Go, Mark!
2
Arizona certainly seems to produce more than its share of interesting politicians, both Democratic (Morris Udall, Bruce Babbitt, Krystin Sinema) and Republican (Barry Goldwater, John McCain). Good to see Mark Kelly joining the pantheon.
2
Thank you Capt. Kelly for stepping up to the plate!
You have my vote and my campaign donation.
Your dedication and your wife's sacrifice to this country makes me proud to be Arizonan.
God bless you both!
3
Wonderful! Mark Kelly has an impressive background and would be an excellent candidate. I was a guest at a few of the shuttle launches where his brother Scott was a pilot and met him. The absolute courage of the astronauts is hard to describe but watching the launches, counting until the first separation occurs, and the other dangerous moments brings home the achievement and patriotism but also the dedication.
His support for his wife, support for sensible gun control, for science and for the U.S. marks a contrast with many. He would be a welcome voice in the Senate.
170
Courage of astronauts? His brother, you reference, issued groveling apologies for quoting Winston Churchill.
If Kelly winds up being the Democratic nominee for this seat next year (as Alex noted, he may face a challenge for the nomination for Congressman Gallego, who would be a formidable nominee in his own right), then Senator McSally's campaign can be boiled down into just the following sentence, repeated over and over again, in every form of media available:
"MARK KELLY IS COMING TO TAKE ALL YOUR GUNS AWAY!"
If Senator McSally can effectively drive this message home, she will win. If, however, Mr. Kelly can effectively blunt this message, and put the focus of next year's campaign on other factors (health care, education, immigration, etc.), then I do think he will win.
6
@Rick
You make it sound, Rick, like every Republican in the universe is dead-set against any gun regulation, is clutching a hundred or so to their chest, all belong to the NRA, are chomping at the bit to run right over to Russia and free all those Ruskies so they, too, can have AK-47's and bump stocks and I'll-register-my-guns-over.... blah blah, blah.
The facts are: The NRA is in financial trouble because their membership is down, it was only 5 million, anyways, and they lost respect when they teamed up with the Republicans to pass legislation that the mentally ill - those so incompetent that they must have care-takers - are free to own all the weapons they want.
Guns?
It's 2019.
And this nation - both Democrats AND Republicans - are sick and tired of the carnage.
McSally can wail and holler all she wants - but the time is done on irresponsible gun ownership.
McSally can thank the NRA for that.
And the Republicans.
6
Kelly seems like a walk-in for state wide election. He's a little too moderate for my tastes but whatever. I don't live in Arizona. I don't get a say.
I wonder if pressuring Ruben Gallego to step aside is smart though. He hasn't stepped aside yet but I'm wondering whether a contested primary is preferable or not. There are arguments to be made on both sides.
I don't think Gallego is pulling Kelly to the left anytime soon. We don't need to worry about that sort of fight. However, Kelly is arguably the more generally electable candidate. He's prepackaged. But will Arizona primary voters see things the same way?
At the same though, uncontested primaries are exactly the sort of Party tactic that alienated so many would-be Democrats in 2016. As long as candidates can refrain from damaging one another, a little competition would make the entire process less toxic. The inner working of the Democratic Party are toxic enough. We don't need that. We need to claw back a Senate seat from Republicans.
So which is it? I'm not entirely sure.
5
I was fortunate to hear Mark Kelly and his wife speak when our son was a student at Rochester Institute of Technology-they were the guest speakers at Parents Weekend.
He is truly, in every respect, the real deal-a combat pilot, an astronaut, a scientist, and a caring, loving caregiver, who supported his wife through a horrific injury and painful rehabilitation.
The contrast between Capt. Kelly and the malevolent narcissist squatting in the White House could not be clearer.
I live in NY but will support the Kelly campaign with a donation and will make calls into Arizona when the time comes.
G-d speed!
41
Whether he wins or loses is not the real issue, he's already won in my book for channeling his outrage into courage by running for office. As a result, All, repeat All, Americans can stand up and feel prouder today.
8
I admire you Mr. Kelly for being willing to emerge yourself into the cesspool of American politics. Stick to your guns and do the country proud.
10
Why not President Kelly? Mr. Kelly has everything it takes, and then some. Plus, we get two for one. With Mrs. Kelly's experience in the House, we would get a knowledgeable, experienced, and handy First Lady . But wait! There's more! His twin brother, who is equally capable, can fill in for President Mark at meetings etc, and no one would be the wiser. Three for one. Why waste all this talent on Arizona? The USA needs leadership at the very top.
10
It won’t be wasted in Arizona. That state needs a lot of help. And Mr. Kelly will benefit a lot from some additional experience.
