By Jason Baran
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Monday October 21, 2002
Believe it or not, three races for seats in Congress are being contested. One battle is being fought right here in the shadow of the Red Brick Palace.
The northern Arizona race ÷ the new Congressional District 1 ÷ is making national news. In fact, it has already drawn visits from both the president and vice president.
The race to fill retiring Rep. Bob Stump's seat is similarly interesting, but not making the big news like the race in District 1.
The contest that really matters to the UA community and Tucsonans is in the newly formed District 7. It covers half of Tucson ÷ including the UA ÷ and southwestern Arizona.
Not much has been made of this race in the news since the primary. That night, the media ÷ local and national ÷ held a coronation for the Democratic candidate. End of story, right?
Of course not. There are two serious candidates campaigning here. Raul Grijalva is the heir apparent, the Democrats' savior. Democrats are lining Tucson's crumbling streets with blankets in preparation for Grijalva's ride into Washington.
In a race as seemingly predetermined as any in Iraq, the man who could pull off the "upset" is Republican Ross Hieb.
His campaign signs are popping up all over town ÷ a stark contrast to the mere handful that appeared during the primary. He's even beginning to draw support from national groups such as the National Rifle Association.
In many respects, Mr. Hieb is the best candidate for the job. The combination of experiences that mark Mr. Hieb is exactly what is needed in Arizona's new district.
Tucson's two most valuable resources are the UA and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. These resources must be addressed and protected by the person who is sent to Washington on Tucson's behalf.
Among the invaluable contributions the UA makes to the world, the UA's efforts in the agricultural world are significant. Beyond UA's agricultural centers and research, nearly 75 percent of Arizona's agricultural product is grown in District 7.
The person who represents this district must have both a keen understanding of agricultural issues and a commitment to them. Mr. Hieb has a farm in Iowa near his wife's hometown. If Bo knows football, Ross Hieb knows agriculture.
The other issue is a massive economic issue for Tucson. Davis-Monthan has a direct economic impact on Tucson worth roughly a billion dollars. This is right up one candidate's alley. Mr. Hieb ÷ Col. Hieb, actually ÷ spent nearly three decades serving his country as a pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his service, he was a fellow of the Chief of Naval Operations in the Strategic Studies group, and among his command positions was the position of Commanding Officer of the 13th Marine Aircraft Group in Yuma, where he commanded $24 billion in aircraft. This experience will help protect Davis-Monthan ÷ and Luke Air Force base near Phoenix ÷ from closing. According to a State Commerce Department's study, the military has a $5.6 billion impact on Arizona's economy. It is essential the person who represents southern Arizona's military interests be knowledgeable about the military. This is an area in which Col. Hieb is clearly the better candidate.
This is to say nothing of the lack of military experience that plagues Congress. Over the past forty years, the number of congressmen who have served in the military has fallen from 70 percent to about 30 percent. Adding a congressman with a military background will be beneficial given the world's circumstances.
Mr. Hieb has the experience the people of District 7, Tucson and the rest of Arizona desperately need. Southern Arizona's economy depends on the UA, agriculture and the military. Mr. Hieb has significant experience in dealing with these issues.
For this reason, Mr. Hieb has crossover support from Democrats: Yuma councilman Bobby Brooks and former Yuma Sun publisher, Sam Pepper ÷ to name a couple. Mr. Grijalva's support comes from the left wing.
A race is on in District 7. Mr. Hieb is clearly more experienced and more qualified where experience and qualifications count. When Election Day comes ÷ or it's time to fill out the early ballot ÷ think about the impact on the UA and Davis-Monthan of electing the wrong person for District 7.
It's time to halt the coronation, quiet the hosannas and elect the right man for the job.
