Project Red, White & Blue

Republicans vie for votes in CD 3 primary

CREATED Aug. 24, 2012

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  • 9 On Your Side asks the CD 3 GOP challengers why they should be their party's nominee in the race for Congress. Video by kgun9.com

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Reporter: Kevin Keen
 
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - The newly-drawn Congressional District 3 spans from parts of Tucson to Yuma. This fall, it could have a new leader in Congress. Rep. Raúl Grijalva is in the running, along with two other Democrats and two Republicans. Each party will have its primary to select its nomination Tuesday.
 
In this story, 9 On Your Side talks to the Republican contenders. Read what the Democrats had to say in a separate story.
 
Here’s who’s in the running for the GOP nomination: small business owner Gabriela Saucedo Mercer and fellow business owner Jaime Vasquez.
 
What do they think is the most important issue in the district? Both said it’s job creation so what do they see as Congress' role?
 
“They should let the job creators do their job,” Saucedo said. “It's unbelievable how if you're trying to start a business, you have all these tax burdens and regulations that prohibit you from doing your business.”
 
“I've developed a plan for Arizona, specifically Tucson and Yuma,” Vasquez answered, describing his job creation plan. “I think we ought to build a nuclear power plant here in Tucson and a nuclear power plant in Yuma.”
 
9 On Your Side asked what role, if any, they think Congress should play in reducing gun violence.
 
“Bad people are always going to get guns, if they want to,” Saucedo said. “There's a black market out there, and there's nothing that the congress can do to prevent that.”
 
“I think every thing is working out,” Vasquez said, adding nothing more.
 
What would each candidate like Republican voters in Congressional District 3 to know?
 
“I'm a small business owner,” Saucedo answered. “I want to be a citizen legislator--what our constitution calls for. Our founding fathers never intended for anybody to become a career politician.”
 
“(I am) a businessman that is a true servant of the people,” Vasquez answered. “I really want to see my country get back to where it was when I was a kid.”
 
The primary is Tuesday.