Thoughts on yesterday's GOP primary

As expected, there was good and bad news. Sadly, John McCain easily beat Kelli Ward in the US Senate race. He had millions to spend, massive name recognition, and spread lies about her all over the Internet, you couldn't visit a political website without seeing his smears ("Chemtrail Kelly" - never mind that McCain himself once referred a constituent to the EPA who had chemtrail concerns, taking chemtrails even more seriously than Ward). The final insult to injury came when he strong armed Arizona Right to Life PAC into endorsing him, even though the organization told me couple of months ago that they were no longer gong to endorse candidates, considering the outcry in 2010 when I resigned from the board and the PAC due to the PAC endorsing McCain over JD Hayworth. Hayworth had a 100% pro-life rating in Congress; McCain only had a 75% rating due to his support for taxpayer funded embryonic stem cell research - he is NOT pro-life unlike Ward.

McCain faces Ann Kirkpatrick in the general, who is polling neck and neck with him. If he loses, Republicans aren't going to forgive him or the GOP establishment, since the polls showed him likely to lose months ago (generally an incumbent polling that poorly early on ends up losing the general).

In better news, Don Stapley, who I believe is a crook who belongs behind bars, soundly lost the CD5 race for Congress. It is not certain yet who won, both Christine Jones and Andy Biggs are too close to call (Jones is up 876 votes currently). Fortunately, both would make excellent members of Congress. Biggs was a powerhouse conservative in the Arizona legislature, and Christine is a savvy businesswoman and lawyer who made her own millions while at Go Daddy (where she was my boss; I, alas, was not that savvy). Besides having a significant amount of money to put into the race, Christine, an evangelical, was the sole woman and non-LDS candidate in the race, which likely also helped, splitting up much of the LDS vote among the other three candidates.

Glad to see Dave Giles beat John Agra in my CD9 district. Agra wasn't very visible and he had nothing on his website about social issues. While it might be wise not to emphasize them during the general in this mixed district, it wasn't a good strategy during the primary. Have heard the NRCC is going to pour money into this race so Giles may actually have a chance against Kirsten Sinema in the general. Giles ran a tireless race during the primary, personally calling people (I must have gotten three phone calls at least).

David Schweikert had a challenger. Who knew? Paul Gosar easily won reelection in CD4. As an incumbent with a pretty good conservative record, it was nearly impossible for unknown Ray Strauss to defeat him.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio, as predicted, beat his nearest challenger Dan Saban two to one. Too bad the left-leaning media detests him so much they couldn't even report accurately on how much he was ahead in the polls.

Helen Purcell, the county recorder, is neck and neck with her challenger.  There was a perception that she was responsible for long voter lines during the presidential primary, but I have debunked that thoroughly as the former Maricopa County Elections attorney. As a result of the ridiculous outcry, there were poll workers sitting around yesterday with nothing to do as few voters showed up, a complete waste of taxpayer dollars. Hopefully Helen pulls it off, she has ran one of the most innovative recorder/election departments in the country. (update: Helen did end up winning, but due to the bad press will face an unfair challenge in the general)

Was pleased to see Bob Burns easily won the Corporation Commission primary, coming in first. While all of the Republican candidates running seem decent, he is the one speaking out most strongly against the powerful utility companies that keep raising rates and doing everything they can to keep much cheaper solar out, even if it is properly regulated.

In my LD18, newcomer Frank Schmuck handily beat incumbent Jeff Dial in the Senate. Dial had voted for the Medicaid expansion and voted against our Bar reform and public notice reform bills, so it was time for him to go.

Was disappointed to see Anthony Sizer lost in the LD14 state rep race in north Tucson, but it's fairly uncommon as a newcomer to win your first race with no name recognition. Hope he runs again next term.  Also disappointed to see Matt Morales lose in the LD28 state rep race, but he was also a newcomer so hopefully next time around. Another newcomer, my old friend Ross Groen, also lost in LD25, but he's a fighter and will be back.

Uh Yeah, Dr. Kelli Ward Is Definitely Pro-Life

Editor's note: I served on the board of Arizona Right to Life for five years. McCain has a poor pro-life record, and was rated only 75% by National Right to Life, primarily due to his support for government funding of embryonic stem cell research, which pro-lifers find appalling. When someone on the PAC forced through an endorsement of him over JD Hayworth in 2010, I could no longer stay on the board or PAC in good conscience and resigned. Kelli Ward is far more pro-life than McCain will ever be (and sadly we just heard that AZRTL has again endorsed McCain). Kelli Ward has a 100% pro-life rating as a state legislator.

