Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Posted By on Tue, Aug 28, 2018 at 9:49 PM

David Garcia Declared Winner in the Arizona Democratic Governor's Race
Courtesy
David Garcia
David Garcia was announced winner in the Democratic primary gubernatorial race. Tucson Unified School District Boardmember Kristel Ann Foster spoke on his behalf at the Pima County Democrats election party.

She said he thanks his two opponents, Steve Farley and Kelly Fryer, for

raising important issues and making him a better candidate.



“And we can’t do this without them, and we can’t do this without you,” she said. "Arizona has declared that it's ready for vision over division."




Posted By on Tue, Aug 28, 2018 at 9:20 PM

click to enlarge Ann Kirkpatrick Gives Acceptance Speech with Comfortable Lead
Savanah Modesitt
Ann Kirkpatrick takes the stage at the Pima County Democrats election event, with a comfortable lead over her opponents in the CD 2 Democratic primary

Ann Kirkpatrick is in the lead for Congressional District 2, beating out six other candidates. She took the stage at the Pima County Democrats election event to say she's ready for the general.

"We won this campaign because we were out there talking to people about a Washington D.C. that has completely gone off the rails."

She said she credits her hundreds of volunteers and great team for her pending win.

"We had energy from so many groups, especially women who met monthly, marched and made phone calls," she said. "We also had 35 young student volunteers. Two of them couldn’t even vote.”

Tucson Weekly intern Daniel Young-Miller contributed to this post.


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Posted By on Tue, Aug 28, 2018 at 8:33 PM

click to enlarge Garcia Out Ahead in Dem Gubernatorial Primary; Ducey Crushing Bennett
David Garcia has a big lead in the Democratic gubernatorial primary
In the Democratic primary for governor, David Garcia has 48 percent of the vote in these early results, while state lawmaker Steve Farley of Tucson has 35 percent. Kelly Fryer is, at this point, a distant third with 17 percent.

On the GOP side, to no great surprise, Gov. Doug Ducey is crushing challenger Ken Bennett. Ducey has 70 percent of the vote.

Posted By on Tue, Aug 28, 2018 at 8:29 PM

click to enlarge Kirkpatrick Leads Dem Pack in CD2; Marquez Peterson Is Leading the GOP Side
Ann Kirkpatrick is beating the field in CD2
In the hard-fought, seven-way Democratic primary in Southern Arizona’s Congressional District 2, former member of Congress Ann Kirkpatrick has taken an early lead in early ballots out of Cochise County. Kirkpatrick has 41 percent of the vote. Former state lawmaker Matt Heinz has 31 percent; former Pentagon official Mary Matiella has 9 percent; former state lawmaker Bruce Wheeler has 9 percent; political rookie Billy Kovacs has 6 percent; rancher Barbara Sherry has 3 percent; and the disgraced Yahya Yuksel has 1 percent.

On the Republican side, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce CEO Lea Marquez Peterson is in a close race against political newcomer Brandon Martin. Marquez Peterson has 33 percent, while Martin has 29 percent. Casey Welch has 23 percent and Danny DJ Morales has 15 percent.

Posted By on Tue, Aug 28, 2018 at 8:16 PM

click to enlarge Steve Farley Calls for Unity
Danyelle Khmara
Gubernatorial candidate Steve Farley calls for unity as one of his primary opponents Kelly Fryer takes the stage with him.

An hour before the numbers started to come in for the governor's race, Steve Farley said he’s proud of all the work his volunteers did with his campaign, truly showing the voters who he is as a candidate. He says hundred of teachers joined his campaign after they saw him on the House floor, pushing for an increase to education funding during the Red for Ed teacher walkouts.


He said he’s shown he can win elections, with his numerous terms in the Arizona Legislature, and that experience has prepared him to be governor, and he can solve the problems caused by Doug Ducey’s governorship.


He took the stage at the Pima County Democratic Party’s election event and asked his opponent Kelly Fryer to join him the stage.


“Let’s go out and change this together, no matter who wins tonight,” he said


Posted By on Tue, Aug 28, 2018 at 8:09 PM

click to enlarge McSally Cruising To Victory, Setting Up Expected November Showdown Against Sinema
Martha McSally is crushing her GOP challengers in the U.S. Senate Republican primary
In the U.S. Senate Republican primary, Southern Arizona Congresswoman Martha McSally is cruising to an easy win over former state lawmaker Kelli Ward and former Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arpaio. McSally has 51 percent of the vote, compared to Ward’s 29 percent and Arpaio’s 20 percent.

To no great surprise, in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, Kyrsten Sinema is easily outpacing Deedra Abboud with 82 percent of the vote.

Sinema's primary victory statement:

For all Arizonans, this week has brought a mix of emotions. As I hear from Arizonans across our state, they tell me they want independent leaders who fight every day to make sure Arizona families can succeed. Arizonans are turning out in record numbers to make their voices heard. The energy we’ve seen from Yuma to Winslow and in between is exciting, and I’m so grateful.

