The Glassman for Arizona Senate exploratory committee is continuing to gain momentum as Democrats, Independents, and gridlock weary Republicans take an interest in what we have to say. The simmering civil war between the followers of the two GOP candidates only helps us; people want simple, executable solutions to the problems they face and they want them now, not after months of foot dragging.
Arizona Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Terry Goddard said last week that, "Rodney Glassman has already brought energy, intelligence and enthusiasm to the race for U.S. Senate while still in the exploratory phase. At a time when Arizonans are crying out for new leadership, Rodney's innovative ideas and fresh perspective are what the US Senate needs."
I am continuing to travel the state, listening to the concerns of Arizonans.
I’m proud to have the encouragement of so many Democratic leaders like Terry Goddard. I’m just as proud that thousands of Arizonans have given my exploratory campaign $20 donations, to send a message that big money needn‘t bankroll big campaigns. In increasing numbers, the people are showing they want a new voice representing Arizona in Washington.
Monday afternoon we had the chance to speak to the Sun City Democrats about issues important to their senior community. As a member of the Pima County Board on Aging I'm already tuned in to the concerns of seniors, but as the baby boomer generation nears retirement views on what is important are changing and legislators have to pay close attention.
Monday evening I was the guest speaker at a Legislative District 13 Democrats meeting, which is held in the Carpenters Union Hall in Phoenix. While in the Union Hall I also had the chance to chat with my friend Jerry Vlach, a special representative from the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters who introduced me to a few of the instructors from the Carpenters Union training programs. The stability, training, and the income and benefits provided by union membership were the backbone of our middle class for the previous two generations. Everyone who is willing to work should have access to the opportunities organized labor provides.
Wednesday, I was invited on 1480 KPHX for Dr. Mike's radio show. The show covers local, national, and international topics and is one of the only progressive formats in Phoenix. We got a chance to reach a broad array of listeners and discuss ways we can be doing better as a state.
This week we spoke to our friends in East Mesa at the Legislative District 22 Democrats meeting and LD15 and LD16 meetings in Central Phoenix and South Phoenix. Elected Precinct Committeemen and politically active citizens are getting energized about putting a Democrat on the ballot and have been extremely supportive of our exploratory efforts.
Valentine’s Day two families hosted house parties for us in Phoenix and in the evening I sang with Jeff Haskell, the head of the University of Arizona Jazz Program, for our friends in Sun City and Surprise, at a fundraiser hosted by the Surprise Democratic Club. Singing is one of my passions - I've raised thousands of dollars for various charities and political organizations through my performances. Friday I gave my annual Valentine’s show to benefit the Glassman Foundation - the non-profit that I started at age 23 which has raised over a million dollars for children's charities.
One message herd over and over is this: "Politicians should disagree and debate, but this poisonous partisanship gridlock we see in Congress now isn't benefiting anyone."
Encouraging our run for U.S. Senate in Arizona are the following statewide candidates in 2010:
Governor: Terry Goddard
Attorney General: David Lujan, Vince Rabago, Felecia Rotellini
Secretary of State: Chris Deschene, Sam Wercinski
State Treasurer: Andrei Cherny
Superintendent of Public Instruction: Penny Kotterman, Jason Williams
State Mine Inspector: Manuel Cruz
Please visit our website www.rodneyglassman.com and contribute $20 to our effort and encourage your friends, family, and co-workers to do the same. Join our fight to bring new leadership to the U.S. Senate!