Thread: Arizona Law Draws New Senate Candidate

POLITICO

Ariz. law draws new Senate candidate

By JOSH KRAUSHAAR | 4/26/10 1:45 PM EDT
Comments 17

An Arizona civil rights advocate jumped into the state's Senate race Monday, pointing to the strict anti-illegal immigration law just signed by Republican Gov. Jan Brewer as a central theme of his campaign.

Randy Parraz joins a Democratic primary field that includes just one other candidate, businessman and Tucson City Councilman Rodney Glassman. And Christina Martinez, a spokeswoman for Parraz, said the new immigration law was a major factor driving his decision to run.

"This was the straw that broke the camel's back," she said. "For many of us, our spirit has become broken. People don't have the will to take the lead and challenge these folks, so we're relying on Randy to do it."

Martinez added that Parraz didn't believe Glassman had done enough to help fight the new law: "We appreciate what Rodney Glassman is trying to do, but Randy's been in the trenches longer fighting for our interests."

Parraz's entry into the race ensures that immigration will be a central issue in both parties' Senate primaries. on the Republican side, Sen. John McCain is battling a primary challenge from former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, an outspoken opponent of illegal immigration who has criticized McCain for his past support of immigration reform compromises.

Parraz needs to collect 5,000 signatures before the May 26 filing deadline to qualify for the ballot.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0410/36355.html

"This was the straw that broke the camel's back," she said. "For many of us, our spirit has become broken.

That's good to hear. It's about time our opponents experienced some of the misery we've been carrying!