Like her MAGA master, Kari Lake is not quite the unifying force in the Republican Party her supporters pretend she is.
That should not be surprising considering her main primary opponent, Mark Lamb, with little to no press coverage or financial means, received about forty percent of the vote on July 31.
It should also be remembered that Ms. Lake created a self-inflicted wound when she created a party rift disavowing McCain Republicans in the closing days of her failed Gubernatorial Campaign.
Governor Katie Hobbs was probably very grateful for that epic gaffe that helped bring her to victory.
Many of these same Republicans who are disenchanted with Ms. Lake, and to a similar extent, Donald Trump, are now flocking to the Ruben Gallego for Arizona Campaign.
In a campaign press release issued this morning (August 4, 2024,) the Gallego team listed the Republicans now backing the Marine veteran and Congressional District Three House Representative. These individuals are:
- Mayor John Giles, City of Mesa
- Mayor Randy Hartless, Town of Parker
- Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury, City of Mesa
- Hon. Pete Hershberger, Former Arizona State Representative
- Hon. Chris Herstam, Former Republican Majority Whip
- Hon. Steve May, former Arizona State Representative
- Hon. Robin Shaw, Former Arizona State Representative
- Hon. Roberta Voss, Former Arizona State Representative
- Hon. Karen Bonds, Former Mayor of the Town of Parker
- Hon. Neil Giuliano, Former Mayor of the City of Tempe
- Hon. Robin Arredondo-Savage, Former Tempe City Councilmember
- Hon. David Luna, Former Mesa City Councilmember
- Paul Charlton, Former U.S. Attorney under President George W. Bush
- Chuck Coughlin, CEO and President of HighGround, Inc.
- Patricia Coughlin, Local Government Relations
- Meghan Cox, CEO Impact Advocacy Group
- John Fees, Business Leader
- Tyler Francis, Business Leader
- Rebecca Gau, Community Leader
- Adam Goodman, Business Leader
- John Graham, Business Leader
- Wes Gullett, Former Advisor to Senator John McCain
- Paul Hickman, Former State Director for Senator John McCain
- Jerry Hirsch, Business Leader
- Lisa Hoberg, Business Leader
- T.J. Lindberg, Army Combat Veteran
- Pat McGroder, Business Leader
- David McIntyre, President and CEO of TriWest Healthcare Alliance
- Francis Najafi, Business Leader
- Bettina Nava, Former State Director for Senator John McCain
- David Reese, Business Leader
- Yasser Sanchez, Immigration Attorney
- Marc Sandroff, Business Leader
- John Skelton, Business Leader and Former NFL Quarterback
- Vic Smith, Yuma JV Smith Companies
- Monica Villalobos, President and CEO, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Brad Vynalek, Business Leader
- John Webster, Business and Community Leader
- Amy and Dave Wudel, Community Leaders
Among the statements from these Republican leaders are:
Mesa Mayor John Giles (he has been seen across Cable News a lot this week showing his support for Kamala Harris.)
“I am a lifelong Republican. But I cannot in good conscience stand on the sidelines while extremists like Kari Lake, who have hijacked our party for the sake of personal gain, undermine the very fabric of what makes America exceptional. Ruben Gallego is a Marine, a strong leader, and a good man, and in this election, the health of our democracy matters more than party affiliation. I am proud to endorse Ruben because Arizona needs him as our next U.S. Senator.”
Former State Director for Senator John McCain Paul Hickman of Scottsdale, Arizona.
“I am a proud Republican – I have been for decades. It pains me to see Kari Lake use our state as a political pawn, to the detriment of our business community. Like my former boss, Ruben has spent decades serving his country and state. And in the Senate, I trust that Ruben will work with those of different backgrounds to make compromises, not spectacles, and continue to always put Arizona first.”
Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury of Mesa, Arizona.
“As a Mesa City Councilmember and the mother of six children, I am intent on helping build an Arizona that I am proud to raise my family in. Divisive rhetoric and reckless words have no place in that version of our state. I trust Ruben Gallego to be the leader we need to make that Arizona a reality. Ruben will represent us with humility, kindness, and compassion, and I will be proud to call him our next United States Senator.”
Former State Representative Roberta Voss of Phoenix, Arizona.
“I am a Republican and I am proud to support Ruben Gallego for United States Senate. I’ve known Ruben for many years and I believe he will be the fighter who will always put Arizonans first. We need a Senator who can bring people together to grow our economy, invest in high-quality affordable housing options, and make Arizona a state where everyone can thrive if they work hard. Ruben will do just that and more.”
Former Mayor Neil Giuliano of Tempe, Arizona.
“Ruben Gallego has dedicated his life to service, both as a Marine and a Congressman, and although we won’t agree on every issue, I know he will always put the best interests of Arizona first and, importantly, he will always tell the truth. He listens to local leaders and their guidance to best solve the problems impacting communities. He’s someone I trust and am proud to count as a friend; I know Ruben will be an excellent senator for Arizonans in every corner of our state.”
Mayor Randy Hartless of Parker, Arizona.
“I am proud to endorse Ruben Gallego for the U.S. Senate because he embodies the leadership we need to navigate the challenges facing Arizona, especially for our rural communities. Ruben’s commitment to tackling housing affordability and job opportunities for hardworking families, investing in education, and protecting our water future align with those we hold dear in Parker. This is a pivotal moment for the future of rural Arizona, and I am confident that Ruben Gallego is the right choice to represent all of us in the Senate.”
Business Leader Tyler Francis of Phoenix, Arizona
“Ruben Gallego is the solution-oriented leader Arizonans need in the U.S. Senate. He is deeply invested in protecting Arizona’s water future and ensuring the success of our agriculture industry. He consistently visits with and listens to local stakeholders to solve our most pressing problems and will be an excellent advocate for Arizonans.”
Former State Director for Senator John McCain Bettina Nava of Phoenix, Arizona.
“Our country needs real leaders in the Senate who can bring people together to broker compromise for the good of our country. Ruben Gallego is a combat veteran and a statesman with a proven record of doing just that — working across the aisle for the good of Arizona. I know that he will make Arizona proud as our next U.S. Senator.”
On this slew of endorsements from the sane and grounded in-reality branch of the Republican Party, Representative Gallego said:
“I am running for the U.S. Senate to represent all Arizonans, regardless of where they live or what political party they align themselves with. We may not agree on everything, but we can find common ground on one essential goal: building a better Arizona. And as a Marine combat veteran, a Congressman, and a dad of two, that is one fight I will never give up on. I am honored to have the support of so many local elected officials, business leaders, and community members who contribute so much to our state and look forward to continuing to work with Democrats, Independents, and Republicans alike to deliver for Arizona.”
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