The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has just completed a $150,000 advertising buy to help secure the Arizona seat vacated by Rep. Gabriel Giffords.
The DCCC buy matches the amount spent by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) last week. Money from other campaign groups is expected to continue to pour into the district.
The DCCC ads are in support of Giffords’ former district director Ron Barber who is now running for his old boss’ job in a special election being held this summer. Barber was also shot during the January 2011 attack that severely injured Giffords along with more than a dozen other people, including six who died.
Giffords decided to step down earlier this year and focus on her recovery.
NRCC spokesman Daniel Scarpinato says Arizona’s 8th district, located in Tucson, could swing back to Republicans. In 2004 and 2008 a majority of people in the district voted for George W. Bush and John McCain in their respectively presidential races.
“We really believe that positions on the issues matter in this race. And Ron Barber supports the same failing agenda that has really hurt Arizona.” Scarpinato told Newsmax.TV during an exclusive interview.
Republican nominee Jesse Kelly faced a tough four-way primary battle that ended two weeks ago.
Scarpinato says Kelly, a former Marine and combat veteran, has credentials that will make him an attractive alternative to Barber.
“He’s a businessman, a small businessman, so he really knows what businesses have gone through in this economy and how to create jobs,” Scarpinato said. “And this district is really interesting because it’s home to two major military installations, an Air Force base and an Army base. And Jesse Kelly, being the only veteran in the race . . . brings a unique background and skill set to this race that really fits this district well.”
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