6
@Margaret Doherty
Um, Mrs. Kelly??!!
Arizona deserves Mark Kelly. Congratulations to Mr. Kelly carrying on Ms. Giffords' legacy.
11
He is a great guy that may introduce gun control, so no thanks. AZ already has a Demo Senator and doesn't need 2. Move on everyone... McSally stays in office. Girl Power!
Finally, transplanted snowbirds are fixing Arizona.
4
I live in Tucson. I'll vote for him. Best news I've heard all day.
9
This is the best news of the day
9
He's a great candidate for us in Arizona. After McSally's ugly campaign it will be nice to see a positive candidate running. I doubt McSally will date use the tactics she used against Synima. There's room on my front yard for a campaign sign.
11
Since when has the GOP had qualms about using nasty tactics against military veterans who are Democrats? Calling Max Cleland unpatriotic in 2002 GA senate race, Swift Boat against John Kerry in 2004, I could go on. The GOP and McSally will say anything if they think it will help them win.
1
Ho hum. This fellow has been running for office for a few years now. So what does he bring to the table vs.McSally? Why should we vote for him?
@TJ He's never run for office. What he brings to the table is integrity and civility. It sounds like that doesn't interest you.
16
Both Mark and his twin brother Scott are perhaps the most authentic American citizens I have ever read about.
Scott’s book Endurance about his one year stay on the International Space Station is an amazing and inspiring tale. Should be required reading for everyone.
22
I am so happy to get good news for a change! I am a fan of Mark Kelly and also his wife, Gabrielle Giffords.
I think he has an excellent chance at winning!
31
Reminds me of John Glenn. Great man, super high achiever with integrity, progressive vision coupled with practicality, and the credibility of a gun owner campaigning for sensible gun control. I am sure the McCain family will be pleased as will my state and my country.
31
EXCELLENT!
19
If he has some skeletons in his closet, he can say it was his identical twin brother, Scott. You know, the one who apologized to extreme leftists for lauding Winston Churchill.
5
This Scottsdale, Arizona resident is ready to cast her vote for Mark Kelly.
Martha McSally lost her campaign for U.S. Senate fair and square, so she really doesn't belong in Congress. She fights below the belt, lies about her political opponent, and will say/do anything to get elected.
But more than 1 million gullible Arizonans voted for McSally. Let's hope they wise up in time to realize that Mark Kelly is the real deal, a candidate who will never embarrass the Grand Canyon State.
30
@Carissa V. The voters supported McSally because she represented Trump and his agenda. Although Arizona seems like it is trending blue, there are many long time residents who moved there after the Confederacy lost the Civil War and still want a a conservative administration with a diminished Federal government and reduced rights for some citizens. Remember Mr. Goldwater was proudly supported by Arizona and his agenda changed the southern Democrats or Dixiecrats into Republicans. So, only those truly disillusioned Republicans will vote for Mr. Kelly.
1
AZ trending blue is a stretch. We had Democratic governors throughout the 90s and early 00s. AZ went for Clinton in the 96 election. The problem is not the families who have been here forever, the problem is geriatric Midwesterners who retire here abd don't want to pay a single cent in taxes.
1
Yes!
13
An astronaut in the Senate! And, by all accounts, an honest and progressive guy. Fly high!
18
I wonder if he is inspired to run by his hero Winston Churchill?
3
I regret that I can't vote for him.... because I live in California!
This is a classy, intelligent, warm human being.
He has been a Class 1A American.
I look forward to someday voting for him as President and for Gabby as First Lady.
What a breath of fresh air!
45
It might be worth moving. I live in Pasadena, maybe we can carpool
11
@Margaret Doherty
Or split the cost of the U-Haul....?
Does Arizona have a residency requirement for voting?
I'm up for an adventure!
Let's go work for him.....!
2
God speed, Mark Kelly. You and your wife Gabby are heroes in every sense of the word. I can not think of a better fit than Mr. Kelly to fill and walk in the shoes of Senator McCain, both men of principle and know-how.
32
Where do I send money?
18
Democrats need to stand behind Kelly.
27
I'll have to send the campaign a check.
9
You have my vote Mr. Kelly! McSally aligns herself with incompetent, Russian-asset Trump and his dangerous policies. Mr. Kelly will be a breath of fresh air for Arizona.
28
Compare the brave Kelly who is dedicated to his wife and believes that science and facts should lead our thinking to 3X married and constantly cheating President Bone Spurs who thinks exercise is bad for you and believes climate change is a hoax. Maybe Kelly is aiming too low.
