By Mila Lira

Following his tour of the of the Resolution Copper project Dr. Richard Carmona, democratic candidate for the US Senate met with residents and community leaders at Los Hermanos Restaurant in Superior. Carmona is running for the seat which is being vacated by the Sen. Jon Kyle. Following his stop in Superior, Carmona was the keynote speaker at the Pinal County Democrats Gala Dinner in Casa Grande.

Carmona visited with those in attendance which included local business owners, ranchers, elected officials, and retired school teachers. Democratic candidates Pete Rios, Pinal County Supervisor; Emily Verdugo, Legislative District 8; Mickie Nye, Gila County Recorder, and Marvin Mull Jr., Gila County Supervisor District 3 were also in attendance.

Copper Area News had a few moments with Dr. Carmona during his visit. His approach to public service is focused on serving the people of Arizona he said “it is not about us, it is about the people of Arizona”. Carmona is confident that he can work with both sides of the aisle in Congress due to his experience as the Surgeon General of the United States. He explained that his expected opponent Jeff Flake opposes earmarks where Carmona sees earmarks as a way to make wise investments in the State of Arizona.

The top three issues that he would like to focus on are economic development, health care and education. He also would like to work with the President to tackle immigration and try to solve the problem “once and for all”.

After researching Dr. Carmona’s background it is obvious that he is not a career politician. His life experience more than qualifies him to represent Arizona. He was born to parents who immigrated to America and he struggled with poverty throughout his childhood. He has served in the US Army and went on to become a Doctor eventually becoming the United States Surgeon General. Throughout his professional life he has been serving others.

Current polling numbers indicate that Carmona will face Jeff Flake in the General Election in November. In Carmona’s speech at the Pinal County Democrats gala he called the race “Winnable”. He is running unopposed on the Democratic ticket in the primary election on August 28, 2012.

Learn more about Dr. Carmona and where he stands on the issues at: http://www.carmonaforarizona.com/