Patty Weiss for Congressional District 8

Background:

I grew up in Tucson and last summer, ended a 34-year career as a journalist for a local news station. For three decades, I've studied the problems and potentials of my community, the state and the nation. I know the issues and I know the political process. I also know what it's like to face challenges. My mother struggled with mental illness when I was growing up. I was a single mother for many years. I was the first female evening news anchor in Arizona at a time when women were generally relegated to smiling weather girls and I may have been the first anchor in the country to stay on air through my two pregnancies. I've been a leader in this community, and now I am ready to fight for the rights of America's center and our most vulnerable citizens.

Goals:

I could no longer sit back and watch the politics of illusion and the moral gap in leadership that threatens our democracy. My experience gives me the unique ability to not only identify problems, but find solutions to challenges facing this state and this nation. This is the year for the citizen representative to go to Washington to take back Congress for the people, not the powerful!

Issues:

I urge voters to send someone to Washington who will take care of America's foundation instead of currying favor with special interests. In addition to a stronger focus on education and the environment, I will push for:
* universal health care so that all citizens can have access to affordable medical care
* public financing of Congressional elections to break the grip of lobbyists in Washington
* a sane and rational approach to solving our border and immigration challenges by supporting a viable guest worker program

Grassroots Support:

I am not an "anointed" candidate in this race. My campaign can only succeed as a grassroots effort. I understand the power of thousands of individuals working together on a common goal. Along with my volunteers, I will be knocking on doors, visiting people at house parties and making phone calls. My campaign will also use the Internet to tell voters more about my goals and priorities for this race. And my dedicated paid and volunteer campaign staff is experienced at grassroots organizing and implementing strong field programs.

DFA Values:

You can see from my top priorities that I am socially progressive, but I also believe we must balance the budget. I was a single mother for many years and I had to make tough choices to balance my budget, but I did it. Congress must as well.
The burgeoning debt is a national crisis. We throw away $352 billion a year on interest payments for our national debt, which is headed toward $9 trillion. And a growing amount of that debt is held by foreign investors, which represents not only a transfer of wealth, but makes it difficult to negotiate with world partners.
The wealthier among us have enjoyed a tax holiday and it can't continue. The soaring national debt threatens our economy, our national security, and our ability to take forceful stands on matters of vital national interest.