🔥 Border Battle: AZ GOP Candidates Sound Alarm on Immigration Crisis
🗳️ LD17: The Senate Seat That Could Decide Arizona's Future 🌵 Pima County Crossroads: Full-Time Leadership vs. 'Bagel Break' Politics
Based on the 9/28/24 Inside Track Show on KVOI-1030AM.
🙊 Notable quotes from the show
"We cannot conserve our way into the growth that we're having and having enough water." - Vince Leach, discussing Arizona's water challenges
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm here before you tonight dressed for the job I hope to have." - John Backer, contrasting his appearance with his opponent's during a debate
"If we were to have tax increases, and they will put us at the level of the other states that are being flown over right now" - Vince Leach, arguing against potential tax increases
"I would give it back to the taxpayers. It's their money." - John Backer, on how he would handle a hypothetical budget surplus
"51%, 51% is estimated comes through the Arizona border." - Vince Leach, referring to fentanyl trafficking
⏮️ ICYMI: From the Last Show…
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
🗳️ Arizona is having a big election soon! 🇺🇸 People on the radio show talked about important stuff like water 💧, police 👮, and money 💰. They think it's super important to pick the right people to be in charge. Some people are worried about too many people coming into Arizona without permission 🚶♂️, while others think we need to find more water for everyone. The people talking want to keep taxes low 💸 and help businesses. They also want to make sure police have what they need to keep everyone safe. It's a lot for grown-ups to think about when they vote! 🤔
🗝️ Takeaways
🗳️ The 2024 Arizona elections, especially for State Senate LD17 and Pima County positions, are framed as critical for the state's future
🛂 Border security and illegal immigration are top priorities for GOP candidates
💰 Economic issues, including defending the flat tax and criticizing Democrat spending, are key campaign points
👮 Public safety, including law enforcement support and jail reform, is a major focus in local races
💧 Water policy is presented as crucial for Arizona's future, with emphasis on finding new sources rather than conservation
🏛️ GOP candidates emphasize full-time commitment to roles, contrasting with accusations of absenteeism against Democrat incumbents
📻 What They Discussed
The September 28, 2024, Inside Track episode hosted by Bruce Ash and Ed Wilkinson featured interviews with key Republican candidates for the upcoming Arizona elections. The show welcomed:
Vince Leach, running for Arizona State Senate in LD17 and
John Backer, candidate for Pima County Supervisor in District 2.
Chris Ackerly, candidate for Pima County Treasurer, was also mentioned but not interviewed in this segment.
The hosts and guests engaged in a wide-ranging discussion of local and state issues, presenting a strongly conservative perspective on the challenges facing Arizona.
🏛️ State Politics and the LD17 Senate Race
Vince Leach, the Republican candidate for Arizona State Senate in LD17, dominated much of the discussion. Leach, a former state senator from the old LD11, positioned himself as an experienced legislator with deep knowledge of state issues. He criticized his Democratic opponent, whose name was not mentioned, as being evasive about policy positions and too liberal for the district.
Leach outlined several key issues in his campaign:
Abortion: He strongly opposed Proposition 139, which he claimed would allow abortions up to birth.
Border Security: Leach supported Proposition 214, which would give Arizona more control over handling illegal border crossings. He criticized the Biden administration's border policies, arguing they've led to increased drug trafficking and crime.
Education: Leach defended Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) and criticized his opponent's ties to teachers' unions. He argued that despite claims of being a "budget buster," ESAs actually resulted in a budget surplus according to the Department of Education.
Second Amendment Rights: Leach emphasized his support for gun rights, criticizing his opponent's alleged backing by anti-gun groups like Moms Demand Action.
Water Policy: Leach discussed the need for innovative solutions to Arizona's water challenges, including potentially moving water from tribal lands and state lands to areas of need.
Tax Policy: He defended Arizona's flat tax rate and warned against potential tax increases under Democratic control.
Leach emphasized the importance of the LD17 race for control of the state senate, portraying it as a crucial battleground for Arizona's political future.
