Contributed article

Sydney Hay, the only announced Republican congressional candidate for Arizona District 1, spoke to a packed house at the Feb. 12 meeting of the Republican Party.

Hay has visited the Valley several times since last October, but this was her first visit with the local politicos of her own party.

Sydney Hay, Republican candidate for Congressional District 1, visits with the public and party Chairman John “Duane” Rhodes at a rally Feb. 12. Contributed photo

“I want to demonstrate my commitment to maintaining the same level of availability that Congress-man Renzi provided to the citizens of eastern Arizona,” Hay assured the room.

The candidate fielded numerous questions on topics ranging from her access locally, if elected, to the War on Terror. Party Chairman John “Duane” Rhodes seemed quite impressed at responses Hay provided to the many diverse questions. “I think she’ll be able to continue the work Congressman Renzi has done for us in Graham County,” he remarked.

In other business, Graham County Repub-licans took the unusual step of endorsing a candidate while a primary election remains open. By a handy majority, the body voted to support Arizona’s own Senator McCain in his bid for the White House in November 2008.

“Numerically, the senator has the delegates to win the nomination, so it only makes sense to come together as a party now and begin the process of denying the presidency to someone like Obama or Hillary,” second vice chairman Barton stated. “We’re at war with radical Islam, and we can’t afford someone who either won’t support the pledge of allegiance or someone who’s historically on the record as having disdain for our military.”

Although there were members present who were disappointed that Mitt Romney was no longer running, all agreed it was time to move forward unified to tackle the business at hand.

Hay was again in the Valley on Feb. 21 for the annual Lincoln Day Dinner at Eastern Arizona College. She will be the guest speaker at the Republican Women of Graham County’s April 4 luncheon meeting. There is no charge, and all Valley women are invited.

Hay is pro-life, pro-family and has worked closely with the mining and natural resource industry in Arizona for many years. Call Barbara Stailey for reservations and more information at 428-0518.