ATKINS FILES 1,805 SIGNATURES FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT TWO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Douglas Cole
602-686-9712

PHOENIX (June 7, 2002) - Joined by the dean of the Arizona Congressional Delegation and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Bob Stump, Lisa Atkins today filed her nominating petitions with the Secretary of State for Arizona's Second Congressional District. Atkins' filed 1,805 signatures -- far and above the 765 needed to qualify for the ballot.

"I am very humbled by the number of voters who signed my nominating petitions over the past six weeks," Atkins said. "Since Congressman Stump's retirement announcement in late April and his strong endorsement of my candidacy, I have been overwhelmed by the encouragement and show of support for my congressional bid. I thank each and every person who signed my petitions."

An Arizona native, Lisa Atkins is the candidate who best knows the needs and concerns of the entire District with her decades of service as Chief of Staff to Congressman Bob Stump. The Arizona Republic opined that Lisa "has ably headed (Stump's) congressional office for 26 years, serving both in Washington and in Arizona. Indeed, Atkins would make a fine member of Congress."

While considered the front-runner in a crowded Republican primary, Atkins said she would continue to run her campaign like she was the underdog.

"I have a great organization and a wonderful day-to-day campaign team," Atkins said. "We will be on the road everyday, talking to voters in all corners of this vast District between now and the election. I look forward to continuing friendships and making new ones."