Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot this morning at a public event in Tucson.  Congresswoman Giffords and twelve others were shot, including children.  There is no word yet about the shooter’s motivations, but I have absolutely no doubt that the man in custody is a Tea Party whack job.  I used to live in Congresswoman Gifford’s district, and I am horribly saddened.  Seriously, I can’t stop crying.

Gabrielle Giffords was the youngest woman elected to the Arizona State Senate, where she started her political career.  I may not have agreed with all of her positions, but there is absolutely no doubt that Representative Giffords has always a very strong pro-choice advocate for women’s health.  I have phone banked for Representative Giffords, along with other volunteers from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona.  And I am proud to say that I have voted for her in multiple elections.

I am praying for Congresswoman Giffords, as well as her staffers, and the other victims of this morning’s shootings.  I am also praying for Representative Raul Grijalva, my current Representative in Congress.  Representative Grijalva has faced violent threats this year, and I am sending all the positive energy I can in his direction.