Congresswoman Giffords is target of local protest
By Bill Hess

Published/Last Modified on Sunday, Aug 09, 2009 - 01:35:44 am MST


SIERRA VISTA — Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords faces an ultimatum from some local constituents when it comes to national health care.

The terms given to the Arizona 8th Congressional District U.S. representative:

• Hold a Sierra Vista town hall meeting on health care.

• If she does not, then she is asked to resign her seat.


Bill Stillmaker of Hereford participates in Saturday’s protest in front of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ Sierra Vista office. (Mark Levy•Herald/Review)


• If she doesn’t resign, then those who are upset with her will look for ways to recall her from office.

That was the prominent view Saturday when more than 150 people gathered outside her local office, which was closed due to the weekend. It was the second recent protest against Giffords by the local chapter of the Tea Party, primarily concerning health care.

Joanne Daley, who helped organize both events, said if Giffords holds a health care town hall meeting during the August congressional recess, “we pledge not to be disruptive.â€