Fraudney Glassman - Public Research

• Abortion — Glassman was “proud” to be “the Planned Parenthood-endorsed candidate,” a “wonderful organization.” He said that “I would not support overturning Roe vs. Wade,” criticized people who are “anti-choice,” and even said at a candidate debate that he only has “sex with women” who are pro-abortion. He recommended increasing “access to women’s reproductive justice” in order to stop the problem of ‘population growth.’
• Border Security — Glassman called for a “pathway to legalization” for 12 million illegal immigrants and opposed their deportation. He opposed the construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall (“a waste of resources”) and opposed the National Guard’s presence at the border (“not the answer”). He said that Senate Bill 1070 was “inappropriate” and “illegal” and should be “repeal[ed].”
• Campaign Finance — Glassman supports the DISCLOSE Act and said (after being asked about ‘dark money’) it’s “very, very important” that “all political campaign contributions should be transparent.” He supported Commissioner Bob Burns’s efforts to subpoena APS and Pinnacle West’s political contributions and aid that utility companies should be prohibiting from donating to candidates who regulate them. He also said that out-of-state campaign contributions should be limited (and suggested going even further).
• Cronyism — Glassman’s father built a private ice rink for $2.5 million and put Glassman in charge of operating it, a job for which he was paid six-figure annual salaries. However, “things were not going very well” at the ice rink, so he (Rodney) tried to pressure the Tucson City Council to buy the failing rink from him for $8 million. Councilmembers unanimously voted against his “bailout” proposal and complained to the media about his “impatient” and “aggressive” lobbying tactics, which even led to one councilmember forcibly throwing him out of her office. Rodney then lobbied the Tucson Convention Center to stop offering “cheap practice time” to youth hockey teams “because it was eating into the profits” of his own company. Further, before the bailout proposal, Rodney’s father had even lobbied the council against building a City-owned ice rink because he didn’t want to compete with it.
• Education — Glassman was “proud” to be endorsed by the teachers union, a “wonderful organization.” He supported the Obama administration’s ‘Race to the Top’ initiative, which pushed Common Core, and criticized the state legislature for cutting higher education funding.
• Energy & Environment — Glassman flew to San Francisco to accept an award from the Obama administration’s EPA and touted his endorsement from the Sierra Club. He expressed support for carbon caps and a federal renewable energy standard and called for policies that will “take people out of their cars” and “reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.” He pushed to curb the use of plastic bags and said that the U.S. should follow China and Germany’s lead on subsidizing green energy companies.
• Health Care — Glassman said that he “most certainly” supports Obamacare and even “said he … supports a government-run system.”
• Law Enforcement — Glassman had a poor relationship with the Tucson Police Officers Association during his time as chairman of the Tucson City Council’s public safety subcommittee. He was criticized for his “unprofessional and unethical” behavior toward law enforcement, after which even Regina Romero called on him to be “more sensitive” and “behave ourselves as elected officials.”
• Miscellaneous — Glassman has wiped six videos (three debates, two TV interviews, and his widely-mocked “Sweet Home Alabama” rendition) from his public YouTube account; he maintains access to the account (and therefore the ability to make them public) but has not done so. He “was a no-show” at a Tucson City Council debate and was criticized for initially refusing to attend 2010 U.S. Senate debates and for trying to ban video cameras at one of his meet-and-greets.
• Spending — Glassman expressed support for “a second stimulus” package (in addition to the 2009 stimulus package). While serving on the Tucson City Council, he “brok[e] the law” by funding a multimillion-dollar overpass project without voter approval, used his government budget to purchase canvas tote bags with the phrase “I’m Going Green” as part of his push to curb the use of plastic bags, and proposed spending $260,000 in city funds each year to replace existing toilets in people’s homes with low-flow toilets. He later was the sole vote against an audit commission reviewing the City of Tucson’s financial decisions.
• Taxes & Fees — Glassman is one of the state’s most vocal supporters of hiking the sales tax. While serving on the Tucson City Council, he pushed a one-percent city sales tax hike 2008 because he wanted to “see how much money we could raise” and voted to refer to the ballot “a half-penny increase in Tucson’s sales tax” in 2010 during his final council meeting. He also voted in support of the Proposition 100 state sales tax hike in 2010 and lobbied in support of a “very exciting” proposal to hike the state sales tax in 2020. He supported Proposition 403, which would have hiked property taxes by $28 million per year. He called for letting the Bush tax cuts expire, said that “we have to expand the tax base” and called on Congress to “eliminate the giant tax cuts and credits” to oil and gas companies because “cutting taxes for large corporations isn’t the answer.” He worked with Regina Romero to push for the establishment of “a rental tax of 0.5 percent or larger per month” in Tucson — he was “especially interested” in this tax hike — a proposal criticized by a local editorial board as a “dangerous fantasy” that would hurt families. He voted to hike bus fares by $2 million per year; opposed Proposition 200, which would have repealed the city’s $24 million annual garbage fee; and served as a rate-setter on the council, where he voted to hike water rates by $9.5 million per year.

• Glassman’s income is tied to Britz, Inc., the fertilizer and agriculture-lending giant owned by the Britz/Glassman family. The history of Britz is “not a very pretty story” and involves exploiting “thousands of farms” by “foreclos[ing] on literally hundreds of thousands of acres,” and the company also has racked up environmental violations. He has evaded questions about whether the company used illegal immigrant labor and how much water it uses.
• Glassman has been widely mocked as a perennial candidate. His failed campaigns include being rejected for the Pima County Board of Supervisors (2002), a false-start for Arizona Secretary of State (2009), losing an election for U.S. Senate (2010), losing an election for Arizona Democratic Party chairman (2011), a false-start for the U.S. House of Representatives (2012), a false-start for U.S. Senate (2012), losing an election for Arizona Corporation Commission (2018), being rejected for Maricopa County Attorney (2019), losing an election for Maricopa County Assessor (2020), and losing an election for Arizona Attorney General (2022).
• Glassman has wildly inflated his resume. He was a registered lobbyist, but almost none of his alleged lobbying work has been disclosed to the public. He has claimed that “I’ve been in real estate for 20 years,” including “commercial real estate,” but the rumor is that he only “worked for KB Homes as a ‘consultant on charitable giving’”; he once described this as a “chief of staff” role. He claimed that he “has ran and operated a water company,” but there is zero evidence to substantiate this other than his short tenure as town manager. He brags about having a PhD in arid land resource sciences (water) but was credibly accused of plagiarizing his dissertation.
• Glassman is a lifelong Democrat and has described himself as “a progressive Democrat.” He maintains a lot of relationships with Democrats, to whose campaigns he has donated many times over the years. He was “mentored by” Raul Grijalva and repeatedly touted his tenure working for “the most liberal member of Congress” during his chairmanship of the Progressive Caucus. He won an award from (and was endorsed by) Janet Napolitano, and he supported Fred DuVal’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign against Doug Ducey. He has worked with Kate Gallego and Greg Stanton; at one Phoenix City Council meeting, Gallego thanked “Rodney Glassman for his continued leadership” and Stanton asked people to “give Rodney a round of applause.” He also is close with Regina Romero (his former colleague on the Tucson City Council, to which they were first elected on the same day), was endorsed by her, and sang Happy Birthday to her at a public event; they were once photographed smiling at each other with Glassman wearing a Romero campaign button on his shirt.
• Glassman was unnecessarily appointed as Cave Creek’s interim town manager. The appointment (initially rejected by the town council) was only made possible due to his friend (the vice mayor), who fired the incumbent town manager in order to give his friend a job. This resulted in a lawsuit by the former town manager, whose complaint contains “secretly recorded and emails, especially to and from … Glassman.” Despite having no experience, he was paid the equivalent of $112,000 per year (in addition to daily mileage to/from his home in Phoenix), and he was criticized for wasting tax dollars on personal endeavors, including “abusing an expense account” by “wining and dining” politicians and hiring a “community outreach coordinator” and a “management audit” team that the city didn’t need. Within four months on the job, Glassman pointlessly antagonized Scottsdale’s mayor by attempting to steal the city’s motto, resulting in a potentially expensive legal threat (under which Cave Creek surrendered) and later approved a road maintenance project that went significantly over budget and violated town procedures. He also ended “all town advertising” on a news website that had been critical of his tenure.

Planned Parenthood

Glassman Was “Proud” To Be “The Planned Parenthood-Endorsed Candidate,” A “Wonderful Organization”:

AUDIO: In July 2010, Glassman Said: “We Just Received The Endorsements Of … Planned Parenthood Federation Of America … And That’s What Makes Us Different.” GLASSMAN: “The fact is is that we’ve been running for 13 weeks. We just received the endorsements of SEIU, AFSCME, the AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and NEA, the National Education Association. Why are those endorsements important? Because, in the past 20 years, they haven’t endorsed in Arizona against John McCain. There’s never been a candidate that they felt compelled enough to invest in, and that’s what makes us different.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Nicole Sandler Show, 7/22/10)

VIDEO: In July 2010, Glassman Said: “I’m Proud To Be The Candidate That Planned Parenthood Federation Of America For The First Time In 20 Years Has Stepped Up And Said, ‘This Guy Can Beat John McCain.’” GLASSMAN: “For the first time in over 20 years, SEIU has stepped up and said, ‘This guy can beat John McCain.’ I’m proud to be the candidate that Planned Parenthood Federation of America for the first time in 20 years has stepped up and said, ‘This guy can beat John McCain.’” (Remarks At Netroots Nation, 7/25/10)

In July 2010, Glassman Said: “I’m A Candidate That Has A Track Record Of Being An Advocate For Women’s Reproductive Justice, Which Is Why Planned Parenthood Federation Of America Has Decided To Endorse Our Campaign.” GLASSMAN: “I’m a candidate that has a track record of being an advocate for women’s reproductive justice, which is why Planned Parenthood Federation of America has decided to endorse our campaign.” (U.S. Senate Debate, KAET, 7/28/10)

VIDEO: In August 2010, Glassman Said: “… We’re Proud To Have The Planned Parenthood Endorsement …” GLASSMAN: “And, as a member of the Tucson City Council, I was an advocate not only for women’s reproductive justice — and we’re proud to have the Planned Parenthood endorsement …” (U.S. Senate Debate, 8/6/10)

• VIDEO: Glassman: “… In The Past 30 Years Planned Parenthood Federation Of America Has Not Endorsed A Candidate To Run Against John McCain Until This Year When They Endorsed My Candidacy.” GLASSMAN: “The term is women’s reproductive justice. And, believe it or not, in the past 30 years Planned Parenthood Federation of America has not endorsed a candidate to run against John McCain until this year when they endorsed my candidacy.” (U.S. Senate Debate, 8/6/10)
• VIDEO: Glassman: “… I’ll Be Contacting Planned Parenthood … And All Of The Different Wonderful Organizations That Are Supporting My Candidacy …” GLASSMAN: “It’s my commitment that I’ll be contacting Planned Parenthood and the AFL-CIO and the NEA and all of the different wonderful organizations that are supporting my candidacy to get behind the Democrat for the United States Senate.” (U.S. Senate Debate, 8/6/10)

VIDEO: In August 2010, Glassman Said: “To Me, Being Progressive Means Being An Advocate For Women’s Reproductive Justice. I’m The Candidate That Has A Track Record On Women’s Reproductive Justice, Which Is Why Planned Parenthood Federation Has Come Out This Year.” GLASSMAN: “To me, being progressive means being an advocate for women’s reproductive justice. I’m the candidate that has a track record on women’s reproductive justice, which is why Planned Parenthood Federation has come out this year.” (“The Rachel Maddow Show,” MSNBC, 8/25/10)

• VIDEO: Glassman: “In The Past 20 Years, Planned Parenthood Federation Of America Has Not Endorsed A Candidate To Run Against McCain. They Stepped Up And Endorsed My Candidacy.” GLASSMAN: “What’s unique about our campaign is we’re getting groups that haven’t been engaged before excited about this senate race. In the past 20 years, Planned Parenthood Federation of America has not endorsed a candidate to run against McCain. They stepped up and endorsed my candidacy. The same thing with the AFL-CIO, SEIU, the National Education Association.” (“The Rachel Maddow Show,” MSNBC, 8/25/10)

AUDIO: In September 2010, Glassman Said: “I’m The Planned Parenthood-Endorsed Candidate, And I’m Proud. I’m Proud To Have That Designation.” GLASSMAN: “I’m the Planned Parenthood-endorsed candidate, and I’m proud. I’m proud to have that designation.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Nicole Sandler Show, 9/7/10)

VIDEO: In October 2010, Glassman Said: “We’re Endorsed By Planned Parenthood Federation Of America …” GLASSMAN: “We’re endorsed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, SEIU, AFSCME, AFL-CIO. The first time these groups have stepped up in over 20 years to endorse a candidate against John McCain because they know he’s vulnerable and they know that I’m the guy to beat him.” (Straight-To-Camera, 10/26/10)

AUDIO: In July 2022, Glassman Said: “I Was Even Endorsed By Planned Parenthood.” GLASSMAN: “When I ran for city council, I was pro-choice. I was even endorsed by Planned Parenthood.” (“The Field,” KAWC, 7/7/22)

Population Control

Glassman Recommended Increasing “Access To Women’s Reproductive Justice” In Order To Stop ‘Population Growth’:

VIDEO: In August 2010, Asked What He ‘Would Do As A U.S. Senator’ To ‘Control Population Growth In This World,’ Glassman Responded: “The Term Is Women’s Reproductive Justice.” ATTENDEE: “What would your opinion be — sorry if I just need to set the stage there — what would your opinion be about how you can best control population growth in this world?” … ATTENDEE: “I’d like to hear your opinion on what you would do as a U.S. senator to mitigate and moderate and control uncontrolled population growth that’s consuming resources in this planet.” … GLASSMAN: “Thank you. The term is women’s reproductive justice. And, believe it or not, in the past 30 years Planned Parenthood Federation of America has not endorsed a candidate to run against John McCain until this year when they endorsed my candidacy. We live in a pro-choice state, and we need a United States Senate candidate that has the courage to talk about women’s reproductive justice, to talk about issues of education, to have a track record of being an advocate. But it’s not simply good enough to be an advocate for women’s reproductive justice, because the heart of your question was about global warming.” (U.S. Senate Debate, 8/6/10)

• VIDEO: Glassman: “In Order To Have A Sustainable World … We Need To Take Care Of The Issue Of … Access To Women’s Reproductive Justice.” GLASSMAN: “The heart of your question is: How are we going to build a more sustainable world? And, as a member of the Tucson City Council, I was an advocate not only for women’s reproductive justice — and we’re proud to have the Planned Parenthood endorsement — but also for green technologies, for a term called ‘new urbanism’ where we take people out of their cars, we reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, we increase their education when it comes to issues of sustainability, water conservation, rain water pumps, gray water pumps, solar-powered watering. Those are components as well. In order to have a sustainable world, not only do we need to take care of the issue of education and access to women’s reproductive justice but we also need to make sure that countries around the world have the access to the resources necessary to make sure that they’re developing in a sustainable way. That’s something I’ve done in the city of Tucson and that’s something that I would afford to bring to the United States Senate.” (U.S. Senate Debate, 8/6/10)

Pro-Abortion

Glassman Said That He Only Has “Sex With Women” Who Are Pro-Abortion:

In October 2007, Citing A “Hypothetical About His Girlfriend Having An Abortion,” Glassman “Sa[id], ‘When I Go About Having Sex With Women’ He Makes Sure The Two On Are The Same Page About Such Issues.” “Glassman began by asking Oien about her view on abortion (as if this is a pressing City Council issue), and Oien said she believed in a woman’s right to choose but wouldn’t want her or her children to have an abortion. Then she said her first kid was an infertility child aided by fertility drugs, but added that her second one ‘just popped out’ after she had her ‘pipes’ fixed. Whoa. That’s way too much information. Not to be outdone, Glassman followed up an Oien hypothetical about his girlfriend having an abortion, saying, ‘When I go about having sex with women’ he makes sure the two on are the same page about such issues.” (Rob O’Dell And Daniel Scarpinato, “So Whatever Happened To The Issues In Ward 2?” Arizona Daily Star, 10/27/07)

• Glassman: “When I Go About Having Sex With Women, I Like To Know We’re On The Same Page.” “Glassman has taken to supercillious pretense whenever he feels Lori Oien is talking more about him than the issues … Then came the soul-bearing moment. ‘When I go about having sex with women, I like to know we’re on the same page.’” (B. Kalafut, “Last One About Rodney Glassman,” Goldwater State, 10/30/07)
• Arizona Daily Star: “Classy, Rodney.” “Classy, Rodney. We’re glad this race is staying focused on the things that really matter to Tucsonans.” (Rob O’Dell And Daniel Scarpinato, “So Whatever Happened To The Issues In Ward 2?” Arizona Daily Star, 10/27/07)

Glassman Pledged To Be “A Pro-Choice Senator” And Criticized Those Who Are “Anti-Choice”:

AUDIO: In July 2010, Glassman Said: “… There Are People Across Our Country That Would Love Arizona To Have A Pro-Choice U.S. Senator Instead Of One That’s Anti-Choice …” GLASSMAN: “There’s going to be a bloody and tired John McCain coming out after August 24th, and so, if we have the momentum and we have people across the country excited about replacing John McCain and sending a Democrat back to Washington, D.C., we can win. And that’s what we’re trying to get as many people as possible to visit our website at RodneyGlassman [dot] com and just get engaged in Arizona, because I believe that there are people across our country that would love Arizona to have a pro-choice U.S. senator instead of one that’s anti-choice in the case of rape or incest.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Nicole Sandler Show, 7/22/10)

AUDIO: In September 2010, Glassman Said: “… I’m Confident That You Have Listeners Across The Country That Would Like Arizona To Have A Pro-Choice Senator Instead Of A Senator That’s Anti-Choice …” GLASSMAN: “But this campaign isn’t just about Arizona, and I’m confident that you have listeners across the country that would like Arizona to have a pro-choice senator instead of a senator that’s anti-choice even in the case of rape or incest like John McCain … And that’s why I ask for your listeners’ votes and support.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Nicole Sandler Show, 9/7/10)

VIDEO: In October 2010, Glassman Said That “Someone Who’s Pro-Choice Instead Of Anti-Choice … Is Going To Be A Benefit To Our Entire Country.” GLASSMAN: “My job is to let Arizonans know that this time, for the first time in a long time, we have a choice. But we have to remember that a great U.S. senator from Arizona — someone who’s pro-choice instead of anti-choice in the case of rape or incest, someone who cares about public education, someone that actually supports veterans — is going to be a benefit to our entire country.” (“Top Line,” ABC News, 10/27/10)

Roe v. Wade

Glassman Said That He “Would Not Support Overturning Roe vs. Wade”:

In August 2010, Glassman Said: “I Would Not Support Overturning Roe vs. Wade.” QUESTION: “Would you favor a Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade? Why or why not?” GLASSMAN: “I would not support overturning Roe vs. Wade. This should remain a private decision between a woman, her doctor, her family and her faith.” (“Candidate Q&A - Rodney Glassman,” Arizona Republic, Archived 8/19/10)

Amnesty

Glassman Called For A “Pathway To Legalization” For 12 Million Illegal Immigrants:

In June 2010, Asked What He Would ‘Do With The People Who Are Now In This Country Without Proper Documentation,’ Glassman Responded: “… John McCain Is Being Insincere—When He Thinks That We Can Arrest Our Way Out Of This Problem.” JIM NINTZEL: “On the topic of immigration reform, one of the major sticking points still is what do you do with the people who are now in this country without proper documentation.” … RODNEY GLASSMAN: “But the reality is that we are being insincere—John McCain is being insincere—when he thinks that we can arrest our way out of this problem. We need to acknowledge that the economic realities of our country do not match our current immigration policy?” (“Arizona Illustrated,” KUAT, 6/10/10; Rodney Glassman For US Senate, 6/14/10 via VoteSmart, 2010)

• Glassman Declined To Answer When Asked If The Illegal Immigrants ‘Need To Return To Their Home Countries.’ JIM NINTZEL: “Now when you say ‘go to the back of the line’ you mean they need to return to their home countries and go to the back of the line or will they have their status formalized and be allowed to remain in the United States?” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “The key, Jim, is that we need to have a system in place for individuals that are here illegally and undocumented to go to the back of the line, to pay back taxes, to do whatever Congress decides is going to be necessary in order for them to go through a process?” NINTZEL: “And as far as ‘back of the line’ do you mean home country ‘back of the line’ or stay here in the United States ‘back of the line.’” GLASSMAN: “They need to start a process, and the process needs to be something that works.” (“Arizona Illustrated,” KUAT, 6/10/10; Rodney Glassman For US Senate, 6/14/10 via VoteSmart, 2010)

AUDIO: In July 2010, Glassman Called For “Federal Immigration Reform” That “Deals With The 11- To 12-Million Undocumented Individuals That Are Already Here.” GLASSMAN: “The reality is that Arizona needs a champion in the United States Senate that’s going to move federal immigration reform forward … [F]ederal immigration reform that deals with the 11- to 12-million undocumented individuals that are already here.” (U.S. Senate Debate At Arizona Western College, 7/21/10)

VIDEO: In August 2010, Glassman Said: “… We Need To Have A Pathway For The 11- To 12-Million People That Are Already Here.” GLASSMAN: “We need to have a way for people to come here legally, pay taxes, and work, and we need to have a senator that’s going to write that language and write that immigration reform and that’s going to be myself as well. And then lastly we need to have a pathway for the 11- to 12-million people that are already here.” (“The Rachel Maddow Show,” MSNBC, 8/25/10)

AUDIO: In September 2010, Glassman Said: “… We Need To Have A Pathway To Legalization For The 11- To 12-Million People That Are Already In Our Country …” GLASSMAN: “And then the third component is we need to have a pathway to legalization for the 11- to 12-million people that are already in our country, a third of which are going through the process. Because technically, while going through the process, you’re still considered undocumented. And we have to have a system that works.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Nicole Sandler Show, 9/7/10)

• AUDIO: Glassman: “… We’re Not Going To Arrest 11- To 12-Million People.” GLASSMAN: “When you hear John Kyl, when you hear John McCain talking about arresting our way through the through the immigration issue, not only is it unfair but it’s also illogical, because we’re not going to arrest 11- to 12-million people. What we need to do is we need to have a system that works and we need to have a champion from Arizona to make sure that that system moves forward, which is just one more reason why we need to retire John McCain.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Nicole Sandler Show, 9/7/10)

VIDEO: In September 2010, Glassman Said: “… We Need To Have A Pathway For The 11- To 12-Million People That Are Already Here …” GLASSMAN: “Additionally, we need to have a pathway for the 11- to 12-million people that are already here, some of whom are already going through the process.” (U.S. Senate Debate, KTVK, 9/26/10)

Glassman Opposed The Deportation Of Illegal Immigrants Because “It’s Illogical To Think That We’re Going To Arrest Our Way Through The Immigration Issue”:

AUDIO: In June 2010, Asked Whether Illegal Immigrants Should Be Required To ‘Go To The Back Of The Line … In Mexico’ And ‘Start All Over Again’ Applying For U.S. Citizenship The Legal Way, Glassman Deflected But Then Responded In The Negative: “It’s Illogical To Think That We’re Going To Arrest Our Way Through The Immigration Issue.” REPORTER: “You say that you work with Grijalva and some of these people waited ten years for this process and that’s way too long. But then you go and say they should go to the back of the line and start all over again, which is contradictory in my opinion. But specifically — I just want a specific answer. We don’t like McCain here. You don’t have to tell us about McCain. But is the back of the line’ for some people in Mexico? Yes or no?” GLASSMAN: “I think everyone heard me answer that question.” REPORTER: “No. Well, just say it. Answer it again. Yes or no? In Mexico?” GLASSMAN: “It’s illogical to think that we’re going to arrest our way through the immigration issue. It’s illogical to think (crosstalk).” REPORTER: “So, yes or no? Is it in Mexico? Yes or no? Yes or no? Please. Please. You’re running for senate. We want to vote for you. Yes or no?” GLASSMAN: “Next question. I did answer that question.” (Campaign Event, 6/21/10)

