Feb 06 Former Giffords' Aide expected to run for her seat - KVOA Tucson News

TUCSON - Giffords' former aide and District Director Ron Barber is expected to announce his candidacy for the special election in District 8 and presumably redrawn District 2.

Barber seems to be laying low. He did not return our phone calls. But the Pima County Democratic Chairman Jeff Rogers told the Associated Press he would be shocked if Barber didn't enter the race for Giffords' seat in the next day or two. "I'm very optimistic. I spoke with him last week, he hadn't made the decision yet. I tried to reach him today, but I heard through the grapevine that he's pretty serious about it so we're very optimistic that he'll do it," said Rogers.

Rogers says conversations he has had with members of Giffords' staff are why he believes Barber will jump in the race. "He's the ideal person for this job. He knows her policies, he's lived almost his whole life here in Southern Arizona," said Rogers "He knows this area, he knows the concerns of the voters and it would be a seamless transfer."

Also, the feeling is that Barber would run only to complete Giffords' term, not for a full term. With the regular election around the corner, local Democrats say Barber on an interim basis is the right choice.

"They would have to run again within 60 days in a primary, and then in another 60 days in a general election. That person is not going to be able to represent Southern Arizona. So this is an ideal pick and i hope the Republicans will rally around it," said Rogers.

The Pima County Republican Party did not return our phone calls tonight. The special election primary is April 17th. The general election to replace Giffords' seat will be held June 12th.

Barber joins an increasingly crowded field in the April special election that now includes fellow Democrat, and State Representative, Matt Heinz, plus 3 Republicans, State Senator Frank Antenori, Sportscaster Dave Sitton and former Giffords foe Jesse Kelly.