Enthusiasm Runs High at Democrats’ County Picnic
Voters, candidates excited by party’s chances in 2006 and beyond
May 1, 2006 — The County Fairgrounds were the hub of Pinal political activity May 29 as hundreds of Democrats and independents gathered for a four-hour, momentum-building picnic and rally.
The picnic, which is expected to be an bi-annual event, raised nearly five thousand dollars for the Democratic Party in Pinal County. More importantly, organizers say, the picnic added considerable energy to an already powerful momentum that many believe will propel Arizona Democrats into office up and down the ballot this November.
"This event turned out exceptionally well," said Joe Robison, chairman of the Pinal County Democrats. "We’ve got candidates and voters here from all over Arizona. They came out here because they believe in the strength of the Democratic Party and in our chances of winning many important victories on Election Day."
Surveying the enthusiastic crowd, Robison added, "The energy here is just amazing."
Dozens of Democratic candidates for state and national offices attended the event, and many addressed the crowd, including Jim Pederson, candidate for U.S. Senate; Terry Goddard, running for re-election as Arizona’s attorney general; Israel Torres, candidate for secretary of state; and Rano Singh, candidate for state treasurer.
Recent polls by Arizona State University indicate that Pederson has narrowed the gap considerably between himself and incumbent Jon Kyl. At the picnic, Pederson emphasized his willingness to work with both sides of the aisle and his desire to embrace "good ideas," whether they come from the left, right or center of the political spectrum. "Come November, we’re going to win this thing," he told the cheering crowd. "Together, we can do it."
Other candidates present included Mark Manoil, running for a seat on the Arizona Corporation Commission; Slade Mead, candidate for superintendent of public instruction; Krista Pacion, candidate for state representative in District 23; and Brenda Oldham, candidate for superior court judge in Division 8.
Democratic clubs and volunteers throughout the county contributed to the successful picnic event. To find a Democratic club in your area, contact Joe Robison at 520-818-2194.