Senator Martha McSally, a former fighter pilot who went on to fight on behalf of businesses and citizens on Capitol Hill, has won the endorsement of both the U.S. �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce and the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce & Industry in the U.S. Senate race for Arizona. 

With one of the strongest bipartisan records in Congress, a history of working on behalf of small businesses, and effective leadership on national issues like the pandemic, trade and water in the West, McSally has proven she can “get the work done” in Washington, chamber officials said upon announcing their dual endorsement at a press conference Friday.

“In difficult times, we are reminded of the importance of having leaders that understand the genius of the American system of government and free enterprise and who are willing to tackle the hard problems that confront our nation,” U.S. �鶹��ýӳ�� CEO Thomas Donohue said. 

Past year’s performance “extraordinary”

Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ��, said McSally’s track record on behalf of job creators and the competitive standing of the U.S. has been “extraordinary.”  

“We can always count on Martha McSally,” Hamer said. “When the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� looks at the challenges facing our state and country and the issues facing job creators during this unprecedented moment in our history, we believe the U.S. Senate needs someone who knows how to lead; who will stand up for economic growth; who will advocate for U.S. manufacturers and innovators on the global stage; and who will help us reenergize this economy.”

McSally, a Republican, was appointed to the U.S. Senate in December 2018 by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey following the resignation of Jon Kyl. Now, she is facing off against Democrat Mark Kelly in a special election Nov. 3 for the U.S. Senate in Arizona. 

This race important to nation, not just Arizona 

This election is not just about Arizona, it’s about the balance of power in Washington, chamber officials said. Right now, each house is controlled by a different political party, providing checks and balances on issues like spending. 

McSally, whose election would help maintain that partisan balance, has shown she can work across the aisle to push legislation forward, they said. 

Record on the Hill impressive  

In less than two years as Arizona’s junior senator, she has proven her worth many times over, said Hamer, calling her record on issues important to the business community at “100 percent.” 

Hamer listed three major issues important to businesses that McSally championed and pushed forward: 

-Passage of the new United States Mexico Canada Agreement, which allows the three countries to continue their partnership as the world’s most powerful tariff-free trading bloc. 

-The seven-state-and-Mexico Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) that was enacted into federal law last year to protect the most important water resource in the Southwest for years to come.

-Pandemic relief packages including the massive CARES Act that has helped the nation stay afloat during COVID-19 shutdowns. Included in the act are the Paycheck Protection Program that provides a lifeline for small businesses, increased unemployment benefits for people out of work due to the pandemic and stimulus checks for American citizens.   

In addition, McSally and her staff have been a “virtual MASH unit, responding to constituent needs day and night” to help them weather the health crisis, Hamer said. 

“Workhorse” on behalf of small business

At the event, state Sen. Sine Kerr, R-Buckeye, and leaders of chambers of commerce across the state also express their thanks and appreciation for McSally, including the Greater Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Greater Flagstaff and Lake Havasu chambers. 

McSally highlighted some of her accomplishments and her vision for the future. 

To illustrate her effectiveness, she pointed out that she and vetaran senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, tied for the No. 1 spot for getting more bills signed into law than any other senator, including historic measures like the DCP as well as smaller efforts like the approval of land transfers to spur economic development in rural Arizona. 

“Ranking No. 1 shows I’m a workhorse, more than any other senators — senators who have been there a lot longer than I have,” she said.

Top rankings for bipartisanship 

McSally also spoke of her record for reaching across the aisle. She has received high marks for bipartisanship in both the Senate and the U.S. House where she served two terms from 2014 to 2018.  

Earlier this year, McSally was among the top scoring lawmakers to receive from the U.S. �鶹��ýӳ�� for bipartisan leadership to support businesses and entrepreneurs.

Vision for future 

McSally said that if elected she will continue to be a “pragmatic problem solver” to support small businesses and pro-growth policies to help the economy recover. 

“I come from a philosophy of limited but effective federal government, of the free enterprise system, of (business owners) being able to meet their full potential with less taxes and regulation so if you have an economic idea you can bring it to market.” 