🏙️ Pima County Politics and the Supervisor Race
John Backer, the Republican candidate for Pima County Supervisor in District 2, presented himself as a full-time alternative to the incumbent Democrat, Matt Heinz. Backer's key points included:
Commitment to the Role: Backer criticized Heinz for poor attendance at meetings and holding multiple jobs, including working as a doctor. Backer promised to be a full-time supervisor if elected.
Fiscal Responsibility: He emphasized the need for careful stewardship of taxpayer money, criticizing current spending on services for undocumented immigrants.
Public Safety: Backer discussed the need for better funding and support for law enforcement, including addressing morale issues in the sheriff's department.
Jail Reform: He acknowledged the need for either significant renovation or replacement of the county jail, emphasizing the importance of a thorough cost-benefit analysis.
Transparency and Accessibility: Backer promised to be more accessible to constituents, criticizing the current board for limiting public comment periods.
Backer positioned himself as a candidate who would prioritize the needs of taxpayers and long-term residents over what he characterized as the current board's focus on progressive policies and support for undocumented immigrants.
💰 Economic Issues and Taxation
The show devoted significant time to discussing economic issues, particularly taxation and government spending. Key points included:
Flat Tax: The hosts and guests praised Arizona's 2.5% flat tax rate, arguing it makes the state competitive for businesses and residents.
Spending Priorities: There was strong criticism of current county spending on services for undocumented immigrants, with calls to prioritize services for taxpayers and long-term residents.
Inflation: Concerns were raised about rising costs of living, with claims that voters need a 23% raise just to keep up with inflation.
Budget Surpluses: Backer argued that any unexpected budget surpluses should be returned to taxpayers rather than spent on new programs.
Future Challenges: There was discussion of potential budget shortfalls if the economy declines, with references to past budget cuts in the early 2010s.
The overall economic message was one of fiscal conservatism, emphasizing low taxes, limited government spending, and prioritizing taxpayer interests.
🛂 Border Security and Immigration
Border security was a major focus of the show, with both candidates and hosts expressing strong concerns about current policies:
Criticism of Biden Administration: The hosts and guests strongly criticized the Biden administration's border policies, arguing they've led to an "invasion" of illegal immigrants.
Drug Trafficking: There was significant concern expressed about fentanyl and other drugs coming across the border, with claims that 51% of fentanyl enters through Arizona.
Public Safety: Both candidates linked border security issues to public safety concerns in Arizona communities.
Local Resources: Backer criticized the use of county resources to support undocumented immigrants, arguing this diverts funds from services for taxpayers.
Kamala Harris: The hosts and guests mocked Vice President Kamala Harris's recent border visit, characterizing it as a publicity stunt and criticizing her attempts to blame Republicans for the border crisis.
The discussion presented a stark view of the border situation, portraying it as a crisis that Democratic policies have exacerbated and that requires tough enforcement measures to address.
💧 Water Policy and Environmental Issues
Water policy, a crucial issue for Arizona's future, was discussed in detail:
Conservation vs. New Sources: Leach argued that conservation alone can't meet Arizona's water needs with current growth, emphasizing the need to find and move new water sources.
Tribal Water Rights: There was discussion of potentially using water from tribal lands to meet state needs, though details were vague.
Infrastructure: Leach mentioned projects like the Harquahala Valley canal as potential solutions for moving water within the state.
Colorado River: Concerns were raised about future Colorado River water allocations, set to be renegotiated in 2026.
Criticism of Environmental Groups: The hosts criticized groups like the Sierra Club, arguing they prioritize lobbying over actual conservation efforts.
The overall approach to water policy favored finding new sources and moving water rather than emphasizing conservation or limiting growth.
👮 Public Safety and Law Enforcement
Public safety was a significant topic, particularly in the Pima County Supervisor race:
Police Funding: Both candidates emphasized the need for better funding and support for law enforcement.
Officer Retention: Concerns were raised about difficulty retaining and recruiting officers, with suggestions to improve pay and morale.