Cross-posted from Sonoran Alliance

Sinister rumors started by the McCain campaign claim that Dr. Kelli Ward is not pro-life. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Here’s what pro-life leaders are saying about Dr. Kelli Ward:

Kelli Ward has received the powerful endorsement of the doctor who has been called the “Father of the Pro-Life Movement” as well as Arizona pro-life activist Christine Accurso.

Accurso said,

“John McCain has voted in favor of embryonic stem cell research. Dr. Kelli Ward is an outstanding pro-life leader, and I have been honored to watch her fight for the lives of the unborn on the Arizona Senate floor. Her passion, dedication, medical expertise, and commitment to solid pro-life principles are unwavering and the reason she has my vote! I endorse Kelli, and I urge all Arizonans to vote Kelli Ward for U.S. Senate!”

In May, Cathi Herrod, President of the Center for Arizona Policy set the record straight saying,

“For the record, Kelli Ward had a 100% pro-life voting record as a State Senator. Never wavered.”

Ward was endorsed in May by Phyllis Schlafly who successfully inserted the pro-life plank into the Republican platform at the 1976 Republican National Convention.

Dr. John Grady, a distinguished physician and surgeon and nationally recognized author and lecturer, said

“In the Arizona Senate, Kelli Ward had a 100% pro-constitution and pro-life record. In the U.S. Senate, Dr. Kelli Ward will uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States. She will respect and defend the rights and dignity of all Americans — both born and unborn.”

Dr. Grady practiced in general medicine, surgery, and trauma and has delivered more than 3,000 babies. Dr. Grady was also the founder of the first state and national pro-life organizations. In 1966, seven years before Roe v. Wade, he authored the small book, Abortion – Yes or No, which became the most widely read treatise in the world on the subject and the primer for the pro-life movement.

Dr. Grady stated,

“There are many vital issues now before us, but the issue for which this nation will be judged by God is the wholesale slaughter of the unborn, with more than 50 million innocent unborn babies killed by abortion since 1973. If this nation is to survive, we must ensure that constitutional judges are appointed, especially to the Supreme Court. To do this we must have a strong majority of truly conservative Republican Senators who will uphold the Constitution. Senator Kelli Ward will be one of the loyal Americans who will lead that restoration. Sadly, John McCain’s record shows that he is not the solid conservative and uncompromising constitutional Republican we need in these critical times.”

Kelli said at a recent town hall meeting:

“Attack ads may twist my words out of context to paint a false picture of who John McCain wants you to think I am, but my 100% Pro-Life Voting Record tells who I really am and, most importantly, how I’ll vote in the United States Senate.

“I believe human life is a precious gift from God that begins at conception and deserves the full and equal protection of our laws.

“No matter how they slice and dice a quotation from a liberal newspaper, a 100% Pro-Life voting record tells everything you need to know.

“Senator McCain has voted dozens of times for Planned Parenthood funding and fetal tissue research. Now he wants to hide his record of supporting extreme leftist judges like the ACLU’s Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Justice Breyer.

“McCain’s campaign rhetoric? Or my voting record? You decide.”

 

Why Royce Flora is the best candidate for Maricopa County Treasurer

Maricopa County Treasurer candidate Royce Flora: As the Chief Deputy for the Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office for the past nine years, Flora has won several national awards for innovation and cost effective measures that continue to save, taxpayer millions of dollars. The current Maricopa County Treasurer Charles “Hos” Hoskins is not seeking re-election, which is why Flora is running. Hoskins is serving as Flora’s campaign chairman. Hoskins is a highly-decorated Air Force war veteran, who has served us well throughout his long life. Hoskins is asking for your support for Flora, a hard working Conservative who has a strong record of standing up for the taxpayers. We have many who run for office only to disappoint us. Like Abraham Lincoln, Flora will act "with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right," to restore accountability. Flora’s goal is to make us all proud again of the way free people govern themselves. As a Constitutional Conservative and a taxpayer watchdog, Flora will work with initiatives like Prop 13, to ensure our property taxes do not increase without legislative or voter approval. He will work with the Arizona Legislature to eliminate the residential property tax, the tax on your personal home. This double burden on hardworking taxpayers is just wrong. It is difficult to call ourselves homeowners if the government has an eternal lien on our homes. As a strong supporter of education, Flora will work hard to make sure schools are properly funded and parents can choose the best education for their children. Royce says, “Today, the American Dream is at risk. Our nation faces enormous uncertainty with great fiscal, economic and moral challenges. Heavy taxes and excessive regulation are a direct attack on Arizona values.” It’s time for our government to take common-sense and necessary steps to restrain its growth. It’s up to us to hold our government accountable. See royceflora4treasurer.com

