Ann Kirkpatrick - for Arizona

Kirkpatrick Continues to Build Momentum with Stellar Performance at Candidates Forum

Cottonwood, AZ - Former state representative Ann Kirkpatrick demonstrated why she has local and national Democrats lining up behind her campaign with an impressive showing at yesterday afternoon's forum hosted by the Democrats of the Verde Valley and the Democrats of the Red Rocks. Kirkpatrick, the leading contender for the Democratic nomination to represent Arizona's 1st Congressional District, proved once again that she is the most qualified candidate to bring real change to Washington by outshining her opponents on health care and Second Amendment rights.

Kirkpatrick outlined her plans to ensure that every American child has access to a doctor while Congress works to provide affordable, quality health care for all. The former representative pointed to her record of legislative victories on health care issues, including her successful fight to end the gag rule that prevented Arizona's schools from informing parents about better health care options for their kids.

"Last fall, for the first time teachers could give out information about children's health care. Almost to the day that the new law went into effect, President Bush vetoed funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program," said Representative Kirkpatrick. "We need immediate relief for these challenges."

Asked to respond to last week's Supreme Court opinion striking down Washington D.C.'s handgun ban, Kirkpatrick reaffirmed her strong approval for the ruling and for respecting the right to bear arms.

"I believe in the responsible use of guns, and I support the Supreme Court's decision," said Representative Kirkpatrick.

Kirkpatrick's career of service and commitment to issues important to Arizonans has earned her the endorsement of Governor Janet Napolitano, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the Navajo Nation's first president Peterson Zah, the Arizona Education Association and the International Association of Firefighters, and grassroots Democrats across District 1.

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Former state representative Ann Kirkpatrick is a former legislator, county prosecutor, small business owner, mother, and a community leader who served as President of the Northern Arizona United Way. Born in McNary, Kirkpatrick is a native of rural Arizona and has lived and worked in Flagstaff for 25 years.

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