Q: Your campaign says you have raised more than $300,000, and Rep. Giffords may be approaching $1.5 million by now. Can you run a viable campaign?

A: "Obviously, we have a ways to go with our fundraising, and that's going to be critical to have a viable campaign. Incumbents always have the advantage. But I've been convinced I'll have the support I need."

Q: So far you've been quiet on some of the federal issues. Keeping in mind you helped pass the employer-sanctions law now in effect, where do you stand on federal immigration reform?

A: "You don't need to do all of it at once. Really, the effort needs to be made to secure the border first. We need to continue with the construction of the fence … using a lot of technologies on the border. We need to make sure the Border Patrol is able to fill the positions that have been authorized. We also need to have a temporary guest-worker plan. Unless you solve that problem, you won't solve it with just security alone. I find it difficult that Congress has not been able to develop a guest- worker plan that works."

Q: Earlier, you talked about energy independence, not pulling funding for the troops, working with both sides of the aisle. Gabrielle Giffords might say that describes her. So how are you different from her?

A: "I would say my record reflects the fact that I have worked across the aisle. The congresswoman's voting record largely reflects voting with leadership."

Q: But she's upset some Democrats by not voting with House leadership on Iraq. So is she really as out-of-touch with the district as she's being painted?

A: "She hasn't always supported the troops in her votes, nor has she supported the effort of the war. She's made that very clear numerous times. My belief is Senator McCain was correct in his strategy on the war. The surge has worked. Violence has reduced. And we all want to see our troops come home. The best way to do that is for the Iraqi people to take control of their own military and their own security, and I anticipate the troops will be coming home very soon."

Q: If you are elected, you may be in the minority. There may be a Democratic president. You're used to being in the majority. Could you be effective?

A: "Absolutely. I've always been able to work with my Democratic colleagues. I prefer to have a Republican in the White House and a Republican majority in Congress, but should that not be the case, I will have no problem reaching across the aisle to work with them. Governor Napolitano and I have a fantastic working relationship."

Q: When will we see you and the congresswoman engage in some debate?

A: "The best way to get elected for my next job is to do a good job at the one I have. I will be working very hard for a successful outcome this year in Phoenix. At the same time, we have organized, in Southern Arizona, an army of people who will help make this happen."

— Daniel Scarpinato