Problems at the Phoenix VA: Not Everything is What it Seems

There are plenty of problems with the Veterans Administration and its hospitals, but the problems and potential solutions aren't readily apparent.

The Veterans Administration has been under fire for inadequate care of veterans in its hospitals. The Phoenix VA hospital in particular has been plagued by complaints.

Veterans may have died due to delays in care. The facility admitted that several suicidal veterans had been allowed to leave the premises when they really needed help, and the practice was not reversed until February of last year.  Three high-level administrators have been fired over the backlog in medical appointments, as well as for manipulating data to cover up delays in care. Former director Sharon Helman was fired and sentenced to probation for failing to disclose thousands of dollars in gifts she had received.

Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), a veteran himself, has been fairly vocal about fixing the problems in his home state.

The Problem is Bad

But how bad is the problem? I spoke with an insider off the record. The VA does well at routine healthcare, my source said. Across the country, the VA does well performing general health screens and treating common medical issues like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Read the rest of the article at The Stream

ICYMI - Kimberly Yee: "Senator Biggs doesn't retaliate"

Letter: Senator Biggs doesn't retaliate

Sen. Kimberly Yee11:32 p.m. MST July 24, 2016

(Photo: David Wallace/The Republic)

I was recently made aware of an on-the-record interview which painted an unflattering picture of Senate President Andy Biggs’ supposed lack of leadership and retaliatory actions.

I take strong umbrage with these mischaracterizations about my colleague, and I would like to set the record straight. It is well known that Andy Biggs is one of the most professional legislators in Arizona. He has never been known to retaliate against anyone. He also goes above and beyond to ensure that his door is open for discussion – on any issue, to both parties.

Furthermore, Andy Biggs has always respected all opinions – even when facing substantial disagreement. This is why he has garnered so much respect from members of both parties, and is why he was unanimously elected Senate president by his colleagues.

Also, I firmly believe that he has been uniquely gifted with leadership abilities that have had a tremendous benefit to Arizona for the past decade. The Andy Biggs-led Senate has been an example for future Capitol leaders to emulate, and his leadership at the Arizona Legislature will be sorely missed.

Comments attacking Andy Biggs have no basis. I wish him nothing but the best in his next endeavors.

— Sen. Kimberly Yee, Phoenix

Justin Olson: Spoiler

One of the most important endorsements in any election in the east valley comes from Randy Hatch - a grassroots, tea party lion known for backing and fighting for true conservatives. Hatch recently released his endorsements and recommendations for races across the east valley. Andy Biggs garnered his endorsement for Arizona's Fifth Congressional District.

The most striking aspect, though, about Hatch's email was that he also recommended Justin Olson....as a write-in name for the State Senate in District 25 - a loud and clear message to Olson. Read those two portions of the email for yourself:

From: Americanpride Last <redmountainteaparty@gmail.com>

Subject: My Voting Recommendations

Date: August 7, 2016 at 1:37:59 PM MST

To: Americanpride Last <redmountainteaparty@gmail.com>

Dear Friends and Fellow Patriots,

 

As you know early ballots just arrived in the mail.  Every election cycle I have decided at the request of many to forward my recommendations for who to elect this cycle.

 

Below you will find those recommendations for the East Valley U.S. district 5 and Mesa District 25.  A few recommendations for Gilbert positions are at the bottom of this email.

 

2.  US Representative District 5:  Andy Biggs

While there are a lot of good people running for this position when Matt Salmon elected not to run again, the person that I believe is the most conservative and aligns the best with my views is Andy Biggs.  I have spoken to Andy about the important issues and he is on the very same page as I.  Please vote for Andy Biggs.

