BEN DAVIDOFF

Former Congressman Matt Salmon, a self-described "Reagan conservative," announces his candidacy for Arizona governor beside Old Main Friday morning. During Salmon's speech, nearly 15 UA Young Democrats protested by holding signs which targeted Salmon for straying from "clean elections" regulations.

Monday October 1, 2001

UA Republicans support Salmon's race, Democrats say he's not running under 'clean election' standards

Former Congressman Matt Salmon, R-Ariz., announced his candidacy for governor of Arizona Friday morning on campus while student members of the UA Young Democrats protested nearby.

Salmon, a self-described "Reagan conservative," served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the state Legislature. While in office, Salmon backed Measure 203 - a proposition approved by voters that requires all students in Arizona public schools to learn English by immersion - and supported military spending.

Lower income taxes, harsher penalties for criminals - including the death penalty - and more state funding for universities are among Salmon's goals if elected governor, he said.

"As governor, I will work with the state Legislature to give our grade schools, community colleges and our universities the funding they need - state and federal," Salmon said. "And in the current budget shortfall, I will not support massive cuts in higher education.

Members of Democratic and Republican University of Arizona student groups faced off during Salmon's announcement.

Approximately 15 UA Young Democrats protested by holding signs during Salmon's speech. The signs targeted Salmon for not agreeing to run under "clean elections" regulations, which would limit Salmon to spending a specified amount of state money instead of raising private contributions.

"Salmon's not running a clean election because he wants the money from corporations and lobbyists," said political science senior Sunita Krishna, also the secretary of the Young Democrats.

"I'm very nervous that he's not running as a clean elections candidate," said Kelly Ward, a political science senior and Young Democrats president .

Ward said those who make larger contributions to Salmon's campaign would have influence on Salmon's agenda as a result, and that would undermine the power of economically disadvantaged UA students not able to make large contributions to Salmon's campaign.

Candidates running under "clean elections" regulations may spend up to $1.2 million on their campaign. However, Salmon has no limit on how much money he can spend for this campaign, because he is not operating under these rules, Ward said.

In talks with the Young Democrats, Salmon said he would not run under "clean elections" standards because he did not want to use state funds that could be used to fund the university instead.

The Arizona College Republicans were also at the rally to show their support.

"(Salmon) keeps his promises, and that's so rare for a politician to keep their promises," said Manuel Espinoza, co-chairman of the state federation of the Arizona College Republicans and a political science senior.

"I think his stance on not taking taxpayer dollars (for campaigning) is admirable," said computer engineering junior Isaac Crum.

"He's for our generation," said political science junior Brent Lines. "He's for teachers and students."

Salmon said he could not give a specific plan for how he would lower taxes while eliminating a budget cut that will cost the UA more than $13.8 million in state funding, though he said he will look closely at the state budget in upcoming weeks.

Supporting research - including UA cancer research - and economic development are his top priorities, Salmon said.

Arizona regent and businessman Hank Amos made opening statements and presented Salmon to the audience.

"It's the universities who are going to lead our economy," Amos said. "(Salmon) understands that we shouldn't be cutting appropriations (to Arizona universities.) We should be raising them."