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1) Is this your first campaign? If so, what or who inspired you to run for office?

I am running again because I believe I can win! In July of 2002, I entered the Democratic primary race for Congress in district 2, winning against three opponents. During this short period, I received the Arizona Republic's endorsement for both the primary and general elections. In the general, running against Trent Franks, I received over 61,000 votes; nearly half the votes I garnered came from Republican and Independent crossover voters.

Not only do I need votes from my own Democratic base but I also need to reach out to those same Republican and Independents who voted for me last time. In 2002, the Democratic voter turnout was poor in this district, but because 2004 is a presidential year, and as proven in previous elections, the Democratic turn out will be considerably higher.

Starting out early is another important lesson I learned from the 2002 race. I've been actively campaigning for over a year and have gained a great deal of support from voters across the board. I have received endorsements from the Arizona AFL-CIO and the Arizona Republic has endorsed me for the September 7th primary. The Arizona Republic's endorsement of my candidacy entitled "Give Camacho Shot At History" on August 2nd stated this fact:

"If they're looking for a candidate who can run a vigorous, compelling campaign, with a shot at ousting Franks, Democrats in District 2 will choose Randy Camacho in the Sept. 7 primary."

 

2) What is your Party affiliation? 

Democrat

 

3) What elected offices have you held? Years?

2002 Democratic Nominee

 

4) Please list the three most important issues to your campaign.

My top three congressional priorities would be responsible government, health care and immigration reform. Responsible government is a matter that should concern all Americans. It means the setting of priorities and constantly striving for new, visionary ideas to move this country forward. It also means a balanced budget and fiscal responsibility. Tax cuts and increases in government spending are both tools to help spur economic growth, but combined, it has caused record deficits and I am concerned about the long-term impact of eroding the revenue base. Arizona is one of the fastest growing states and I would like to see appropriate levels of federal funding in areas like education, health care, homeland security and transportation.

Immigration reform is another of my top priorities. This issue is all encompassing in the sense that if we begin to take a wholehearted effort to develop economic partnerships with Latin American countries that would stand the test of time, our reliance on foreign resources would diminish and our Latin American friends would experience prosperity to the point where many of its citizens would not want to leave the homeland they love so much and not risk life and limb to reach America in hopes of a better life. This measure would have a two-prong effect. It would enable us to deal with the immigration issue in a positive light and would allow us to deal with terrorism abroad as it deserves to be handled. While I am fully supportive of the current efforts to root out terrorism in and across the globe, there remains little doubt that outside of these efforts, our resolve is not as strong as it needs to be due to our reliance on Middle Eastern oil.

Currently, there are 43 million Americans without health care. We must make health care affordable and accessible for all Americans. I strongly believe in Medicare and Social Security and I will be going to Washington not ashamed to call myself a liberal on these issues. Heath care concerns have become a large problem for many of our seniors. They are forced to choose between medicine and food. We cannot allow this to continue! I want to see retirees get all the medical help they need. Winston Churchill said about democracy, "It's not the best form of government, but it's the best one we've got." I feel the same way about our health care system. We must continue our commitment to our seniors and to medical research.

5) What do you feel sets you apart from your opponent(s)?

I offer leadership and ingenuity to deal with today's pressing issues. I believe that local, state and federal agencies must work together in identifying the challenging issues before us and creating comprehensive plans to solve these matters. I believe I have the ability to do this. The Arizona Republic stated in 2002 that I was the best choice for Arizona's Congressional District 2 and I firmly believe that this is still the case.

 

6) Please list your other endorsements.

The Arizona Republic, Arizona AFL-CIO and Arizona Education Association.

 

7) Please list your other grassroots support.

Acorn Endorsement

 

8) Please state your previous occupation and professional affiliations.

Teacher - 13 years, Wolverine-Knight Association, Parish Council, AEA, Member at large of Arizona Democratic Party Executive Committee

 

9) Please list your hobbies and other interests.

Reading, Writing, Philosophy, Family, Football

 

10) Seniors for America member referral.

Howard Vicini

PERSON WHO COMPLETED FORM:

Name: Randy Camacho

Campaign Position: Candidate

Signature: _______________________

Date prepared: 9-3-04