Volgy good for UA, Tucson

Jim Kolbe Party Affiliation: Republican Age: 56 Lives in: Tucson Occupation: Congressman

Tom Volgy Party Affiliation: Democrat Age: 52 Lives in: Tucson Job: UA political science professor

Phil Murphy Party Affiliation: Libertarian Age: 38 Lives in: Tucson Job: Writer

Robert ñBobî Connery Sr. Party Affiliation: Reform Age: 54 Lives in: Sahuarita Job: Engineer

Volgys record both as City of Tucson mayor and University of Arizona political science professor speaks for itself. He is a pragmatic dealmaker with a firm grounding in the more esoteric field of political science. Plus his links with the UA can only improve university-federal relations.

In speaking with Volgy last week, we were not only impressed with his devotion to higher education funding, but also with his proactive ideas about public campaign financing ideas he put into practice during his stint as Tucson mayor. His premise involves voluntary spending caps in order to receive matching funds from government.

Also impressive was his apparent comprehension of dealmaking. As a member of the minority party, Volgy realizes that consensus building will be his only weapon in a Congress that is largely, and vehemently, Republican.

Murphy split sharply with Volgy on his commitment to federal aid for college students and public education. Murphy opposed both vehemently while Volgy was a vehement supporter of both. Clearly, Volgy, with his long-time experience in education has a better understanding of the needs of students today.

That said, the opinions board did split 3-2 between Volgy and Libertarian congressional candidate Phil Murphy. Murphys ideology of smaller, less intrusive government appealed to some, but in practice would be largely ineffective.

We endorse Volgy, and despite the close split with Libertarian Murphy, we were rock solid on one facet of todays election: Just dont vote Jim Kolbe.