For over 15 years, Raúl Grijalva has ably represented Arizona Congressional District 3 as a strong progressive voice, speaking up on issues such as health care, the environment and immigration. He should return to Congress and continue to work for his constituents.
His opponent, Republican Nick Pierson, has erred in his attacks of Grijalva’s character and seemed misinformed on multiple points when speaking with the Star Editorial Board. Yet it was also clear that he has an honest desire to help the people of CD3. He should continue to learn about the issues and work to improve his community.
Grijalva’s recent accomplishments include bipartisan legislation that would establish a restoration fund to address the multibillion-dollar national parks maintenance backlog, as well as efforts to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund. A ninth term in Congress would give him the opportunity to address what he sees as unfinished business: comprehensive immigration reform, removing the threat of uranium mining around the Grand Canyon, helping to revitalize education, and campaign finance reform. All are much-needed measures.
If Grijalva is re-elected and the Democrats take control of the House, both a likely outcome, he will find himself in a difficult position. After spending most of his time in Congress in the minority, it is easy to be tempted into running roughshod over the opposition. While understandable, this would only continue to exacerbate current divisions.
Grijalva is aware of this, and said he recognizes it is up to Democrats to be responsible and restore the regular order and democratic norms that have allowed bipartisan efforts to be rewarded. “Divisions are so deep, that those of us who are leaders of the opposition have a responsibility to talk about unity, to talk about purpose,” he said. “So, from day one, I have to work on that.”
A change in the status quo would not only be liberating for Democrats, but for Republicans as well, Grijalva said. Bills that had support from members of both parties — such as a compromise solution for immigrants who were brought here as children by their parents — would be able to advance after they were blocked by Republican leadership.
Thinking of his legacy, Grijalva said that if he returns to Congress, he will use his experience to quickly push for his legislative priorities, finding bipartisan support when possible and, where there is little, working on proposals that set the template for future discussions.
Raúl Grijalva best represents the voters in his district and the Star endorses him for re-election.