Among the issues she will continue to fight for are:

-Relief packages for the smallest businesses harmed by the pandemic 

-Legislation to help tourism and other industries recover

-Bringing manufacturing to Arizona and the U.S. to spur job growth 

-Protection from frivolous COVID-19 liability lawsuits 

-Association health care plans to allow groups like local chambers to provide affordable health insurance for members and their employees

-Tax credits for companies that are helping to fill workforce gaps to stimulate economic recovery

In closing, Dawn Grove, chair of the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ��’s board of directors said:

“Whether it’s been her bipartisan work on the Drought Contingency Plan to preserve clean water for future generations or her and her staff’s commitment to her constituents through regular communication and accessibility, her work on Capitol Hill has been absolutely exemplary…She accomplishes more than others because she works nonstop and she doesn’t care who gets the credit.” 

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“This incredible victory comes after years of bipartisan support and tireless leadership from long-term and recent champions in both the House and Senate, and reminds us that conservation of our shared outdoor spaces is something we can all come together on.“

Jamie Williams, president of The Wilderness Society

President Donald Trump signed long-awaited legislation last week to funnel billions of dollars into America’s national parks to address a massive backlog in repairs, and to make them “greater than they have ever been before.”

“The legislation I’m signing today builds on my administration’s unwavering commitment to conserving and — the grandeur and the splendor of God’s creation,” Trump said in signing the bill Aug. 4. “This is truly God’s creation.” 

Strong bipartisan support finally pushed forward the measure, called the Great American Outdoors Act, which became law Aug. 9. It provides funding to address the $11.6-billion backlog in repairs and maintenance at national parks and monuments, according to the National Park Service. It also provides up to $1.9 billion a year for five years — at little or no cost to taxpayers — for grants to states and tribes to develop outdoor recreation areas, conserve habitat and protect forests. 

Long-awaited investment for Arizona’s national parks 

Arizona is among the most affected by repair backlogs. As of 2018, it had a maintenance backlog totaling $595.1 million, including $313.9 million in needed repairs at Grand Canyon National Park, $91 million at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and $48 million at Petrified Forest National Park, according to the park service. 

The act is expected to benefit all of Arizona, but particularly rural areas that derive  revenue from visitors to places like the Grand Canyon, the country’s second most popular national park. Last year, 5.97 million people enjoyed the canyon’s 277-mile long view.

Less reliance on taxpayer dollars

The contains two pieces. First, it establishes a fund to direct nearly $10 billion over five years into maintenance projects, repairs, and upgrades to national parks, monuments and historic sites. The fund, the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, will receive much of its funding from federal revenues generated from the development of oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy on federal lands and waters. 

Second, the act makes permanent the popular Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The fund allocates $900 million a year for grants to states and tribes to acquire and develop public parks and recreation areas and protect habitat and forests, without dependence on tax dollars. LWCF draws its money from royalties of companies drilling for oil and gas on the publicly-owned Outer Continental Shelf, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior. 

Funding will be divided between the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Indian Education. 

National parks boost economies in rural areas 

The Act is predicted to create over 100,000 jobs nationwide and help clear the maintenance backlog on public lands.

It’s also expected to provide a much needed boost to economies in rural and tribal areas, according to Arizona’s two U.S. senators, Kyrsten Sinema (D) and Martha McSally (R), who were co-sponsors of the bill.

“Arizona is home to diverse public lands and outdoor recreation which draw millions of visitors from across the nation and world,” Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association President and CEO Kim Sabow said. “Our national, state and local parks, trails and public lands are a critical economic driver for communities.”

Before the pandemic, outdoor recreation in the state ge201,000 direct jobs, $21.2 billion in consumer spending, $5.7 billion in wages and salaries, and $1.4 billion in state, county, and local tax revenue annually, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.

Endorsed by businesses, conservation groups

The Great American Outdoors Act was endorsed by the U.S. �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce, the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce and Industry, hundreds of , and more than 800 conservation , including the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers of Arizona, Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation, Arizona Trail Association, and more.

“Passage of the Great American Outdoors Act ensures a needed economic shot in the arm for rural Arizona by investing millions in infrastructure upgrades at Arizona jewels like the Grand Canyon and Lake Mead,” Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� President and CEO Glenn Hamer said. Members of Arizona’s congressional delegation who championed the bill included House Natural Resources Committee Chair Raúl Grijalva.