Arizonans are also reflecting on Senator John McCain’s lifetime of service and the example he has set for us. It’s up to all of us to follow his lead of always putting country over party.

Tonight, we look ahead and continue fighting to uphold the values we all share: a fair shot at the American Dream and an unwavering commitment to the Arizona we love.

I’m grateful to everyone who voted today, and now, our work continues. We will spend these next ten weeks earning the vote of Arizonans across our state. Together, we can make sure that all Arizonans have an independent voice in the U.S. Senate.

The primaries have set up a battle of two of Arizona's most ambitious politicians in November.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Posted By on Mon, Aug 27, 2018 at 10:58 AM

After news broke of Senator John McCain's passing, reactions from around the state, country and international community started pouring in. Two days later, family, friends, co-workers and those impacted and inspired by the Senator continue to share their memories and condolences for McCain and his family.

The U.S. Navy, in which McCain served from 1954 to 1981, released multiple statements.

Statement from Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer

Today, the Navy and Marine Corps team lost a friend and one of our own when Senator John McCain passed.

From the Naval Academy to flight school and throughout his time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, McCain displayed unfailing honor and duty to country. If that was the end of his service, he would still be renowned as a hero, but McCain’s desire to serve didn’t stop when his uniform came off. He continued to serve as a representative and senator from Arizona. Throughout his life, McCain never ceased serving our nation or fighting for what he believed.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the McCain family, their friends and loved ones. Everyone on the Navy and Marine Corps team shares this loss with all who had the fortune of knowing Sen. John McCain.

Statement by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson
The nation has lost a great patriot and warrior. Whenever we were in a tough spot, we knew Sen. McCain would be on our side with his characteristic toughness and integrity. The U.S. Navy mourns the loss of a true shipmate. Our prayers go with him and to his family, that they find consolation. May Sen. John McCain, who never flinched from a worthy fight, rest in a well-deserved peace.

Statement by USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) commanding officer Cmdr. Micah Murphy:

On behalf of the crew of USS John S. McCain, I offer our support and prayers to the McCain family, our gratitude to the senator for his years of service to our nation, and a heartfelt traditional Navy sendoff: 'Fair winds and following seas.' It is an honor to have our mighty warship carry on your name and continue your legacy.

DDG-56's name honors three generations of dedicated service to the Navy and nation. Sen. McCain's father, Adm. John S. McCain, Jr. served as U.S. Pacific Command commander. Sen. McCain's grandfather, Adm. John S. McCain was a distinguished World War II carrier task force commander.

Sen. McCain continued this proud legacy as a naval aviator during the Vietnam War. As a prisoner of war, he endured more than five years of captivity, representing America honorably and selflessly.

After retiring from the Navy, he continued national service in Congress, first as a representative and later as a senator from Arizona. Sen. McCain took an active interest in the destroyer and its crew, including a visit to the ship during a port visit to Cam Ranh International Port in Vietnam on June 2, 2017. The ship had visited ports in Vietnam several times before over the years in honor of the McCain legacy.


University of Arizona President Robert Robbins released this statement about McCain:
At the University of Arizona commencement ceremony in 2005, Sen. John McCain told Wildcat graduates that he believed "the true worth of a person is measured by how faithfully we serve a cause greater than our self-interest, that encompasses us but is not defined by our existence alone."

By that standard, Sen. McCain's value has been immeasurable. Through a higher standard of service rooted in honor, courage, and commitment, he inspires us to reach across national boundaries and philosophical differences to learn from and care for each other.

I was blessed to have met this unique and honorable American hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Cindy and his family.
Senator Jeff Flake appeared on NBC News' Meet the Press with Chuck Todd, and spoke about his fellow Arizona Senator:
“It was like having a big brother who nobody wanted to mess with. So, I very much enjoyed serving with John McCain in the Senate and being in the House when he was in the Senate as well.”
Arizona Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego released this statement:
John McCain is a national hero. From Vietnam to the halls of Congress, Senator McCain served our country his entire life. In the way he lived, he set an example of courage, honor, and love of country that will inspire young Americans for generations to come.

All of us, in Arizona and across our land, have lost a truly great public servant. My sincerest condolences to Senator McCain's family and his loved ones on their loss.
Tohono O'odham Nation Chairman Edward D. Manuel issued the following statement:
"The Tohono O’odham Nation was saddened to learn of the passing of U.S. Senator John McCain, who had represented Arizona in the halls of Congress for more than 30 years. A U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War who survived capture and torture in a P.O.W. camp, Sen. McCain dedicated his life to serving his country and fellow citizens. His example of service and sacrifice will continue to inspire future leaders across the United States.

The people of Arizona were especially fortunate to have been represented by such a tireless and devoted public servant for so many years. During his time in elected office, Sen. McCain worked closely with the Tohono O’odham Nation on many issues of importance to our communities. His leadership, experience, and insights will be greatly missed.

