Posted on 01/13/2018 6:50:17 AM PST by SandRat
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TUCSON — U.S. Rep. Martha McSally made it official on Friday: She’s running for Jeff Flake’s Senate seat.
McSally, 51, made the announcement at the Tucson Jet Center near Tucson International Airport this morning, then took off in a World War II-era two-seater training plane headed to Phoenix and Prescott to deliver the same message.
“I don't sit quietly and I don't scare easily. When I make promises, I don't interpret them loosely,” McSally told about 200 people, including a strong contingent of veterans. “Should I take an oath as your senator, raising my right hand again, you can be certain of this, I will give my all to protecting our country and to advancing the American leadership and American values in a world that desperately needs them both, and will speak candidly, maybe a little bluntly at times, but always truthfully and never in droning, empty platitudes of the politically correct.”
McSally, who is in her second term serving Congressional District 2, had been close-mouthed about a possible bid for months, only saying she’d make an announcement after the first of the year. She reportedly told congressional colleagues last fall that she planned to make the bid after Flake announced in October that he wouldn’t run for re-election.
McSally acknowledged she has some challenges in the state when it comes to name recognition but pointed out she was named the ninth most-effective member of Congress during her freshman term by the Center for Effective Lawmaking, based on getting bills introduced and passed.
She also addressed President Trump's comment on Thursday in which he criticized protections for immigrants from “s---hole” countries, a reference to Africa, Haiti and El Salvador.
“Well, let me just say I've spoken a little salty behind closed doors as well so I'm not going to throw the first stone on using any language, and I guess there was a dispute as to what was actually said,” McSally said. “...the issue I think he was trying to get to was we need to reform our immigration system, that this lottery system doesn't make any sense.”
The congresswoman joins a crowded GOP field that includes Kelli Ward, a physician who resigned halfway through her second term in the state Legislature to run against John McCain in 2016. Ward lost to McCain in the primary.
But McSally’s toughest test could come from former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, a Republican who announced Tuesday that he was in the race. Arpaio, 85, served 24 years as sheriff before he was ousted in 2016 by Democrat Paul Penzone. Arpaio, dubbed “America’s Toughest Sheriff,” had seen a dramatic drop in popularity after he became embroiled in accusations of racial profiling during immigration sweeps. He was found guilty in July of failing to comply with court orders to end racial profiling practices in his department. On Aug. 25, after declaring Arpaio an “American patriot,” Trump pardoned him.
McSally, an Air Force Academy graduate and the first U.S. woman to fly combat missions in enemy territory, lost two bids for the House before narrowly defeating former U.S. Rep. Ron Barber for the seat in 2014. She scored a decisive re-election win in 2016 over Democrat Matt Heinz.
Democrats in the Senate primary include Deedra Abboud, Bob Bishop, Cheryl Fowler, Chris Russell and U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, who is considered the front-runner.
Along with Arpaio, Ward and McSally in the race are Craig Brittain and Nicholas Tutura.
Good. She’ll be out of the House, and definitely won’t be elected to the Senate. One more GOPe loser gone.
Bad yet expected news. The base is going to split again and this McTraitor clone is going to get in. She’s every bit as bad as Flake. Our only hope is McTraitor leaving in the next few months.
Get behind her my friends. Too much stupid stuff going on in the party. Arpaio running is another Roy Moore. McCain croaks and we could end up losing both seats. Give her 12 years like Corker or 6 like the Flake. Don’t be stupid.
What’s wrong with Arizona? I have a friend there who loves it (admittedly it is very pretty) and wants me to join her. But it seems just as bad as any other idiot state (like my own!) Is it really conservative???
The only honest person running.
In your opinion who would win the senate seat among those running?
He’s 90 and would have health problems soon and struggle statewide. Kelli Ward is just as good with immigration. It’s stupid to split vote and let another Dem enabler in.
I’m voting for Arpaio.
I support Kelli Ward.
“Get behind her my friends.”
Yes, we certainly don’t need another Trump supporter elected.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Arpaio filling out the remainder of McCain’s term. Ward to replace Flake.
I’m voting for Arpaio.
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Since you are local how do you rate Arpaio’s chances to win?
Thanks.
Let Trump deal with McSalley. Nevada is lost. You want to blow 2 in Arizona? Keep thinking .
The Sheriff would lose bigly. Don’t know about the others
He’s 90
People are not using their brains here. What would Buckley say?
The only honest person running.
Don't be an idiot. Arpaio will get slaughtered in the general, handing yet another senate set over to the Democrats.
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