Pamela Gorman

AFM: Have the past months changed your view of running for election?

PG: I’ve run three times, five elections total (including primaries) and haven’t lost. Without a doubt it’s the first time I’ve run against nine opponents, so for all of us it’s been a new experience. At the end of the day, it’s about maintaining your commitment to the principles, doing your best to let the voters get to know your political priorities and how you’ll work to put their interests before the interests of lobbyists. Over the past months, I’ve been energized by the progress, the new supporters and the momentum we’ve created. I see what our leadership in Washington is doing to the country that I love and I hear my son say his prayers and watch him lay his head down to sleep, I’m more committed than ever to working to take our country back.

AFM: After meeting and interacting with local residents, what have you discovered is their No. 1 concern?

PG: Without a doubt, Arizona residents are concerned about both financial security and national security—and the two are intricately intertwined.

AFM: How do you think you can achieve local residents’ desired change?

PG: I have a demonstrated commitment to the conservative values that predominate in our district. I alone have proven that I won’t back down in defense of those principles. Of course, I will stand up against the Democrats to defeat their dangerous, left-wing agenda. I’ve also left no doubts about the fact that I will stand up to political insiders, special interests and powers within the Republican Party. The last time Republicans had control and the opportunity to do this work, there were too many who didn’t have the intestinal fortitude for the job and they came up short. That’s why I want to be part of a new group of leaders sent by the people to Washington to demonstrate that for us, “conservative” isn’t just a campaign slogan to be dusted off at election time. We’re going to clean up this mess.

AFM: What has been your biggest challenge to date?

PG: I’m not an establishment candidate. I stood up and fought against the Governor when she proposed her $3 billion tax increase because I opposed raising taxes (always, but especially during a recession), and I thought we should cut spending like families were doing in tough times. I also stood up alone and successfully fought to ensure that millions of tax dollars didn’t go into our not-so-clean elections system for political ads and political slush funds. There were more than a few politicians, lobbyists and political consultants none to happy about that. And all along, I’ve opposed corporate welfare to private companies and industry. Because I put real people and principles before insiders and special interests, the big political money doesn’t flow to our campaign like it does for others. I’ll be honest, our campaign is built on $10, $25 and $30 checks and online donations from real people who don’t have a lot, but who love this country. When I read the notes that accompany those checks, it brings tears to my eyes and makes me appreciate that our work is not in vain.

AFM: Who has been you biggest supporter throughout your campaign?

PG: My campaign has truly been a family affair. I can’t tell you how blessed I’ve been with family and friends.

AFM: If you could change anything about your campaigning, what would it have been?

PG: If I could change anything, I would have spoken up and let people see the real me sooner in this race.

AFM: What will you be doing on Election Day?

PG: I will wake early and pray. Then I’ll meet with our volunteers and spend all day with them visiting polling places throughout the district, talking to local radio and TV stations in order to reach voters, thanking volunteers working the phones for the campaign and meeting voters on their way to cast ballots.

AFM: Where do you plan on celebrating should you win the election?

PG: For the primary election, we’ll be getting together at the home of one of our supporters. We’ll enjoy one evening of brief celebration before beginning work on the general election.

For more information on Pamela Gorman visit, www.gorman2010.com.