GEMDEMS meeting tonight

I will be speaking at the GEMDEMS(Greater Eastern Maricopa Democrats) tonight at 6:30pm. I am excited and nervous. More later.

LD 18 Democrats Meeting

I went to the LD 18 Democrats meeting last night and formally announced my candidacy to the group that was present. Our Chairman Wayne Manske placed me on the schedule at the end for new business. Those in attendance were very excited that I had the courage to take one Russell Pearce this election. Off to the Greater Maricopa County Democrats board meeting on the 16th of November.

Decision to run for office

This is my first posting on the campaign trail. I have decided long and hard about running for office, especially what is going on here in Arizona. With young children about to start school, and learning of the cuts to education and other programs that families use, I felt it my duty to stand up not only for my young family, but for families from all walks of life. When I hear my opponent keep saying that we must cut our way out of this mess, instead of reevaluating policies to find the one that caused this budge mess it is time to put my opponent out to pasture. I hate paying taxes, about as much as the next person, but they are necessary to maintain a modern civilization and quality of life that we enjoy like libraries, education, parks and public safety. I keep hearing that we need to cut the corporate tax rates to stimulate the economy and bring new corporations into Arizona, yet in my 32 years as a resident and native Arizonan I have yet to see this come to fruition. Corporations want to locate to areas not only with reasonable tax rates, but also want to move into areas that have invested in infrastructure and innovation. These investments are sorely missing and this is why we have seen an exodus of corporations from Arizona. We need to bring our tax code into balance, if we need to raise taxes to bring in revenue then we must look at that option. I know that my opponent will say that raising taxes on business is bad for business. I say not fully funding our schools, libraries and fixing infrastructure is bad for families and for business.

Earlier this afternoon, I filed my paperwork to formally form my candidacy committee with the Arizona Secretary of State. One comment struck me was from the young lady helping me when I said by the grace of God that I should win, she said "I hope so". To me this speaks volumes. I make this pledge for our state workers, I will fight for you and I will be your advocate. I make this pledge to all of you, regardless of party affiliation. Politics will have no place in my office; racism, intolerance and corruption definitely will have no place in my office. One note though to Grover Norquist and those like him, I will not pledge nor will I accept anything that will force me not to serve the people of Arizona. Russell Pearce, my opponent, made a pledge not to raise taxes and is beholden to Grover Norquist. I work for the people of Arizona, not for a political action committee.

Thank you all for your support in advance.

Robert H. McDonald jr.
Democratic Candidate for Arizona Senate LD 18
McDonald for Senate