District 23 legislators respond to Giffords shooting

It was supposed to be a moment of new beginnings for the legislative District 23 team—a trio of Republicans, including two who defeated Democratic incumbents, promising better representation for Pinal County. But the mood on the Arizona State House floor on Monday was not one of celebration.

In place of partisan rhetoric, there was a united front of legislators expressing concern and offering prayers for the victims of Saturday’s tragedy in Tucson, which took six lives and placed half a dozen others in jeopardy, including U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, shot like the other victims by Jared Loughner.

“My thoughts and prayers are with all those who were involved in this horrific incident,” said Maricopa resident State Senator Steve Smith.

Despite the carnage in Tucson, District 23 lawmakers said they plan to make no changes in their day-to-day activities or add security when they make public appearances.

“I think everyone understands you need to be more careful, but at the same time business must go on as usual,” Smith said. “Hopefully this is an isolated incident.”

Newly elected District 23 State Representative John Fillmore said that on the election trail and in day-to-day duties politicians sometimes come into contact with members of fringe groups.

“It doesn’t matter if you are a Democrat or a Republican,” said Fillmore, a conservative small businessman from Casa Grande. “There are groups that approach each side everyday who think they are facing insurmountable perceived problems.

“The challenge is listening to these people and trying to address their concerns,” he said.

Both Fillmore and Smith were newly elected in November and are attending their first legislative session. The returning member is Frank Pratt, who was himself the victim of violent act in December.

Pratt, who was viciously beaten and robbed at his place of business Christmas Day, was given the honor of opening the legislative session.

“It was very special to be up there and open this session,” he said.

Pratt said he doesn’t expect many security changes for the legislature this session in the wake of the tragedy.

“Being out in public is a large part of what we do,” he said. “I plan to continue to serve my constituents.”

Rep. Gifford, who was shot in the head, remains in critical condition this morning with her breathing assisted by a machine.

On Saturday, she underwent an operation that involved temporarily removing half her skull. Since then she has responded to verbal commands, extending two fingers when asked.

“There was a party around here when she did that,” said Gifford’s doctor, Michael Lemole, M.D., chief of neurosurgery at Tucson’s University Medical Center.
 
At the same time Lemole cautioned that the congresswoman is not out of the woods. “We may be on pins and needles for more days,” he said. “The third day is typically the peak of [post-operative] swelling, but that swelling can sometimes take five days to maximize. But every day that goes by and we don’t see an increase, we’re slightly more optimistic.”

Lemole said a complete recovery for Giffords could take months.