With the brave congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords announcing her resignation, the question for Arizona Republicans is who will run for the vacant 8th congressional district seat?

State Senator Frank Antenori, (R-Tucson), and sportscaster Dave Sitton have been mentioned in early dispatches. We believe the clear choice for the Republicans is Jesse Kelly.

We saw Jesse speak at a public rally in Tucson in 2010 and was impressed with his thoughtful and engaging style. He showed a great deal of maturity throughout the campaign. The experience he gained would surely go a long way in what will be a tough seat to take from the Democrats.

Jesse acted nobly during the awful tragedy that shocked Tucson and the United States in January 2011. Congresswoman Giffords was seriously wounded with six people losing their lives after crazed gunman Jared Loughner opened fire at a public rally.

Kelly offered condolences and support to the Tucson community during those difficult days. He acted with dignity and poise when challenged by outrageous claims from leftist elements.

Kelly is a family man and a United States Marine Corps combat veteran who has a unique understanding of military issues and perspectives. He supports smaller government, job creation, less taxes and less government spending. Solutions that Tucson and its surrounding areas desperately need.

The Tucson area has much going for it with its airforce bases, University of Arizona and excellent Tucson airport. Yet the opportunities that it provides are being threatened by over-governance and the threat of cuts to the military budget.

Jesse Kelly fully understands the situation in Tucson and deserves to be the Republican candidate to stand again. He came close in the 2010 elections losing only by some 4000 votes.

Kelly deserves another tilt at running for the US Congress. The question is will he be putting up his hand? We hope for Tucson’s sake he decides in the affirmative.

In terms of Gabrielle Giffords, she is an admirable human being.She has coped with such dignity and courage. She is a beacon for all in that we should never allow anyone to try and affect the gift of democracy via an act of despicable violence. We wish her and husband Mark all the very best for the future.

Jesse Kelly on the 2010 campaign trail in Tucson

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Jesse Kelly’s 2010 campaign logo