Justice and liberty are lacking at the State Capitol, House Minority Leader David Lujan told a crowd of about 15 students at the Downtown Young Democrats’ first meeting this semester.
Citing increases in university tuition, proposed tax decreases and Republican legislation that would reduce the minimum wage for those under the age of 22, Lujan, who last month announced his bid for attorney general, said the Capitol is not representing its citizens well, especially students.
“The budget is really what we value in Arizona,” Lujan said, adding that the current budget does not reflect the values of public safety and higher education in promoting economic growth.
Democrat Felecia Rotellini, a former assistant attorney general; Republican Tom Horne, the state superintendent; and Democrat Vince Rabago, a former prosecutor, have also announced their candidacy for the position, which will be vacated this November by gubernatorial candidate Terry Goddard.
“The last thing we can afford to do is to elect a Republican attorney general who says out of one side of his mouth that he’s tough on crime but on the other side of his mouth supports cuts to the very services that keep our streets and neighborhoods safe,” Lujan said in reference to Republican Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas, who is also expected to announce his candidacy for attorney general.
Lujan touched on a series of issues he said he would focus on if elected, including higher education, preventing abuse, consumer fraud, border crime, kidnapping and economic recovery.
“The people of Arizona are looking for leadership, and they’re not getting it from the Republicans,” Lujan said. “That’s why 2010 is such an important year. That’s why the attorney general office is so important.”
Lujan’s visit kicked off a weekly speaker series for the ASU Downtown Young Democrats.
President Joe Pettinato said that the speaker series will be a weekly occurrence, with Rep. Chad Campbell, a Phoenix Democrat, speaking next week.
“We are really excited to raise the dialogue on campus,” said Pettinato, a nonprofit leadership and management junior. “These are issues that effect all of us.”
Pedro Silva, interim officer for the ASU Downtown Young Democrats, said Lujan understands students and the issues that are important to them.
“He spoke on issues that effect the Downtown campus,” said Silva, a journalism freshman. “(Politicians) often overlook this demographic.”
Andres Cano, vice president of the ASU Downtown Young Democrats, said that the speaker series is open to anyone interested in the democratic process, no matter their party affiliation.
“We’re a growing campus, and we saw the need for a progressive forum,” said Cano, a journalism freshman. “It’s an important election year for students.”
Contact the reporter at vpelham@asu.edu
