Barber sworn in as CD8's representative

Democrat Ron Barber was sworn into office Tuesday as the representative for Arizona's 8th Congressional District in a ceremony in Washington D.C.

Barber, who beat Republican Jesse Kelly in a special election June 12 to fill the seat left vacant by former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, was sworn in at 10:54 a.m., Tucson time, by Speaker of the House John Boehner. 

U.S. Reps. Ed Pastor, Democrat for Arizona's 4th District, and Jeff Flake, Republican for the 6th District, introduced Barber.

"There is no one who will work harder with dignity for the people of Arizona," Pastor said.

"Gabby got her wish as was the wish of the people of Arizona," Flake said of Barber being elected.

"I stand on the very spot where five months ago my friend and predecessor (Gabrielle Giffords) delivered her resignation to Congress," Barber said. "Gabby, Southern Arizona misses you and we cannot wait for you to come home."

Barber said he looks forward to working in a bipartisan manner to achieve what is best for Arizonans.

"As an Arizonan, I look to the examples of (Democrat) Mo Udall and (Republican) Barry Goldwater, who disagreed much without being disagreeable," he said. "I will approach my work with an eye toward achievement."

Barber promised to honor veterans and service members, create jobs and help to secure the border.

The ceremony was broadcast live on C-SPAN from the floor of the House. About 25 constituents gathered for the swearing-in at Barber's Tucson office, 3945 E. Fort Lowell Rd., Suite 211, said Barber's spokesman Mark Kimble.

“I am very much looking forward to being able to carry the concerns of the people of Southern Arizona directly to the halls of Congress,” Barber said Tuesday in a news release prior to his taking the oath. “I deeply appreciate the trust that the voters of Arizona have placed in me and I will never forget that this seat that I will hold beginning today is not my seat, but the people’s seat.”

Barber, who edged out Kelly by 6 percent for the CD8 spot, faces a primary challenge for new CD2 seat in August from state Rep. Matt Heinz. The winner will face off in November against the GOP's likely candidate former Air Force pilot Martha McSally.