Ten months ago, I announced my candidacy for Governor of Arizona. Over the intervening months, hundreds of volunteers donated their time and talent to this grass roots effort. I am proud to file the signatures of seven thousand Arizonans who have endorsed my candidacy by signing my candidate petitions. I am grateful and humbled by their faith in me.

Ten weeks ago, we made a decision to file the petitions on the eve of Flag Day because we believe that our country and our state are under assault from both inside and across our borders. Arizona is threatened like never before since statehood and the very survival of my beloved home state is at risk. This campaign is all about the future of this state.

This morning’s headline is “Violent crime up 13% in Phoenix”. The 18th Street, MS13 and other street gangs, mainly comprised of illegals, are a major source of this crime wave. International gangs are invading Arizona, recently headlined as a “Gateway for Violent Crime.” Arizona is the preferred path for drug smugglers, human traffickers, and the illegal invasion of America, with over a million illegals crossing our southern border annually, yet this governor does nothing of substance to protect the law abiding.

Today, I pledge to the citizens of Arizona that when I take office in January, my first priority will be to take all legal and practical actions at the disposal of the governor’s office to restore the rule of law. My first budget will invest the necessary resources to restore safe streets and secure borders. We will work with the legislature to protect and defend Arizonans by giving a real State of the State address that will include a program of substance to attack lawlessness.

In addition, I will fight to protect Arizona senior citizens on fixed incomes from huge property tax increases and the threat of eminent domain actions by cities who covet larger tax revenues. I will fight for the hard-working wage earners who want more of their income to remain in their possession and parents who want their children to have access to the best educational opportunities. I will provide leadership by accelerating the construction of our transportation corridors across the state.

Now it is time to thank some very important people. I am thankful for the support of my wife Lisa, my sons, the other members of the Goldwater family and my campaign volunteers. Their love and strength have been instrumental in whatever success I have achieved, and will be of paramount importance as we continue this campaign across the state.

On the eve of Flag Day, I am thankful for everyone who dedicated their lives and their fortunes in service to America and Arizona. I especially want to thank the citizen soldiers in our Arizona National Guard this year. We have asked much of them and they have responded with honor and dignity. We all owe you our deep and abiding gratitude.

Tomorrow, the campaign starts in earnest for the Republican nomination for Governor of Arizona and I look forward to waging a statewide debate on the future of this great state. In my administration, Arizonans will once again be able to enjoy the benefits that come with Limited Government, Economic Freedom and Individual Liberty.

“Join Minuteman Founder Chris Simcox, AZ Representative Russell Pearce, AZ Citizens Defense League Founder Dave Kopp and other Arizonans incl. Prop. 200 leaders who are helping me to restore pride in our government.” Go to Goldwaterforgovernor.org to see how you can elect a governor who will provide the leadership for the safety and security of the taxpayers and legal voters of Arizona.