An expanded LWCF will, among other things, mean more opportunities to preserve green spaces in currently low-income and “park-poor” communities, Grijalva said. 

“This is truly an investment in our children, our environment and our quality of life, and that’s why we’re seeing such bipartisan support in Congress,” Grijalva said when the bill was passed. “With climate change advancing around the country, this couldn’t come at a better time.”

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Arizona’s U.S. Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Martha McSally are among the top scoring lawmakers to receive awards this week from the U.S. �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce for their bipartisan leadership to support small businesses and entrepreneurs.

They and other national lawmakers received the awards at the chamber’s First Annual Governing with Distinction Ceremony. Recognizing those who are not afraid to stand up to partisan pressure is the main point behind the new awards, U.S. �鶹��ýӳ�� President Suzanne Clark said during the virtual awards Tuesday. 

“If you want effective legislation, you need the right leaders, not political posturing,” 

said Clark, who leads the world’s largest organization representing business. 

The awards are intended to herald lawmakers’ accomplishments and encourage them to continue their bipartisan efforts, Clark said. Now more than ever, the country needs them.  

“This event is taking place at a time when our country is being tested by three significant challenges: a public health crisis, a devastated economy that’s showing some signs of life but is still in a very precarious place, and long overdue efforts to address inequality in our society,” Clark said. 

“The decisions that our elected officials make now will have significant bearing on how quickly and how effectively we rebuild our economy and how businesses bounce back, help restore jobs and opportunities, and create hope for all Americans during this really challenging time.”

To determine the winners, the chamber analyzed members’ voting records to measure bipartisan leadership in the two award categories: 

-The Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award recognizes members of Congress who demonstrate the leadership required to advance policies that support free enterprise.

-The Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship recognizes members who demonstrate a willingness to work across the aisle and find common ground, even with those with whom they disagree.

Part of U.S. �鶹��ýӳ��’s move to “middle ground”

The ceremony comes as the U.S. �鶹��ýӳ�� is making a concerted effort to foster a governing coalition of the political center for the sake of industry. 

Political gridlock in Washington has hurt progress on some major issues important to industry, said Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the chamber. 

Arizona senators both natural leaders 

Sen. Sinema, who was elected in 2018, received both the Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson-Hamilton awards.

She also was the only honoree to score 100 percent in both categories, earning a 100 percent rating for her legislative record on jobs and the economy and for the number of bills introduced by a member of the opposite party. 

Among her accomplishments, Sinema led the charge to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank that  is important to Arizona’s manufacturing sector. This helps Arizona businesses reach new customers around the globe. In the last six years the bank has financed $2 billion in exports with 80 percent from small businesses.  

“Working across the aisle is how I get things done and deliver for Arizona, and I remain committed to working with anyone to fuel innovation, cut red tape, and create jobs in Arizona,” Sinema said. 

Sen. McSally, who was the first female pilot to fly in combat and the first to command a fighter squadron, received the Abraham Lincoln Leadership award for her bipartisan leadership in promoting a strong economy. 

McSally led bipartisan efforts last year to ensure Arizona has the water resources needed to support the state’s population growth and economic development. She successfully shepherded the seven-state Drought Contingency Plan through Congress to avert a water crisis in the Southwest.   

After receiving the award, McSally said she was honored to receive recognition for her bipartisan record of “pro-job, pro-free enterprise” work in Congress.

“Now more than ever, we need to work together to revitalize the economy, get people back to work, and create more jobs for Americans and Arizonans,” McSally said. “I will keep fighting for common sense pro-growth policies including low taxes, deregulation, and incentives to bring manufacturing home from China.”

Arizona industry benefits from their leadership

Arizona and the nation have benefited from the senators’ ability to lead, said Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce and Industry. 

Both helped pass some of the most important bipartisan legislation coming out of Congress, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act to help small businesses harmed by COVID-19. 

“Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Martha McSally may be freshmen, but they are quickly distinguishing themselves for their hard work and leadership. And though they hail from different parties, they are following in the footsteps of the late Sen. John McCain, who put Arizona’s and the country’s interests above partisan politics,” Hamer said. 

