I appreciate the president working to move the health care agenda forward. Given the gridlock produced by constant Republican obstructionism, the White House’s continued effort to reach a meaningful solution is welcome. The president’s plan includes several essential elements – including efforts to hold down premium increases and eliminating the special Nebraska deal in the original Senate bill – that I think are vital.

I and many other progressives would enthusiastically support the bill if a public option, which would provide insurance industry competition and greatly reduce the deficit, were a higher priority. I am also concerned that affordability credits are not sufficient for many working Americans who often have to choose between health care and other equally basic expenses each month. Insurance industry regulations in the bill could be stronger, and I will look carefully at the outcome of final negotiations on this point.

I look forward to finalizing a reform package that will give all Americans adequate, reliable health care access. Although the president’s bill does not include certain elements that I consider fundamental to successful reform, I applaud his commitment to the issue and fully expect to work with other lawmakers to produce a strong final product that we can be proud of.

- Our friend Frank Antenori was on Jon Justice’s show this morning saying that the work on this was all Raúl Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords. He says it like this is a bad thing. Apparently, they were supposed to sit on their hands and let this money be spent somewhere else.

- Transportation Seceretary Ray LaHood was a common sight on C-SPAN durring his days in congress. When the Republicans had a majority, he was the most frequent presiding officer. He was the presiding officer during the debate over Bill Clinton’s impeachment.

- Only hours after press releases went out from congressional and city council offices about the anouncement of $63 million in stimulus money spent in Tucson, a statement went out from the NRCC that tried to trash Giffords for the lack of job creation and real benefits for her district from the stimulus. Nice timing on that.

Is it just me, or does that name conjure up images of a cowled pirate from a 70’s cartoon?

LaHood, Grijalva, Giffords and Mayor Bob Walkup will be making the official announcement tomorrow of a $63 million grant to help Tucson build a light rail system. Walkup and Grijalva have been laying the groundwork for some time, with Giffords joining their efforts shortly after she became sworn in.

Note that neither Jon Kyl nor John McCain were a part of this effort. Whether they are too busy building national profiles to work on Arizona issues or just can’t be bothered with Tucson, I don’t know.

Today, State Representative Chris Deschene (D – Window Rock) announced that Congressman Raul Grijalva (D – AZ 7) has endorsed his campaign for Arizona Secretary of State.

“I am honored and privileged to receive his endorsement and his support,” stated Deschene. “There are few people who have done more for our state, and always with the utmost integrity and honor.”

Grijalva, who will also serve as the Chair of Deschene’s campaign committee, praised the candidate’s leadership. “Chris Deschene is the kind of leader that makes Arizonans proud of our state,” he said. “He proves the value of hard work and determination every day, and we need his energy and commitment now more than ever. As we look to renew the promise of a better economy and a fair government for all Arizonans, I ask you to join me in supporting Chris Deschene for Secretary of State.”

Deschene, who announced his candidacy for Secretary of State on January 19, 2010, responded to Grijalva’s endorsement with his sights set on the future. “We have a long way to go to right the wrongs of our failed government, and I look forward to working side by side with Congressman Grijalva, and the concerned constituents he serves, to get our state back on track.”

Chris Deschene represents Arizona’s 2nd Legislative District and resides in Window Rock, AZ with his wife and two children.