Jail Conditions: The need for either major renovation or replacement of the Pima County jail was discussed, with emphasis on the need for careful cost analysis.
Criticism of Progressive Policies: There was strong opposition to ideas like civilian oversight of police, characterized as potentially dangerous.
Immigration Enforcement: Leach supported empowering local police to arrest illegal immigrants, a controversial stance.
The discussion presented a "tough on crime" approach, emphasizing increased funding and support for law enforcement over reform or community-based safety initiatives.
🗳️ Election Integrity and Voting Issues
Several election-related issues were discussed:
Ballot Propositions: The hosts and guests encouraged voters to pay attention to propositions, specifically opposing the abortion rights proposition and ranked-choice voting.
Judicial Retention: There was a strong push for voters to retain all current judges, with claims of a "Democrat move" to remove certain justices.
Early Voting: The hosts encouraged listeners to vote early.
Campaign Strategies: Leach discussed his use of targeted online and streaming ads instead of traditional TV advertising.
The overall message emphasized the high stakes of the election and the importance of conservative voter turnout.
🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary
¡Adelante Arizona! A Progressive Vision for the Grand Canyon State
As we approach the 2024 elections, it's clear that Arizona stands at a crossroads. The recent Inside Track radio show, featuring Republican candidates Vince Leach and John Backer, laid bare a vision for our state that is not only regressive but actively harmful to our diverse communities and fragile desert ecosystem. As progressive Arizonans, we must challenge this narrative and offer a more inclusive, sustainable, and just alternative.
La Frontera: Beyond the Border Hysteria
The GOP's fear-mongering about immigration has reached a fever pitch, with Vince Leach claiming that "51% of fentanyl comes through the Arizona border." This kind of rhetoric not only scapegoats immigrants for complex societal issues but also ignores the human cost of militarized border policies.
We must remind our fellow Arizonans that migration is often driven by dire circumstances – climate change, violence, and economic devastation – many of which have roots in U.S. foreign policy. The solution isn't more walls or empowering local police to act as immigration agents (a recipe for racial profiling) but comprehensive immigration reform that provides a path to citizenship for long-term residents and creates a more efficient and humane system for asylum seekers.
Moreover, Leach's support for Proposition 214, which would give Arizona more control over handling illegal border crossings, is a dangerous step towards state-sanctioned xenophobia. We've been down this road before with SB 1070 and must not repeat those mistakes.
Agua es Vida: A Sustainable Water Future
Perhaps nowhere is the shortsightedness of the GOP vision more apparent than in their approach to water policy. Leach's statement, "We cannot conserve our way into the growth that we're having and having enough water," betrays a fundamentally flawed understanding of our desert reality.
Climate change is already exacerbating water scarcity in the Southwest. We cannot simply rely on finding new sources or moving water around, as Leach suggests. This approach ignores indigenous communities' rights and fails to address the underlying issue of unsustainable growth.
Instead, we need a water policy that prioritizes conservation, respects tribal water rights, and recognizes the inherent limits of our arid environment. This means investing in water-efficient infrastructure, protecting our rivers and groundwater, and yes, potentially limiting growth in areas that cannot sustainably support large populations.
Justicia Económica: Beyond the Flat Tax Fallacy
The show's celebration of Arizona's 2.5% flat tax rate ignores the regressive nature of such policies, which disproportionately burden lower-income residents while providing tax breaks to the wealthy. John Backer's comment about immediately returning a hypothetical $10 million surplus to taxpayers demonstrates a lack of vision for addressing Arizona's pressing needs.
True economic progress requires investment in our communities – education, healthcare, and infrastructure. We need a progressive tax system that ensures the wealthy pay their fair share and targeted investments in programs that uplift working families and create pathways out of poverty.
Moreover, we must challenge the narrative that low taxes are the key to economic growth. Quality of life, educated workforce, and modern infrastructure are equally, if not more, important in attracting and retaining businesses and skilled workers.
Seguridad Comunitaria: Reimagining Public Safety
The "tough on crime" rhetoric presented by the candidates ignores decades of evidence about what actually creates safe communities. Simply increasing police funding and jail capacity won't address the root causes of crime or improve public safety.