Border Wall

Glassman Opposed The Construction Of A U.S.-Mexico Border Wall:

In May 2010, Glassman Said: “… A Wall Is Simply A Waste Of Resources.” QUESTION: “Do you have any specific ideas that you think would help Arizona deal with the issues that come with being so close to the border?” GLASSMAN: “Well, first and foremost we need to secure the border which means using the appropriate resources. We hear time and again the concept of a wall. The reality is that in rural areas where no one is living a wall is simply a waste of resources.” (“Exclusive Phoenix.org Interview Of Senatorial Candidate Rodney Glassman,” Phoenix.org, 5/25/10)

VIDEO: In August 2010, Glassman Said: “… The National Guard Is Not The Answer, And Neither Is Building A Fence.” GLASSMAN: “You see, you hear politicians talking about the National Guard, the National Guard — the National Guard is not the answer, and neither is building a fence.” (“The Rachel Maddow Show,” MSNBC, 8/25/10)

Cartel Violence

Glassman Said That Cartel Beheadings “Hasn’t Happened In Arizona” And That Immigration Reform “Isn’t About Beheadings” Anyway:

AUDIO: In September 2010, Asked About ‘Beheaded Bodies In The Desert,’ Glassman Responded That “Obviously That Hasn’t Happened In Arizona” And That, “At The End Of The Day, This Isn’t About Beheadings.” NICOLE SANDLER: “Now, can you send the governor along with him? Jan Brewer. Now, are there beheaded bodies in the desert anywhere that we don’t know about?” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “Well, according to media reports and the coroners’ reports, obviously that hasn’t happened in Arizona. But, at the end of the day, this isn’t about beheadings. It’s about jobs and it’s about education, and I’m the candidate running for U.S. Senate that’s going to keep us focused on the issues that are most impacting Arizonans and that’s jobs and that’s education.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Nicole Sandler Show, 9/7/10)

National Guard

Glassman Opposes The National Guard’s Presence At The U.S.-Mexico Border:

In July 2010, Glassman Said: “I Am Tired Of Hearing Politicians Talk About Sending National Guard Troops …” GLASSMAN: “I am tired of hearing politicians talk about sending National Guard troops, as opposed to putting the appropriate federal agencies on the border. We need all-weather roads, unmanned aerial vehicles and other technology to monitor the border.” (“The Candidates Speak: U.S. Senate, Democratic Candidates,” Arizona Daily Star, 7/31/10)

VIDEO: In August 2010, Glassman Said: “… The National Guard Is Not The Answer …” GLASSMAN: “You see, you hear politicians talking about the National Guard, the National Guard — the National Guard is not the answer, and neither is building a fence.” (“The Rachel Maddow Show,” MSNBC, 8/25/10)

Senate Bill 1070

Glassman Said That “You Can Repeal SB 1070” And That “There Are Issues With This Law”:

In April 2010, Glassman Said That Senate Bill 1070 Is “Nothing More Than An Unfunded Mandate” That “Undermines The Trust Between Law Enforcement And Neighborhoods.” GLASSMAN: “This legislation is a rash attempt to score political points … S.B.1070 is the type of legislation that undermines the trust between law enforcement and neighborhoods that so many have worked so long to achieve. It does nothing to secure the border or stop the violence in our border region. It does nothing to address the reasons so many cross our borders without going through legal channels. This bill is nothing more than an unfunded mandate that shifts the financial burden onto cities and towns already grappling with budget cuts.” (Press Release, “Glassman Response To S.B.1070,” Rodney Glassman For US Senate, 4/23/10)

In May 2010, Glassman Said That Senate Bill 1070 Was “A Rash Attempt To Score Political Points While Not Focusing On The Issue.” QUESTION: “The response to the recent immigration law created by the state of Arizona has garnered national attention, with intense support as well as intense opposition. Do you think that Arizona made the proper choice with this law, if so why or why not?” … GLASSMAN: “The recent Arizona immigration law was created out of frustration. It is simply a rash attempt to score political points while not focusing on the issue, which is that immigration reform needs to be done at the federal level and it needs to be championed by our US Senator, who so far has refused to acknowledge the issue.” (“Exclusive Phoenix.org Interview Of Senatorial Candidate Rodney Glassman,” Phoenix.org, 5/25/10)

• Glassman: Senate Bill 1070 Is The Result Of “A Few Leaders From The Fringe.” GLASSMAN: “We have to be careful not to punish millions of Arizonans from the actions of a few leaders from the fringe.” (“Exclusive Phoenix.org Interview Of Senatorial Candidate Rodney Glassman,” Phoenix.org, 5/25/10)

AUDIO: In July 2010, Glassman Said: “If You Speak To The State Legislature They’ll Tell You, ‘The Government Has Failed Us. The Federal Government Has Failed Us, And That’s Why SB 1070 Was Passed.’ But The Reality Is That There Are Issues With This Law.” GLASSMAN: “If you speak to the state legislature they’ll tell you, ‘The government has failed us. The federal government has failed us, and that’s why SB 1070 was passed.’ But the reality is that there are issues with this law. The reality is that Arizona needs a champion in the United States Senate that’s going to move federal immigration reform forward.” (U.S. Senate Debate At Arizona Western College, 7/21/10)

In July 2010, Asked For A ‘Yes Or No’ On Senate Bill 1070, Glassman Responded: “… I Came Out The Day That It Was Signed And Said That It Was Inappropriate. I Believe That It’s Also Illegal … We Can Repeal SB 1070 …” JOHN DOUGHERTY: “Rodney, SB 1070, yes or no? Are you for it or against it?” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “John, I came out the day that it was signed and said that it was inappropriate. I believe that it’s also illegal. But at the end of the day we can repeal SB 1070 and we can get rid of Congressman Grijalva’s boycott. At the end of the day Arizona and the United States need federal immigration reform and we need a U.S. Senator to get that done.” (U.S. Senate Debate, KAET, 7/28/10)

AUDIO: In September 2010, Asked ‘What Do We Do’ About Senate Bill 1070, Glassman Said: “It Should Not Be Up To The States To Pass Individual Laws …” NICOLE SANDLER: “A hot-button issue in Arizona — well, around the country, but especially in Arizona right now because of Governor Jan Brewer’s SB 1070 — is immigration. What do we do about immigration? You have John McCain, who helped co-write some immigration legislation and then said he would vote against it. Talking about flip-flopping. Where do you stand? What do we do about our immigration issues?” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “Well, we need federal immigration reform. It should not be up to the states to pass individual laws, and obviously the courts have determined and will continue to determine that it is the federal government’s responsibility to do federal immigration enforcement and federal immigration reform, and that’s why Arizona needs a senator to be the leader on the issue.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Nicole Sandler Show, 9/7/10)

VIDEO: In October 2010, Glassman Said: “You Can Repeal SB 1070 … It’s Very Simple.” GLASSMAN: “You can repeal SB 1070. You can get rid of all of the other issues going on. At the end of the day, we need to retire McCain. We need to have a senator working in D.C. on federal immigration reform because every Arizonan knows that it’s the federal government’s responsibility to take care of it. It’s very simple.” (“Top Line,” ABC News, 10/27/10)

APS & Pinnacle West

Glassman Said That Utility Companies Should Be Prohibiting From Donating To Candidates Who Regulate Them:

AUDIO: In August 2018, Glassman Said: “I Believe That Our Statewide Regulators Should Hold Themselves To The Exact Same Standards As Every Other Judge In The State, And That Means No More Campaigns Funded By The Utilities That The Commissioners Are Supposed To Regulate, No More Free Food, No More Free Entertainment, No More Trips That Are Funded By The Utilities They Regulate.” GLASSMAN: “So, our Arizona Supreme Court writes the Judicial Code of Conduct, and it’s (inaudible) every judge, even your local justice of the peace and your municipal court judges, follow the judicial code of conduct. I believe that our statewide regulators should hold themselves to the exact same standards as every other judge in the state, and that means no more campaigns funded by the utilities that the commissioners are supposed to regulate, no more free food, no more free entertainment, no more trips that are funded by the utilities they regulate. And I believe that that level of integrity is what Arizona ratepayers deserve.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, KAWC, 8/24/18)

Glassman Supported Commissioner Bob Burns’s Efforts To Subpoena APS And Pinnacle West’s Political Contributions:

VIDEO: In October 2018, Glassman Said That “I Will Support Any Efforts To Provide Greater Transparency To Find Out Where Political Contributions Are Coming From,” Including “Supporting Commissioner Burns In His Efforts” To Subpoena APS And Pinnacle West’s Political Contributions. RICHARD RUELAS: “Commissioner Burns has tried to subpoena APS and its parent company, Pinnacle West, regarding its political spending. Mr. Glassman, if you were on the commission, would you support that effort to subpoena APS Pinnacle West.” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “As I’ve shared previously both in debates and with the paper, I will support any efforts to provide greater transparency to find out where political contributions are coming from, make sure that every rate payer in the state of Arizona has that information, and that would include supporting Commissioner Burns in his efforts as legally possible to make sure that we know where dollars are coming from.” (Arizona Corporation Commission Debate, Arizona Republic, 10/9/18)

Donor Disclosure

Glassman Supports The DISCLOSE Act And Said (After Being Asked About ‘Dark Money’) It’s “Very, Very Important” That “All Political Campaign Contributions Should Be Transparent”:

VIDEO: In October 2010, Glassman Criticized John McCain For “Vot[ing] Against The DISCLOSE Act, Which Would Have Been All About Campaign Finance Reform.” GLASSMAN: “At the end of the day, we have a person who’s been in Washington, D.C., now for three decades who has no legislative legacy. Even just a few weeks ago, he voted against the DISCLOSE Act, which would have been all about campaign finance reform, so he’s a shell of a former person that was serving our state, but we really don’t have anything to show for it.” (“Top Line,” ABC News, 10/27/10)

VIDEO: In October 2018, Asked Whether He Would Put A Stop To ‘Dark Money,’ Glassman Responded: “… I Believe That All Political Campaign Contributions Should Be Transparent. I Believe That That Is Very, Very Important.” RICHARD RUELAS: “APS admitted fully in the last cycle that they did give to campaigns. The cycle before, it’s still unknown. I think the language we’ve used is ‘it is widely believed’ that APS donated to campaigns. What would the line be do you think in deciding when a commissioner needs to recuse themselves? Is it when it’s — I think we’d all agree it sounds like from your answers that, if a donation is made, a commissioner should recuse themselves. But what about that notion of ‘widely believed’ or a utility doing something maybe using the shield of dark money to help you campaign? How would you set that line, Mr. Glassman?” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “Well, first and foremost, I believe that all political campaign contributions should be transparent. I believe that that is very, very important.” (Arizona Corporation Commission Debate, Arizona Republic, 10/9/18)

• VIDEO: Glassman: “I Will Support Any Efforts To Provide Greater Transparency To Find Out Where Political Contributions Are Coming From,” Including “Supporting Commissioner Burns In His Efforts” To Subpoena APS’s Political Contributions To 501(c)s. RICHARD RUELAS: “Commissioner Burns has tried to subpoena APS and its parent company, Pinnacle West, regarding its political spending. Mr. Glassman, if you were on the commission, would you support that effort to subpoena APS Pinnacle West.” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “As I’ve shared previously both in debates and with the paper, I will support any efforts to provide greater transparency to find out where political contributions are coming from, make sure that every rate payer in the state of Arizona has that information, and that would include supporting Commissioner Burns in his efforts as legally possible to make sure that we know where dollars are coming from.” (Arizona Corporation Commission Debate, Arizona Republic, 10/9/18)

Out-Of-State Contributions

Glassman Said That Out-Of-State Campaign Contributions Should Be Limited (And Suggested Going Even Further):

AUDIO: In February 2022, Glassman Said: “… I Personally Don’t Feel That Out-Of-State Funders … Is How I Want To See … Our Elections Being Decided … And I’m Going To Fight Those Kinds Of Things As Attorney General.” GLASSMAN: “I’m an Arizonan, and I personally don’t feel that out-of-state funders — special interests, in this case the teachers union spending $25 million of out-of-state funding — is how I want to see as an Arizonan our elections being decided … and I’m going to fight those kinds of things as attorney general.” (“Voice Of The Valley,” Gila Valley Central, 2/10/22)

• AUDIO: Asked Whether Out-Of-State Contributions Should Be Prohibited, Glassman Clarified: “No. That Is Not What I Said.” However: “… Those Are The Kinds Of Things That I’m Going To Be Very Wary Of As The Attorney General And Fight Make Sure That Those Kinds Of Things Don’t Happen In The Future.” DAVE BELL: “So, you don’t want anybody from out of state to ever contribute into an Arizona election?” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “No. That is not what I said.” BELL: “Well, that’s why I’m asking. I’m asking for clarification.” GLASSMAN: “Very clear. Teachers unions and out-of-state special interests should not be spending tens of millions of dollars to place things on the Arizona ballot under the guise of calling it a citizens initiative. That is not how this should have worked and that is what happened and it had a tremendous impact on the outcome of the 2020 election, and those are the kinds of things that I’m going to be very wary of as the attorney general and fight make sure that those kinds of things don’t happen in the future.” (“Voice Of The Valley,” Gila Valley Central, 2/10/22)
• AUDIO: Asked Whether Such A Prohibition Should Be Applied To ‘The Oil Industry,’ Glassman Deflected But Then Said: “The Reality Is Is That Arizonans Should Be Terming Our Elections.” DAVE BELL: “So, that would include, say, the oil industry when they funded the anti-renewable energy proposition that was on the ballot a few years ago. They shouldn’t have been involved, correct?” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “I believe what you just described as the anti-renewable energy initiative was actually Tom Steyer out of California, a billionaire.” BELL: “No, no. He was for the renewable energy.” GLASSMAN: “The dollars on Prop. I believe it was 107. The reality is is that Arizonans should be terming our elections.” (“Voice Of The Valley,” Gila Valley Central, 2/10/22)

Common Core

Glassman Supported The Obama Administration’s ‘Race To The Top’ Initiative, Which Pushed Common Core:

In August 2010, Glassman Said: “I Also Support The Broad Goals Of The Current Administration’s ‘Race To The Top’ Initiative …” GLASSMAN: “Arizona ranks dead last in classroom spending and has the worst student-to-teacher ratio in the United States … Money is not the only issue facing American public schools but in Arizona, it is the most pressing issue and we need a senator who will fight for our future. That means better schools. I also support the broad goals of the current administration’s ‘Race to the Top’ initiative, which would truly leave no child behind.” (“Candidate Q&A - Rodney Glassman,” Arizona Republic, Archived 8/19/10)

• ‘Race To The Top’ Has Been Criticized As The Obama Administration’s Attempt To “Nationalize The Content Taught In Schools Across America Through The Common Core.” (Lindsey Burke, “Race To The Top For School Districts: More Federal Education Intervention,” Heritage Foundation, 8/17/12)

Teachers Union

Glassman Was “Proud” To Be Endorsed By The Teachers Union, A “Wonderful Organization”:

AUDIO: In July 2010, Glassman Said: “We Just Received The Endorsements Of … NEA, The National Education Association … And That’s What Makes Us Different.” GLASSMAN: “The fact is is that we’ve been running for 13 weeks. We just received the endorsements of SEIU, AFSCME, the AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America and NEA, the National Education Association. Why are those endorsements important? Because, in the past 20 years, they haven’t endorsed in Arizona against John McCain. There’s never been a candidate that they felt compelled enough to invest in, and that’s what makes us different.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Nicole Sandler Show, 7/22/10)

VIDEO: In August 2010, Glassman Said: “I’m Proud To Be The Candidate That Is Supported By The 33,000 Members Of The Arizona Education Association.” GLASSMAN: “I’m proud to be the candidate that is supported by the 33,000 members of the Arizona Education Association.” (U.S. Senate Debate, 8/6/10)

• VIDEO: Glassman: “… I’ll Be Contacting … The NEA And All Of The Different Wonderful Organizations That Are Supporting My Candidacy …” GLASSMAN: “It’s my commitment that I’ll be contacting Planned Parenthood and the AFL-CIO and the NEA and all of the different wonderful organizations that are supporting my candidacy to get behind the Democrat for the United States Senate.” (U.S. Senate Debate, 8/6/10)

VIDEO: In August 2010, Glassman Said: “… We’re Getting Groups That Haven’t Been Engaged Before Excited About This Senate Race … The Same Thing With The AFL-CIO, SEIU, The National Education Association.” GLASSMAN: “What’s unique about our campaign is we’re getting groups that haven’t been engaged before excited about this senate race. In the past 20 years, Planned Parenthood Federation of America has not endorsed a candidate to run against McCain. They stepped up and endorsed my candidacy. The same thing with the AFL-CIO, SEIU, the National Education Association.” (“The Rachel Maddow Show,” MSNBC, 8/25/10)

Cap & Trade

Glassman Expressed Support For A Federal Renewable Energy Standard And Carbon Caps:

AUDIO: In September 2010, Glassman Said: “… My Campaign Is About Solar. My Campaign Is About A Renewable Energy Standard.” GLASSMAN: “We need a senator that’s focused on what the world’s going to be like 30 years from now. You know, we have a senator in Arizona who has received more than 60 percent of the contributions from Big Oil since 2006 you know, we got a guy who’s five largest contributors of the five largest financial institutions in the country. And my campaign is about solar. My campaign is about a renewable energy standard.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Nicole Sandler Show, 9/7/10)

In October 2010, Asked Whether He Would ‘Vote To Cap Carbon, Even If It Created Costs For Households Or Businesses,’ Glassman Responded That “He Would Set Mandatory Levels For Renewable Energy, Including Requirements For Production In Arizona.” “Rodney Glassman, a former Tucson city councilman and current Democratic challenger to Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain, stopped by Flagstaff on Tuesday afternoon as part of a campaign effort … Q: Would you vote to cap carbon, even if it created costs for households or businesses? A: He would set mandatory levels for renewable energy, including requirements for production in Arizona.” (Cyndy Cole, “Glassman: More Financial Oversight At Home,” Arizona Daily Sun, 10/13/10)

Environmental Protection Agency

Glassman Flew To San Francisco To Accept An Award From The Obama Administration’s EPA:

In April 2009, Glassman Received The “Environmental Hero” Award From The EPA. “During the agency’s 11th annual Environmental Awards Ceremony in San Francisco today, U.S. EPA acting Regional Administrator Laura Yoshii recognized five Arizona organizations and individuals in recognition of their efforts to protect and preserve the environment in 2008 … The Arizona winners are: … Rodney Glassman, Councilman, and City of Tucson staff …” (Press Release, “U.S. EPA Honors 5 Arizona Environmental Heroes,” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 4/16/09)

• Glassman “Flew To San Francisco … For The EPA’s 11th Annual Environmental Awards Ceremony.” “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency saluted environmental heroes Thursday, including two Tucsonans whose work well deserves the kudos … Tucson City Councilman Rodney Glassman received an award for pushing through ordinances for rainwater harvesting and use of gray water … Glassman, who flew to San Francisco at his own expense for the EPA’s 11th annual Environmental Awards Ceremony, had vowed during his campaign to get water conservation measures enacted. And he did - both with 7-0 votes by the council.” (Billie Stanton, Opinion, “EPA Awards For Tucsonans Well-Deserved,” Tucson Citizen, 4/20/09)

Fossil Fuels

Glassman Called For Policies That Will “Take People Out Of Their Cars” And “Reduce Their Dependence On Fossil Fuels”:

AUDIO: In July 2010, Glassman Said: “We As A Nation Need To Reduce Our Dependence On Fossil Fuels … We Need To Reduce Our Dependence On Fossil Fuels.” GLASSMAN: “We as a nation need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and I as Arizona’s next U.S. senator will be a champion for solar and wind energy development in Arizona … We need a champion from Arizona that cares about solar development and that treats this new economy with the importance it requires because it means jobs for Arizonans. We need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.” (U.S. Senate Debate At Arizona Western College, 7/21/10)

VIDEO: In August 2010, Glassman Said: “… I Was An Advocate … For A Term Called ‘New Urbanism’ Where We Take People Out Of Their Cars, We Reduce Their Dependence On Fossil Fuels …” GLASSMAN: “The heart of your question is: How are we going to build a more sustainable world? And, as a member of the Tucson City Council, I was an advocate not only for women’s reproductive justice — and we’re proud to have the Planned Parenthood endorsement — but also for green technologies, for a term called ‘new urbanism’ where we take people out of their cars, we reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, we increase their education when it comes to issues of sustainability, water conservation, rain water pumps, gray water pumps, solar-powered watering.” (U.S. Senate Debate, 8/6/10)

VIDEO: In September 2010, Glassman Said: “… We Need To Have A Senator Championing Reducing Our Dependence On Fossil Fuels.” GLASSMAN: “We have spectacular research institutions, and we need to have a senator championing reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.” (U.S. Senate Debate, KTVK, 9/26/10)

Glassman Criticized His Opponent For Accepting “Contributions From Big Oil” And Refused To Answer A Question About Whether ‘The Oil Industry’ Should Be Prohibited From Contributing To Out-Of-State Campaigns:

AUDIO: In September 2010, Glassman Said: “… We Have A Senator In Arizona Who Has Received More Than 60 Percent Of The Contributions From Big Oil Since 2006 …” GLASSMAN: “We need a senator that’s focused on what the world’s going to be like 30 years from now. You know, we have a senator in Arizona who has received more than 60 percent of the contributions from Big Oil since 2006 you know, we got a guy who’s five largest contributors of the five largest financial institutions in the country. And my campaign is about solar. My campaign is about a renewable energy standard.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Nicole Sandler Show, 9/7/10)

VIDEO: In September 2010, Glassman Said: “… We Need To Reduce The Number Of Senators … Who Are Dependent On Fossil Fuel Contributions.” GLASSMAN: “But, in answer to your question, Frank, we need green jobs. If we want to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, we need to reduce the number of senators that we have who are dependent on fossil fuel contributions.” (U.S. Senate Debate, KTVK, 9/26/10)

AUDIO: In February 2022, Asked Whether ‘The Oil Industry’ Should Be Prohibited From Contributing To Out-Of-State Campaigns, Glassman Deflected But Then Said: “The Reality Is Is That Arizonans Should Be Determining Our Elections.” DAVE BELL: “So, that would include, say, the oil industry when they funded the anti-renewable energy proposition that was on the ballot a few years ago. They shouldn’t have been involved, correct?” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “I believe what you just described as the anti-renewable energy initiative was actually Tom Steyer out of California, a billionaire.” BELL: “No, no. He was for the renewable energy.” GLASSMAN: “The dollars on Prop. I believe it was 107. The reality is is that Arizonans should be determining our elections.” (“Voice Of The Valley,” Gila Valley Central, 2/10/22)

Green Energy

Glassman Said That The U.S. Should Follow China And Germany’s Lead On Subsidizing Green Energy Companies:

VIDEO: In September 2010, Glassman Said: “Green Jobs Are Arizona’s Future … China Is Not Waiting. Germany Is Not Waiting. We Shouldn’t Be Waiting.” GLASSMAN: “Green Jobs are Arizona’s future with over 340 days of sunlight and great universities. China is not waiting. Germany is not waiting. We shouldn’t be waiting. We need our federal government to be investing resources and developing solar industries right here in Arizona because those are the kinds of jobs that are going to be strong and are going to lead us into the future, and that’s what we need from our U.S. senator, someone who’s looking towards the future.” (U.S. Senate Debate, KTVK, 9/26/10)

• VIDEO: Glassman: “We Need To Be Focusing On Green Jobs For Arizona … That’s What We Need Right Now. Germany Is Not Waiting. China Is Not Waiting.” GLASSMAN: “We need to be focusing on green jobs for Arizona. It’s the kind of jobs that are going to create thousands of working families, getting them to be able to save their homes. That’s what we need right now. Germany is not waiting. China is not waiting. We have spectacular research institutions, and we need to have a senator championing reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.” (U.S. Senate Debate, KTVK, 9/26/10)

Glassman Pledged To “A Champion” For Green Energy Subsidies:

