussing several key federal issues, Grijalva provided a reality check to those attending: There won't be any resolution on the immigration issue, he predicted.

"There's too much political risk involved for people and there's too much political exploitation for people on this issue," he said.

Grijalva, who opposes sending members of the National Guard to the border, said he plans to unveil a border plan of his own sometime this month that would pour money into U.S. border communities for everything from sewage to clean air and transportation.

The move, which has no price tag yet, would help "stabilize the border," Grijalva said.

But he also admitted the plan would not likely go very far. Instead, he is trying to "get it on the table," he said, explaining that Congress needs to "internationalize the issue."

As for the country's "turning point," Grijalva said, "It's frustration — a loss of expectations."

The American public isn't just frustrated with Republicans. Recent polls show approval rates for both parties in the 30s. Overall, about 65 percent disapprove of Congress, according to an ABC/Washington Post poll released last month. Democrats are slightly more favored than Republicans in polls asking who should be in power.

Nevertheless, Democrats will face strong competition, said Linda White, executive director of the Pima County Republican Party, rejecting the notion that liberals can win control of Congress.

"I don't blame him for saying that," she said. "It's the new mantra for the Democratic Party.

"The elections won't be national, they'll be local," White said, naming immigration and border security as the top Southern Arizona issues. "People will go to polls on that."

But Grijalva said part of winning means not being "Republicanlike."
"I think if our party is direct and holds the majority accountable, I think we're going to be extremely successful."