Other lawmakers who received top scores include: 

Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award

Rep. Donald Bacon (R-Nebraska) 

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) 

Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas)

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina)

Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisan Leadership

Sen. Susan M. Collins (R-Maine) 

Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania) 

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-New Jersey)

Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-South Carolina)For a complete list of winners or to view the ceremony, go to:.

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With the challenges of an enduring pandemic and an economy just starting to recover, America needs strong leadership more than ever.

Last week, we saw that leadership in action when the U.S. Senate approved the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act. This bipartisan legislation will expand loan forgiveness and adds much-needed flexibility for the small businesses that have been hard hit by the economic shutdown.

Thankfully, Arizona is blessed to have two effective and principled leaders in the U.S. Senate who helped make this happen.

Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Martha McSally may be freshmen, but they are quickly distinguishing themselves for their hard work and leadership. And though they hail from different parties, they are following in the footsteps of the late Sen. John McCain, who put Arizona’s and the country’s interests above partisan politics.

These accomplished women have a few things in common. Both have worked hard on COVID-19 relief legislation and implementation. Both support the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is critical for Arizona’s economy. Both are deeply concerned about what job creators care about and work in close partnership with the business community.

Here is another commonality: Both were honored with  that seek to elevate the work of members of Congress who are committed to growing the economy and to working in a bipartisan manner.

The Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award recognizes those members of Congress who have demonstrated leadership critical to advancing policies that support American enterprise, while the Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship recognizes those members of Congress who have demonstrated a willingness to work across the aisle in support of common objectives.

Senator Sinema, elected in 2018, earned both awards. In fact, she was the only honoree to score 100% in both categories. She earned a 100% rating for her legislative record on jobs and the economy, as well as a perfect rating based on the number of bills — except those formally opposed by the U.S. �鶹��ýӳ�� — that are introduced by a member of the opposite party.

For instance, Senator Sinema led the charge to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, which is critically important to Arizona’s manufacturing sector. This has helped Arizona businesses reach new customers around the globe. In the last six years, the Export-Import Bank has financed $2 billion in exports, 80% of them small businesses.

Senator McSally, whose leadership as the first female pilot to fly in combat and the first to command a fighter squadron has been well documented, was also awarded the Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award. Her support for a strong national and Arizona economy has been unwavering.

She has led efforts to ensure Arizona has the water resources needed to support the state’s population growth and economic development. Last year, Senator McSally successfully shepherded the Drought Contingency Plan through Congress to keep water flowing to Arizona. After two years of negotiations among the seven Colorado River Basin states, it took only six days for Congress to pass it. Much of this was due to Senator McSally’s leadership.

The public service excellence of Senator McSally and Senator Sinema goes beyond legislation. They both have dedicated, thoughtful, and resourceful staff who listen to constituents’ issues and help them find solutions. No problem is too big or too small – a posture that is especially important in helping the people and businesses of Arizona deal with the pandemic and economic crisis. That nitty-gritty, day-to-day effort doesn’t make newspaper headlines, but it means a lot to Arizonans.

The bipartisanship we’ve seen from Senators Sinema and McSally will be needed as our nation  through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice reform.

These well-earned awards demonstrate the importance of leadership and hard work right now. At a time when American desperately needs a governing center, Arizona is fortunate that both of our senators are part of it.

Glenn Hamer is president and CEO of the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce and Industry. Thomas J. Donohue is the CEO of the U.S. �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce.

This article was originally published in the Arizona Capitol Times.

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U.S. Sens. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, who serves as chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, held a Senate field hearing Friday to discuss Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on the elderly at both the state and national levels.

The at Granite Reef Senior Center in Scottsdale, titled “Alzheimer’s and Other Cognitive Diseases: An Arizona Perspective,” featured guests from the senior community as well as a panel of health care experts.

Collins emphasized the severity of Alzheimer’s disease and its growth in the U.S. With a cost of roughly $290 million per year, Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in the nation, and about $195 million of that impacts Medicaid and Medicare programs.