AUDIO: In July 2010, Glassman Said: “… I As Arizona’s Next U.S. Senator Will Be A Champion For Solar And Wind Energy Development …” GLASSMAN: “We as a nation need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and I as Arizona’s next U.S. senator will be a champion for solar and wind energy development in Arizona … We need a champion from Arizona that cares about solar development and that treats this new economy with the importance it requires because it means jobs for Arizonans. We need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.” (U.S. Senate Debate At Arizona Western College, 7/21/10)

VIDEO: In August 2010, Glassman Said: “… On The Tucson City Council, I Also Passed Ordinances To Ease Restriction For Photovoltaics.” GLASSMAN: “As a member of the Tucson City Council, I also passed ordinances to ease restriction for photovoltaics. So, what I plan on doing as Arizona’s next United States senator is going back to Washington, D.C., and being a champion for renewables.” (U.S. Senate Debate, 8/6/10)

In August 2010, Glassman Said: “The Solar Power Tax Credit Is Set To Expire In 2017, Which Makes It Harder For Companies To Make Long-Term Investments. We Need To Make That Permanent.” GLASSMAN: “The solar power tax credit is set to expire in 2017, which makes it harder for companies to make long-term investments. We need to make that permanent. If we are to truly make clean energy a priority, thus creating thousands of Arizona jobs, that priority should be reflected in our tax policy.” (“Candidate Q&A - Rodney Glassman,” Arizona Republic, Archived 8/19/10)

Sierra Club

Glassman Touted His Endorsement From The Sierra Club:

VIDEO: In September 2010, Glassman Said: “When I Ran For The Tucson City Council, I Wasn’t Just Endorsed By The Sierra Club …” GLASSMAN: “When I ran for the Tucson City Council, I wasn’t just endorsed by the Sierra Club and the labor unions and Planned Parenthood, I was also endorsed by the Tucson Association of Realtors and the Southern Arizona Home Builders. And, once elected, we worked on ordinances that were first of their kind in the country but important to our community: Rain water harvesting on all new commercial development, gray water plumbing on all new homes, because water is a key issue for our state.” (U.S. Senate Debate, KTVK, 9/26/10)

Affordable Care Act

Glassman Said That He “Most Certainly” Supports Obamacare:

In June 2010, Glassman Said That He “Most Certainly” Supports The Affordable Care Act. JIM NINTZEL: “Would you have voted in favor of the healthcare reform package?” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “Most certainly. We need healthcare reform.” (“Arizona Illustrated,” KUAT, 6/11/10)

In August 2010, Glassman Said: “The Health Care Reform Bill Is Not Perfect But It Is A Good First Step … I Would Push For Further Reforms Of The Insurance Industry, Such … Expanding Access To The Insurance Exchange To All Americans.” QUESTION: “How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the health-care-reform bill and would you support repealing and replacing it?” … GLASSMAN: “The health care reform bill is not perfect but it is a good first step. We now have measures that help seniors pay for prescription drugs. Health insurance companies can no longer deny coverage for people who are sick. As a U.S. Senator, I would push for further reforms of the insurance industry, such as ending their anti-trust exemption and expanding access to the insurance exchange to all Americans.” (“Candidate Q&A - Rodney Glassman,” Arizona Republic, Archived 8/19/10)

In October 2010, Asked Whether He Would Have Voted In Support Of The Affordable Care Act, Glassman “Said He Would Have Supported It.” “Rodney Glassman, a former Tucson city councilman and current Democratic challenger to Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain, stopped by Flagstaff on Tuesday afternoon as part of a campaign effort … Q: Would you have voted for or against the health care bill? A: He said he would have supported it, but he would like to see changes. He would reduce paperwork and bureaucracy for small businesses, reduce insurance companies’ profits, not allow them to just raise rates and keep profits the same or greater.” (Cyndy Cole, “Glassman: More Financial Oversight At Home,” Arizona Daily Sun, 10/13/10)

Single-Payer

Glassman “Supports A Government-Run” Health Care System:

In October 2010, Asked About His Preferred Health Care System, Glassman “Said He … Supports A Government-Run System.” “The differences between McCain and Glassman couldn’t be sharper. McCain voted against the health-care overhaul enacted earlier this year; Glassman said he would make changes but supports a government-run system like the one that members of Congress have.” (Ronald J. Hansen, “Arizona Senate Race: Rodney Glassman Has A Formidable Foe In John McCain,” Arizona Republic, 10/9/10)

2008 Bailout

Glassman Expressed Support For The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) … Despite Claiming To Oppose It Two Months Earlier:

In August 2010, Glassman Said: “I Would Not Have Supported Giving The $700 Billion Bailout To Wall Street Without Better Assurance That Our Taxpayer Dollars Would Be Used Effectively.” QUESTION: “What is your opinion about the way Congress responded to the financial crisis? Please explain your position on the bailouts and the 2009 economic stimulus package and what additional action, if any, is needed?” GLASSMAN: “John McCain and the let-it-ride crowd in Washington and on Wall Street pushed the economy over a cliff. I would not have supported giving the $700 billion bailout to Wall Street without better assurance that our taxpayer dollars would be used effectively.” (“Candidate Q&A - Rodney Glassman,” Arizona Republic, Archived 8/19/10)

In October 2010, Asked How He Would Have ‘Voted On TARP,’ Glassman Responded: “I Would Have Wanted To Support The Legislation But Would Have Made Sure There Were More Strings Attached So That It Was Spent Appropriately.” “Rodney Glassman, a former Tucson city councilman and current Democratic challenger to Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain, stopped by Flagstaff on Tuesday afternoon as part of a campaign effort … Question: How would you have voted on TARP? Answer: ‘I would have wanted to support the legislation but would have made sure there were more strings attached so that it was spent appropriately. What’s been missing has been a watchdog, making sure our tax dollars are spent appropriately.’” (Cyndy Cole, “Glassman: More Financial Oversight At Home,” Arizona Daily Sun, 10/13/10)

Deleted Videos

Glassman Has Wiped Six Videos — Three Debates, Two TV Interviews, And His Widely-Mocked “Sweet Home Alabama” Rendition — From His YouTube Account:

In November 2009, Glassman Was Interviewed On Television. (“Arizona Public Media - Councilman Tests Waters,” Rodney Glassman For US Senate, 11/10/09)

• Glassman Uploaded A Video Of The Interview Onto His YouTube Channel. (“Arizona Public Media - Rodney Glassman - Councilman Tests Waters,” YouTube, Uploaded 11/11/09)
• Glassman Has Turned The YouTube Video On “Private” Mode As Of 2025, Making It Unavailable To The Public. (YouTube, Accessed May 2026)
• Glassman Still Controls This YouTube Account, Having Uploaded A Video Of Himself Singing In Late 2023. (Rodney Glassman, YouTube, Accessed May 2026; “Color Guard + Anthem,” YouTube, Uploaded 12/13/23)

In July 2010, Glassman Attended A Democratic Primary Debate. “Former Tucson City Councilman Rodney Glassman’s frequent usage of bureaucratic buzzwords like ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ provided the only spark in the first debate among Democratic U.S. Senate hopefuls. The moderator of the televised event, hosted by KTVK in Phoenix, asked Glassman how he would carry out his promises of more ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the Senate office.” (Andrea Kelly, “Few Sparks In Dems’ 1st Senate Debate,” Arizona Daily Star, 7/11/10)

• Glassman Uploaded A Video Of The Full Debate Onto His YouTube Channel. (“Channel 3 Democratic Senate Debate - Phoenix,” YouTube, Uploaded 7/13/10)
• Glassman Has Turned The YouTube Video On “Private” Mode As Of 2025, Making It Unavailable To The Public. (YouTube, Accessed May 2026)
• Glassman Still Controls This YouTube Account, Having Uploaded A Video Of Himself Singing In Late 2023. (Rodney Glassman, YouTube, Accessed May 2026; “Color Guard + Anthem,” YouTube, Uploaded 12/13/23)

In July 2010, Glassman Attended A Democratic Primary Debate. “Four Democratic candidates who are seeking their party’s nomination to run for a chance to represent Arizona in the U.S. Senate squared off face to face Wednesday during a debate at Arizona Western College. The four candidates — Cathy Eden, John Dougherty, Randy Parraz and Rodney Glassman — answered questions fielded by a panel of journalists concerning topics important to Arizona and what they would do, if elected, in the U.S. Senate. The debate was recorded and replayed later on KAWC 88.9 FM, the college radio station.” (Chris McDaniel, “Democratic U.S. Senate Candidates Square Off,” Yuma Sun, 7/21/10)

• Glassman Uploaded A Video Of The Full Debate Onto His YouTube Channel. (“KAWC Democratic Senate Debate - Yuma,” YouTube, Uploaded 7/22/10)
• Glassman Has Turned The YouTube Video On “Private” Mode As Of 2025, Making It Unavailable To The Public. (YouTube, Accessed May 2026)
• Glassman Still Controls This YouTube Account, Having Uploaded A Video Of Himself Singing In Late 2023. (Rodney Glassman, YouTube, Accessed May 2026; “Color Guard + Anthem,” YouTube, Uploaded 12/13/23)

In September 2010, Glassman Attended General Election Debate. “During the hourlong televised debate, McCain drew on many of the positions that helped him carry Arizona in the 2008 presidential race, pushing for a more secure border, the need for lower taxes and promising honesty in office. He rarely acknowledged Democratic challenger Rodney Glassman … The debate, broadcast live on Channel 3 (KTVK), offered sharp contrasts but was largely without ugly rhetorical fireworks.” (Ronald J. Hansen, “U.S. Senate Candidates Square Off,” Arizona Republic, 9/27/10)

• Glassman Uploaded A Video Of The Full Debate Onto His YouTube Channel. (“Arizona U.S. Senate Debate,” YouTube, Uploaded 9/28/10)
• Glassman Has Turned The YouTube Video On “Private” Mode As Of 2025, Making It Unavailable To The Public. (YouTube, Accessed May 2026)
• Glassman Still Controls This YouTube Account, Having Uploaded A Video Of Himself Singing In Late 2023. (Rodney Glassman, YouTube, Accessed May 2026; “Color Guard + Anthem,” YouTube, Uploaded 12/13/23)

In October 2010, Glassman Filmed A Video Of Himself Performing A Political Rendition Of “Sweet Home Alabama.” “It’s not the kind of commercial you’d expect from a U.S. Senate candidate. Underdog Democrat Rodney Glassman posted a four-minute Web video Monday in which he sings his criticism of Republican incumbent John McCain in a takeoff of the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic ‘Sweet Home Alabama.’ ‘Sweet home Arizona, where the skies are so blue,’ Glassman sings in the refrain. ‘Sweet home Arizona, John, it’s time to retire you.’” (“Ariz. US Senate Candidate Posts Unorthodox Video,” Associated Press, 10/19/10)

• Glassman Uploaded A Video Of The Full Debate Onto His YouTube Channel. (“Rodney Glassman - Sweet Home Arizona,” YouTube, Uploaded 10/18/10)
• Glassman Has Turned The YouTube Video On “Private” Mode As Of 2025, Making It Unavailable To The Public. (YouTube, Accessed May 2026)
• Glassman Still Controls This YouTube Account, Having Uploaded A Video Of Himself Singing In Late 2023. (Rodney Glassman, YouTube, Accessed May 2026; “Color Guard + Anthem,” YouTube, Uploaded 12/13/23)

In October 2010, Glassman Was Interviewed On Television. (“FOX10 - Arizona Needs Consistency,” Rodney Glassman For US Senate, 10/20/10)

• Glassman Uploaded A Video Of The Interview Onto His YouTube Channel. (“FOX10-PHX Rodney Glassman: Arizona Needs Consistency,” YouTube, Uploaded 10/20/10)
• Glassman Has Turned The YouTube Video On “Private” Mode As Of 2025, Making It Unavailable To The Public. (YouTube, Accessed May 2026)
• Glassman Still Controls This YouTube Account, Having Uploaded A Video Of Himself Singing In Late 2023. (Rodney Glassman, YouTube, Accessed May 2026; “Color Guard + Anthem,” YouTube, Uploaded 12/13/23)

Law Enforcement

Glassman Was Criticized For His “Unprofessional And Unethical” Behavior Toward Law Enforcement … After Which Even Regina Romero Called On Him To Be “More Sensitive” And “Behave Ourselves As Elected Officials”:

In April 2008, The Tucson Police Officers Association “Call[ed] For Councilman Rodney Glassman To Be Removed” From The City’s Subcommittee On Public Safety. “Tucson Police Officers Association President Larry Lopez contends a lack of officers on the street and pay that is slipping below comparable cities in Maricopa County are hurting morale. Lopez upped the ante in the growing dispute this week by accusing City Manager Mike Hein of manipulating and withholding budget figures and by calling for Councilman Rodney Glassman to be removed from a city panel for making ‘anti-union’ statements.” (Rob O’Dell, “Police Union Verbally Attacks City Hall,” Arizona Daily Star, 4/26/08)

• Glassman “Made Anti-Union Statements” And “Quizz[ed] A TPOA Detective On Why He Wasn’t Wearing A Uniform, And Commented, ‘‘If I Had Your Union President, I Wouldn’t Wear My Uniform, Either.” “TPOA officials say Glassman made anti-union statements to a police detective during a break in the last subcommittee meeting. Lopez said Glassman was quizzing a TPOA detective on why he wasn’t wearing a uniform, and commented, ‘‘If I had your union president, I wouldn’t wear my uniform, either.’” (Rob O’Dell, “Police Union Verbally Attacks City Hall,” Arizona Daily Star, 4/26/08)
• Glassman Also Was Criticized For “Unprofessional And Unethical” Behavior After He “Quizzed A Number Of On-Duty Officers As To Whether They Live In [Tucson]” Since He Is “An Outspoken Advocate Of All City Employees Living In The City.” “Union officials are also offended that Glassman quizzed a number of on-duty officers as to whether they live in the city. Glassman, an outspoken advocate of all city employees living in the city, said he hoped more officers would be city residents so they could better create a ‘community policing’ program. Lopez blasted Glassman’s position as ‘unprofessional and unethical,’ saying the Tucson Unified School District is the main reason officers don’t live in the city.” (Rob O’Dell, “Police Union Verbally Attacks City Hall,” Arizona Daily Star, 4/26/08)
• Regina Romero “Said She Doesn’t Support Glassman’s Ouster But Acknowledged That He Elicited The Controversy.” “Romero said she doesn’t support Glassman’s ouster but acknowledged that he elicited the controversy.” (Rob O’Dell, “Police Union Verbally Attacks City Hall,” Arizona Daily Star, 4/26/08)
• Regina Romero: “We Need To Behave Ourselves As Elected Officials … He Needs To Be A Little More Sensitive About His Comments.” “‘We need to behave ourselves as elected officials,’ Romero said. ‘He needs to be a little more sensitive about his comments. I like Rodney, I campaigned with Rodney and will not call for his removal from the subcommittee.’” (Rob O’Dell, “Police Union Verbally Attacks City Hall,” Arizona Daily Star, 4/26/08)

Plagiarism

Glassman Was Accused Of Plagiarizing His PhD Dissertation:

In September 2010, Glassman “Fac[ed] Allegations He Plagiarized Some Parts Of His Dissertation” After It Was Discovered That It “Has Many Passages That Match, Nearly Word For Word, Previously Published Scientific Works By Others.” “U.S. Senate candidate Rodney Glassman is facing allegations he plagiarized some parts of his dissertation for his doctorate in arid land resource sciences. The 246-page dissertation, completed in 2005, has many passages that match, nearly word for word, previously published scientific works by others … Stuart Marsh, a professor who served on the dissertation committee, declined to comment, citing privacy concerns. James Knight, who also served on the committee, said he had not heard of the allegations and had not had a chance to see any of the documentation. He said direct passages from other works are required to have the proper citation.” (Rhonda Bodfield, “Glassman’s Ph.D. Work Questioned,” Arizona Daily Star, 9/30/10)

• Associated Press: “… Glassman’s Dissertation … Contains At Least Five Identical Or Nearly Identical Sentences From Earlier Works Without Direct Attribution Or Footnotes …” “The Democrat who is challenging Republican John McCain in Arizona’s U.S. Senate race denied allegations that his 2005 doctoral dissertation contains sentences plagiarized from other researchers. Rodney Glassman’s dissertation on teaching children about agriculture contains at least five identical or nearly identical sentences from earlier works without direct attribution or footnotes that reference other authors.” (Jacques Billeaud, “Glassman Denies Plagiarism In His Ph.D. Paper,” Associated Press, 9/30/10)
• Phoenix New Times: “… It Seems Glassman Actually Plagiarized A Good Chunk Of His 246-Page Dissertation …” “However, it seems Glassman actually plagiarized a good chunk of his 246-page dissertation on the (ahem) thrilling topic of arid-land-resource sciences, which is a pretty big deal.” (James King, “Did You Hear Rodney Glassman Plagiarized His Ph.D. Dissertation? John McCain Wants To Tell You All About It In New Ad,” Phoenix New Times, 10/4/10)
• New York Times: “… Glassman … He Has Been Forced To Defend His 246-Page Doctoral Dissertation …” “Rodney Glassman, the Arizona Democrat running an uphill battle to unseat Senator John McCain, has found his campaign thrown off track in recent days as he has been forced to defend his 246-page doctoral dissertation on arid land resource sciences.” (Marc Lacey, “Democrat Running Against McCain Fights Plagiarism Claims,” New York Times, 10/1/10)
• VIDEO: John McCain Advertisement: “Character Matters. Rodney Glassman? Glassman Was Caught Cheating His Way To A PhD, Plagiarizing In His Dissertation … Truly Bizarre.” NARRATOR: “Character matters. Rodney Glassman? Glassman was caught cheating his way to a PhD, plagiarizing in his dissertation. ‘I’m proud of the dissertation that I wrote.’ ‘He wrote’? Complete passages are found word for word in other works. Contains at least five identical or nearly identical sentences from earlier works by other authors. Some of it was written by someone else. Truly bizarre. No surprise: Glassman is the same candidate who’s plagiarized Obama’s failed economic policies — more taxes, more spending, more debt — and we all know how that’s turned out. Rodney Glassman: Liberal, out of touch, plagiarizer. Character matters.” (“Rodney Glassman: Plagiarizer,” Friends Of John McCain, 10/3/10)

Refusal To Debate

Glassman “Was A No-Show” At A 2007 City Council Debate:

In September 2007, Glassman “Was A No-Show” At A Candidate Debate Because “He Was Returning From A Long-Scheduled Presentation In England Having To Do With His Doctoral Dissertation On Arid Lands.” “City Council primary election opponents Regina Romero and Kenneth Green declared their difference in background, rather than policy, during the final candidate forum before Tuesday’s primary … Romero and Green are squaring off in one race, while business owner Robert Reus and U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva’s former business liaison, Rodney Glassman, face one another in the Ward 2 Democratic primary. Glassman was a no-show. He was returning from a long-scheduled presentation in England having to do with his doctoral dissertation on arid lands.” (Blake Morlock, “2 Council Hopefuls Differ Little On Policy,” Tucson Citizen, 9/7/07)

Glassman Was Criticized For Refusing To Attend 2010 U.S. Senate Debates And For Trying To Ban Video Cameras At One Of His Meet-And-Greets:

In June 2010, Glassman Was “The Only One Who Didn’t Respond” To An Invitation To Debate His Democratic Primary Opponents In The U.S. Senate Race. “The first Democrat to announce his U.S. Senate candidacy earlier this year may be notably absent from debates between the Democratic candidates vying for John McCain’s seat. Last week candidate John Dougherty asked fellow primary contenders Cathy Eden, Randy Parraz and Rodney Glassman if they wanted to debate in Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff. He asked them to respond by noon Tuesday so the campaigns could begin the coordinating schedules and planning the events. The only one who didn’t respond was Glassman, a former Tucson City Council member.” (Andrea Kelly, “Glassman Uncertain He Will Be At Debates,” Arizona Daily Star, 6/9/10; James King, “Is U.S. Senate Candidate Rodney Glassman Duckin’ Fellow Candidate John Dougherty? The Former New Times Scribe Thinks So,” Phoenix New Times, 6/8/10)

• VIDEO: Arizona Public Media: “… At Least This Person, And I Imagine There Are Others, Got The Impression That You Were Avoiding That Debate.” LINDA VALDEZ: “In this situation, at least this person, and I imagine there are others, got the impression that you were avoiding that debate. I wanted to give you the chance to directly address this particular situation.” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “My campaign has received invitations and continues to receive invitations from traditional organizations that operate debates and we’re continuing to look at scheduling those, and you can rest assured that in time those will be occurring, but they’re going to be occurring as we move forward.” (“Arizona Illustrated,” Arizona Public Media, 6/11/10)
• VIDEO: Glassman: “There Will Be Plenty Of Time For Debates. My Campaign Has Received Requests And My Campaign Staff Is Working With Those Requests …” LINDA VALDEZ: “There was a letter to the editor in the Star this morning from someone who was criticizing you in connection with the debates and said that, ‘If you would,’ as they put it, ‘shy away from a debate with your fellow Democrats, how could you be ready to deal with Washington?’ I’d like to give you a chance to respond to that whole issue.” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “There will be plenty of time for debates. My campaign has received requests and my campaign staff is working with those requests to make sure that we’re able to talk to as many Arizonans as possible.” (“Arizona Illustrated,” Arizona Public Media, 6/11/10)
• Blog For Arizona: “It Is Now One Week And Counting, And Still No Announcement From The Glassman Campaign That He Has Agreed To Debate.” “Which brings me to two press releases Blog for Arizona received on Monday. As readers know, U.S. Senate candidate Rodney Glassman has been under fire recently for not agreeing to a series of debates with his primary opponents. It is now one week and counting, and still no announcement from the Glassman campaign that he has agreed to debate.” (“A Tale of Two Press Releases,” Blog For Arizona, 6/15/10)

One Week Later, Ahead Of A ‘Drinking Liberally’ Meet-And-Greet, Glassman “Requested That Event Organizers Discourage The Use Of Video Cameras.” “Last night, Rodney Glassman, former Tucson City Council Member, appeared at Drinking Liberally … According to an email circulating the DL listserv, Glassman’s campaign - fearing a political ambush - requested that event organizers discourage the use of video cameras at last night’s meet-and-greet. This request translated into the owner of The Shanty (where the event was hosted) stipulating that Three Sonorans (and possibly other attendees) leave their cameras in their cars so that the bar didn’t become a political warzone. At this point, I want to note how bizarre it was that cameras were barred last night.” (“Is Rodney Glassman Having A Sarah Palin Moment?” Blog For Arizona, 6/21/10)

• Video Cameras Had “Always Been Allowed At Every Meet-And-Greet.” “DL’s mission is to increase political participation in part by facilitating access between voters and candidates — which video recording clearly does. Cameras have always been allowed at every meet-and-greet hosted by DL that I have ever attended, even when event organizers were aware of a potential political ambush.” (“Is Rodney Glassman Having A Sarah Palin Moment?” Blog For Arizona, 6/21/10)

2009 Stimulus Package

Glassman Expressed Support For “A Second Stimulus” Package (In Addition To The 2009 Stimulus Package):

In July 2010, Glassman Said: “… We Need A Second Stimulus … As A U.S. Senator I’m Going To Champion A Second Stimulus Program …” “Well Frank, we need a second stimulus. The reality is that the first stimulus package worked. It began creating jobs — infrastructure jobs, quality jobs — for Arizona. But we still live in a state where more than 50 percent of our homeowners are upside down on their home mortgages. We still live in a state where teachers and police officers are being threatened with layoffs because our tax base is not strong. … As a U.S. Senator I’m going to champion a second stimulus program that’s going to create infrastructure jobs, that’s actually going to get workers back to work.” (U.S. Senate Debate, KTVK, 7/9/10)

