Nevada delegation reacts to attack on Arizona congresswoman

WASHINGTON -- Every month or so on a Saturday, Rep. Dina Titus would set up a card table outside a supermarket or at a community center in her Southern Nevada district, put up a welcome sign and meet with people for two or three hours.

Such "Congress on Your Corner" events grew in popularity in recent years as a convenient way for lawmakers to interact with constituents. They were particularly favored by House members from swing districts to boost their visibility, and Titus -- a freshman Democrat who was narrowly defeated for re-election last November -- embraced the concept.

But on Saturday, a gunman shot up a Safeway parking lot in Tucson where Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., was hosting such a meet-and-greet. Six people were killed and 13 were injured, including Giffords, 40, who was shot in the head.

Andrew Stoddard, a former adviser, said Titus' weekend gatherings were mostly free from confrontation, and she did not feel threatened or unsafe.

"We didn't have any real problems," he said.

After securing permission from store managers, Titus would routinely inform the Metropolitan Police Department about the event, Stoddard said.

On only one occasion did it seem prudent to have an officer present, he said. That was during an August 2009 event that drew 300 people to an Albertsons super­market in Henderson, during the height of the heated national health care debate when lawmakers' events in some states were being disrupted.

Titus called the shootings "a tragic day for our country."

"Congresswoman Giffords is a beloved friend and greatly respected colleague whose commitment to public service should be an inspiration to us all," she said in a statement.

Giffords, a moderate who is beginning her third term in Congress, is considered an up-and-comer, and is well known to her counterparts from Nevada. She and Rep. Dean Heller, R-Nev., collaborated last year on a bill to crack down on drug smugglers who use ultralight aircraft.

"I am deeply saddened by today's tragic and senseless shootings," Heller said in a statement. "Having worked closely with Congresswoman Giffords, the news of today's shootings is especially disturbing."

Rep. Shelley Berkley said she considered Giffords a close friend, and spoke with her fellow Democrat on the House floor last Wednesday about upcoming legislation.

"I have the highest admiration for her, and I love and adore her on a personal level," Berkley said. "She is one of the most energetic, hardworking and personable members in Congress."

"This is a sad day for our country, and acts of senseless violence such as this one affect us all," said Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. "As a representative of a neighboring state, I have watched her career closely and admired her work on behalf of the state of Arizona."

Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., said the shooting should cause people to stop and think. "Tragic events often translate into moments of contemplation, and I believe that we owe it to the victims of today's shooting to pause and reflect on the direction that we are moving as a country," he said.

Among those killed was Judge John Roll, the chief judge for the U.S. District Court in Arizona. Ensign worked with Roll on legislation to reorganize the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In September 2006, Roll testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the topic.

Ensign said Roll "truly exemplified the spirit of a public servant during his time on the court," according to a statement from his office.

Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., who replaced Titus just weeks ago, said he is "shocked and saddened by the attack, and I'm keeping Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, the other victims and all of their families in my thoughts and prayers."

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval also issued a written statement, saying he is "deeply saddened by the shooting today in Arizona. The loss of innocent life in such an unthinkable tragedy is troubling. Kathleen and I ask all Nevadans to join us in extending our thoughts and prayers for the victims of today's attack and all of our Arizona neighbors."

Contact Steve Tetreault at 202-783-1760
or stetreault@stephensmedia. com.