"This is a campaign for change"

Today, in front of Tempe's City Hall named for him, Harry Mitchell formally announced his candidacy for Congress. In his statements, Harry said, "This is a campaign for change, and a campaign to restore honesty, integrity and civility to Washington." Harry had a lot of fighting words for J.D. Hayworth, slamming the incumbent with a reference to Jack Abramoff, even poking fun at J.D.'s recent book Whatever It Takes.

A couple of quotes from his speech (paraphrased from what I remember):

"The people of this district deserve better, they deserve a representative that will respond to them, not lobbyists like Jack Abramoff."

"Washington policitians seem to care more about becoming celebritries and talking heads than statesmen."

The event was really upbeat. Almost everyone there (a sizable crowd for a warm, sunny Arizona day) was wearing Harry Mitchell for Congress shirts or waving Harry for Congress signs (my Young Democrat friends got me a shirt and sign so I can join in on the excitement). Me and other Young Democrats at ASU are really excited about this race and it showed today.

Harry was introduced this morning by his daughter and son, Mark Mitchell, Tempe City Councilman. Kyrene District School Board Member Sue Knudson and Arizona Board of Regents member Ed Hermes also spoke. It was good to see Ed again, we are both graduates from Seton Catholic High and St. Mary's Elementary School. (I sort of take pride in my elementary school St. Mary's because we have both seats for students on the ABOR. Ed is two years older than me and my fellow classmate Mary Venezia was just appointed by the Governor for the non-voting position.)

It was a real great event with a lot of familiar faces like Attorney General Terry Goddard, Senator Ed Ableser, School Superintendent candidate Slade Mead, numerous Tempe City Council members, former City Council candidate Corey Woods, and Harry's family.

Harry also has his website up and running.

Update: I'll have pictures up tomorrow. I need to download them onto my friend's computer but won't be able to until tomorrow night.