By 2050, Alzheimer’s is projected to impact the lives of roughly 14 million American senior citizens and cost roughly $1 trillion annually.

“We all know someone who has suffered from cognitive impairment, and the impact is immeasurable,” McSally said. “Of the nearly 6 million estimated Americans aged 65 and older affected, 140,000 live in Arizona. My uncle was one of them, as he suffered for many years before passing away from Alzheimer’s.”

Arizona has the fastest-growing rate of Alzheimer’s in the nation. The death rate from Alzheimer’s in the state is 20 percent higher than the national average. Alzheimer’s deaths in the U.S. increased 89 percent between 2000 and 2014. 

Health care professionals like the ones at the panel continue to strive for a solution.

Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton, director of the Center of Innovation in Brain Science at the University of Arizona, researches late-onset Alzheimer’s prevention and potential cures. Another panelist, Alireza Atri of the Banner Sun Health Research Institute, has contributed developments in patient evaluation.

Caregivers are also making waves in Alzheimer’s treatment. McSally said that in 2017 the nation had more than 300,000 caregivers providing more than 376 million hours of unpaid care to patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Lisa Capp, a caregiver for patients with dementia, also served on the panel. Capp serves on the Alzheimer’s Association Leadership Board for the Desert Southwest and is a member of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) and AlzAuthors.

In tandem with health care leaders, McSally and Collins have helped enact policies to assist patients with Alzheimer’s disease:

• , McSally highlighted the impact Alzheimer’s disease has on Arizona families.
• , McSally introduced a bipartisan package of legislation to provide and enhance support systems for elder Americans.
• , McSally introduced bipartisan legislation allowing U.S. Postal Service customers the option of purchasing a semipostal (or fundraising) stamp to benefit awareness about elder abuse and support efforts to protect seniors. 
• , McSally helped introduced the Anti-Spoofing Penalties Modernization Act of 2019 to aid Americans inundated with robocalls.

“Sen. Martha McSally’s commitments and contributions to the Aging Committee’s work are many, and today’s hearing is a testament to her work to advance research and care for families facing Alzheimer’s disease,” Collins said.  “Alzheimer’s is one of the greatest public health priorities not only to seniors in the Grand Canyon State, but also throughout our nation.

“As the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Alzheimer’s Task Force in the Senate, I have worked to boost funding for Alzheimer’s research,” she said.  “With increased federal investments and public-private partnerships, we are beginning to see hope. It was a pleasure to join my friend and colleague today to learn more about the progress we are making to combat this disease.”

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The country’s largest business advocacy organization and two leading Arizona business groups have launched a television advertising campaign urging passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA.

The ad features U.S. Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ) and highlights her advocacy to ensure the accord passes.

The ad was produced by the U.S. �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce with assistance from the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce and Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council. AMC Chair Dawn Grove, who serves as corporate counsel for Karsten Manufacturing, also appears in the ad.

The ad launch comes on the heels of a Wednesday on the Senate floor calling the House of Representatives to vote on the USMCA.

“Simply put, USMCA is a win for Arizona,” McSally said. “Trade with Mexico and Canada is key to Arizona jobs and opportunities.”

President Donald Trump signed the USMCA almost a year ago, and McSally said it is critical that Congress gets the deal through for the sake of jobs in Arizona and nationwide.

“Almost 50 percent of all Arizona exports go to Mexico and Canada, and more than 228,000 Arizona jobs rely on this trade,” McSally said. “In 2018, Arizona and Mexico engaged in $16.6 billion worth of cross-border commerce.”

Earlier this month, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said USMCA ratification is getting closer every day.

“We feel very good about being on a path to yes,” Pelosi said in a news conference, . She said Democrats’ main concern is about ensuring the rules are enforced.

McSally said she encourages Democrats to “get to ‘yes’ now” because there are only about two-dozen legislative days remaining in 2019.

“The USMCA is good for our country, and too much time has passed without any House action,” the senator said. “During these divided times, this is a proposal that should bring both sides of the aisle together.”

, the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� and the AMC have been advocating for USMCA’s passage for more than a year.

“Adoption of the USMCA is by far the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ��’s top federal priority,” said Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� president and CEO Glenn Hamer. “We are thrilled to join with the AMC in assisting the U.S. �鶹��ýӳ�� in the production of the ad.”