In August 2010, Glassman Said: “Injecting Stimulus Into The Economy Was Necessary.” QUESTION: “What is your opinion about the way Congress responded to the financial crisis? Please explain your position on the bailouts and the 2009 economic stimulus package and what additional action, if any, is needed?” … GLASSMAN: “Injecting stimulus into the economy was necessary. If we had followed John McCain’s policies, we would have been thrown into a full-blown depression. With unemployment still too high today, Arizona’s U.S. Senator should be pushing for more to be done to get Arizonans back to work, either through direct spending, targeted tax credits, or both.” (“Candidate Q&A - Rodney Glassman,” Arizona Republic, Archived 8/19/10)

VIDEO: In September 2010, Glassman Said: “We Need A Second Stimulus, And That Stimulus Needs To Be Focused On Infrastructure …” FRANK CAMACHO: “What should the Congress do to stop the flow of capital to China, and should we try to lure manufacturing jobs back to the United States? And how do we do that?” … RODNEY GLASSMAN: “The reality is: We need someone focused on creating jobs here at home. We need a second stimulus, and that stimulus needs to be focused on infrastructure jobs to get Arizonans working again, building our bridges, protecting our infrastructure, and making sure that our tax dollars stay home.” (U.S. Senate Debate, KTVK, 9/26/10)

In October 2010, Glassman “Called The Stimulus Disappointing But Thinks In Some Ways It Wasn’t Large Enough.” “The differences between McCain and Glassman couldn’t be sharper … McCain thinks the $862 billion stimulus was a failure and laments a smaller package he sponsored wasn’t adopted instead. Glassman called the stimulus disappointing but thinks in some ways it wasn’t large enough. In particular, he wants additional spending on infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges to create work and improve communities.” (Ronald J. Hansen, “Arizona Senate Race: Rodney Glassman Has A Formidable Foe In John McCain,” Arizona Republic, 10/9/10)

Audit Commission

Glassman Was The Sole Vote Against An Audit Commission Reviewing The City Of Tucson’s Financial Decisions:

In July 2008, Glassman “Gave The Sole ‘No’ Vote” On An Ordinance To Create An Audit Commission Comprised Of A Paid Auditor And Two Commissioners “To Review Finance And Ethics Decisions” Made By City Government. “She asked the council Tuesday to discuss the creation of an audit commission, listing her Sun Tran questions as an example of an issue that the auditor could investigate. Before going into executive session, the council voted 6-1 to begin those talks in August. Councilman Rodney Glassman gave the sole ‘no’ vote because he thought the public needed an opportunity to provide input before the proposal was put on the council’s agenda. As proposed, the commission would be comprised of a paid auditor and two commissioners. Its primary function would be to review finance and ethics decisions, according to Uhlich’s memo, in which she alluded to several other cities’ audit functions.” (Carli Brosseau, “Council Keep Hein, Weighs Financial Review Panel,” Tucson Citizen, 7/2/08)

Low-Flow Toilets

Glassman Proposed A Motion To Spend $260,000 In City Funds Each Year To Replace Existing Toilets In People’s Homes With Low-Flow Toilets:

In April 2008, Glassman “Drafted The Low-Flow Toilet Change Motion” Under Which The City Of Tucson Would Start “Paying To Replace Toilets” In Homes. “Councilman Rodney Glassman, who drafted the low-flow toilet change motion with Councilwoman Regina Romero, said paying to replace toilets would allow the city to target older homes as well as low-income homeowners and senior citizens who may not be able to install or pay for a toilet themselves. The city also would have greater control over what kind of toilets are purchased to ensure that residents receive a toilet that is properly installed, works well and uses water efficiently, he said.” (Eric Sagara, “City Council May Revamp Low-Flow Toilet Program,” Tucson Citizen, 4/16/08)

• Under Glassman’s Proposal, Tucson Water “Would Partner With Plumber And Pipe Fitter Unions To Pay For The Purchase And Installation Of The Water-Saving Toilets In Select Homes.” “The council also voted to include a proposal that would eliminate rebates for the installation of low-flow toilets in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. In its place, Tucson Water would partner with plumber and pipe fitter unions to pay for the purchase and installation of the water-saving toilets in select homes. The city had been providing $75 rebates for the low-flow toilets and had budgeted $260,000 for them in the first year of Tucson’s new water conservation program.” (Eric Sagara, “City Council May Revamp Low-Flow Toilet Program,” Tucson Citizen, 4/16/08)
• Tucson Water Was Then Directed To Draft A Proposal Outlining How The $260,000 Annual Expenditure “Could Be Used To Buy And Install The Toilets Instead Of Supplying Rebates.” “Tucson Water officials will have until the May 20 meeting to draft a proposal outlining how the $260,000 could be used to buy and install the toilets instead of supplying rebates.” (Eric Sagara, “City Council May Revamp Low-Flow Toilet Program,” Tucson Citizen, 4/16/08)

Plastic Bags

Glassman Used His Government Budget To Purchase Canvas Tote Bags With The Phrase “I’m Going Green” As Part Of His Push To Curb The Use Of Plastic Bags:

In November 2008, Glassman And Another Councilman “Purchased ‘I’m Going Green’ Canvas Tote Bags With Their Office Budgets To Promote Commercial Recycling.” “On Tuesday, the City Council will look at ways to discourage use of the bags and encourage recycling to reduce what it calls a community nuisance. The council will discuss a number of ordinances from cities throughout the country that have already passed laws to curb the use of plastic bags, including Seattle and San Francisco, which moved to tax the bags … Councilman Rodney Glassman, who along with Mayor Bob Walkup has been promoting canvas bags, said reducing the use of plastic bags is a must for the environment. Glassman and Walkup purchased ‘I’m going green’ canvas tote bags with their office budgets to promote commercial recycling, but the bags can also be used for groceries.” (Rob O’Dell, “City Looks To Put Lid On Plastic Bags,” Arizona Daily Star, 11/2/08)

• Glassman “It Sort Of Caught On Fire … Using A Canvas Bag Is A Natural Extension Of Green Living.” “Glassman said he is getting more and more orders for the bags from businesses. ‘It sort of caught on fire,’ Glassman said. ‘Using a canvas bag is a natural extension of green living.’” (Rob O’Dell, “City Looks To Put Lid On Plastic Bags,” Arizona Daily Star, 11/2/08)

Bus Fare

Glassman Voted To Hike Bus Fares By $2 Million Per Year:

In June 2008, Glassman Was Absent From A Vote About Whether To Hike “The One-Way Bus Fare To $1.25 From $1” In Order To Raise $2 Million In City Revenue. “An irked City Council refused Tuesday to approve increases in Sun Tran fares requested by city transportation officials. It instead ordered fares and routes to remain intact until a task force can look for alternatives to increases. The process could take about six months. City transportation officials had proposed raising the one-way bus fare to $1.25 from $1, and raising other fares … The council voted 5-1 to delay the increases. Mayor Bob Walkup voted for them. City Councilman Rodney Glassman was absent.” (Garry Duffy And Carli Brosseau, “Irate Council Says No To Higher Bus Fares,” Tucson Citizen, 6/18/08)

• However, Glassman Later “Said He Supported The Fare Increase.” “The council needs to be honest about what it costs to provide services, Glassman said. He said he supported the fare increase last June when it was first proposed.” (Garry Duffy And Carli Brosseau, “Irate Council Says No To Higher Bus Fares,” Tucson Citizen, 6/18/08)

In April 2009, Glassman Voted To Hike Sun Tran Bus Fares. (Ordinance Number 10672: Adopted 6-1-0, Tucson City Council, 6/2/09)

• Glassman’s Vote Hike Regular Fares From $1 To $1.25, Day Passes From $2 To $3, And Monthly Passes From $28 To $35 In Order To Raise $1.8 Million In City Revenue. “The council voted 7-0 to increase most bus fares, which will generate $1.8 million for the city … If the tentative approval stands, a regular fare will go from $1 to $1.25, day passes from $2 to $3 and monthly passes from $28 to $35 … This year’s proposal raises $1.8 million in revenue, while last year’s proposal would have raised $2 million.” (Rob O’Dell, “City Tentatively OKs Bus-Fare Hikes,” Arizona Daily Star, 4/29/09)
• Glassman Also Argued During The Initial Fare Hike Vote That “The $2 Million That Would Have Been Raised From The Bus Fares The Council Spurned Last Year Could Have Gone To Balance This Year’s Budget.” “Councilman Rodney Glassman contended Tuesday the $2 million that would have been raised from the bus fares the council spurned last year could have gone to balance this year’s budget and put the city in a better position.” (Rob O’Dell, “City Tentatively OKs Bus-Fare Hikes,” Arizona Daily Star, 4/29/09)

Corporate Tax

Glassman Said That “Cutting Taxes For Large Corporations Isn’t The Answer”:

VIDEO: In September 2010, Glassman Said: “What Is Your Plan For Getting Arizonans Back To Work? Because Cutting Taxes For Large Corporations Isn’t The Answer …” GLASSMAN: “My question to John McCain is: What is your plan for getting Arizonans back to work? Because cutting taxes for large corporations isn’t the answer for the working families of Arizona, and that’s what we’d like to see. It’s time to turn the page.” (U.S. Senate Debate, KTVK, 9/26/10)

Glassman Called On Congress To “Eliminate The Giant Tax Cuts And Credits … To Big Oil Companies”:

VIDEO: In September 2010, Glassman Said: “If We’re Talking About Things To Eliminate, We Could Eliminate The Giant Tax Cuts And Credits That Are Afforded By The United States Senate And Congress To Big Oil Companies.” GLASSMAN: “The working families of Arizona, when times get tough, we prioritize. And that’s what we need to be doing in Washington, D.C. If we’re talking about things to eliminate, we could eliminate the giant tax cuts and credits that are afforded by the United States Senate and Congress to big oil companies. If we truly want to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, let’s strategically invest in those areas as well.” (U.S. Senate Debate, KTVK, 9/26/10)

Garbage Fee

Glassman Opposed Proposition 200, Which Would Have Repealed The City’s $24 Million Annual Garbage Fee:

In October 2007, Glassman “Said He Opposes Proposition 200” Because “He … Was Concerned About The Loss Of $24 Million” In City Tax Revenue. “Republican Lori Oien, who is running in Ward 2, said the measure has ‘too many unintended consequences.’ She questioned what services residents would want cut because eliminating the garbage fee would take $24 million from the city’s budget. Her Democratic opponent, Rodney Glassman, said he opposes Proposition 200, but said it is ‘a call to action’ because the region is running out of water. He called for all new houses built in Tucson to be plumbed with gray-water systems to help conserve water. He also was concerned about the loss of $24 million.” (Rob O’Dell, “5 Of 7 Hopefuls At Forum Oppose City’s Prop. 200,” Arizona Daily Star, 10/4/07)

• Proposition 200 Would Have Repealed The City’s $14 Per Month Garbage Fee. “City voters also will decide two ballot propositions on Nov. 6: … Proposition 200 is a series of measures that among other things would repeal the city’s $14 monthly garbage fee, restrict future water hookups and ban direct home delivery of treated and recharged effluent.” (Tim Ellis, “2 Council Seats At Stake,” Arizona Daily Star, 10/4/07)
• Glassman: “I Do Not Support Proposition 200” Because It Is “Irresponsible To Take Away $24 Million Of Revenue” From City Government. QUESTION: “Give detailed reasons for your support of or opposition to Prop. 200.” GLASSMAN: “I do not support Proposition 200. While it is irresponsible of our city to continue to sprawl and allow developers to blade our desert without ensuring our water future, it is also irresponsible to take away $24 million of revenue that is currently being used to hire new police officers, new firefighters, build new parks and repave our crumbling streets.” (“Profiles Of The Candidates: Rodney Glassman, Democrat,” Arizona Daily Star, 10/21/07)
• However, Glassman Also Said That He Was “Adamantly Opposed To The Way The $14 Garbage Fee Was Implemented” Because “I Do Not Believe That The Fee Is Fair To All Tucsonans.” QUESTION: “What is your stance on the city’s $14 garbage pickup fee?” GLASSMAN: “I am adamantly opposed to the way the $14 garbage fee was implemented. I do not believe that the fee is fair to all Tucsonans nor that it was established in a thoughtful way. I believe that the city should do more to promote its fee waiver to those below the poverty level.” (“Profiles Of The Candidates: Rodney Glassman, Democrat,” Arizona Daily Star, 10/21/07)

Glassman Voted To Increase Commercial Dumping Fees At Los Reales Landfill:

In June 2008, Glassman Voted To Increase Commercial Dumping Fees At Los Reales Landfill. (Ordinance Number 10539: Adopted 6-0-1, Tucson City Council, 6/3/08; “How They Voted,” Arizona Daily Star, 6/8/08)

Income Tax

Glassman Said That “We Have To Expand The Tax Base” And Refused To Answer Whether He Supports Tax Relief For Individuals:

AUDIO: In August 2010, Asked Whether He Supports ‘Cutting The Tax Rate For Corporations And Individuals,’ Glassman Refused To Answer ‘Yes’ Or ‘No.’ CHRIS DESIMONE: “Are you in favor of cutting the tax rate for corporations and individuals to incentivize people to, you know, have a little extra money like a Joe Higgins with his garbage company and his hair-cutting companies to reinvest it in people and business?” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “I’m in favor of us of having a tax code that is strategic, that incentivizes small businesses in the United States —” DESIMONE: “So, you’re not in favor of cuts? You’re not in favor of tax cuts, though? You like incentives, but not tax cuts.” GLASSMAN: “We need a targeted tax code, a tax code that incentivizes people to create jobs in the United States.” (“Wake Up Tucson,” KVOI, 8/2/10)

• AUDIO: Glassman: “… We Have To Expand The Tax Base.” CHRIS DESIMONE: “I know John McCain has done a horrible job with this. I agree with that. Okay. What does Rodney Glassman do to help fix that?” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “We have to stimulate the economy. We have to —” DESIMONE: “By spending more tax dollars.” GLASSMAN: “And we have to expand the tax base.” (“Wake Up Tucson,” KVOI, 8/2/10)

Glassman Called For Letting The Bush Tax Cuts Expire:

In August 2010, Glassman Said That The U.S. Will “See A Reduction In The Deficit” Once “The Bush Tax Cuts For The Rich Expire.” QUESTION: “What specific cuts in spending or tax increases would you recommend to bring the federal budget into balance?” … GLASSMAN: “Second, I would ask the Government Accountability Office and Congressional Budget Office to look for specific redundancies so we can eliminate waste. As we draw down our troops and the Bush tax cuts for the rich expire, we see a reduction in the deficit.” (“Candidate Q&A - Rodney Glassman,” Arizona Republic, Archived 8/19/10)

Property Tax

Glassman Supported Proposition 403, Which Would Have Hiked Property Taxes By $28 Million Per Year:

In October 2008, Glassman Sponsored An Event In Support Of Proposition 403. “City Councilman Rodney Glassman is sponsoring a Prop. 403 benefit from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 12 at Golf N Stuff, 6503 E. Tanque Verde Road. A $20 ticket will provide a free round of mini-golf, four arcade tokens and access to four attractions, such as laser tag, bumper boats and go-karts. Ticket purchasers also will be entered in a raffle for a free year of unlimited miniature golf for the family. To order tickets, send e-mail to investinourkids [at] gmail [dot] com, or call 762-6903.” (Rhonda Bodfield, “TUSD Facing A Tough Sell On Spending Hike,” Arizona Daily Star, 10/5/08)

• Voters Rejected Proposition 403, A Budget Override That Would Have Raised $28 Million Per Year By Hiking Property Taxes “By About $128 Per Year For The Average Homeowner In The Tucson District.” “Voters defeated Proposition 403 Tuesday night, by a margin of 52 to 48 percent. The budget override would have pumped an extra $28 million per year into the TUSD budget for five years. The money would have come from raising the property tax by about $128 per year for the average homeowner in the Tucson district.” (Teresa Jun, “TUSD Deals With Proposition 403 Defeat,” KOLD, 11/6/08)

Rental Tax

Glassman Pushed For The Establishment Of “A Rental Tax Of 0.5 Percent Or Larger Per Month” — He Was “Especially Interested” In This Tax Hike — Because He Wanted To “See How Much Money We Could Raise”:

In May 2008, Glassman Launched “Preliminary” Talks With Other Councilmembers About “Instituting A Tax On Apartment Renters” And “Adding Another $1 To The City’s Hotel Bed Tax.” “Seeking money for expanding programs in tough economic times, several Democratic City Council members are floating new taxes and tax hikes to pay for more police officers and affordable housing. The potential taxes include: raising the sales tax; adding another $1 to the city’s hotel bed tax; instituting a tax on apartment renters; and instituting a tax on money generated from advertising. Council members involved - including Regina Romero, Rodney Glassman and Karin Uhlich - insist their talks of higher taxes are preliminary.” (Rob O’Dell, “Tax Plan May Fund Police, Homes,” Arizona Daily Star, 5/12/08)

• “… It’s Clear They Are Serious About Their Intentions Of Hiking Taxes.” “But through interviews and requests the three have made of the city staff, it’s clear they are serious about their intentions of hiking taxes.” (Rob O’Dell, “Tax Plan May Fund Police, Homes,” Arizona Daily Star, 5/12/08)
• Glassman: “We’re Looking At All The Options … We Want To See How Much Money We Could Raise.” “‘We’re looking at all the options,’ Glassman said of the taxes to fund affordable housing and potentially public safety. ‘We want to see how much money we could raise.’” (Rob O’Dell, “Tax Plan May Fund Police, Homes,” Arizona Daily Star, 5/12/08)
• Glassman’s Subcommittee “Asked The Staff To Return With Projected Revenue To Be Gained From Adding $1 To The City’s Hotel Bed Tax, Instituting An Advertising Tax Of Between 2 Percent And 3 Percent And Creating A Rental Tax Of 0.5 Percent Or Larger Per Month.” “And the council’s subcommittee on Children, Families and Seniors - which is made up of Romero, Glassman and Uhlich - has asked the staff to return with projected revenue to be gained from adding $1 to the city’s hotel bed tax, instituting an advertising tax of between 2 percent and 3 percent and creating a rental tax of 0.5 percent or larger per month.” (Rob O’Dell, “Tax Plan May Fund Police, Homes,” Arizona Daily Star, 5/12/08)
• “Glassman Said Tucson Is The Only City In The State That Does Not Have A Rental Tax, Which Makes Him Especially Interested In It.” “Glassman said Tucson is the only city in the state that does not have a rental tax, which makes him especially interested in it. Romero said Tucson is the only city in the state that doesn’t have a rental or advertising tax.” (Rob O’Dell, “Tax Plan May Fund Police, Homes,” Arizona Daily Star, 5/12/08)
• The Tucson Citizen’s Editorial Board Criticized The “Uhlich-Glassman-Romero Fantasy World” — “Pure And Dangerous Fantasy” — In Which “Renters Would Gladly Pay A Tax On Their Monthly Rents.” “City of Tucson administrators and city elected officials are living in two very different worlds … The second world is fantasy - pure and dangerous fantasy. It is where Democratic council members Karin Uhlich, Rodney Glassman and Regina Romero are currently dwelling … In the real world, the unemployment rate is rising, retail sales and subsequent collections of sales-tax revenues are declining and city government officials are struggling to maintain current levels of service. In the Uhlich-Glassman-Romero fantasy world, shoppers are willing to pay higher sales taxes, renters would gladly pay a tax on their monthly rents and businesses would absorb a tax on advertising.” (Editorial Board, “Some Council Members Live In Financial Fantasy Land,” Tucson Citizen, 5/16/08)

In April 2009, It Was Reported That Glassman, Regina Romero, And Karin Uhlich Had Still “Been Kicking Around The Idea Of A Rental Tax Since Last Year.” “Some City Council Democrats - Regina Romero, Rodney Glassman and Karin Uhlich - have been kicking around the idea of a rental tax since last year. The 2 percent tax - along with the other tax and fee increases - was outlined in a February report that former City Manager Mike Hein put together to propose ways for the city to bridge an estimated $80 million budget shortfall.” (Josh Brodesky, “Proposed 2% Tax On Rent More Than Meets The Eye,” Arizona Daily Star, 4/26/09)

• “The Rental Tax Is The Brainchild Of … Rodney Glassman (D-Fraternity Row).” “A rent tax would amount to double taxation of a particular class of people, a balancing of the budget at renters’ expense to the benefit of homeowners and business property owners. The rental tax is the brainchild of Uhlich (D-Ward 3), Regina Romero (D-Ward 1) and Rodney Glassman (D-Fraternity Row).” (B. Kalafut, “Tucson City Council Proposes Double Taxation Of Renters; 700 Turn Out To Protest,” Goldwater State, 4/29/09)

Sales Tax

Glassman Pushed A One-Percent Sales Tax Hike Because He Wanted To “See How Much Money We Could Raise”:

In May 2008, Glassman Launched “Preliminary” Talks With Other Councilmembers About “Raising The Sales Tax” And “Instituting A Tax On Money Generated From Advertising.” “Seeking money for expanding programs in tough economic times, several Democratic City Council members are floating new taxes and tax hikes to pay for more police officers and affordable housing. The potential taxes include: raising the sales tax; adding another $1 to the city’s hotel bed tax; instituting a tax on apartment renters; and instituting a tax on money generated from advertising. Council members involved - including Regina Romero, Rodney Glassman and Karin Uhlich - insist their talks of higher taxes are preliminary.” (Rob O’Dell, “Tax Plan May Fund Police, Homes,” Arizona Daily Star, 5/12/08)

• “… It’s Clear They Are Serious About Their Intentions Of Hiking Taxes.” “But through interviews and requests the three have made of the city staff, it’s clear they are serious about their intentions of hiking taxes.” (Rob O’Dell, “Tax Plan May Fund Police, Homes,” Arizona Daily Star, 5/12/08)
• “Glassman Asked The City’s Finance Department For A Detailed Breakdown Of How Much Money Could Be Raised By Hiking The Sales Tax 0.25 Percent, 0.5 Percent, 0.75 Percent And A Full 1 Percent.” “Glassman asked the city’s finance department for a detailed breakdown of how much money could be raised by hiking the sales tax 0.25 percent, 0.5 percent, 0.75 percent and a full 1 percent.” (Rob O’Dell, “Tax Plan May Fund Police, Homes,” Arizona Daily Star, 5/12/08)
• Glassman: “We’re Looking At All The Options … We Want To See How Much Money We Could Raise.” “‘We’re looking at all the options,’ Glassman said of the taxes to fund affordable housing and potentially public safety. ‘We want to see how much money we could raise.’” (Rob O’Dell, “Tax Plan May Fund Police, Homes,” Arizona Daily Star, 5/12/08)

The Tucson Citzen’s Editorial Board Criticized The “Uhlich-Glassman-Romero Fantasy World” — “Pure And Dangerous Fantasy” — In Which “Shoppers Are Willing To Pay Higher Sales Taxes.” “City of Tucson administrators and city elected officials are living in two very different worlds … The second world is fantasy - pure and dangerous fantasy. It is where Democratic council members Karin Uhlich, Rodney Glassman and Regina Romero are currently dwelling … In the real world, the unemployment rate is rising, retail sales and subsequent collections of sales-tax revenues are declining and city government officials are struggling to maintain current levels of service. In the Uhlich-Glassman-Romero fantasy world, shoppers are willing to pay higher sales taxes, renters would gladly pay a tax on their monthly rents and businesses would absorb a tax on advertising.” (Editorial Board, “Some Council Members Live In Financial Fantasy Land,” Tucson Citizen, 5/16/08)

Glassman Supported Exploring How To Recover “The Cost Of Alcohol On The City’s General Fund” Through “Higher Taxes Or Fees,” Presumably On Alcohol Sales:

In October 2008, Glassman Voted To “Approv[e] A Study Of The Cost Of Alcohol On The City’s General Fund And Ways To Recover That Cost Through Higher Taxes Or Fees.” (Agenda Item 2: Adopted 6-0-1, Tucson City Council, 10/14/08; “How They Voted,” Arizona Daily Star, 10/19/08)

Glassman Voted To Refer To The Ballot “A Half-Penny Increase In Tucson’s Sales Tax” During His Final Meeting On The Tucson City Council:

