Congresswoman Kirkpatrick Deserves 2nd Term

There has been a lot of hostility and derogatory comments directed at members of Congress because of the passing of the Health Care Reform Bill. Naturally, Ann Kirkpatrick has taken the brunt of criticism here in Yavapai County because she is the elected representative for our district. Most of the disparaging remarks claim that Congresswoman Kirkpatrick ignored all of her constituent’s pleas to vote against health care reform. However, this is a fallacy because there was an equal amount of people hoping that she would adhere to her campaign promise of health care reform. We can sit and debate the polls all day, but the truth is that our nation, for the most part, is equally divided on politics. In this case, I feel that Congresswoman Kirkpatrick owed it to her constituents, the ones who actually voted for her, to vote for the bill based on her campaign promise of health care reform.

Aside from health care reform, so far, Congresswoman Kirkpatrick has adhered to every campaign promise she made, and has not been afraid to go against Democratic Leadership. She has voted against every form of corporate bailout that has gone before Congress. She is a strong supporter of the right to bear arms. In fact, she served as a co-sponsor of the National Right to Carry Reciprocity Act. Congresswoman Kirkpatrick has also focused much of her efforts towards veterans including introducing and passing into law the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2009. She also is big advocate of renewable energy such as wind and solar, which would reduce our nation’s dependency on oil while also bringing thousands of high-paying jobs to Arizona. Ms. Kirkpatrick has also voluntarily returned 5% of her salary to help reduce the national debt, while also introducing a bill to Congress that would require all members of Congress to take a pay cut as well.

There are several issues that I don’t agree with Congresswoman Kirkpatrick on, including her opposition to place a ban on assault weapons. Although, I know that she rejects all attempts at gun control because of the strong Republican base in Arizona that would be ready to start a revolution at the mere mention of anyone taking away any of their weapons. I’m a supporter of the 2nd Amendment, I think everyone has the right to own a musket, but I’ll never understand why anyone would ever have a need for an assault rifle.

However, in recent times, it is very rare that we actually find a politician who does what they say they’re going to do. Therefore, I think it would be a mistake to not vote for her in the upcoming election. I’ll admit that I didn’t vote for Ann Kirkpatrick the first time around, but she has definitely won my vote for a second term.