The ad will run on cable, broadcast and digital platforms.

“Having an Arizona business leader like Dawn Grove send our thanks to Sen. Martha McSally for her work on the agreement sends the message of just how important this agreement is for Arizona’s economy,” Hamer said.

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The long awaited 2018 midterm elections are here, and candidates are using every minute to reach out to voters as they approach the end of the campaign trail.

Arizonan Republicans last night gathered on the steps the historic Yavapai County Courthouse to rally Republican voters and boost voter turnout.

The rally was attended by almost all the Republicans seeking a statewide seat. This included Secretary of State candidate Steve Gaynor; Attorney General Mark Brnovich; State Treasurer candidate Kimberly Yee; Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Frank Riggs; and Governor Doug Ducey, as well as U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Martha McSally.

Many of them – such as Gaynor, Riggs, and McSally – are in close races that will come down to the number of people who show up at the polls.

McSally, who won her congressional race in 2014 by less than 200 votes, said she knows firsthand that all votes matter.

“Honestly, I’m just so grateful for your support and I’m so humbled to be here and be before you tonight, but you know what, we still have some work to do,” McSally said. “Send out some emails, do some Facebook posts, whatever else you can do. Take some people to the polls because it’s really going to come down to turnout right now and every last vote really does matter.”

According to Gov. Ducey, “the country is watching Arizona to see what is going to happen in this United States Senate race. There’s a reason these out-of-state billionaires are coming to Arizona. They believe that they can turn the United States Senate blue and they’re dreaming that they can do it through Arizona. Well, I’ve got news for them, they can keep dreaming.”

One of the main talking points was the man behind Proposition 127, the clean energy mandate that will drastically increase utility prices. The Arizona GOP believes California billionaire Tom Steyer is attempting to turn Arizona into a “carbon copy” of his state and is doing so by attacking Attorney General Mark Brnovich.

“You gotta be tough to be an Arizonan,” Brnovich said. “We’ve dramatically increased the number of criminal prosecutions. We’ve gone after those that are trafficking in the most vulnerable people. What’s the reward for fighting for federalism? For Arizona sovereignty? Some California billionaire decided and said I’m one of his top targets. We do not want to ‘Californicate’ this state.”

“Arizona has this ruby red reputation and I’m proud of it, but I think we need to remember President Donald Trump only won Arizona by three points,” Ducey reminded the crowd. “Those 200,000 that I like to brag on that have moved here, many of them are Californians. So, I want to say to those Californians, welcome back to America and remember that you left California for a reason. We want to protect our low tax, business friendly environment in the state of Arizona.”

The steps of the Yavapai County Court House are historic in more ways than one. Senator Barry Goldwater announced his post-GOP convention presidential campaign and Senator John McCain announced his presidential candidacy on the courthouse steps. McCain then ended every campaign of his there as well. To honor his legacy, Cindy McCain and Senator Jon Kyl spoke on his behalf.

“[I] wish I would’ve had my husband with me tonight because it was such a tradition for our family,” McCain said. “It means a great deal to me to be here, where I’ve always been on an election night, with my husband. So, you allowing me this opportunity to say hello and goodbye to this great tradition means a great deal.”

She addressed both the candidates and the attendees telling them that win or lose, Americans need to come together to make the country a better place.

“Win or lose, we need to figure out how we can come together, work with our allies, and our rivals, and help make this wonderful country better than we found it. [John] felt responsible for helping find solutions to America’s problems and [was] ready to work with anyone to get it done. Good luck to all you, and tomorrow let’s greet the new day and get back to work for the state and for the country we love,” she said.

“Many friends have said, ‘What’s it like to go back to the Senate?’ I will tell you is one thing I’ve noticed is that with John McCain not there, there’s nobody really to hold everybody accountable. That was one of the things he did very well. He was a presence,” Kyl added. “We have a wonderful state and a great slate of candidates running for statewide offices. We’ve got to work very hard to maintain control of the House and Senate here in the state of Arizona.”

Today is election day and the polls will be closing at 7 p.m. To find your polling location click .

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