SAM SCARMARDO ENDORSES LISA ATKINS; WITHDRAWS FROM CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT TWO RACE

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

LAKE HAVASU (June 11, 2002) - Former Lake Havasu City Vice Mayor and City Councilman Sam Scarmardo today announced he has withdrawn from the District Two Congressional race. He immediately endorsed fellow candidate Lisa Atkins.

"I believe Lisa has both the knowledge and the experience to best serve the citizens of Congressional District Two," Scarmardo said. "For more than 20 years, Lisa has worked tirelessly on issues important to the people of Mohave County. Lisa has pledged her support in obtaining federal participation in the river community's wastewater issues. She is a conservative and a strong defender of the Second Amendment--an issue dear to my heart. I strongly support her candidacy for the U.S. Congress."

Atkins said she is humbled by Mr. Scarmardo's endorsement. "Sam is a strong public servant who has served the people of Lake Havasu City well. His endorsement means a great deal to me and I look forward to working with him on issues important to the District in the future."

Scarmardo said he believes withdrawing from the race and supporting Atkins is in the best interests of the Republican Party as well as the newly created Second Congressional district. "Lisa is by far the strongest candidate with the most experience."