Update: As much as we would have liked to see Howard fighting for the 1st Congressional District, we must admit that Rep. Kirkpatrick has done a respectable job of sticking to her guns — a not-so-witty reference to her 2nd Amendment views, but also genuine approval for her tenacity on such things as immigration.

We may not all agree with her specific platform, but she is unquestionably dedicated to solving the problem — among other things, by criticizing Washington’s litigation against the state, as well as harshly criticizing The Senate for denying resources (“This is no time to be playing political games with public safety”).

No real word about her stance on USA allowed casinos, and it doesn’t seem that she’s taken part in the House meetings concerning USA casino sites. However, she has made a number of statements concerning recession-related topics such as banking reform, bailouts, loan refi regulation, job creation, and so on.

Update: Of course, Mr. Shanker did not win the primary for 1st Congressional District Democratic Party candidate in 2008. We were disappointed by this, so much so that we allowed the website to slide without even any posting of the outcome(s) of the 2008 elections.

We would also like to congratulate Ann Kirkpatrick, who got a bigger percentage of votes in The 1st District than even John McCain. We’re certain that she’s a better fit for the current climate  in Washington, whereas Howard would have been considered ‘too progressive’ (i.e., at all left of center).

We’re leaving this site up for the time being (adding to it as necessary), for historical reasons, nostalgia, or just in case Mr. Shanker decides to make another go of it down the line…

The 1st District needs a Congressman who has the interests of the people at heart. Howard Shanker has a proven track record of fighting for the rights of all Arizonans. As co-founders of the Shanker Law Firm, Howard and his wife Tamera have been advocates for Arizona’s veterans, children, Native Americans and the environment.

Howard’s priorities are clear:

“Development and growth must be sustainable, economically viable, environmentally responsible, and good for all Arizonans.”

“Arizona should be the solar and wind energy capital of the world. We should be working to develop renewable energy sources to end our reliance on foreign oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote economic growth in the District.”

“The character of our involvement in Iraq must change. We need to develop a responsible exit-plan that will bring our troops home safely. We must replace our current military posture with an international effort to rebuild their war torn country. We need to negotiate a political solution to the current morass.”

“It is essential that our veterans are treated with dignity and respect, and provided with comprehensive healthcare and social services.”

“Governmental fraud, waste, and abuse have become commonplace. It is time to elect responsible lawmakers. The wholesale privatization of essential governmental functions must stop.”

Flagstaff, Arizona-October 2, 2007-Democratic Arizona Congressional District One candidate Howard Shanker has been named as the Grand Marshal for the 39th Annual To’Nanees’Dizi Dine’ Fair Parade of the Western Navajo Nation to be held in Tuba City, Saturday, October 13, 2007. Shanker, who has worked closely with the Navajo Nation on a variety of issues, is being recognized not only as a Congressional candidate but for his work in helping to protect the sacred San Francisco Peaks from desecration. Louise Yellowman, with the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, has been identified as Co-Grand Marshal for the parade.

According to Shanker, “I am honored to have been selected as the Grand Marshal for the parade. It is, however, an equal honor to be able to share this privilege with Ms. Yellowman who has represented her Navajo constituents with distinction for many years. I’m looking forward to a long weekend of festivities and being able to spend time with friends and supporters in Tuba City,” said Shanker, who plans on attending with his wife Tamera and their family. With the theme of “Build Family Harmony with Traditional Values and Teachings,” this year’s parade will commence at 7 a.m. at the Tuba City Pavilion, ending on Moenave Rd.

Civic and business leaders in Tuba City will be hosting a barbeque in support of Howard Shanker’s bid for Congress, during the Fair, a multi-day event running Oct. 11-14, 2007.

More information on the parade can be found at the web site www.dinefair.com/parade.htm

Arizonans deserve a sustainable, clean, water supply that is derived from a local source. We currently do not have this.

We live in the desert during a period of prolonged drought. In Arizona, demands on surface and groundwater have already resulted in a significant loss of riparian area and habitat. According to the Bureau of Reclamation, Arizona could face a potential water supply crisis by 2025. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in about 80% of the state, including large swaths of Congressional District 1, developers can build massive subdivisions without any assurance of a sufficient water supply. Our state legislature and agencies are failing miserably in the face of an identifiable and acknowledged crisis. The state needs to pass a law, in part, requiring that subdivisions of a certain size have a 100 year assured water supply — without which they cannot build. If our state legislators are unwilling to do this, we need to explore the possibility of taking that authority from them and placing it under the rubric of the federal Clean Water Act. Something must be done quickly to stop the irresponsible behavior of our state legislators and state agencies in allowing uncontrolled, unsustainable growth.