In April 2010, Glassman Voted To Refer A Ballot Proposition Imposing “A Half-Penny Increase In Tucson’s Sales Tax.” “A half-penny increase in Tucson’s sales tax is likely headed to the ballot in November, as the City Council gave a unanimous green light Tuesday. The final decision on asking voters to raise the city sales tax from 2 percent to 2.5 percent to pay for ‘core’ services won’t come until June, after a statewide vote in May on raising the state sales tax by 1 cent per dollar. If voters approve both sales tax increases, Tucsonans would pay 9.6 percent tax on purchases.” (Rob O’Dell, “City Likely To Ask For Sales Tax Increase,” Arizona Daily Star, 4/7/10)

• This Was Glassman’s Final Council Meeting Before Resigning. “‘I wholeheartedly support your concept of having the voters decide this fall,’ Councilman Rodney Glassman said at what will be his last council meeting.” (Rob O’Dell, “City Likely To Ask For Sales Tax Increase,” Arizona Daily Star, 4/7/10)

Glassman Voted In Support Of The 2010 Sales Tax Hike (Proposition 100):

VIDEO: In August 2010, Referring To “That One-Cent Sales Tax,” Glassman Said: “All Of Us In This Room, Or At Least The Majority Of Us In This Room, Voted ‘Yes’ For Proposition 100.” GLASSMAN: “All of us in this room, or at least the majority of us in this room, voted ‘yes’ for Proposition 100. Yet, when John McCain was asked about that one-cent sales tax, John McCain said it wasn’t his issue.” (U.S. Senate Debate, 8/6/10)

Glassman Lobbied In Support Of A “Very Exciting” 2020 Proposal To Hike The Sales Tax:

AUDIO: In February 2019, Glassman Said: “… My Clients Have Been Working Very Hard With Senator Sylvia Allen On The Development Of Her ‘Penny In 2020’ Proposal.” MELISSA SADORF: “Are there any other areas of advocacy that you’re focusing on right now?” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “Well, in addition to voluntary full-day kindergarten, my clients have been working very hard with Senator Sylvia Allen on the development of her ‘Penny in 2020’ proposal. As you know, the current Proposition 301 will expire in 2021. Last year the legislature did create a new tax, a new six-tenths tax, which will start in 2021 upon the expiration of Prop. 301.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Rural Scoop, 2/20/19)

• AUDIO: Glassman Described The Proposal As “A Penny Sales Tax Be Placed On The 2020 Ballot To In Effect Not Only Replace But Increase The Expiring Proposition 301.” GLASSMAN: “But it has the same old distribution formula. It’s got pots of money that were created 20 years ago, over 20 years ago, so it’s got 10 pots of money that were created over 20 years ago and the new six-tenths is not voter-protected. And so Senator Allen, in an effort to streamline any new revenue for the schools and really reinforce the issue of local control, has proposed that a penny sales tax be placed on the 2020 ballot to in effect not only replace but increase the expiring Proposition 301, which is a six-tenths, and instead of little pots of money, little buckets that were created by special interests, Senator Allen has crafted a proposal which was actually endorsed by the rural school administrators, as you know, which allows for complete local control … So, getting a penny on the ballot in 2020 would be great for our entire education system and our public schools.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Rural Scoop, 2/20/19)
• AUDIO: Glassman Said That His “Really Exciting Proposal” Would Rake In “Over $850 Million In Permanent, Dedicated Annual Funding For The K-12 System,” “Over $200 Million For The Universities To Be Used For In-State Tuition And TRIF,” And “Another $50 Million Plus That Will Be Distributed To The Local Community Colleges, Provisional Community Colleges, And Tribal Colleges.” GLASSMAN: “It expands the definition of ‘classroom site fund’ to include things like support staff. It takes away words and definitions that would restrict the use of the money, such as where a classroom site fund used to include teacher compensation increases. Senator Allen’s proposing that it just be teacher compensation. That way, a local school board can decide whether it’s for raises, whether it’s for new hires, whether it’s for classroom size reduction, whatever they want to use it for. But it makes the accountability at the local level, which is most important. Over 75 percent of the penny would go to the local school districts, K-12, for classroom site fund uses, which means over $850 million in permanent, dedicated annual funding for the K-12 system, over $200 million for the universities to be used for in-state tuition and TRIF, which is the technology research innovation funds, and another $50 million plus that would be distributed to the local community colleges, provisional community colleges, and tribal colleges, so it’s a really exciting proposal.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Rural Scoop, 2/20/19)
• AUDIO: Glassman: “… I Don’t See This Penny Proposal Going Away Anytime Soon. We Can Hope That It Gets Through The Legislature This Session. If Not, It’s Designed To Be On The Ballot In 2020 …” GLASSMAN: “So, I don’t see this penny proposal going away anytime soon. We can hope that it gets through the legislature this session. If not, it’s designed to be on the ballot in 2020 and I have a feeling those three wonderful ladies are going to be at it again next session and hopefully I’ll be working alongside them.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Rural Scoop, 2/20/19)

Water Rate

Glassman “Served As A Rate-Setter” On The Tucson City Council, Where He Voted To Hike Water Rates By $9.5 Million Per Year:

In May 2008, Glassman Voted To Hike Tucson Water Rates. (Ordinance Number 10535: Adopted 5-0-2, Tucson City Council, 5/20/08)

• The Rate Hike Was Expected To “Bring In About 8 Percent More To The Department” Totaling “An Additional $9.5 Million To Tucson Water.” “The increase is set to bring in about 8 percent more to the department but is scheduled to cost less than 8 percent for average single-family water customers and other customers who use less water. The average single-family residential customer uses less than 1,500 cubic feet of water, about 11,250 gallons, per month and will incur a total increase of less than $1.50 per month, based on Tucson Water figures … The rate increase is expected to bring in an additional $9.5 million to Tucson Water. About $1.5 million of that would be collected for the water-conservation efforts. Councilman Rodney Glassman noted that it would be the first dedicated funding source for water conservation.” (Andrea Kelly, “Council OKs Hike In Rates For Water,” Arizona Daily Star, 5/21/08)

VIDEO: In October 2018, Glassman Said That “I Served As A Rate-Setter On The Tucson City Council.” GLASSMAN: “Not only do I hold my PhD from the University of Arizona in arid land resource sciences but I served as a rate-setter on the Tucson City Council and as a manager of the Town of Cave Creek where I worked on infrastructure planning and capital improvement. Additionally, while on the council in Tucson, I advocated for rain water and gray water.” (Arizona Corporation Commission Debate, Arizona Republic, 10/9/18)

Fred DuVal

Glassman Supported Fred DuVal’s 2014 Gubernatorial Campaign Against Doug Ducey:

In November 2014, Glassman “Backed Democrat Fred DuVal” For Governor. “Glassman, a former Tucson city councilman who wants to run for the Arizona Democratic Party’s state committee with an eye on possibly running for party chairman, said he backed Democrat Fred DuVal and other statewide Democratic candidates in the general election and likened the pushback to highly publicized threats by the Maricopa County Republican Committee to strip the voting rights of GOP precinct committeemen who endorsed DuVal.” (Dan Nowicki, “McCain And Flake Want To Undo The ‘Nuclear Option,’” Arizona Republic, 11/15/14)

• Glassman Said That He Was Committed To “Registering New Democrats And Getting People To Vote Democrat.” “Glassman likened it to a witch hunt. ‘It’s sad that some people choose to create distractions and are threatened by those of us that want to concentrate on registering new Democrats and getting people to vote Democrat,’ he told The Republic.” (Dan Nowicki, “McCain And Flake Want To Undo The ‘Nuclear Option,’” Arizona Republic, 11/15/14)

Janet Napolitano

Glassman Won An Award From And Was Endorsed By Janet Napolitano:

In April 2006, Glassman Won The “Volunteer Service Award” From Janet Napolitano. “Gov. Janet Napolitano and the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism today announced the 16 winners of the 2005 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards in eight categories. The winners will be honored at a reception hosted by the Governor and the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism at the State Capitol in central Phoenix … The winners of the 2005 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards are: … Adult Category … Rodney Glassman (Tucson) …” (Press Release, “Governor Announces Winners Of Volunteer Service Awards,” Office Of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, 4/27/06)

In October 2007, Janet Napolitano Endorsed Glassman’s Campaign For Tucson City Council. “That may be true, but Democrat Napolitano endorsed Oien’s opponent, Democrat Rodney Glassman … Truth: The photo compelled Napolitano to reassert her support for Glassman this week. Now Glassman and Napolitano seem like old friends and Oien seems like she’s trying to hint at something that isn’t true.” (Blake Morlock, “Just The Facts, Ma’am? Not Right Now,” Tucson Citizen, 10/20/07)

Kate Gallego & Greg Stanton

Kate Gallego Thanked “Rodney Glassman For His Continued Leadership,” And Greg Stanton Asked People To “Give Rodney A Round Of Applause”:

VIDEO: In May 2014, Kate Gallego Said: “… Thank You To Rodney Glassman For His Continued Leadership …” GALLEGO: “So, we thank you for your work on behalf of our young people, on behalf of our environment, and thank you to Rodney Glassman for his continued leadership in this area.” (Policy Session, Phoenix City Council, 5/20/14)

VIDEO: In May 2024, Greg Stanton Said: “… Let’s Give Rodney A Round Of Applause.” STANTON: “Alright, let’s give Rodney a round of applause. Thank you to you and your wife. Does the City get any cut of the sales of this book?” (Policy Session, Phoenix City Council, 5/20/14)

Progressive Democrat

Glassman Is A Lifelong Democrat And Describes Himself As “A Progressive Democrat”:

VIDEO: In October 2010, Glassman Said: “… I’m Running Against John McCain Because, With Your Help, We Can Beat Him And Send A Progressive Democrat Back To Washington, D.C.” GLASSMAN: “My name is Rodney Glassman. I’m an officer in the U.S. Air Force and I’m running against John McCain because, with your help, we can beat him and send a progressive Democrat back to Washington, D.C.” (Straight-To-Camera, 10/26/10)

VIDEO: In July 2020, Glassman Said: “… I Stayed A Democrat When I Worked For The Home Building Industry. When I Worked As The Chief Of Staff For KB Homes, I Was A Democrat. When I Worked For Congressman Grijalva, I Was A Democrat. When I Was On The Board Of The JCC, I Was A Democrat. When I Ran For City Council, I Was A Democrat.” GLASSMAN: “So, when I was 19, I went from Republican to independent to Democrat and I stayed a Democrat when I worked for the home building industry. When I worked as the chief of staff for KB Homes, I was a Democrat. When I worked for Congressman Grijalva, I was a Democrat. When I was on the board of the JCC, I was a Democrat. When I ran for city council, I was a Democrat.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, Smile On Seniors, 7/30/20)

AUDIO: In August 2022, Glassman Said: “I Was A Democrat … I Became A Democrat When I Moved To Tucson … Where Everyone Was A Democrat … And I Never Questioned It.” GLASSMAN: “I was a Democrat. I lived in southern Arizona. I became a Democrat when I moved to Tucson, Arizona, southern Arizona, a community where everyone was a Democrat, and I was very involved in the community and the old mayor, George Miller, may he rest in peace, he said, ‘If you’re going to be involved in this community, you better be a Democrat.’ And so I did, and I never questioned it.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, Blunt Force Truth, 8/3/22)

Raul Grijalva

Glassman Was “Mentored By” Raul Grijalva And Repeatedly Touted His Tenure Working For “The Most Liberal Member Of Congress,” Emphasizing His Affiliation With The Progressive Caucus:

In April 2002, Glassman “Initiated” A Donor-Candidate Meeting Between His Father And Raul Grijalva Amid The Latter’s Congressional Campaign, During Which They “Talked Of A Role For The Young Glassman In The Grijalva Campaign Or His District Office.” “Grijalva met with Robert Glassman, feeling out the Fresno farming giant for support and money. Grijalva seeks to move up from the Board of Supervisors seat he held for 13 years to become the first representative from the new 7th Congressional District that includes Tucson, western Arizona, Tolleson and Avondale. The talks were initiated by Glassman’s son, Rodney, a hyperactive graduate student who is vice president and general manager of the Gateway Ice Center while working toward a second master’s degree from the Eller School of Business at the University of Arizona … They also talked of a role for the young Glassman in the Grijalva campaign or his district office should Grijalva maintain his perfect record of election victories.” (Chris Limberis, “Breaking Bread,” Tucson Weekly, 4/18/02)

AUDIO: In October 2008, Glassman Said: “… I Was Mentored By Congressman Grijalva …” GLASSMAN: “I had a lot of business people and community people in this town that were extremely nice to me, that reached out to me and helped me participate in the kinds of activities I was interested in. And I believe, just as I was mentored by Congressman Grijalva and business people like Bob McMahon and others in the community, that I need to give back and I need to participate by being a mentor to young people in Tucson.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, Tucson 12, 10/13/08)

• AUDIO: Glassman: “During My First Foray Into Politics Volunteering On Congressman Grijalva’s Campaign, I Got The Chance To Meet Bill Clinton At An Event Back In 2002.” GLASSMAN: “During my first foray into politics volunteering on Congressman Grijalva’s campaign, I got the chance to meet Bill Clinton at an event back in 2002.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, Tucson 12, 10/13/08)

AUDIO: In July 2010, Glassman Said: “… I’m A Former Legislative Aide For Congressman Raúl Grijalva.” GLASSMAN: “I hold a PhD in arid land resource sciences from the University of Arizona, and I’m a former legislative aide for Congressman Raúl Grijalva.” (U.S. Senate Debate At Arizona Western College, 7/21/10)

AUDIO: In July 2010, Glassman Said: “I Was … A Legislative Aide To Congressman Raúl Grijalva, Who Chairs The Progressive Caucus.” GLASSMAN: “I was the former vice mayor of the City of Tucson and a legislative aide to Congressman Raúl Grijalva, who chairs the Progressive Caucus.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Nicole Sandler Show, 7/22/10)

VIDEO: In July 2010, Glassman Said: “I’m A Former Legislative Aide For A Fellow Named Congressman Raúl Grijalva, The Chair Of The Progressive Caucus.” GLASSMAN: “I’m the former vice mayor of the City of Tucson, Arizona. I’m a former legislative aide for a fellow named Congressman Raúl Grijalva, the chair of the Progressive Caucus.” (Remarks At Netroots Nation, 7/25/10)

VIDEO: In August 2010, Glassman Said: “If You’d Like To Support United States Senate Candidate Who Worked For The Chairman Of The Progressive Caucus, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, Who Is Supported By Progressive Organizations … Then I’m Your Guy.” GLASSMAN: “If you’d like to support United States Senate candidate who worked for the chairman of the Progressive Caucus, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, who is supported by progressive organizations, if you would like to support a United States Senate candidate who’s going to work hard in the future of the state, stay focused on the issues of jobs, education, immigration reform, bringing people together, with a track record of bringing people together, then I’m your guy.” (U.S. Senate Debate, 8/6/10)

VIDEO: In August 2010, Glassman Said: “Being Progressive To Me Means Having Spent Four Years Working For Congressman Raúl Grijalva … That’s The Kind Of U.S. Senator That I’m Going To Be …” GLASSMAN: “Being progressive to me means having spent four years working for Congressman Raúl Grijalva back in Washington, D.C., and here in Arizona, learning from someone who’s an advocate for health care, an advocate for bringing our young men and women home, and that’s the kind of U.S. senator that I’m going to be in Washington.” (“The Rachel Maddow Show,” MSNBC, 8/25/10)

AUDIO: In September 2010, Glassman Said: “I Was A Legislative Aide For The Congressman [Raúl Grijalva] For Four Years — One Back From The Hill And Three Back In The District …” NICOLE SANDLER: “You also worked as an aide for Raúl Grijalva, didn’t you?” RODNEY GLASSMAN: “Yes, I did. I was a legislative aide for the congressman for four years — one back from the Hill and three back in the district.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Nicole Sandler Show, 9/7/10)

In January 2011, Raul Grijalva Endorsed Glassman’s Campaign For Chairman Of The Arizona Democratic Party. “Goddard supports ex-state treasurer candidate Andrei Cherny for the position. Grijalva supports Rodney Glassman, who lost miserably to U.S. Senator John McCain this past November in an ill-fated bid to replace the dinosaur GOP hack.” (Stephen Lemons, “Terry Goddard, Raul Grijalva Call For Compromise, As Rodney Glassman Whips Up Rancor,” Phoenix New Times, 1/20/11)

VIDEO: In July 2020, Glassman Said: “I Worked For The Most Liberal Member Of Congress When I Was In Tucson, Raúl Grijalva …” GLASSMAN: “I worked for the most liberal member of Congress when I was in Tucson: Raúl Grijalva.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, Smile On Seniors, 7/30/20)

Regina Romero

Glassman Is Friends With Regina Romero, Was Endorsed By Her, And Once Sang Happy Birthday To Her At An Event:

In September 2007, Glassman “Delayed His Opening Remarks” During A Candidate Forum “To Lead The Audience In Singing ‘Happy Birthday’ To … Regina Romero.” “Ward 2 Republican candidate Lori Oien skipped the event. Meanwhile, her Democratic competitor, Rodney Glassman, took some heat - including getting lightly grilled by state Sen. Paula Aboud - for being on the local board for the Boy Scouts, which has a national policy excluding gays. But all that came after Glassman delayed his opening remarks to lead the audience in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Ward 1 Democratic candidate Regina Romero, who faces Green candidate Beryl Baker in the general. Glassman even brought Romero balloons.” (Rob O’Dell And Daniel Scarpinato, “Politicos Strive To Be The Most Gay-Friendly,” Arizona Daily Star, 9/22/07)

• PHOTOGRAPH: Rodney Glassman And Regina Romero Smiling At Each Other, With Glassman Wearing A Romero Campaign Button On His Shirt. (Photograph Of Rodney Glassman And Regina Romero, Tucson Citizen, 9/12/07)
• HEADLINE: “Romero, Glassman Victorious.” (Rob O’Dell, “Romero, Glassman Victorious,” Arizona Daily Star, 9/12/07; Photographs Of Rodney Glassman And Regina Romero, Arizona Daily Star, 9/12/07)
• CARICATURE: Rodney Glassman And Regina Romero. (Caricature Of Rodney Glassman And Regina Romero, Tucson Citizen, 11/10/07)

In December 2009, Regina Romero Attended Glassman’s Wedding. “Tucson City Councilman (and possible U.S. Senate candidate) Rodney Glassman married the lovely Sasha Borsand on Sunday in front of a couple of hundred or so family members and friends in a wedding ceremony at Congregation Anshai Israel … Rodney’s former boss Congressman Raul Grijalva was in attendance, as was former Tucson Mayor George Miller and his wife Roslyn, Tucson councilmembers Richard Fimbres and Regina Romero, Rep. Steve Farley (LD 28), and Mesa Mayor Scott Smith. Council staff members Katie Mass and Katie Bolger also attended.” (“Rodney Glassman Gets Married,” Blog For Arizona, 12/21/09)

In October 2010, Regina Romero Attended A Fundraiser In Support Of Glassman’s U.S. Senate Campaign. An invitation to a Glassman campaign fundraiser stated: “We will talk about issues important to women and why Rodney’s our candidate, and enjoy wine and special Glassman sandwiches (grown in the fields of California and spiced up by time in Tucson!)” An opinion writer then commented on Regina Romero’s attendance at the fundraiser: “It is a sandwich made with material grown on his Fresno farms with your tax dollars subsidizing it … Especially since so many Chicano leaders like Regina Romero who will be at this dinner, and with Dolores Huerta watching him, surely that money will help to alleviate the poverty of the farmworkers? Or not.” (“Are Glassman Sandwiches Considered Mexican Food?” Tucson Citizen, 10/22/10 via Tucson Citizen, Archived 2010)

Glassman Has Evaded Critical Questions About His Involvement With Britz, Inc.:

VIDEO: In August 2010, A Reporter Asked Glassman: “… How Many Migrant Workers Did You Have Working On Your Grape Farms In Fresno? … How Much Did They Make? … How Much Water Has Your Farms Used?” REPORTER: “On your farms in California, how many migrant workers did you have working on your grape farms in Fresno? How many farm workers? How much did they make? … What’s the average rate of your migrant laborers on your farms? How much do they make? You made millions of dollars. How much do they make? How much water has your farms used? You’re about water conservation. You know agriculture is the biggest user of water, right? You’ve got a PhD in arid sciences. You should know that, right?” (Campaign Event, 8/16/10)

Glassman’s Source Of Wealth From Britz, Inc., Is “Not A Very Pretty Story” And Involves Exploiting “Thousands Of Farms” By “Foreclos[ing] On Literally Hundreds Of Thousands Of Acres”:

VIDEO: In September 2010, A Tucson Radio Host Described Britz, Inc., As A “Fertilizer Company” That “Got … Into The Loan Business” And Later “Foreclosed On Literally Hundreds Of Thousands Of Acres In The San Joaquin Valley”: “… I’m Talking About Thousands Of Farms …” RADIO HOST: “… Rodney’s father in law, and they had three children — two sons and a daughter — and he sold fertilizer all over the San Joaquin Valley, which is the richest, most fertile land on Earth. Rodney’s father married the daughter, and Rodney’s father got them into the loan business because many of these farms were having terrible difficulty and this fertilizer company became the loan-of-last-resort for these farms. And so this company that loaned them this money — I’m talking about thousands of farms — foreclosed on literally hundreds of thousands of acres in the San Joaquin Valley and changed the fertilizer business to the land-owning business, to the farming business.” (Remarks By Tucson Radio Host, 9/3/10)

• VIDEO: Tucson Radio Host: “… That’s How His Father Made All That Money. It’s Not A Very Pretty Story.” SCOTT: “Go to the LA Times. There’s a huge story on it. And that’s how his father made all that money. It’s not a very pretty story.” (Remarks By Tucson Radio Host, 9/3/10)
• VIDEO: Tucson Radio Host: “… I Don’t Suggest That It Was Illegal. I’m Just Simply Saying That You Foreclosed On Literally Hundreds And Hundreds Of Hundreds Of Farms And You Take Over The Land In The Richest Valley On Earth …” SCOTT: “No, they own it, but it was his father that pushed the chemist and his two sons into the loan business, and so that’s how that Glassmans made their money. I mean, I don’t suggest that it was illegal. I’m just simply saying that you foreclosed on literally hundreds and hundreds of hundreds of farms and you take over the land in the richest valley on Earth (crosstalk) well, fertilizer company still made billions, you now, but the land business is where they made their money. But that’s — the Times did a huge story. You can just Google (crosstalk) Well, his city council (inaudible) but he said, you know, I don’t have to apologize for my money, you know, blah blah blah.” (Remarks By Tucson Radio Host, 9/3/10)

Pima County Board Of Supervisors (2002)

Glassman Re-Located His Home To Apply For The Pima County Board Of Supervisors But Was Rejected:

In February 2002, Glassman Hinted To Reporters That He Would Be Campaigning For Raul Grijalva’s Seat On The Pima County Board Of Supervisors. “Pima County Supervisor Raul Grijalva is expected to announce his resignation today to run for Congress, as the long line of possible successors grows and the process to choose his successor is debated … Most possible replacements for Grijalva say it is ‘premature’ to discuss their interest in the post until Grijalva officially resigns. But they dropped some strong hints … And Rodney Glassman, a University of Arizona graduate student and a former Democratic precinct worker, said, ‘I’m always looking for ways to serve the community.’” (Garry Duffy And C.T. Revere, “Interest Is High For Grijalva’s County Seat,” Tucson Citizen, 2/5/02)

• Two Weeks Earlier, Glassman “Moved From His House” In District 1 To A New House In District 5 In Order To Qualify For The Seat’s Residency Requirements. “Glassman, meanwhile, filled out a new registration form Jan. 25 reporting that he’d moved from his house near North Swan and East Fort Lowell Roads to another address near Speedway and North Euclid Avenue. The old house is in District 1; the new one is in District 5. Grijalva’s replacement must be a Democrat who lives in his district.” (Joe Salkowski, “12 Candidates Seek Grijalva’s Post,” Arizona Daily Star, 2/20/02)
• Glassman “Told The Crowd” At A Candidate Forum That “He Opened Escrow That Day On A Home In The District.” “On the eve of today’s scheduled vote to replace Raul Grijalva on the Pima County Board of Supervisors, a dozen applicants for the position shared the dais in the board’s hearing room … Rodney Glassman, a University of Arizona graduate student who moved into District 5 only last month, told the crowd he opened escrow that day on a home in the district. If he doesn’t win the appointment, he said, he’ll seriously consider running for the office this fall.” (Joe Salkowski, “Supervisor Hopefuls Make Pitch,” Arizona Daily Star, 2/26/02)