37
McSally's biggest handicap is that she lost her senate race but still managed to snag a seat through an appointment. My mother is an Arizonian and she and many others are QUITE unhappy how that turned out. What McSally thought would be a blessing may turn out to be a curse.
22
When Republicans lose this seat they can thank the governor who appointed an extremist proven state-wide loser.
18
What a breath of fresh air. The man personifies decency and integrity.
This former Republican will enthusiastically support Mr. Kelly.
29
Mark Kelly and Gabrielle Giffords define the difference between true patriots who believe in, and fight for, the best of our country vs. the so-called Trump nationalists who define our country's absolute worst.
I respect his platform, and I respect who he is - one of our country's best.
Good luck to you, Mr Kelly.
26
This is great news! A scientist and an engineer in our Senate! Facts will matter again.
He must have the support of all Democrats and then he will easily beat the Republican Trump follower.
Mr. Gallego should set his sights on the Governorship of Arizona which might propel him further into the national scene than would the Senate.
24
So, space wasn't the final frontier.
The Klingons were bad.
Wait until he meets McSally.
He "commanded" a space shuttle.
She commanded a USAF fighter squadron.
2
@True Observer You obviously didn't bother to look up Mark Kelly's biography before spouting. He flew 37 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, among many other accomplishments as a mariner and naval aviator.
6
I can’t really explain why but this news and the related positive comments by other readers have brought tears of hope to my eyes.
Perhaps Arizonans will continue to push their state beyond the racist and otherwise repugnant policies of the likes of Arpaio, Brewer and Trump. Hopefully, Ms. Sinema’s election bodes well for Arizona’s sending another moderate Democrat to the Senate. Captain Kelly seems like a good, honorable man who knows how to be an effective leader.
23
I have a hunch he's going to receive support from all across the country. I sure know I'm going to lend a hand.
26
Fly Navy!
This guy is a true American hero.
20
This is what a true man of character looks like. I am jealous of Arizona voters who get to pull the lever on his behalf. We should all be so lucky
21
Mark: good on ya! I am so glad to see you throw your hat into the ring, and I think you will win and make us so proud.
Great day in Arizona! And the U.S.....
19
This is a delightful turn of events.
9
He's got my vote. Kelly is a very bright, capable fearless man who puts science above politics and reason above campaign finance. McSally has proven herself to be a GOP shill. She has 16months to prove us wrong, but based on what we have seen so far she is nothing but a puppet.
15
Go, Mark! Arizona voters have already rejected your opponent.
12
Good recruiting coup for the Party.
McSally is slippery and cowardly it comes to trying to deal with Trump and her allegiance to him.
Her back door path to the Senate, was obvious in that the people of AZ could not stomach her support of Trump and then her waffling on some issues.
Kelly's conscious is clear and he should be able to be elected, although, I would not put it past the Republicans to drop some hanky-panky on him. they are the party of Trump.
12
Mark Kelly and Gabby Giffords are true American patriots and profiles in courage.
Win, Mark win! John McCain would approve.
14
I wish Mr. Kelly the best of luck. I believe he is a decent, intelligent man. People like him are not rarities in our country, but, sadly, most have been discouraged by politics, and, for too long, we've had to settle for too many lackluster, corrupt, or just plain stupid people running for office. He and a few others, such as Stacey Abrams from my own state, give me hope.
16
An intelligent centrist for a change. We’d always hoped he’d run.
Godspeed on this journey!
8
Thrilled to hear this. Mr Kelly would be an excellent, measured candidate.
11
Best news I heard all day.
Mr. Kelly is intelligent, brave, and seems to be on the correct side of the issues. He's also a devoted husband and would be a great candidate.
Please, Arizona. Make it happen!
11
He is simply a class act and someone with his background will be an asset to us all in the senate. Just think of the contrast of a Mitch McConnell and Mr. Kelly.
16
This is terrific for everyone anywhere in the USA for he is sound and sensible. My VISA card is ready to add some cash to his campaign.
8
More power to you, Mark Kelley. Thank you for standing up for common sense, decency, science-based policy, and importantly, for gun control. If we could elect more Mark Kelleys, America can begin the long road back to sane government, of/by/for the people. Very best wishes.
14
I was leaving a local restaurant and conflicted about either turning right
& going to the office to work or turn left to go shopping at the local Safeway. Fate had me turn right to go down the hill. In the other lane going north, a parade of ambulances. Not knowing of the hideous details until later that morning it took awhile to absorb the magnitude of the damage done. I also had met Gabe Zimmerman the week prior who was amazingly articulate & taken from us way too soon.
