Election 2010
Glassman delays Senate run decision
Rodney Glassman, the Tucson City Councilman who's been mulling a run for U.S. Senate, will think it over some more.
Glassman announced on Monday that he will make a decision on running in early April. The Ward 2 councilman says he's delaying jumping in (or out) to focus on the city budget.
"I will not abandon my duty for ambition, especially in a time of crisis," said Glassman in a news release. "Other politicians are leaving the people who voted for them in a lurch by resigning in the middle of the worst financial crisis in the history of Arizona, a crisis that must be dealt with at every level of our governments."
The council is expected to send budget directives to City Manager Mike Letcher on April 6, Glassman said.
Putting off a decision may affect Glassman's ability to quickly raise the vast war chest needed to take on the Republican nominee. Jim Pederson spent $12 million in 2006, and still lost the Senate race to incumbent Republican Jon Kyl.
The other wrinkle in this election cycle is the challenge that John McCain faces from J.D. Hayworth. The ex-Congressman turned radio host is hoping to surf a wave of conservative, anti-Washington sentiment to the GOP nomination over McCain.
A run against either McCain or Hayworth will likely run up a tab just as lengthy as Pederson's.
Will the brewing Tea Party movement be bitter enough to scorn the long-time senator? Will they swallow Hayworth's Washington connections?
With Glassman delaying, will another Democrat throw a hat in the ring? Will Glassman yet declare his candidacy? Will the Sentinel ever stop asking pesky questions?
Glassman's statement
Tucson Vice Mayor Rodney Glassman pledged today to make a decision concerning his potential run for U.S. Senate in early April after helping to lead the City of Tucson through its current budget crisis, "I will not abandon my duty for ambition, especially in a time of crisis," says Glassman, "Other politicians are leaving the people who voted for them in a lurch by resigning in the middle of the worst financial crisis in the history of Arizona, a crisis that must be dealt with at every level of our governments."
Glassman is postponing his decision until the Tucson City Council completes its budget deliberations and forwards its recommendations to the City Manager, "My priority is my responsibility to Tucson. The people who elected me are counting on me to see the Tucson 2011 budget process through."
Glassman is exploring a run for U.S. Senate against the winner of a Republican primary built on promises to represent the narrowest constituency on the Far Right. He's received thousands of $20 donations as an expression of interest in seeing him provide a new Arizona voice on Capitol Hill, representing mainstream Arizona values. He has received the support and encouragement of all of the 2010 Statewide Democratic candidates and from more individuals than any other candidate to take on McCain in Arizona history.
"The people of Tucson need me to fight for them and fight through a budget shortfall, even as the state Legislature ties our hands insofar as what we can do to handle it," Glassman said. "When we make our decision concerning higher office, it will be after I've tended to the duties of my current office. That's what Arizonans should expect of anyone seeking to lead."
The City Council is scheduled to forward budget direction to the City Manager on April 6. For more information about the Rodney Glassman U.S. Senate Exploratory Committee please visit www.rodneyglassman.com.
On the Web
- Rodney Glassman Senate Exploratory Committee: www.rodneyglassman.com
- J.D. Hayworth 2010: www.jdforsenate.
- John McCain for U.S. Senate: www.johnmccain.com
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