Representative Ann Kirkpatrick has announced she will run against Representative John McCain in 2016 for the Arizona Senate seat. She made the announcement via a video Tuesday.
“In Arizona we tell it straight, so let’s get right to it,” she said. “I’m announcing my candidacy for the United States Senate. I love this state.”
Kirkpatrick discussed her upbringing in Arizona along with her experience with small businesses.
Kirkpatrick also mentioned McCain’s service. “I respect John McCain’s service to our nation. I just believe our state’s changing, Arizonans should have a real choice who they send to the United States Senate.” She stated.
Both Democrats and Republicans have weighed in on the subject.
“Since 2008, John McCain has supported plans to gut Medicare and Social Security, repeatedly voted to shut down the government, and been the bitter, angry face of Washington’s partisan dysfunction, If John McCain wins the Arizona GOP nomination, Democrats are committed to running a strong campaign against him.” said Justin Barasky, communications director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
“Ann Kirkpatrick has been part of the problem in Washington and Arizonans are paying the price, She doesn’t believe we should ‘second guess’ President Obama which is why she supported ObamaCare, his trillion dollar stimulus that created jobs in China and cuts to Medicare. There is no question Ann Kirkpatrick has made life worse for Arizona families.” said Andrea Bozek, communications director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
The election will most likely be very close. Other possible Democratic challengers include Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, Fred DuVal, and former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona.
Kirkpatrick’s First District seat has been hotly contested every year she’s held it. She has been one of the Republican Party’s top targets each cycle and the seat will be hotly contested as both sides try to win the seat.