For Mr. Kelly who seems to want to continue the legacy of Gabby 's vision and to get stop the senseless violence and of course the numerous disingenuous falsehoods that McSally spouted throughout the previous campaign and the way she wrapped herself around the many outright lies coming from Trump regardless of what he was spewing that day.
This is one campaign I'd personally get involved with to shine a light on positive issues and remind the electorate of the "fix" that brought McSally to power.
13
Best news of the day. Thanks for running, Mr. Kelly!
14
Read Mark Kelly 's twin brother Scott Kelly 's terrific book on his astronaut life and his journey to the space station and his twin. Remarkable, really remarkable men.
8
As soon as I finished this article I made a small contribution to Mark Kelly's campaign. We need more men and women like him in the Senate.
14
As the kind of candidate we need, he has my vote. Here's to turning Arizona Blue.
17
This absolutely makes sense.
Gabby G. was an aspiring politician that would have gone very far both in the party and the country, if her tragedy had not occurred.
My mother lives in AZ and worked for her. She is very happy today!
Mark is picking up the mantle for his wife.
Yes, somewhere John McCain is smiling.
19
Watching the GOP decimate Senator Cleland (D-GA) by targeting him as non-patriotic, despite losing several limbs in combat, do not be surprised when the GOP attacks Kelly as a traitor or worse.
I wish both Kelly and Giffords (whom I met many times while was in Congress) only the best, and hope the people of Arizona will support them as he seeks to represent them in the Senate.
12
I wish him a successful campaign and he is a true American hero.
11
Wonderful! We need more people of integrity!
9
According to wikipedia:
"The overview effect is a cognitive shift in awareness reported by some astronauts during spaceflight, often while viewing the Earth from outer space .... From space, national boundaries vanish, the conflicts that divide people become less important, and the need to create a planetary society with the united will to protect this "pale blue dot" becomes both obvious and imperative."
I think we could use someone with that perspective in the Senate right now.
10
I am thrilled to hear this news! Another great candidate to help purple Arizona turn blue.
8
What great news! What a great candidate who will bring much needed sanity, experience and intelligence to our current dismal politics.
I say go for it. The skies the limit!
12
If I lived in AZ he would have my vote. I hope my campaign dollars can help instead!
7
I cannot wait to vote for him in both the primary and general.
But, make no mistake the GOP will have no qualms about attempting to trash Capt. Kelly's service record. As well, they will go after his and Rep. Gifford's political positions. I wish him and his family luck. Arizona needs a principled patriot, not a sell out who became a hack.
12
Good news for taking the Senate back. Must get the top of the ticket right to flip this along with other seats.
10
Best news I have read all week. Mark Kelly would be an awesome US Senator!
8
Whew, another peer of the American realm is going to be gifted a position of power by the media and his peers.
Yay!
2
I just watched the video of his announcement. It is very moving. His life story is compelling.
I think he is very brave to step into the ring, especially after the ordeal his wife has endured. It was lovely to see them together and I wish them both the very best. I hope he is successful.
12
This is encouraging.
High on the 2020 is to use the new census to do some serious redistricting. If DEMs can gain enough ground perhaps we can finally legislate some sense nationwide in controlling how districts are drawn.
24
What a brave decision. I deeply admire Mr. Kelly, for his own stunning accomplishments, and for his devotion to Ms. Giffords. He lives his vows, showing integrity that most people, most politicians, cannot even conceive. How lucky Arizona will be to have Mr. Kelly represent the state in the Senate.
94
Excellent. Happy to hear this development. I think he's a good candidate. May there be an open, honest and positive race, and the best candidate win.
51
Flipping the Senate is critical to saving our Democracy and forwarding a Progressive agenda. This seems like a good first step.
89
This is excellent news. I will gladly send my support!
99
This will be interesting. A gun-control activist running in a state where guns are allowed almost everywhere - more because of a state legislature in obeisance to the NRA than the will of the people? Now we may finally learn what Arizonans think about sensible limits on guns.
81
He's a scholar and a gentleman and he believes in science. What's not to like, Arizona?
289
Godspeed, Mr. Kelly. You will have my vote, my campaign contribution and my time as a volunteer.
131
@A teacher I've already signed up to donate towards his election. He represents honor, service to country and a reasonable approach to issues.
45
Excellent! Good luck to him, we need more class acts in Congress.
122
Hurrah, and Hasta la vista McSally. If McSally couldn't beat Sinema she doesn't stand a change against Kelly. What a great day it will be for Arizona to have two centrist, middle of the road, Democratic United States Senators. Maybe that will bring the GOP to its senses and leave the right wing lunatic fringe to stew in its own juices. A great day.