 

3. State Senator District 25:  Justin Olson  This is a write in name.

I cannot in good conscious vote for Bob Worsley.  He should be a Democrat and has one of the most liberal voting records for a Republican in the State of Arizona.

Every poll coming out of the district shows that Justin Olson is playing spoiler to Andy Biggs in the race. Both Biggs and Olson are top-notch conservatives and are competing for the same pool of voters. To this point, Olson has refused to see his role in helping another candidate to topple Biggs and has stayed in the hotly-contested election.

Yes, this is Justin Olson's right to stay in the race. However, Olson should have - and still should - looked at the realistic outlook of this race and determined that he has no shot to win and that Andy Biggs had the greater shot at winning (and thus, carrying the mantle for conservatives in Congress). Olson still has a chance to redeem himself in this race and not be known forever as the man who cost conservatives a chance to hold onto Matt Salmon's seat.

Tell Justin Olson to suspend his campaign and to help Andy Biggs win this very important election!

Noel Campbell, Chip Davis Lead LD 1 House Race

This week, a poll was commissioned in the LD 1 race, showing incumbent Noel Campbell and newcomer Chip Davis in the lead for the two house seats. The poll shows Davis' lead within the margin of error - and over 40% undecided - showing that there is still a long stretch and a bit of uncertainty to the finish line. 

With early voting starting today - and election day just 27 days away - this race is far from over. However, as always, candidates would much rather be leading in polls (like Campbell and Davis) than trailing (like Stringer).

LD1

Date of poll: 8/2/2016

Likely GOP Primary Sample

MOE: +/-4.76%

Total Respondents: 420

How likely are you to vote in the upcoming Republican primary elections in Arizona?

a.         Very Likely                      97%

b.         Likely                                3%

Have you heard of Noel Campbell?

a.         Yes                                  66%

b.         No                                   28%

c.          Not sure                            6%

Have you heard of Chip Davis?

a.         Yes                                   72%

b.          No                                    20%

c.         Not sure                              9%

Have you heard of David Stringer?

a.          Yes                                    60%

b.          No                                     30%

c.          Not sure                            11%

If the election were held today for the Republican primary for State Legislature in your district, which of the following potential candidates, listed in random order, would you be most likely to vote for?

a.       Noel Campbell                   22%

b.      Chip Davis                          21%

c.        David Stringer                   17%

d.        Undecided                         41%

What is your overall opinion of Chip Davis?

a.         Favorable                           47%

b.         Unfavorable                        13%

c.          No opinion                          40%

What is your overall opinion of David Stringer?

a.         Favorable                            41%

b.         Unfavorable                        13%

c.         No opinion                           46%

David Stringer Supports Roe v Wade

In a shocking turn of events, Republican legislative candidate David Stringer, has come out in support of Roe v Wade.

From the Arizona Capitol Report's Voter Guide (Stringer's response to the "pro-life/pro-choice" question):

 

Pro-life/Pro-choice:

 

I was born and raised in the Catholic faith. I accept the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church on the issue of abortion. That is my personal view. However, I understand the Supreme Court has interpreted the Constitution to allow abortion during the early stages of pregnancy. I am not prepared to use the police power of the state to deny a women's right to choose under Roe v Wade and its progeny. I am not prepared to force my personal and religious views on others.

This response from Stringer is a far cry from his Center for Arizona Policy survey response, where he told Cathi Herrod that he supported "Prohibiting abortion except wen it is necessary to prevent the death of the mother."

And his CAP survey response is turning out to be the exception, rather than the norm. Stringer has been trying to hold back his true beliefs on certain issues, but he can't help himself when trying to kiss the rings of certain power players in the state.

Stringer's response in the Arizona Capitol Report should put the fear of God into pro-life and pro-religious freedom advocates in Arizona, who already face an ever-increasing uphill battle to defend laws on the books and to pass new legislation for their interests. Stringer might be a decent fiscal conservative, but he will most likely be a vote against life and religious freedom when push comes to shove at the legislature - his statements leave no doubt on that front.

David Stringer won't protect the most innocent among us if he is elected to the Arizona House of Representatives. He doesn't deserve the votes and support from conservatives in LD 1.