Primary countdown: Wenona Benally Baldenegro, Congressional District 1

The primary election is Aug. 28 and early balloting is underway. Between now and Aug. 20, InMaricopa.com will publish two to three Q & As done with candidates in primary races.

Today: Wenona Bennally Baldenegro, Democratic candidate for Congressional District 1. She is running against Ann Kirkpatrick.

Name: Wenona Benally Baldenegro
Age: 34
Occupation: Attorney
Residence: Flagstaff
Family: Husband Sal Baldenegro
Education: Bachelor's, Barrett Honor’s College, Arizona State University, summa cum laude; juris doctorate, Harvard Law School; master’s in public policy, Harvard University; master’s in law, University of Arizona
Hobbies: Running, reading, and hiking our beautiful state of Arizona
Favorite quote: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” — John Quincy Adams
Heart’s desire: To give the people representation in Washington, D.C. they will be proud of.
Political experience: Co-Chairperson, Vince Rabago for Arizona attorney general, 2010; National Tribal Steering Committee, Obama for America, 2008.

Why are you running?

I’m running because the people of Arizona want a leader who will fight for them in Congress, and who will stand up for America’s working families, seniors and veterans.

We cannot afford our elected leaders caving in to right-wing ideologues, and I stand with the people against these extremists. The people of this district want a leader who will bring jobs, expand educational opportunities and protect Medicare and Social Security. Furthermore, the people want someone who will ensure clean air and water for all, and who will fight back against the GOP war on women. 

What is your biggest election challenge?

My opponents have a lot of corporate money behind them, and they are using it to try to push me out of this race. This is a fundamental problem with our political system, and I will not fall prey to it. I am running a grassroots campaign that is not accepting donations from corporate lobbyists or big-money interests. My campaign is powered by donations from regular folks, those of us who make up the 99 percent of our country. I am not beholden to corporations and the wealthy, and I will be held accountable to the people, and the people, only. 

Why should Maricopans vote for you?

Maricopans should vote for me because you have a chance to elect someone who is ready to stand up and fight for Arizona’s future by bringing good, sustainable jobs to Arizona, expanding educational opportunities and protecting Medicare and Social Security.

As a member of the Navajo Nation, my campaign is historic, in that I would be the first Native American woman to ever serve in Congress, and the first Native American from Arizona to be elected to Congress. Arizona has made headlines for all the wrong reasons, and it would be wonderful for us to make news, for something positive.

Who are you voting for president?

I served on President Obama’s national steering committee in 2008 and I continue to support him to lead our country. Mitt Romney has shown he is out-of-touch with America’s middle-class families, and I will be casting my vote for President Obama.

What is the greatest challenge facing the country? What would you do about it?

Our Congress is being controlled by right-wing ideologues who would like to hold our country hostage to their demands. They are heavily funded by corporations and big-money interests, and they would like to balance our national budget on the backs of America’s working people and middle-class families. Furthermore, they want to privatize Medicare and Social Security, as well as severely restrict women’s health options.

This is unacceptable and I will stand up to them as a member of Congress.

Second, we must take corporate influence out of politics. This is the No. problem with politics, today, and it is what I am working to change. Getting corporate money out of politics has been at the forefront of my campaign, and given the endorsements that I have received, from, among others, the United Steelworkers of America, U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona), Sierra Club Arizona, and eight American Indian tribes, it’s apparent my campaign is truly resonating with the people of Arizona.

What are your plans for immigration reform?

I will work to pass the Dream Act and immigration reform, so immigrants can continue to contribute to our economy and we can focus our resources on the prosecution of violent criminals and drug smugglers.