Today we are exactly one year away from Election Day.  It's a time to reflect on what's at stake in this campaign.  Last week, the nonpartisan Rockefeller Institute issued their latest report on the economic health of the fifty states and the news wasn’t good.  Over the past year, Arizona has seen its personal income tax collections drop by 45% -- a record that indicates how much poorer Arizonans have become.  Only one state has fared worse.  And no state in America has lost a higher percentage of its jobs than Arizona.

 

The results are in on an economic strategy that has failed to invest in our people and in our future; that has put the interests of Wall Street over the needs of Main Street.  While other states are starting to move forward, Arizona – more than any other state in America – is headed in the wrong direction.

 

When I come home at night after a long day on the campaign trail, I’m more excited and more optimistic than I was that morning.  Because while I meet so many people who are hurting in this economic crisis, I meet even more people who are hopeful. I meet entrepreneurs and innovators who only ask for a partner in government that they can work with, business leaders who see the potential of this great state, and people – from all political viewpoints, all parts of the state, all walks of life – who are more interested in crossing the partisan aisle than in crossing partisan swords.

 

These are the people who have rallied to our campaign: giving their time, their support, and their contributions.  I have been overwhelmed by the faith and friendship so many have offered. 

 

With their help, we’ll win this campaign.  And when we do, we’ll help spur new job growth, reform state government, and make Arizona “the Solar State” – and that will mean a brighter future for all our people.