On behalf of the Tohono O’odham Nation, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sen. McCain during this difficult time.”

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Sunday, August 26, 2018

Posted By on Sun, Aug 26, 2018 at 10:30 AM

Meghan McCain remembers her father, Sen. John McCain, who died yesterday at age 81.

Sen. Jeff Flake remembers his fellow Arizona senator:
And now, in a way that would probably have him making wisecracks, we are wistful for John McCain. We may never see his like again, but it is his reflection of America that we need now more than ever. He was far too self-deprecating to ever have thought of himself as just such a towering figure, so I will go ahead and say it. He showed us who we are and who we can be when we are at our best. And he devoted his life to service and to the exalted idea of America that was bigger and better than him. Bigger than us all. His fidelity to that idea, and his idealism in balancing fierce political battles with a determination to always see the good and find the humanity in his opponents is an example that transcended politics and made him the man that he was.

As I got up to leave that day, he said, 'The doctors tell me I’m halfway there.' He paused. 'The more I see this end coming, the more I am grateful for what I have.'

Today, I am grateful for John McCain. I’m grateful for the long and meaningful miles he traveled, and for having the privilege of having traveled just a few of those miles with him.
Gov. Doug Ducey's tribute:


Posted By on Sun, Aug 26, 2018 at 10:08 AM

Across Arizona, as a the sun set on a motorcade carrying the body of Sen. John McCain, others honored him in words and in actions.

An engineer lowered flags at the state Capitol, a woman sobbed as the motorcade passed her along Interstate 17 and leaders of the Vietnamese community remembered him as a fighter for freedom.

Here are their stories:

Arizona residents watch as motorcade carries McCain to Phoenix

Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers escorted a motorcade carrying the body of McCain from his home in Cornville along Interstate 17 into Phoenix, the sun slowly setting as the motorcade arrived in the darkness, shortly after 9 p.m.

Phoenix resident Suzanne Lambries cried as she and dozens of others watched the motorcade pass by on I-17, below the overpass in northwest Phoenix.

“He was a great man, he was a good senator and I wish him well,” she said. “To see everyone coming together, whether you’re a Republican, Democrat or otherwise, it’s just good to see everybody coming out and being the America that we’re used to, and should be.”

click to enlarge ‘You are not forgotten’: Arizona Residents Honor John McCain (2)
Chris McCrory/Cronkite News
Flowers and candles were placed outside the Phoenix funeral home where the body of Sen. John McCain was taken from his home in Cornville.
Crowd honors McCain with flags, flowers outside Phoenix funeral home

About 100 mourners, many brandishing U.S. flags, gathered in front of the A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuaries Bethany Chapel in Phoenix to honor the senator as the motorcade arrived.

“I have to pay respects,” said Richard Smith, who said he was a combat veteran. “I didn’t agree with everything that John McCain stood for, as far as issues go, but I loved the man. He was cool.”

Smith remembered meeting McCain during the 2008 election campaign, saying the senator was a down-to-earth candidate.

“He was vicious on the floor, but if you met the guy, you wouldn’t think he had a vicious bone in his body,” he said. “He had jokes.”

McCain was expected to lie in state in Arizona and Washington, D.C., and he also will have a church service in each city, according to azcentral.com. Information about his services will be posted on johnmccain.com.

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Posted By and on Sun, Aug 26, 2018 at 9:59 AM

click to enlarge ‘We are a better, stronger country because of him’: Political Leaders Reflect on Sen. John McCain
Courtesy
U.S. Sen. John McCain
Sen. John McCain, a six-term senator and Vietnam War hero, died Saturday, a little more than a y ear after being diagnosed with brain cancer and four days before he would have turned 82. U.S., Arizona and world leaders, from the political realm to the sports world, shared condolences and thoughts on McCain’s legacy.

Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, said in a Washington Post editorial Saturday that for the 30 years he has been in Washington in one capacity or another, there has been McCain and there has been “the other senator from Arizona,” no matter who that person may have been. On Twitter, called his longtime Republican colleague a hero.

Gov. Doug Ducey ordered all flags lowered to half-staff to honor the longtime Arizona politician.

President Donald Trump, who had feuded with McCain often on social media, expressed “deepest sympathies” on Twitter.

Former President Barack Obama, who defeated McCain for the presidency in 2008, issued a statement praising him for a shared commitment to American ideals.

“John McCain and I were members of different generations, came from completely different backgrounds, and competed at the highest level of politics,” Obama said. “But we shared, for all our differences, a fidelity to something higher – the ideals for which generations of Americans and immigrants alike have fought, marched, and sacrificed

“We saw our political battles, even, as a privilege, something noble, an opportunity to serve as stewards of those high ideals at home, and to advance them around the world. We saw this country as a place where anything is possible – and citizenship as our patriotic obligation to ensure it forever remains that way,” Obama’s statement said.

Every current Arizona member of Congress also weighed in on the senator’s legacy.

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