Later That Month, Richard Elias Was Appointed To The Seat, With Alex Rodriguez Coming In Second Place. “For the second time in less than five years, the clerk of the Pima County Board of Supervisors - a nonelected official - has cast the deciding vote in filling a vacancy on the high-profile, powerful board. Clerk Lori Godoshian cast the tiebreaking vote yesterday in approving the appointment of Democrat Richard Elias for the District 5 seat … Democrats Sharon Bronson and Dan Eckstrom wanted Elias. Republicans Ann Day and Ray Carroll favored Rodriguez, a banking officer and U.S. Army veteran of the Bosnian conflict.” (Garry Duffy, “Clerk’s Vote Seals Supervisor’s Job,” Tucson Citizen, 2/27/02)

Tucson City Council (2007)

Glassman Campaigned For The Tucson City Council, At Which Time He Was Hosting A Taxpayer-Funded TV Show:

In January 2007, Glassman Announced That He Would Be Campaigning For The Tucson City Council. “Republican Lori Oien, president of the Bear Canyon Neighborhood Association, and Democrat Rodney Glassman, a former aide to U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva, have both formed committees to support a run for the Ward 2 council seat. Councilwoman Carol West, an independent who represents that ward, announced last year that she would not seek re-election.” (Eric Sagara, “Hot Dog Vendor Among Early Mayoral Hopefuls,” Tucson Citizen, 1/12/07)

• Glassman Had Been Hosting A Show Called “Consider This” On Public TV (“A Taxpayer-Funded Platform”) But Left When His Campaign Started. “Now that uber-involved socialite Rodney Glassman has thrown his hat into the Ward 2 City Council race, Notebook was curious whether the city would continue airing the television show he hosts: ‘Consider This.’ Never heard of it? Don’t worry. It’s not exactly a ratings king. ‘Consider This’ is more of a taxpayer-funded platform for bureaucrats to chat about local policy and other wonkish concerns - but informative nonetheless … With his entry into the race, the show’s producers decided he has to go, but they will continue airing his final episode of the program for about two more weeks.” (Daniel Scarpinato, “Bipartisan Talk Has A Fleeting Life At Capitol,” Arizona Daily Star, 1/13/07)
• Episodes Of “Consider This” Also Streamed On A Website Owned And Operated By The City Of Tucson. (Tucson 12, Archived 12/30/06)

Glassman Was “The Only Candidate” To Request Matching Public Funds From City Government (~$18,000), And He Also Benefited From A Significant Number Of Out-Of-City Donors

Soon After, Glassman “Filed For Public Matching Funds From The City.” “In his bid to earn the Democratic nomination for the right to replace outgoing Ward 2 Councilwoman Carol West, Rodney Glassman seems to have staked out the inside track. His campaign co-chairs are Democratic heavy-hitters George and Roslyn Miller - the former two-term Democratic mayor and his wife - and Janet Marcus, the longtime councilwoman who represented Ward 2 from 1987 to 1999. Glassman has also already filed for public matching funds from the city, collecting the necessary $10 contributions to qualify under election laws. City Clerk Kathy Detrick said Glassman’s money application is the earliest she’s ever seen.” (Daniel Scarpinato, “Rumor Mill On McCain Seat Is Busy,” Arizona Daily Star, 2/3/07)

• In Fact, Glassman Was “The Only Candidate To Have Requested Public Matching Funds, Collecting Nearly $18,000 In Public Funds.” “Rodney Glassman, a Democrat running for the East Side Ward 2 seat, led candidates in all city races in donations, collecting nearly $37,000 … Glassman is the only candidate to have requested public matching funds, collecting nearly $18,000 in public funds in addition to the $37,000 in donations. Glassman also led the pack in spending, doling out nearly $11,000 for expenses.” (Eric Sagara, “Glassman Leading In Election Donations,” Tucson Citizen, 7/3/07)

By June 2007, Glassman Was “Getting Close To The Point Where His Campaign Donations From Outside The City Limits Will Equal More Than 40 Percent Of His War Chest.” “Tucson City Council candidate Rodney Glassman is getting close to the point where his campaign donations from outside the city limits will equal more than 40 percent of his war chest. Glassman is promising to return checks from Pima County contributors once that happens. Glassman is also only accepting donations of no more than $20 a pop and promises he will return larger donations. Most campaigns don’t worry about returning cash. They worry about hoarding it … It’s what he said he’ll do, so he better be ready to make sure it’s what actually happens.” (Blake Morlock, “State Official’s Use Of E-Mail Falls In Gray Area,” Tucson Citizen, 6/1/07)

Arizona Secretary Of State (2009)

Glassman Would Not “Rule Out A Run” For Secretary Of State And Refused To Respond “Several Times” About Whether He’d Finish His Term On The Tucson City Council:

In April 2009, It Was Reported That Glassman “May Be Eyeing A Statewide Bid For … Secretary Of State” And That, When Approached For Comment, He Said That He “Won’t Rule Out A Run For The SOS Slot.” “As rumors fly that Tucson City Councilman Rodney Glassman may be eyeing a statewide bid for - oh we don’t know, secretary of state in 2010? - the Democrat is being quite coy about his political plans. He won’t commit to serving out his term, which runs through January 2012. And the ambitious young city councilman won’t rule out a run for the SOS slot either. Glassman tells Notebook he’s been approached about running ‘for other local things, other statewide things, other federal things.’” (Daniel Scarpinato, “Daughter Of McCain Has A Mind All Her Own,” Arizona Daily Star, 4/19/09)

• “Asked Several Times If He Would Commit To Serving Out His Full Term, Glassman Simply Would Not Answer.” “Asked several times if he would commit to serving out his full term, Glassman simply would not answer. He would commit, though, to doing a really, really good job while he’s there - how ever long that is.” (Daniel Scarpinato, “Daughter Of McCain Has A Mind All Her Own,” Arizona Daily Star, 4/19/09)

U.S. Senate (2010)

Glassman Decided Against Campaigning For Secretary Of State After His Father (Who “Controls The Family Purse Strings”) “Would Only Put Up The Money For A Senate Campaign”:

In 2009/2010, “Numerous Party Insiders Urged [Glassman] To Run For Secretary Of State … But Glassman’s Father Would Only Put Up The Money For A Senate Campaign.” “Numerous party insiders urged him to run for secretary of state instead of trying to take on Sen. John McCain, sources said, but Glassman’s father would only put up the money for a Senate campaign.” (Jeremy Duda, “Glassman Drives Away Top Campaign Staff,” Arizona Capitol Times, 8/21/10)

• However, Even Though Glassman’s Father Had Initially Promised To Inject $500,000 Into The U.S. Senate Campaign, This Was Later Criticized As “A Publicity Stunt” And He Was “Unwilling To Put More Money Into The Campaign.” “‘It was basically a publicity stunt,’ one source said about the $500,000 Glassman’s family put into his campaign … The biggest obstacle to Glassman’s fundraising has been his father, a source said, who controls the family purse strings but has been unwilling to put more money into the campaign.” (Jeremy Duda, “Glassman Drives Away Top Campaign Staff,” Arizona Capitol Times, 8/21/10)
• A Democratic Party Insider Said: “Rodney Has Marketed Himself As A Multi-Million Dollar Self-Funder Since Last Fall … [We Were Told] That He Had Anywhere From Three To Five Million Dollars To Put Into This Race.” “Reputedly the scion of a California agricultural dynasty, Glassman has loaned his campaign $500,000, far short of the millions Democrats were led to think he’d spend. ‘Rodney has marketed himself as a multi-million dollar self-funder since last fall,’ one Democratic party insider said. ‘[We were told] that he had anywhere from three to five million dollars to put into this race.’” (Stephen Lemons, “Rodney Glassman’s Campaign Staffers Jumping Ship, Sources Describe Glassman As ‘Out Of Control,’” Phoenix New Times, 8/20/10)
• Glassman’s Father “Also Riled Higher-Ups At The Arizona Democratic Party By Backing Out On A Promise To Make A Seven-Figure Contribution To The Party’s Coffers.” “Glassman’s father also riled higher-ups at the Arizona Democratic Party by backing out on a promise to make a seven-figure contribution to the party’s coffers, the sources said.” (Jeremy Duda, “Glassman Drives Away Top Campaign Staff,” Arizona Capitol Times, 8/21/10)
• One Campaign Source Said: “Rodney’s Really Not Allowed To Spend Money Without His Dad’s Permission.” “‘Rodney’s really not allowed to spend money without his dad’s permission,’ a source said.” (Jeremy Duda, “Glassman Drives Away Top Campaign Staff,” Arizona Capitol Times, 8/21/10)

Glassman Tried And Failed To Challenge His Democratic Primary Opponents’ Nominating Petitions:

In 2010, Glassman “Hired Attorney Rhonda Barnes To Obtain Copies Of The Nominating Petitions For All Three Of His Senate Primary Opponents.” “Rodney Glassman said in your story, ‘I’m not getting involved with lawyers. I never have.’ That’s complete bullshit. Rodney Glassman hired attorney Rhonda Barnes to obtain copies of the nominating petitions for all three of his Senate primary opponents last spring. I have documentation to that effect. I’ll grant that Rodney wants to distance himself from any effort anyone might undertake to challenge Andrei’s legitimacy as ADP chair. But he’s not above figuring out shortcuts with the help of attorneys to try to get what he wants. I’m on record as wishing him well in his efforts to begin establishing credibility among Arizona Democrats. Making disingenuous claims that he has never gotten involved with lawyers for political purposes will not move him in that direction.” (Steve Muratore, Letter To The Editor, “No More Disingenuous Claims From Glassman,” Phoenix New Times, 2/10/11)

Glassman’s U.S. Senate Campaign Was Marked By Chaos, With Several Top Staffers Resigning In Quick Succession Due To His Bad Behavior, Including Publicly Berating Staffers And Screaming At Volunteers:

By June 2010, There Was Already “A General Unease Among Democrats Around The State … Regarding The Glassman Campaign” And Its Lack Of Seriousness: “They Are Tired Of The Silly Contests And Singalongs.” “Instead, Blog for Arizona received this ‘puffery’ press release from the Glassman campaign — flag pins and yet another damn silly contest! WTF! … That being said, there is a general unease among Democrats around the state from whom I have heard regarding the Glassman campaign. They are tired of the silly contests and singalongs and they want to hear more substantive positions on the big issues of the day that confront this country.” (“A Tale of Two Press Releases,” Blog For Arizona, 6/15/10)

In August 2010, “Three Women” Resigned From Glassman’s Campaign “Because They Were Not Happy With The Behavior Of Their Candidate.” “Since July, three top staffers have bailed on Glassman: Political Director Junelle Cavero left last month; Field Director Kristin Gwinn resigned a couple of weeks ago; Communications Director Dawn Teo stepped down earlier this week. Sources tell me there are more resignations on the way … I contacted the three women, who all declined comment for this story, other than to admit they’re no longer working for Glassman. But several confidential sources inform me that Glassman’s staffers left because they were not happy with the behavior of their candidate.” (Stephen Lemons, “Rodney Glassman’s Campaign Staffers Jumping Ship, Sources Describe Glassman As ‘Out Of Control,’” Phoenix New Times, 8/20/10)

• These “Three Top Staffers” Resigned After Being “Driven Away By Broken Financial Promises And Discontent With Glassman’s Management Style.” “Three top staffers have left Rodney Glassman’s U.S. Senate campaign during the past month and a half, and sources close to the campaign said they were driven away by broken financial promises and discontent with Glassman’s management style. In mid-July, political director Junelle Cavero left the Democratic Senate hopeful’s campaign, followed by field director Kristin Gwinn in early August and communications director Dawn Teo on Aug. 15. All three said they left to pursue other opportunities, but would not discuss the circumstances of their departures.” (Jeremy Duda, “Glassman Drives Away Top Campaign Staff,” Arizona Capitol Times, 8/21/10)
• Sources “Relayed A Litany Of Complaints,” Including That Glassman Was “Needlessly Rude To Staffers And Volunteers Alike,” And Described Him “Throwing Temper Tantrums And Yelling At Stunned Campaign Workers.” “These sources relayed a litany of complaints about the Glassman campaign, from Glassman berating staffers and volunteers in public, even yelling at them, to Glassman’s having his brother Jeremy play a major role in the campaign (doing little or nothing, they say), and the fact that Glassman and his minions gave Democrats reason to believe he would sink millions into his bid for Senate … My sources tell me that Glassman was, as one of them put it, ‘out of control in the worst possible way.’ They say he was needlessly rude to staffers and volunteers alike, and described him throwing temper tantrums and yelling at stunned campaign workers.” (Stephen Lemons, “Rodney Glassman’s Campaign Staffers Jumping Ship, Sources Describe Glassman As ‘Out Of Control,’” Phoenix New Times, 8/20/10)
• Some Of Glassman’s “Staffers Were Paid Less Than Promised” And “Sources Close To The Campaign Said The Exodus Is Symptomatic Of Problems That Have Riddled The Campaign For Months.” “But sources close to the campaign said the exodus is symptomatic of problems that have riddled the campaign for months. ‘There definitely has been ongoing chaos,’ said one source, who spoke on the condition on anonymity. ‘I think if there were more campaign jobs available there would be a lot more people leaving’ … Some staffers were paid less than promised, and lackluster fundraising led Glassman to talk openly about possibly cutting staff.” (Jeremy Duda, “Glassman Drives Away Top Campaign Staff,” Arizona Capitol Times, 8/21/10)
• Staffers Said That Glassman “Excessively Micromanages The Campaign, Ignores Top Staffers’ Suggestions In Favor Of Their Subordinates Or Friends From Outside The Campaign, And Is Needlessly Demeaning To Staffers He Feels Aren’t Following Instructions.” “Equally problematic, the sources said, is Glassman’s management style. They said he excessively micromanages the campaign, ignores top staffers’ suggestions in favor of their subordinates or friends from outside the campaign, and is needlessly demeaning to staffers he feels aren’t following instructions.” (Jeremy Duda, “Glassman Drives Away Top Campaign Staff,” Arizona Capitol Times, 8/21/10)
• One Staffer Said Of Glassman: “He’s Never Been Involved In A Campaign Of This Size And Does Not Know What He’s Doing … He Has A Tendency To Want To Call You Out On Things That He Perceives As Mistakes In Front Of Outsiders Or Your Subordinates In Hope That It Will Shame You Into Doing The Right Thing. It’s An Odd Management Style.” “‘Rodney put together a staff of people with national campaign experience and they’re pretty good at what they do. He’s never been involved in a campaign of this size and does not know what he’s doing,’ a source said. ‘He has a tendency to want to call you out on things that he perceives as mistakes in front of outsiders or your subordinates in hope that it will shame you into doing the right thing. It’s an odd management style.’” (Jeremy Duda, “Glassman Drives Away Top Campaign Staff,” Arizona Capitol Times, 8/21/10)
• Glassman Imposed A Questionable “Ban On The Campaign Doing Opposition Research On Its Own Candidate,” Which “Made It Exceptionally Difficult To Respond To Allegations.” “Tensions reached a breaking point in late July, sources said, when staffers gave Glassman an ultimatum. They wanted him to meet a list of demands that included an end to micromanagement, better pay, job guarantees and an end to Glassman’s ban on the campaign doing opposition research on its own candidate … One source said staff has been frustrated by an inability to respond to attacks against Glassman, such as allegations that he made comments disparaging a gay colleague on the Tucson City Council. Glassman won’t let his campaign do opposition research against him - a common practice in political campaigns that allows them to anticipate attacks - which has made it exceptionally difficult to respond to allegations, sources said.” (Jeremy Duda, “Glassman Drives Away Top Campaign Staff,” Arizona Capitol Times, 8/21/10)

Soon After, Glassman Was Forced To “Replac[e] His Campaign Manager … The Fourth Senior Staffer To Leave The Glassman Campaign In Recent Months.” “John McCain’s Democratic challenger is replacing his campaign manager. Former Tucson City Councilman Rodney Glassman’s campaign announced Monday that veteran Democratic strategist Bill Romjue will manage the campaign beginning Wednesday. Romjue most recently ran the campaign of Andrew Romanoff, who unsuccessfully challenged incumbent U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in Colorado’s Democratic primary. Romjue replaces Patrick Mellody, who left ‘to pursue other opportunities.’ Mellody is the fourth senior staffer to leave the Glassman campaign in recent months. The political, field and communications directors all left before the Aug. 24 primary.” (“Arizona Senate Candidate Glassman Replaces Manager,” Associated Press, 8/30/10)

• The Campaign Manager’s “Departure Was Not Voluntary” And He “Did Not Get Along” With Glassman, Who “Frequently Irked Staff With Poor Treatment And By Going Outside The Campaign’s Chain Of Command.” “Campaign spokesman Blake Morlock said Mellody left to pursue other opportunities. Mellody could not be reached for comment. ‘He left the campaign voluntarily,’ Morlock said. Sources close to the campaign, who spoke on the condition that their names would be withheld from the story, disputed Morlock’s statement. One source said Mellody’s departure was not voluntary, and said Mellody and Glassman did not get along. The source also said that Glassman frequently irked staff with poor treatment and by going outside the campaign’s chain of command, and that he needed a stronger campaign manager who could have put a stop to that behavior.” (Jeremy Duda, “Arizona Senate Candidate Glassman Replaces Manager,” Arizona Capitol Times, 8/30/10)

,

• One Source Said That The Glassman’s Outgoing Campaign Manager “Held This Campaign Together Under The Most Difficult Of Circumstances, And We’re All Sorry To See Him Go.” “Another source, however, said Mellody was doing his best to keep the campaign running smoothly while top staff fled. ‘Patrick Mellody held this campaign together under the most difficult of circumstances, and we’re all sorry to see him go,’ the source said. Mellody’s departure comes at a time when Glassman is hemmoragging top staff.” (Jeremy Duda, “Arizona Senate Candidate Glassman Replaces Manager,” Arizona Capitol Times, 8/30/10)
• The Glassman Campaign Also Acknowledged That Its New Media Director’s “Last Day With The Campaign Would Be Aug. 31.” “Since mid-July, three top staffers have left the campaign, and Morlock said new media director Kevin Bondelli’s last day with the campaign would be Aug. 31. The sources said Bondelli resigned from the campaign over the same issues that led political director Junelle Cavero, field director Kristin Gwinn and communications director Dawn Teo to leave.” (Jeremy Duda, “Arizona Senate Candidate Glassman Replaces Manager,” Arizona Capitol Times, 8/30/10)

Glassman’s U.S. Senate Campaign Paid For Robo-Calls To Voters In California:

In October 2010, A California Resident Wrote: “I Wonder How Many Other People In The San Jose Area Have Gotten Robo-Called Today To Attend Glassman’s Personal Appearance Tomorrow 748 Miles Away, Out Of State, In Sedona?” “I’ve just gotten robo-calls — on two of the three lines that come into my house — from Rodney Glassman, the Democrat who’s currently trailing John McCain by 34 percentage points in the Arizona senatorial election: … You know what else isn’t smart? Wasting campaign money by calling the 408 area code in Northern California, rather than the 480 area code in Arizona. I wonder how many other people in the San Jose area have gotten robo-called today to attend Glassman’s personal appearance tomorrow 748 miles away, out of state, in Sedona?” (Ed Driscoll, “Great Moments In Hapless Political Campaigns,” Pajamas Media, 10/12/10)

• An Arizona Resident Added: “… You Should At Least Try To Look Like You Care … It Seems Rodney’s Pinning His Hopes On A Late Surge Of Ballots From San Jose.” “Sure, if you’re down by 30+ points, it’s hard to put much effort into your quixotic campaign. Nevertheless, you should at least try to look like you care … Hey, what do you know? My area code is 480 and Ed’s is 408. It seems Rodney’s pinning his hopes on a late surge of ballots from San Jose.” (Jon Gabriel, “Someone Buy Glassman A Map,” Exurban League, 10/12/10)

Glassman’s Political Opportunism And Shameless Ambition Were Mocked During His U.S. Senate Campaign, And He Was Rejected By More Than 24 Percent:

In June 2010, CQ Roll Call’s Stuart Rothenberg Said: “I’d Be Shocked If Glassman Didn’t Already Have His 2020 Presidential Campaign Sketched Out Somewhere.” “Unlike Brooks, who put herself through Youngstown State by working as a hairdresser and then went to Capital University Law School at night, Glassman holds a B.A. (1999), an MBA (2001), an MPA (2002), a Ph.D. (2005) and a law degree (2007) — all from the University of Arizona. Did I mention he worked for Rep. Raul M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) in 2002, was a consultant to KB Home Tucson (2004-2007), served for three years on the board of the Arizona Farm Bureau, was elected to the Tucson City Council in 2007, was commissioned in the Air Force JAG program in 2008 and got married in 2009? Just a busy, successful young man? Maybe, but this looks more like somebody trying to put together the perfect resume to run for Congress. I’d be shocked if Glassman didn’t already have his 2020 presidential campaign sketched out somewhere.” (Stuart Rothenberg, Opinion, “Same Party But Two Very Different Candidates,” CQ Roll Call, 6/21/10)

• Stuart Rothenberg: “It’s Pretty Obvious That The Young Political Wannabe Will Do Whatever He Needs To Do To Make His Mark.” “I wouldn’t be surprised if Glassman eventually has a long career in politics even if McCain beats him like a drum in November. It’s pretty obvious that the young political wannabe will do whatever he needs to do to make his mark.” (Stuart Rothenberg, Opinion, “Same Party But Two Very Different Candidates,” CQ Roll Call, 6/21/10)

In November 2010, Glassman Was Defeated By John McCain By More Than 24 Percent. John McCain received 1,005,615 votes (59.07 percent) and Rodney Glassman received 592,011 votes (34.78 percent). (Official Canvass Of The General Election, State Of Arizona, 11/2/10)

Arizona Democratic Party (2011)

Glassman Campaigned For Chairman Of The Arizona Democratic Party But Was Rejected After Being Accused Of Disrespecting Gabby Giffords:

In December 2010, Glassman Announced That He Would Be Campaigning For Chairman Of The Arizona Democratic Party. “Former U.S. Senate candidate Rodney Glassman said he will seek the chairmanship of the Arizona Democratic Party. ‘I decided to run for chairman because I was asked to run by others who feel I will do a great job, I would like to help our party, and I have the time to serve,’ Glassman told the Arizona Capitol Times via e-mail.” (Jeremy Duda, “Glassman Seeks Democratic Chairmanship,” Arizona Capitol Times, 12/9/10)

• The Arizona Democratic Party’s Incumbent Chairman Was “Opposed To Glassman’s Candidacy” Due To His Electability Issues. “Incumbent Chairman Don Bivens said he would prefer to step down but will run for a third term only if no other suitable candidate comes forward. Party insiders say Glassman, however, is not that candidate. Insiders say Bivens is opposed to Glassman’s candidacy and is waiting to make a decision about his own political future until he can ensure that a strong candidate will oppose Glassman.” (Jeremy Duda, “Glassman Seeks Democratic Chairmanship,” Arizona Capitol Times, 12/9/10)

In January 2011, Glassman Was Criticized For His “Shameless Exploitation” Of The Gabby Giffords Shooting When He Used Her Name In A Mass-Email “Campaign Appeal For Support” In His Race For Chairman. “Like you needed more proof that erstwhile Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Rodney Glassman is a charlatan, take a look at this mass e-mail, sent out by Glassman on January 10, two days after the Tucson massacre, which severely wounded Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and felled Chief U.S. District Judge John Roll The missive begins as an expression of sadness over the tragedy, then quickly veers into a standard campaign appeal for support … Considering Glassman’s shameless exploitation of the outpouring of affection for Giffords, why are some state committee members actually planning to vote for this guy?” (Stephen Lemons, “Rodney Glassman Used Gabby Giffords’ Shooting To Campaign For Chair,” Phoenix New Times, 1/21/11)

