Email this page  Print this page

Paulina Vazquez Morris for U.S. Congress

Paulina is no stranger to public service. She served as a legislative and legal intern in the United States House of Representatives and the Arizona State Senate

Paulina Vazquez Morris has announced she is considering a run to seek the Republican nomination for Rep. John Shadegg’s congressional seat. Shadegg (R-AZ) announced last month he would serve out his current term, but wouldn’t seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives. “I’m humbled by the people encouraging me to run for the Congressional District 3 seat and am seriously considering the race,” states Vazquez Morris.

Among other Republicans interested in vying to represent Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District are Sen. Jim Waring, Rep. Sam Crump and, according to Arizona Republic reports, possibly Sen. Pam Gorman. Several others have expressed interest in forming  exploratory committees for what will undoubtedly make for an interesting primary.

Paulina is no stranger to public service. She served as a legislative and legal intern in the United States House of Representatives and the Arizona State Senate. She has also served as a legal extern to the Federal District Court of Arizona.

She joined the Brewer administration as part of the transition team and was recently promoted to deputy director and general counsel at the Arizona Department of Administration. She has served as an elected board member to the Maricopa County Special Health District, and was twice elected by the board as its chair. She has also served as an assistant director and administrative counsel to the Arizona Department of Economic Security and as board counsel to the Arizona Board of Regents.

In the private sector she has worked for Banner Health, Doctors Community Healthcare Corporation and the national law firm of Kutak Rock.

She holds a B.A. and a J.D. from the University of Arizona and dual master’s degree in business and health administration from ASU.

Given her credentials and experience, it would make sense for the talented, capable and well-poised Vazquez Morris to make immigration, health care and education her top priorities, matters which Arizonans have consistently ranked as top issues affecting our state.

In a press release announcing his retirement from Congress, Shadegg confidently claims the Third Congressional District for the GOP, “even though 2008 was a disastrous year for Republicans.… we proved that this is a solidly Republican seat, defeating my Democratic challenger by double digits, notwithstanding the millions of dollars poured into this race by national Democrats.” He goes on to say, “As the Obama administration and Speaker Pelosi grow further and further out of touch with average Americans, evidence continues to build that 2010 will be a record year for Republicans running for Congress. And, I am extremely confident that the people of the Third District of Arizona will elect a solid conservative.” Buena Suerte, Paulina.

Democratic contenders include Jon Hulburd, whose fundraising effort in the fourth quarter netted $315,000, making him “the Democratic challenger who raised the most in the West, ” according to his campaign website. There is speculation that termed-out Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon may be eyeing Shadegg’s seat as well.