Instead, we need a holistic approach that includes investments in mental health services, addiction treatment, education, and economic opportunities. This means redirecting funds from over-policed communities into programs that actually prevent crime and build community resilience.
The criticism of civilian oversight for police departments is particularly troubling. Accountability and community trust are essential for effective law enforcement, and civilian oversight boards can play a crucial role in building that trust and ensuring that police departments serve all community members equitably.
Defendiendo la Democracia: Voting Rights and Judicial Independence
The hosts' opposition to ranked-choice voting is a clear attempt to maintain a system that benefits the two-party status quo. Ranked-choice voting can lead to more representative outcomes and reduce political polarization – exactly what Arizona needs in these divided times.
Additionally, the casual dismissal of concerns about judicial appointments is alarming. An independent judiciary is crucial for protecting civil rights and serving as a check on political power. Voters should be encouraged to research judicial candidates thoroughly, not simply rubber-stamp all incumbents as suggested on the show.
El Camino Adelante: A Progressive Vision for Arizona
The vision presented on Inside Track is one of fear, division, and a return to failed policies of the past. As progressives, we must offer an alternative vision for Arizona's future – one that embraces our diversity, addresses climate change, invests in our communities, and ensures equal opportunity for all residents, regardless of their background or immigration status.
We envision an Arizona where:
Immigrant communities are welcomed and valued, not scapegoated and persecuted
Water policy is based on sustainability and respect for Indigenous rights
Economic growth is measured not just in GDP but in the well-being of all Arizonans
Public safety is achieved through community investment, not over-policing
Our democratic institutions are strengthened and made more representative
The 2024 elections offer a chance to choose a different path—one of compassion, sustainability, and true economic justice for all Arizonans. Let's seize this opportunity to build the Arizona we know is possible, where the promise of the Southwest—resilient, diverse, and free—is fulfilled for all who call this beautiful desert home.
¡Sí se puede, Arizona! The future is ours to shape.
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👯 People Mentioned
Vince Leach: Republican candidate for Arizona State Senate LD17. Former state senator. Quote: "We cannot conserve our way into the growth that we're having and having enough water."
John Backer: Republican candidate for Pima County Supervisor District 2. Quote: "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm here before you tonight dressed for the job I hope to have."
Matt Heinz: Democratic incumbent Pima County Supervisor. Criticized for poor attendance and holding multiple jobs.
Kamala Harris: Vice President of the United States. Criticized for her border visit and policies.
Joe Biden: President of the United States. Criticized for border and economic policies.
Donald Trump: Former President. Briefly mentioned positively regarding border policies.
Chris Ackerly: Republican candidate for Pima County Treasurer. Presented as experienced and qualified.
Beth Ford: Outgoing Pima County Treasurer. Mentioned as having recruited Ackerly.
Heather Lappin: Candidate for Pima County Sheriff. Endorsed by both Republican and Democratic supervisor candidates.
Bruce Ash: Co-host of Inside Track radio show.
Ed Wilkinson: Co-host of Inside Track radio show.
🧐 Propaganda AI-nalysis
The Inside Track radio show employs several propaganda techniques:
Name-calling: Democratic opponents are often described using derogatory terms.
Bandwagon: Implies that "most" Arizona voters agree with Republican positions.
Card stacking: Presents information selectively, favoring Republican viewpoints.
Testimonial: Uses local candidates as authoritative voices on issues.
Plain folks: Candidates emphasize local roots and relatability.
Fear mongering: Presents issues like border security in threatening terms.
Repetition: Key talking points are repeated throughout the show.
False dilemma: Issues are often presented as having only two sides - Republican or Democratic.
Scapegoating: Blames Democrats and immigrants for various societal problems.
Glittering generalities: Uses vague, positive phrases like "taxpayer interests" without specific definitions.
The overall effect reinforces a conservative worldview while portraying Democratic candidates and policies as threats to Arizona's well-being.