New Giffords Ad Highlights Triumph Over GOP Budget Trick

TUCSON - Gabrielle Giffords’ campaign for Congress today debuts its newest television ad, entitled “Blocked,” which highlights a 2003 state budget battle in which Giffords blocked a Republican attempt to introduce an after-hours budget bill. To watch the ad, click here.

The GOP attempt to move the bill took place after most Senators had left the Capitol for the night on May 12, 2003. Giffords blocked the bill, which would have reduced health care coverage and hurt senior citizens, by invoking a legislative rule requiring that a majority of the senators be present. A majority of Senators was not able to be convened.

Giffords’ action forced the Republicans to withdraw their after-hours bill, delaying their timetable for passage.   The bill was never passed.   Thousands of Arizonans would have been affected by the dramatic cuts to health care had Giffords not taken a stand against the Republican majority, and had a new budget not been negotiated.

The ad will be shown on broadcast and cable stations throughout the Tucson media market.

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