• Notably, Gabby Giffords Had Endorsed Against Glassman One Day Before Being Shot. “The photo engendered a litany of well-wishing messages from fellow Facebookers. Thing is, the day before being shot by Jared Lee Loughner, Giffords Tweeted that she was endorsing Andrei Cherny for party chair. ‘I am a proud southern Arizonan behind Andrei Cherny for ADP Chair,’ she wrote. ‘In 2012, we’ll win with Andrei!’” (Stephen Lemons, “Rodney Glassman Used Gabby Giffords’ Shooting To Campaign For Chair,” Phoenix New Times, 1/21/11)

Two Weeks Later, A Number Of Democrats Asked For A Delay In The Chairman Vote Out Of Respect For Gabby Giffords Following The Shooting. “Prominent supporters of the two candidates for Arizona Democratic Party chairman are asking the party’s state committeemen to delay the vote in deference to U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the other victims of a Jan. 8 shooting rampage … The move would delay a contentious chairman’s race between former state prosecutor Andrei Cherny and former Tucson City Councilman Rodney Glassman.” (Jeremy Duda, “Goddard, Grijalva Ask For Delay In Chairman’s Race,” Arizona Capitol Times, 1/20/11)

• However, Glassman Rejected Their Requests And Claimed That His Opponents Were Delaying The Vote As Part Of An “Insider Backroom Deal” To Defeat Him. “Despite a plea from his biggest endorser for a delay, Rodney Glassman said he would move ahead with his campaign for Democratic Party chairman, and accused Andrei Cherny and incumbent Chairman Don Bivens of making ‘backroom deals’ to keep him from winning the race … Glassman said Cherny doesn’t have the votes to win and accused him and Bivens of delaying the vote so Cherny could round up support … ‘I was not a party to this. I made it perfectly clear when I heard about it that I’d be running on Saturday, that (a delay) was disrespectful to all the people who were participating in the process. It’s just another insider backroom deal,’ Glassman told the Arizona Capitol Times on Friday. ‘This is just the latest tactic for Bivens and Cherny to maintain control, like they’ve been doing for the past two cycles.’” (Jeremy Duda, “Glassman Says No Deal On Chairman’s Vote Delay,” Arizona Capitol Times, 1/21/11)
• The Following Day, Glassman Lost The Chairman Race To Andrei Cherny. “After a day of argument over procedure and bylaws, Andrei Cherny survived a challenge to his eligibility and was elected chairman of the Arizona Democratic Party … Cherny beat Glassman on a 279-232 vote.” (Jeremy Duda, “Cherny Wins Dem Chairman’s Race,” Arizona Capitol Times, 1/22/11)

U.S. House of Representatives (2012)

Glassman Suggested That He Might Campaign For The U.S. House Of Representatives:

By 2007, Glassman Had Already “Told Too Many Folks That The Ward Two Council Seat Is But A Stepping Stone For The New Congressional District That Arizona Will Pick Up For The 2012 Election.” “Rodney has been in Tucson for about ten years. In analyzing his behavior and his own remarks, it is clear that Rodney has a long term plan involving public office for himself. He has told too many folks that the Ward Two Council seat is but a stepping stone for the new Congressional District that Arizona will pick up for the 2012 election. There’s nothing wrong with ambition and a long term plan per se, but Rodney’s is obvious and shabby. Join as many groups as possible. Collect as many titles as opportunity grants. Grab as many related educational credits as are available. Use the vast family resources of the Britz Fertilizer Empire (and it IS an empire) as a backup when needed. Set up a vanity charitable Foundation and dole out cash, then go for the payback in votes.” (Emil Franzi, “The Many Faces Of Rodney Britz Glassman,” Inside Track Arizona, 2007)

U.S. Senate (2012)

Glassman Suggested That He Might Campaign For U.S. Senate Again:

In April 2011, Glassman “Sa[id] That If He Did Run” For U.S. Senate “He Would Do So As A Placeholder For Giffords, Vowing To Turn Over His Contribution List And Infrastructure To Her The Moment She Entered The Race.” “The New York Times reported that the Giffords team was actively advancing the prospect of a run for departing Republican Jon Kyl’s U.S. Senate seat … In Giffords’s own party, meanwhile, there are those who are eyeing the Kyl seat but dare not make a move until her camp’s intentions are known. One such Arizona Democrat is Rodney Glassman, a young comer who took on John McCain in 2010. Glassman says that if he did run, he would do so as a placeholder for Giffords, vowing to turn over his contribution list and infrastructure to her the moment she entered the race. ‘Not just political sense, but decency, dictates that if Gabby enters the Senate race, any Democrat should exit,’ he says.” (Peter J. Boyer, “Gabrielle Giffords’s Road To Recovery,” Newsweek, 4/10/11)

Arizona Corporation Commission (2018)

Glassman Campaigned For Corporation Commissioner But Was Rejected:

In November 2018, Glassman Was Defeated In The Arizona Corporation Commission Race. “Here are the latest totals in major Arizona races as of 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, November 15, according to the Secretary of State’s office. Rodney Glassman has conceded the race for Arizona Corporation Commission, but nothing official has been called and Katie Hobbs continues to lead Steve Gaynor for the secretary of state race.” (Stuart Warner, “Update: Arizona Election 2018: Who Won, Who Lost, What’s Too Close Too Call,” Phoenix New Times, 11/15/18)

Maricopa County Attorney (2019)

Glassman Applied For County Attorney But Was Rejected:

In September 2019, Glassman Applied For The Maricopa County Attorney Vacancy. “Eight applicants have put their names in the hat to become the next Maricopa County attorney, following the appointment of Bill Montgomery to the Arizona Supreme Court … The other applicants are Allister Adel, Lacy Cooper, Chris DeRose, Jon Eliason, Rodney Glassman, Gina Godbehere and John Kaites.” (“Rachel Mitchell, 7 Others Apply To Be Maricopa County’s Top Prosecutor,” KTAR, 9/19/19)

• Two Weeks Later, Allister Adel Was Appointed To The Position. “For the first time in Maricopa County history, a woman will serve as the county’s chief prosecutor. Allister Adel was sworn into office this morning after a unanimous vote of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, appointing her as Maricopa County Attorney.” (Press Release, “Allister Adel Appointed Maricopa County Attorney,” Maricopa County, Arizona, 10/3/19)

Maricopa County Assessor (2020)

Glassman Campaigned For County Assessor But Was Rejected:

In August 2010, Glassman Was Defeated By Eddie Cook In The Maricopa County Assessor Race. “Perennial candidate Rodney Glassman is likely to extend his election losing streak, this time to Eddie Cook, the appointed Maricopa County Assessor. Glassman has 47% of the vote with Cook holding 53%. Glassman previously applied for the appointment to the county assessor position after Paul Petersen, the embattled lawyer, resigned following an illegal adoption scheme involving the Marshall Islands. Petersen has since pleaded guilty to several felonies and faces prison time.” (Dillon Rosenblatt, “Glassman Down In Maricopa County Assessor Race,” Arizona Capitol Times, 8/4/20)

• Glassman’s Inability To Win A Campaign “Has Become Sort Of A Running Joke At The Capitol.” “Glassman’s interest in a political office has become sort of a running joke at the Capitol of what he will run for next. Kirk Adams, Gov. Doug Ducey’s former chief of staff, took a shot at Glassman on 12 News about all the seats he seeks. ‘I think Rodney Glassman will make a great corporation commissioner. I mean county assessor. I mean county attorney. I mean U.S. senator,’ he said.” (Dillon Rosenblatt, “Glassman Down In Maricopa County Assessor Race,” Arizona Capitol Times, 8/4/20)

Arizona Attorney General (2022)

Glassman Campaigned For Attorney General But Was Rejected:

In August 2022, Glassman Was Defeated In The Arizona Attorney General Race. “The Trump-backed candidate for Arizona attorney general, Abe Hamadeh, has won the Republican primary. The Associated Press called the race for Hamadeh on Wednesday morning, after he had led attorney Rodney Glassman and retired Supreme Court Justice Andrew Gould throughout Tuesday. The other Republican candidates trailed significantly.” (Tara Kavaler, “Arizona Attorney General Primary Election: Abe Hamadeh Wins GOP Race, Will Face Democrat Kris Mayes,” Arizona Republic, 8/2/22)

• Abe Hamadeh Defeated Glassman By Ten Percent. Abe Hamadeh received 265,636 votes (33.56 percent) and Rodney Glassman received 186,863 votes (23.60 percent). (Official Canvass Of The Primary Election, State Of Arizona, 8/2/10)

Glassman’s Father Lobbied The Tucson City Council Against Building A City-Owned Ice Rink:

In 1995, The City Of Tucson Tried To Build An Ice Rink … But Glassman’s Father Personally Lobbied Against It, Arguing That It Was “A Private Sector Thing” That City Government Should Not Be Involved In. “Ronstadt’s father, former Parks & Recreation Director Jim Ronstadt, proposed the city build an ice rink at the East Side Udall Center in 1995. But Glassman’s father, Roger, successfully argued against it. ‘Back then they were saying, ‘Don’t you dare, it’s a private sector thing,’’ Fred Ronstadt said. ‘Now that they’re in financial trouble they come to the city and say we should own it. What’s up with that?’” (Mitch Tobin, “Skating Rink Buyout Idea On Thin Ice,” Tucson Citizen, 3/18/00)

• “… The Glassman Family Persuaded The City To Abandon Plans To Build A Rink At East Side Udall Recreation Center.” “Five years ago, the Glassman family persuaded the city to abandon plans to build a rink at East Side Udall Recreation Center. At that time, the Glassmans said skating rinks should remain in the business sector.” (Mitch Tobin, “City Won’t Buy Out Ice Rink,” Tucson Citizen, 3/21/00)

Around The Same Time, Glassman’s Father Built A Private Ice Rink For $2.5 Million And Put Glassman In Charge Of Operating It, A Job For Which He Was Paid Six-Figure Annual Salaries:

In 1995, Glassman’s Father Spent $2.5 Million To Build The Iceoplex Ice Rink (Renamed Gateway Ice Center) And “Had Then-19-Year-Old Rodney Run It” While In College. “The cost of building the ice center on a 13-acre site at Gateway Center in 1995 was put at $2.5 million. Glassman’s father, Roger Glassman, an agribusinessman who grows row crops and tree fruit in Fresno, Calif., built the rink as a family investment and had then-19-year-old Rodney run it while he attended the University of Arizona, the younger Glassman said Friday.” (Sheryl Kornman, “Bourn Properties Buys Gateway Ice Center,” Tucson Citizen, 4/20/04)

• Glassman “Started Earning $24,000 A Year At The Ice Rink And Eventually Earned Six Figures A Year” … A Salary That Later Allowed Him To Loan $250,000 To His Campaign. “Glassman, whose only full-time job has been working for a Congressman for less than a year, has loaned his campaign $250,000. He earned that money, he told me, during his time consulting with KB Home and when he managed his family’s ice skating rink in Tucson. He started earning $24,000 a year at the ice rink and eventually earned six figures a year. (This fact should spur job applications to ice skating rinks around the country and particularly in the Southwest.).” (Stuart Rothenberg, “Same Party But Two Very Different Candidates,” CQ Roll Call, 6/21/10)
• AUDIO: Glassman: “I Also Ran Our Family’s Ice Skating Rink …” GLASSMAN: “I also ran our family’s ice skating rink, so lots of field trips and lots of working with teachers and principals and superintendents, and it’s always been something that I’ve been very passionate about. But now we live in Phoenix.” (Interview With Rodney Glassman, The Rural Scoop, 2/20/19)

However, “Things Were Not Going Very Well” At The Ice Rink, So Glassman Tried To Pressure The Government “To Buy It From Him” As A Bailout For Up To $8 Million:

By The Early 2000s, Glassman Was Pressuring The Tucson City Council To Purchase His Failing Ice Rink For Up To $8 Million Despite Admitting That His Rink’s Financial “Situation Is Terminal.” “Owners of Gateway Ice Center want the city to buy the facility, but the proposal is receiving a chilly reception from the City Council … Backers of the idea will pitch their case to the council … Rodney Glassman, Gateway’s manager, said the 4-year-old rink, at 7333 E. Rosewood, is on thin ice. The business is only breaking even at 50 percent capacity, and Glassman said he’s been unable to find private buyers. ‘The situation is terminal,’ he said … Glassman said the rink is flexible on a purchase price, but the maximum would be $8 million.” (Mitch Tobin, “Skating Rink Buyout Idea On Thin Ice,” Tucson Citizen, 3/18/00)

• City Officials “Remember Being Put Off By Glassman’s ‘Impatient, Aggressive And Unrelenting’ Lobbying, Which Included Bombarding Council Members And TCC Officials With Phone Calls And Faxes.” “A striking link between the two events is in both cases participants remember being put off by Glassman’s ‘impatient, aggressive and unrelenting’ lobbying, which included bombarding council members and TCC officials with phone calls and faxes.” (Rob O’Dell, “Glassman Pestered Council As Newcomer,” Arizona Daily Star, 10/30/07)
• Councilwoman Carol West “Said She Got So Frustrated With Glassman’s Lobbying That She Threw Him Out Of Her Office.” “Councilwoman Carol West said she got so frustrated with Glassman’s lobbying that she threw him out of her office. Glassman said the two had a disagreement and he simply left her office. West said Glassman needs to respect other people’s right to disagree, which is part of being a council member. ‘Buying a failing ice rink was not in the best interest of the community,’ West said.” (Rob O’Dell, “Glassman Pestered Council As Newcomer,” Arizona Daily Star, 10/30/07)
• Councilwoman Carol West: “He’s The Only Person I Ever Have.” “West said she got so fed up with Glassman she threw him out of her office. ‘He’s the only person I ever have,’ she said with a laugh.” (Rob O’Dell And Daniel Scarpinato, “Don’t Expect West’s Nod On East Side Council Race,” Arizona Daily Star, 9/29/07)

In March 2000, The Tucson City Council Unanimously Voted To Reject Glassman’s Proposal, “Arguing It Would Be A Bailout Of A Private Business.” “Gateway Ice Center’s plea for the city to take over the failing rink failed. In a unanimous vote yesterday, the City Council said it had no interest in buying the business at 7333 E. Rosewood St. … But the council quickly dismissed the plan, arguing it would be a bailout of a private business.” (Mitch Tobin, “City Won’t Buy Out Ice Rink,” Tucson Citizen, 3/21/00)

• Councilman Jose Ibarra: “I Think There Are Other Priorities We Need To Address In The City, And It Would Be Foolish To Continue Down This Path.” “‘I think there are other priorities we need to address in the city, and it would be foolish to continue down this path,’ Councilman Jose Ibarra said.” (Mitch Tobin, “City Won’t Buy Out Ice Rink,” Tucson Citizen, 3/21/00)
• Councilman Fred Ronstadt: “We’re Not Going To Buy It … I Don’t Think There’s Anyone On The Council Who Supports That.” “‘We’re not going to buy it,’ said Councilman Fred Ronstadt. ‘I don’t think there’s anyone on the council who supports that.’ Ronstadt said the city’s study ‘says nothing’ about the rink’s financial prospects under city ownership because it was based on budget projections and unaudited information.” (Mitch Tobin, “Skating Rink Buyout Idea On Thin Ice,” Tucson Citizen, 3/18/00)
• Councilwoman Carol West: “… An Insult To The Taxpayers Of This Community.” “Some City Council members say the purchase would amount to a bailout of a failing private business. ‘To think the city should pick up a business that is marginal is an insult to the taxpayers of this community,’ said Councilwoman Carol West. ‘Don’t even get me started.’” (Mitch Tobin, “Skating Rink Buyout Idea On Thin Ice,” Tucson Citizen, 3/18/00)
• City Manager Luis Gutierrez “Recommended Against” Glassman’s Bailout Proposal. “But City Manager Luis Gutierrez recommended against the purchase ‘in light of the many existing high-priority needs the city has before it and the city’s financial constraints to adequately deal with these priorities.’” (Mitch Tobin, “Skating Rink Buyout Idea On Thin Ice,” Tucson Citizen, 3/18/00)

AUDIO: In September 2010, A Former Tucson City Councilman Said That Glassman’s “Family Had Given Him An Ice Rink To Manage” But That “Things Were Not Going Very Well And Rodney Started Making Appointments With Council Members Trying To Convince Them To Buy It From Him.” COUNCILMAN: “I met Rodney probably ten years ago. At the time, I guess his family had given him an ice rink to manage: ‘Here, cut your teeth on this. Learn how to be a businessman.’ And it appears that things were not going very well and Rodney started making appointments with council members trying to convince them to buy it from him and take it over and make it part of Parks and Rec.” (Remarks By Former Tucson City Councilman, 9/5/10)

• AUDIO: Former Tucson City Councilman: “… It Was Disturbing To Me Because It Was A Situation Where Someone Had Made A Bad Business Decision And, Instead Of Learning From It, Sucking It Up, Owning It, He Tried To Figure Out How To Pawn It Off On Somebody And Get Bailed Out … And Have Taxpayers Holding The Bag On Huge Subsidies To An Ice Rink On The Far East Side.” COUNCILMAN: “And it was disturbing to me because it was a situation where someone had made a bad business decision and, instead of learning from it, sucking it up, owning it, he tried to figure out how to pawn it off on somebody and get bailed out and he was happy to try and get the tax from the people of Tucson, the taxpayers, to bail out a bad business deal, leave his family whole, and have taxpayers holding the bag on huge subsidies to an ice rink on the far east side.” (Remarks By Former Tucson City Councilman, 9/5/10)

Glassman Also Lobbied Against The Tucson Convention Center Offering “Cheap Practice Time” To Youth Hockey Teams “Because It Was Eating Into The Profits” Of His Own Ice Rink:

In The 2000s, Glassman “Relentlessly Lobbied” The Tucson City Council To “Stop Letting Youth Hockey Teams Buy Cheap Practice Time At The Tucson Convention Center’s Ice Rink Because It Was Eating Into The Profits Of The Rink He Ran For His Family.” “Today, as Democratic candidate Glassman campaigns for a seat on the council, he has made helping children one of his top priorities, pointing to fundraising by his nonprofit foundation as proof of his commitment. But in that long-ago first interaction with the body he hopes to join in November, Glassman relentlessly lobbied the council to stop letting youth hockey teams buy cheap practice time at the Tucson Convention Center’s ice rink because it was eating into the profits of the rink he ran for his family. Glassman wanted the council to raise fees for using the TCC’s ice and consider shutting down all public skating there because it undercut prices charged by his family’s business, which was called both the Iceoplex and the Gateway Ice Center.” (Rob O’Dell, “Glassman Pestered Council As Newcomer,” Arizona Daily Star, 10/30/07)

• Tucson Convention Center Commission Chairman William Nugent “Not[ed] One Friday Night Glassman Left 23 Messages On His Answering Machine.” “William Owen Nugent, chairman of the Tucson Convention Center Commission, told the Star then ‘it was a disruptive time,’ noting one Friday night Glassman left 23 messages on his answering machine.” (Rob O’Dell, “Glassman Pestered Council As Newcomer,” Arizona Daily Star, 10/30/07)
• Glassman “Denies He Was Hurting Youth Groups, Because Hockey Players Are A Small Group Of People.” “He denies he was hurting youth groups, because hockey players are a small group of people who own their own equipment and are definitely not the ‘general community.’” (Rob O’Dell, “Glassman Pestered Council As Newcomer,” Arizona Daily Star, 10/30/07)

Glassman Sold The Ice Rink But Refused To Disclose The Selling Price:

In April 2004, Glassman Sold The Ice Rink But “Would Not Disclose The Selling Price.” “The owner of Gateway Ice Center has sold the rink to Bourn Properties, a Tucson real estate company. Seller Rodney Glassman would not disclose the selling price, but in March 2000, when he was trying to get the city to buy the rink, he put the maximum selling price at $8 million. He said Don Bourn, a Bourn partner, has a son who plays ice hockey. Bourn did not return a call for comment on the deal.” (Sheryl Kornman, “Bourn Properties Buys Gateway Ice Center,” Tucson Citizen, 4/20/04)

• By The Time Of The Sale, The Ice Rink’s “Business Had Dropped 40 Percent.” “The ice rink opened under the management of the Iceoplex company. In 1997, the company sold the rink to Glassman, who renamed it Gateway Ice Center. Since then, business had dropped 40 percent, said Brad Berman, operating partner of Polar Ice. He and Dobbs were both with Iceoplex before the rink was sold. ‘We were extremely successful when we owned it originally,’ Berman said. ‘We think it makes sense to try to get it back to the level we left it in the mid-’90s.’” (Ty Young, “On Thinner Ice,” Tucson Citizen, 5/20/04)
• The New Owners “Invested In Upgrades” And Reduced Prices For Adults And Children. “Providing a new, family-oriented atmosphere is the mission of Polar Ice, Allgood said. Though the company has invested in upgrades, customer prices have dropped. Admission for adults is $5.50, down from $7. Kids 12 and younger get in for $4.50 instead of $6, and skate rental has dropped a quarter, to $2.50. Eight-week skating classes are $60, down from $100.” (Ty Young, “On Thinner Ice,” Tucson Citizen, 5/20/04)
• One Ice-Skater Said Of The New Owners: “We Used To Have To Skate In The Dark … Everything Is Moving In A Positive Direction Now. They Really Know What They’re Doing.” “Not only the kids are smiling. Jan Ahrens, 72, who has been skating for more than half her life, is grinning, too. ‘We used to have to skate in the dark,’ she said. ‘Everything is moving in a positive direction now. They really know what they’re doing.’” (Ty Young, “On Thinner Ice,” Tucson Citizen, 5/20/04)

Glassman Formed A Quixotic Creditor Committee To Recoup His $750 From A Bankrupt Hockey Team … But Later Admitted That He Took A Failed “Calculated Risk” To Not Charge The Team Up-Front For Ice From His Rink:

In 1998, Glassman Formed A Creditor Committee After One Of His Ice Rink’s Vendors (A Hockey Team) Filed For Bankruptcy: “We Formed The Committee So We Could Have A Say In The Matter … Now We’re Having To Fight For The Money We Were Told We Would Be Paid When We Provided Our Goods And Services. It’s Kind Of Frustrating.” “On Sept. 8 the Gila Monsters, who said earlier that they need to average 1,800 paid attendance to break even, filed a plan for reorganization that calls for merchants owed $170,591 in unsecured debts to receive 20 cents on the dollar. Dismayed by the offer, 11 area merchants banded together to form a creditors’ committee, a move that was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Sept. 25. ‘We formed the committee so we could have a say in the matter,’ said Rodney Glassman, whose Iceoplex Gateway Ice Center is owed $1,040, ‘Now we’re having to fight for the money we were told we would be paid when we provided our goods and services. It’s kind of frustrating.’” (“First-Season Creditors Unhappy As Team Readies Play,” Associated Press, 10/15/98)

• Glassman Was “Offered A 20-Per-Cent Settlement On The $1,000 He Was Owed” But “Was So Determined To Make The [Hockey Team] Pay In Full” That He Rejected The Settlement And, Instead, “Spearheaded The Creation Of [The] 11-Member Creditors Committee.” “When the assets of the defunct minor pro franchise were liquidated, just $136,000 was recovered by the appointed bankruptcy trustee and none of it went to those unsecured creditors in Tucson … As was the case with all unsecured creditors, Glassman was originally offered a 20-per-cent settlement on the $1,000 he was owed but not even that much was forthcoming. Glassman was so determined to make the Gila Monsters pay in full that he spearheaded the creation of an 11-member creditors committee in October 1998.” (Dan Barnes, “Gila Monsters In Mandel’s Closet,” Edmonton Journal, 10/22/04)
• Glassman’s Committee “Was Wholly Unsuccessful In Recovering Any Money.” “It was wholly unsuccessful in recovering any money from the defunct team but the intervening years have tempered Glassman’s irritation with Mandel.” (Dan Barnes, “Gila Monsters In Mandel’s Closet,” Edmonton Journal, 10/22/04)

