Kirkpatrick grabs Mitchell’s support, launches ad

State Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D) was endorsed by Rep. Harry Mitchell (D) last week, further cementing her front-runner status for the 1st district’s Democratic nomination.

“I have seen Ann’s work up close at the state legislature, and I know she has the toughness, dedication and deep commitment to Arizona she needs to make a great member of Congress,” Mitchell said in a statement.

{mosads}Mitchell is the latest member of the state’s Democratic establishment to line up behind Kirkpatrick’s candidacy. Gov. Janet Napolitano, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and former Navajo Nation President Dr. Peterson Zah have also endorsed Kirkpatrick.

Kirkpatrick was also recently named one of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Red to Blue candidates. She is running for the seat currently held by scandal-plagued Rep. Rick Renzi (R), who is retiring.

Kirkpatrick also put out her first TV ad Friday. She holds a major fundraising advantage over the rest of a crowded Democratic primary field, which includes seven other candidates. The primary is set for Sept. 2.