185
@Sausca
Indeed, my mother lives in Tucson and the reaction has been very positive.
Yes, he and Sinema are great examples of what the party needs if they are going to have long term success.
He is too new, but potential Presidential timber in the years to come.
72
I love the possibility that a person, who has seen our planet from space, could bring that perspective to the Senate as opposed to all of the short-sighted, greed-driven current office holders.
227
@Nelson He has also had up-close experience with our health care system.
15
Finally, good news coming from Arizona. Good luck Mark.
114
GREAT! Now this is someone whom I can get behind. He is a REAL American hero; a grown-up very smart military man and a husband who has been exposed to the worst of political horrors. He is compassionate and the antithesis of that malevolent idiot who now occupies the WH.
Mark Kelly can bring the objectivity and gravitas to Washington that this country desperately needs and deal with that narcissistic sociopath as he would any enemy of the United States.
208
Praise be! There isn't a better-qualified candidate for senator, president, or any other elected post. I don't even live in Arizona, but I will be sending dollars to Mr Kelly's campaign.
95
Our "political outsiders" look infinitely more appealing when they are former astronaut and Navy captains than when they are conmen who turned their father's fortune into uncountable wealth by ripping people off.
Best of luck to Mr. Kelly. Make Essex County, NJ even more proud than you and your brother Scott already have.
81
I'm sooooo syched
I made a facebook page 2 yrs ago entitled Mark Kelly 2018
Trying to get him to run for Jeff Flake's seat
I want to work on his campaign
He would win the seat hands down
70
@Sara,
let's hope so!
3
Excellent. Just TRY your usual dirty tricks on THIS hero, GOP.
I dare you.
116
@Phyliss Dalmatian: No need to tempt them. I'm sure they're already looking for anything that might do it. The GOP strategy is to keep slinging mud because they haven't got anything else that works.
10
As a resident of southern Arizona, who was represented, in congress, by both Giffords and McSally, this is great news. Giffords represented the whole southern district, whereas, McSally never came to Tucson and did not listen to her constituents, in Tucson. The Giffords, Kelly, gun control advocacy does not oppose hunting.
84
@Susan I want McSally out of politics completely. She's a right wing hack who never misses a chance to mouth the party line. Plus, I think she's very ambitious and would like to run for President in '24. Best to toss her out and be rid of her. Two losses in a couple of years would finish her.
6
@myfiero Maybe Senator Kelly will run for President someday, like in 2024.
1
He watched a spineless, supplicant Congress let one of their own take a bullet, and do nothing about it.
The argument now is between sanity and insanity. Cannot wait for 2020.
208
@Hucklecatt
Two of their own, actually. Gabby Giffords, and Steve Scalise. Appallingly, Scalise's support for the NRA didn't change after either of these incidents.
13
I wish he was running in NY. An amazing man and great patriot! Good luck, Mr. Kelly!
61
What great news in the morning! He's charming, funny, smart, has a great family story with twin astronaut brother, veteran, etc., etc.He will definitely bring people out in AZ and could be a big plus for presidential election in 2020 as well.
94
I see this as great news. I have utmost respect for Mark Kelly whose demeanor, voice, and tone connote the utmost respect for democracy.
It's also a great move to build on the legacy of his wife. I have no idea who is challenger is, but with his name recognition and solid resume, I think he'd give McSally a run for her money.
You know, I think McCain looking down from above would also approve--particularly Kelly's stance on healthcare. As would his family, even with someone from another party.
151
@ChristineMcM
Agreed, I think Senator McCain would approve.
Now we need to talk his twin brother into running for something in NY. Two intelligent, reasonable, fact-based additions to congress would be a dream come true.
65
Good man, great service, but running on gun control platform in Arizona is likely to be uphill. The wider set of issues and emphasizing sensible gun rules might appeal to an electorate less concerned about Boot Hill than health care before one arrives there.
8
@Ed Marth - You do realize that it was in Tombstone, AZ that the first gun control laws were enforced, right? Sheriff Earp would not permit the Clantons to bring their weapons into town against city ordinance. Arizona hasn't changed - it's just been flooded by immigrants from Ohio and Illinois who imagine that Arizona belongs to them.
52
@Ed Marth Boot Hill is a tourist attraction. Arizona is definitely in the 21st century, and is not in the late 19th century. Arizona does have Medicade.
15
@GWPDA - well, it has changed. The state legistlature neutered that Tombstone ordinance years and years ago. Those Ohio and Illinois retirees now are free to carry in the town too tough to die.
1