In October 2004, Glassman Admitted That He Had Taken “A Calculated Risk In Selling [The Hockey Team] Ice” And “Not Asking For Payment Up Front” … Even Though He Knew That “Tucson Has Never Been A Profitable Hockey Market.” “‘Tucson has never been a profitable hockey market. When Stephen Mandel came to Tucson he had hockey in his heart,’ said Glassman. ‘It was a given when he arrived that his probability of success was small. I took a calculated risk in selling him ice knowing he was running a business that might not be successful and not asking for payment up front.’” (Dan Barnes, “Gila Monsters In Mandel’s Closet,” Edmonton Journal, 10/22/04)

Glassman Has Been Widely Mocked As Product Of Nepotism:

Arizona Daily Star: Glassman Is An “Uber-Involved Socialite.” “Now that uber-involved socialite Rodney Glassman has thrown his hat into the Ward 2 City Council race, Notebook was curious whether the city would continue airing the television show he hosts: ‘Consider This.’” (Daniel Scarpinato, “Bipartisan Talk Has A Fleeting Life At Capitol,” Arizona Daily Star, 1/13/07)

Tucson Citizen: Glassman “Isn’t A Guy Who Clawed His Way Up.” “Glassman’s fundraising announcement is more impressive than his résumé … This isn’t a guy who clawed his way up, leaving nail marks on bootstraps.” (Blake Morlock, “Dems Target Renzi, Who’s Troubled By Land Deal,” Tucson Citizen, 4/23/07)

• Tucson Citizen: There Is “Some Grouse That [Glassman] Bought His Way Into Politics With A Family Fortune Out Of Fresno.” “Tucson City Council candidate Rodney Glassman is getting close to the point where his campaign donations from outside the city limits will equal more than 40 percent of his war chest … The former ice rink operator and aide to congressman Grijalva has done an impressive job of fund raising, gathering more than $30,000 from more than 1,500 benefactors. His political liability may be his youth (29), and he doesn’t have a lot of experience. Some grouse that he bought his way into politics with a family fortune out of Fresno.” (Blake Morlock, “State Official’s Use Of E-Mail Falls In Gray Area,” Tucson Citizen, 6/1/07)
• Tucson Citizen: “… Comes Off As An Omnipresent And Loquacious Salesman For Himself …” “At first blush, Glassman comes off as an omnipresent and loquacious salesman for himself and the community. Actually, that’s how Glassman comes off all the time.” (Editorial Board, “Glassman: Knowledgeable And Creative,” Tucson Citizen, 8/15/07)

Tucson Weekly: Glassman Is A “Young Trust-Funder” And “Socialite.” “Socialite Rodney Britz Glassman offered last year to move from his frat-boy pad on the left bank of Rillito River — if the Board of Supervisors appointed him to fill Raul Grijalva’s term. The young trust-funder volunteered to slum in a make-believe North Euclid Avenue rental in exchange for the chance to carry on for Grijalva, a Democrat who was leaving Pima County office after 13 years to begin his stacked run for Congress.” (“Get Out Of Town!” Tucson Weekly, 12/18/03)

• Tucson Weekly: “Please, Rodney, Leave. Pack Up All Your Inflated Resumes, Your Grandiose … And Get That Tahoe On Interstate 10 Heading Out.” “Please, Rodney, leave. Pack up all your inflated resumes, your grandiose and unsolicited position papers, your boasts, your toasts, your roasts (The Rodney Glassman Gentleman’s Roast of Jim Click and Don Diamond? Give us a break, you world-class suck-up!), your lunches at McMahon’s Prime Steak House and your maniacal cell phone use — and get that Tahoe on Interstate 10 heading out.” (“Get Out Of Town!” Tucson Weekly, 12/18/03)

Goldwater State: Glassman Is “An Overgrown Fratboy, A Trustafarian Dandy With A Sense Of Entitlement.” “Back when Rodney Glassman was first seeking public office, I remarked that he was an overgrown fratboy, a trustafarian dandy with a sense of entitlement big enough to get him kicked out of Carol West’s office, and doubted his capability to be an effective City Councilman.” (B. Kalafut, “Glassman Aims For The Senate,” Goldwater State, 4/17/10)

• Goldwater State: Glassman Is A “Carpetbagging Phony-Philanthropist.” “What a weasel! Penny wise and pound foolish, for sure. One can actually get away with that, in government — ‘Do as I say, or else’ — which is why we want the carpetbagging phony-philanthropist Glassman away from the reins of power.” (B. Kalafut, “Perhaps Someone At The Star Reads My ‘Blog,” Goldwater State, 10/30/07)

Inside Track Arizona: Glassman Is “Immature” And “Acts Like A Spoiled Brat.” “Rodney would probably be more successful at this if he was a little slicker and less obvious. And less immature. Two of the many Rodney stories are that he used to take his baby-sitter to lunch on his personal VISA and another that his father bought him a new car when he was 14 complete with his own driver. Might help explain why he acts like a spoiled brat at 29.” (Emil Franzi, “The Many Faces Of Rodney Britz Glassman,” Inside Track Arizona, 2007)

University Of Arizona Graduate Student: “Glassman Is A Trust-Fund Dandy …” “The Tucson Citizen usually endorses practical candidates with concrete policy proposals for local office. In light of that, I’m puzzled by the endorsement of Rodney Glassman over Lori Oien. Oien is a full-time mother, formerly an interior designer, with a long history of neighborhood and city-level activism; Glassman is a trust-fund dandy whose political experience consists of a stint in Raúl Grijalva’s office.” (Ben Kalafut, Letter To The Editor, “Citizen Endorses Fluff Over Substance,” Tucson Citizen, 10/17/07)

Tucson City Councilman Steve Kozachik: Glassman Is A “Narcissist” Who “Sat In Those City Council Meetings Week After Week … Texting People During Study Sessions Like A Little Adolescent.” “Republican Councilman Steve Kozachik slammed his former colleague, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Rodney Glassman, on a talk radio show Thursday morning, saying the former city councilman is unqualified for the position and is using the term ‘Vice Mayor’ on the stump in order to sound more influential … Kozachik, who called Glassman a ‘narcissist,’ said he wasn’t impressed with Glassman for other reasons. ‘I sat in those City Council meetings week after week while he was there, watching him texting people during study sessions like a little adolescent, and getting his cue cards from his staff. He didn’t do his own homework. The guy is simply unqualified for the position.’” (Rhonda Bodfield, “Kozachik Blasts Glassman Over Council Service,” Arizona Daily Star, 8/26/10; James King, “Rodney Glassman Colleague Says Candidate Text Messaged People During Council Meetings ‘Like A Little Adolescent,’” Phoenix New Times, 8/26/10)

Glassman Initially Was Rejected By The Cave Creek Town Council But Later Served As Interim Town Manager For Eight Months Because Of His Political Connections:

In June 2013, The Cave Creek Town Council Voted 5-2 To Reject “A Proposal That Would Have Appointed … Glassman Interim Town Manager.” “Cave Creek residents will have to wait a couple of more weeks before they learn who the town’s top administrative official will be. On Wednesday, the Town Council rejected a proposal that would have appointed former Tucson City Councilman Rodney Glassman interim town manager. However, the 5-2 vote doesn’t mean Glassman is out of the running for the job. The council voted to delay the decision until June 24 so more candidates could apply. Applications are due by noon Monday.” (Philip Haldiman, “Town Manager Pick Postponed,” Arizona Republic, 6/14/13)

• Glassman Had Only Been “Appointed … Due To His Friendship” With The Vice Mayor. “In June 2013 Glassman was appointed Cave Creek’s interim town manager due to his friendship with former Vice Mayor Adam Trenk, who was subsequently recalled along with the other three councilmen who voted to oust the town manager and hire Glassman.” (Linda Bentley, “Recycled Democrat Rodney Glassman Running As Republican For ACC,” Sonoran News, 6/19/17)
• Further, The Town Manager Position “Never Needed To Be Filled, As The Post Automatically Fell To The Town Clerk.” “Trenk and his fellow slate members conspired to hire Trenk’s friend, the inexperienced and unqualified Rodney Glassman as interim town manager even before they voted to terminate former Town Manager Usama Abujbarah. This was a position that never needed to be filled, as the post automatically fell to the town clerk, by statute, until a permanent replacement could be found.” (Linda Bentley, “Trenk’s Do As I Say Not As I Do Policies,” Sonoran News, 1/28/15)

Two Weeks Later, The Town Council Appointed Glassman To The Position And Tasked Him With “Carrying Out Day-To-Day Duties … Conducting An Audit Of The Town’s Finances And Overseeing The Process Of Selecting A Permanent Town Manager.” “The Cave Creek Town Council has appointed a former Tucson city councilman and candidate for U.S. Senate as acting town manager. Rodney Glassman was appointed to the post by a 5-2 vote Monday, with his service to begin immediately and end no later than Jan 8 … Glassman’s responsibilities, aside from carrying out day-to-day duties, will include conducting an audit of the town’s finances and overseeing the process of selecting a permanent town manager.” (Philip Haldiman, “Glassman Named Interim Cave Creek Town Manager,” Arizona Republic, 6/26/13)

• Glassman’s Contract Was “Set To Last No Later Than Jan. 8.” “The Cave Creek Town Council unanimously approved the contract of acting Town Manager Rodney Glassman on Monday night. The agreement is set to last no later than Jan. 8. Glassman will receive the equivalent of a $112,000 annual salary, or $2,154 per week, according to the contract.” (Philip Haldiman, “CC Council OKs Contract With Acting Town Manager,” Arizona Republic, 7/6/13)
• Under The Contract, Glassman Would “Be Paid At A Rate Equivalent To A $112,000 Annual Salary, Or $2,153 Per Week … Or A Maximum Of About $60,300.” “Glassman will be paid at a rate equivalent to a $112,000 annual salary, or $2,153 per week, according to the agreement, or a maximum of about $60,300. He started as acting town manager June 25 and his contract is set to last no later than Jan.8. Glassman said the search for a permanent manager will begin in the fall.” (Philip Haldiman, “Firing Town Manager Has Financial Ripple For Cave Creek,” Arizona Republic, 7/11/13)
• One Resident Said That The Town’s “Most Dubious Non-Transparent Decision Was To Immediately Hire Rodney Glassman,” Someone With “No Experience As A Town Manager.” “Transparency has become a punch line used by politicians that do the opposite … The most dubious non-transparent decision was to immediately hire Rodney Glassman as interim town manager. Strangely, Glassman’s resume indicates he has no experience as a town manager. As a political operative, Glassman’s experience includes a position as an aide to Arizona Congressman Raúl Grijalva, notorious for promoting a boycott of Arizona businesses. Moreover, in 2010, Glassman ran a failed campaign to unseat Sen. John McCain … Many Cave Creek voters are now very disappointed.” (John P. Hoeppner, Letter To The Editor, “The Joke Is On Cave Creek Voters,” Arizona Republic, 7/31/13)
• Despite This Lack Of Experience, Glassman Was Given “A Retroactive Increase Of $10,000 Per Month” And “A Provision To Pay Him Mileage … To Commute To And From His Home In Phoenix, An 80-Mile Round Trip.” “However, when it was realized the salary that all agreed upon was not the same salary paid to the former town manager, who had 14 years experience as a town manager, those same council members voted to give Glassman a retroactive increase of $10,000 per month, despite opposition from the community. Glassman’s contract also included a provision to pay him mileage, not only for the purpose of conducting the town’s business, but to commute to and from his home in Phoenix, an 80-mile round trip.” (Linda Bentley, “Recycled Democrat Rodney Glassman Running As Republican For ACC,” Sonoran News, 6/19/17)

Glassman’s Unnecessary Appointment — Which Was Only Made Possible “Due To His Friendship” With The Vice Mayor — Resulted In A Lawsuit By The Former Town Manager, Whose Complaint Contains “Secretly Recorded And Emails, Especially To And From … Glassman”:

In August 2013, Cave Creek’s Former Town Manager Filed A Lawsuit Alleging That He Had Been “Improperly Terminated” In Violation Of Arizona’s Open Meeting Law As Part Of A Concerted Effort” By The Vice Mayor To Hire Glassman. “On Wednesday, former Town Manager Usama Abujbarah filed a complaint and special action seeking mandamus relief in Maricopa County Superior Court against the town of Cave Creek, the mayor and town council for violations of Arizona’s open meeting law at the June 10, 2013 special meeting during which he alleges he was improperly terminated … The complaint seeks to permanently enjoin the town from violating Arizona’s open meeting law and asks the court to issue a writ of mandamus compelling the defendants to reinstate Abujbarah as town manager, rescind the termination, restore all benefits and restore full seniority as though he had not been previously terminated.” (Linda Bentley, “Abujbarah Sues Over Termination And Open Meeting Law Violation,” Sonoran News, 8/22/13)

• The Effort To “Install” Him Was Evidenced By “Phone Calls He Secretly Recorded And Emails, Especially To And From Interim Town Manager Rodney Glassman …” “Phone calls he secretly recorded and emails, especially to and from interim Town Manager Rodney Glassman, detail Trenk’s plan to oust Abujbarah and install his friend Glassman as temporary town manager, while garnering necessary support from his three council slate mates, Mike Durkin, Reg Monachino and Charles Spitzer to pull it off … In fact, communications back and forth between Trenk and Glassman confirmed, in furtherance of their conspiratorial efforts, Trenk arranged for Glassman to communicate with and meet with Durkin, Monachino and Spitzer through intermediaries, including Mike Chutz, Eileen Wright and others closely associated with these individuals to accomplish their goal.” (Linda Bentley, “Abujbarah’s Motion For Summary Judgment Tells A Damning Tale,” Sonoran News, 8/13/14)
• Glassman Had Quietly “Approached” The Vice Mayor About Being Hired As Town Manager “As Early As April 2013.” “Obviously, Trenk knew, in order for Glassman to become town manager, it was necessary to remove Abujbarah. Glassman confirmed Trenk approached him about being town manager as early as April 2013.” (Linda Bentley, “Abujbarah’s Motion For Summary Judgment Tells A Damning Tale,” Sonoran News, 8/13/14)

In December 2013, Four Months After The Lawsuit Was Filed, The Town Council Chose Peter Jankowski As Its Permanent Town Manager … But Also Extended Glassman’s Contract To February 14. “A bit of closure for Cave Creek came Dec. 16 when the Town Council voted to fill the town’s top administrative position. After six months of Cave Creek’s staff riding a wave of uncertainty about their future, the council unanimously approved Peter Jankowski as the town manager … Jankowski’s contract will be voted on Monday, Jan. 6, and he is expected to begin work on Feb. 10. In the meantime, interim Town Manager Rodney Glassman will complete his contract, which ends Feb. 14.” (Philip Haldiman, “Cave Creek Council Chooses Jankowski As Town Manager,” Arizona Republic, 12/18/13)

Within Four Months, Glassman Unnecessarily Antagonized Scottsdale’s Mayor By Attempting To Steal The City’s Motto, Resulting In A Potentially Expensive Legal Threat … Under Which The Town Of Cave Creek Surrendered:

In October 2013, Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane Threatened Legal Action After The Cave Creek Town Council Proposed “A Resolution That Would Allow The Town To Move Forward With Usurping Scottsdale’s Motto, ‘The West’s Most Western Town,’ As Its Own.” “Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane says legal action is possible if the Cave Creek Town Council approves a resolution that would allow the town to move forward with usurping Scottsdale’s motto, ‘The West’s Most Western Town,’ as its own … If approved Monday, the resolution would allow Town Manager Rodney Glassman to ‘begin the process of incorporating the town’s newly acquired slogan into marketing, promotions, and digital media and to ensure that it will be held for the benefit of the Town of Cave Creek.’” (Philip Haldiman, “‘Western Town’ Duel May Put Scottsdale, Cave Creek In Court,” Arizona Republic, 10/31/13)

• It Was Glassman Who “Decided The Town Needed An Anthem” And “Reckoned That Rustling Scottsdale’s Slogan Could Unite The Town.” “Cave Creek had suffered though years of difficulties and the ouster of its longtime town manager. The interim town manager, Rodney Glassman, decided the town needed an anthem. He reckoned that rustling Scottsdale’s slogan could unite the town. So, in September, city officials and volunteers composed a tongue-in-cheek resolution.” (Cindy Carcamo, “A Showdown Between Arizona Towns Over Motto,” Los Angeles Times, 11/7/13)
• Glassman “Was Instrumental In Amping Up The Rivalry” … But The Town Of Cave Creek Ultimately Surrendered Under Legal Threat And Adopted A Different Motto. “The ‘West’s Most Western Town’ showdown of 2013 did not end with a shootout at high noon between the mayors of Cave Creek and Scottsdale … Instead, the final chapter of the town’s push for Scottsdale’s motto brought it all back home - with the adoption of a motto all its own: ‘Cave Creek - Where the Wild West Lives’ … Interim Town Manager Rodney Glassman, who was instrumental in amping up the rivalry, said when he took the position nearly six months ago he quickly learned that Cave Creek isn’t a Western tourist town but rather a Western town that welcomes tourists, where the citizenry protects their frontier lifestyle. ‘We learned in law school that words like most, always and never are usually flawed, but I’d be willing to make a wager that Cave Creek’s new motto ‘Where the Wild West Lives’ will stand the test of time because it’s not a marketing campaign but rather, a way of being,’ he said.” (Philip Haldiman, “Cave Creek-Scottsdale Motto Rivalry Ends Without A Bang,” Arizona Republic, 11/8/13)
• Mayor Jim Lane’s Chief Of Staff “Called It A Victory” For The City Of Scottsdale, Glassman Responded: “We May Have Blinked … But We Won.” “Last week, the Cave Creek Town Council adopted an alternative motto: ‘Where the Wild West Lives.’ Scottsdale’s Twist called it a victory. But Glassman, Cave Creek’s town manager, says the town with no advertising budget drew national media attention, and businesses broke sales records during ‘Wild West Days.’ ‘We may have blinked,’ he said. ‘But we won.’” (Cindy Carcamo, “A Showdown Between Arizona Towns Over Motto,” Los Angeles Times, 11/7/13)

Glassman Was Criticized For Wasteful Spending, Including “Abusing An Expense Account” And Unnecessarily Hiring A “Community Outreach Coordinator” And “Management Audit” Team:

In 2013, Glassman Proposed A “Management Audit” To The Town Of Cave Creek, Culminating In A 4-Month Study By Graduate Students At ASU’s Center For Urban Innovation. “A management audit of the town of Cave Creek has delivered mixed results - revealing the town staff is steeped in a culture of service and preservation but is experiencing increased tension in the wake of recent transition in leadership and elected officials. Graduate students at the Center for Urban Innovation in the School of Public Affairs at Arizona State University conducted the research from September to December. Interim Town Manager Rodney Glassman said he proposed the study to provide the mayor and council with a clear, expert view into the town’s current staffing and allocation of resources and how they aligned to their individual and collective visions for the community.” (Philip Haldiman, “Management Audit Of Cave Creek Delivers Mixed Results,” Arizona Republic, 12/13/13)

In 2013, Glassman “Logged Countless Miles For Reimbursement” And Requested Reimbursements For Questionable Expenses Such As “A Hotel Room For A One-Night Stay In July At Loews Ventana Canyon Resort In Tucson.” “Interim Town Manager Rodney Glassman, on the other hand, has not only logged countless miles for reimbursement, he apparently needs to use the taxpayer trough to pay for meals as he wines and dines everyone from Arizona Republic Reporter Phil Haldiman, to discuss town events, to Litchfield Park City Manager Daryl Crossman, to discuss Litchfield Park management and infrastructure … Taxpayers also paid $128.60 for a hotel room for a one-night stay in July at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson.” (Linda Bentley, “Living High On The Hog At Taxpayer Expense,” Sonoran News, 12/11/13)

• During His Tenure As Town Manager, Glassman “Spent A Majority Of His Time Away From Town Hall Wining And Dining People At Taxpayer Expense … Abusing An Expense Account.” “During his tenure as interim town manager, Glassman spent a majority of his time away from town hall wining and dining people at taxpayer expense … Glassman spent the bulk of his time as interim town manager pursuing his political goals while he delayed the process for selecting a permanent town manager … A quintessential opportunist, Glassman spent his brief stint as Cave Creek’s interim town manager away from town hall abusing an expense account by wining and dining politicians who might help with his higher political aspirations and reporters willing to write glowing accounts of his tenure.” (Linda Bentley, “Recycled Democrat Rodney Glassman Running As Republican For ACC,” Sonoran News, 6/19/17)
• Glassman Submitted “Outrageous Expense And Mileage Reports.” “Without getting into Glassman’s outrageous expense and mileage reports, the mere fact they voted to hire Glassman at all proves they are incapable of ‘responsibly managing town finances.’” (Linda Bentley, “Trenk’s Do As I Say Not As I Do Policies,” Sonoran News, 1/28/15)
• Glassman Also “Hire[d] An Independent Contractor For A Period Of Nine Months To Provide ‘Community Outreach Coordination Services’ At A Cost Of $1,000 Per Month To Work A Minimum Of 10 Hours Per Month.” “He also took it upon himself to hire an independent contractor for a period of nine months to provide ‘community outreach coordination services’ at a cost of $1,000 per month to work a minimum of 10 hours per month. So, there was another $9,000 Glassman racked up in expenses during his tenure with the town.” (Linda Bentley, “Recycled Democrat Rodney Glassman Running As Republican For ACC,” Sonoran News, 6/19/17)

Glassman Approved A Road Maintenance Project That Went Significantly Over Budget And Violated The Town Of Cave Creek’s Procedures:

In January 2014, Glassman “Approved [A] Road Maintenance Project” That Later “Went More Than 300 Percent Over Budget And Violated Town Procedure In The Process.” “A recent Cave Creek road-maintenance project went more than 300 percent over budget and violated town procedure in the process, officials have confirmed. Town Engineer Wayne Anderson said a crack-seal project, which protects asphalt pavement from damage, was initially approved for no more than $27,126 earlier this year. The repairs were made throughout town. But cost ballooned to $82,146, he said, because of an inaccurate bid and a time crunch to get the job done due to lack of available equipment … Jankowski began as town manager on Feb. 10, replacing interim Town Manager Rodney Glassman, who approved the road maintenance project for the Jan. 6 council agenda, leading to an eventual council vote.” (Philip Haldiman, “Cave Creek Project More Than 300 Percent Over Budget,” Arizona Republic, 5/8/14)

While Serving As Cave Creek’s Town Manager, Glassman Ended “All Town Advertising” On A News Website That Had Been Critical Of His Tenure:

In 2013, Glassman “Pulled All Town Advertising From Sonoran News,” Which Had Been Critical Of His Tenure As Town Manager. “In early August, George Ross filed a 55-page complaint with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, with a copy to Arizona Attorney General, claiming Cave Creek Town Council “have clearly violated Arizona State Statutes in voting unanimously to make the Sonoran News the official newspaper for Cave Creek official notices’ … On Oct. 1, Town Attorney Bill Sims responded to Preston’s request … Sims then explained the arrangement with the Gila Bend Sun, a process that has been in place and followed since it was upheld by Hearing Officer Richard W. Garnett III in 1997 through 2013, which was when Interim Town Manager Rodney Glassman pulled all town advertising from Sonoran News.” (Linda Bentley, “Town Responds To George Ross’ Complaint Regarding Sonoran News,” Sonoran News, 10/7/15)

Glassman Claimed That He “Has Ran And Operated A Water Company” … Despite There Being No Evidence To Support This:

VIDEO: In October 2018, Glassman Said: “… I’m The Only Candidate Running That Has Ran And Operated A Water Company.” GLASSMAN: “Not only do I have a PhD in water but I have previously served as a Tucson city councilman and as the town manager of Cave Creek, so I’m the only candidate running that has ran and operated a water company. With over 80 percent of the rate hearings at the Corporation Commission being water, we need a statewide voice when it comes to the issue of water.” (Arizona Corporation Commission Debate, Arizona Republic, 10/9/18)

###