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. Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Chamber 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. Chamber CEO Thomas Donohue said. 

Past year’s performance “extraordinary”

Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber, 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 Chamber 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. Chamber 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 Chamber’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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With another move attacking Arizona Public Service, it appears California billionaire and now presidential candidate Tom Steyer cannot seem to quit Arizona.

Steyer’s attacks against the Arizona utility date back to the 2018 election cycle when his attempt to mandate onerous new renewable energy standards was rejected by voters in a 2 to 1 margin.

Now, Steyer is using a digital ad to accuse the company of corruption. This is the second time in recent months that Steyer has inserted himself into Arizona issues.

Many observers attribute his behavior to a desperate attempt to increase his name ID in the state and salvage his reputation after and painful and expensive loss in the fall.

“California billionaire Tom Steyer can’t stop meddling in Arizona politics,” Arizonans for Affordable Electricity spokesperson Matt Benson said. “It was just last year that Arizona voters overwhelmingly rejected Steyer’s Prop 127, which would have added $1,000/year to the typical family’s electricity bill. Now he’s back – this time as a self-described ‘ratepayer advocate.’

“You’re not fooling anybody, Tom.”

The California billionaire, who made millions investing in fossil fuels, is inserting himself in Arizona policy conversations claiming the state is being misguided by corporations and elected leaders. But the state’s economy has been booming for the past year with local economists touting the diversity in job and industry growth.

Arizona’s economy continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in the nation, ranking fourth in the U.S. for GDP growth last year and second in the country for personal income growth.

More than 300,000 new jobs have been added since 2015 and Arizona is projected to add another 165,000 new jobs by 2020.

Also, the greater Phoenix metropolitan area has officially eclipsed its pre-recession job peaks in almost every industry.

“Arizona is open for business and our economy is booming,” said Governor Doug Ducey in a statement. “It’s not by accident: Arizona’s pro-business policies, low taxes and light regulations are delivering more job opportunities and bigger paychecks for Arizona workers.”

Business community advocates say Steyer’s latest advertisements are likely to prove as unsuccessful as his previous political activities in the state.

“This guy apparently can’t take a hint,” Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry spokesperson Garrick Taylor said. “Arizonans have rejected over and over Steyer’s job-killing agenda, but yet he keeps coming back here. Arizona’s economy is doing just fine without Steyer, thank you very much, in large part because lawmakers and the governor have studiously avoided the sort of policies he advocates.”

Steyer’s efforts in Arizona began in 2018 when his progressive political action committee, NextGen Climate Action, launched an effort to mandate that utilities provide half their annual retail sales from renewable energy sources by 2030 “irrespective of cost to consumers.” The effort excluded zero-emission nuclear energy from the definition of renewable energy.

Then in May, Steyer portrayed himself as a ratepayer advocate by engaging in an APS rate case before the Arizona Corporation Commission. Many were quick to point out that his 2018 energy mandate, known as Proposition 127, would have increased costs on Arizona residents, including low-income families and small businesses. Estimates revealed the typical Arizona family would see its utility bills increase by $1,000 or more over the course of a year.

In addition to the $28 million Steyer dumped into the failed campaign, he also attacked Republican candidates, spending more than $3 million against Attorney General Mark Brnovich and engaging in the Arizona Corporation Commission race through dark money groups such as ChispaAZ.

On Tuesday morning, Steyer announced his candidacy for president in a digital video. Steyer plans to spend at least $100 million on his campaign.

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The Greater Phoenix Chamber Political Action Committee (GPC PAC) is endorsing 55 candidates for the Arizona Legislature and 4 statewide candidates in the , including Governor Doug Ducey for reelection and Steve Gaynor for Secretary of State.

“Governor Ducey has shown true leadership on business issues since elected governor four years ago,” said Todd Sanders, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber (GPC). “We applaud Governor Ducey for fostering Arizona’s economic growth through sound policy and strategic investments. With Governor Ducey’s influence and guidance, Arizona is once again leading the way on tough issues and is being shown in a positive light on the national stage.”

The GPC PAC closely evaluated the primary election results to determine which candidates’ platforms are most conducive to a robust economy, said PAC Chairman John Moody.

“These candidates understand the importance of maintaining a pro-business environment and support public policies that provide a strong foundation for Arizona businesses to prosper, grow and create new jobs,” Moody said.

The GPC PAC also endorsed Kimberly Yee (R) for Treasurer, Mark Brnovich (R) for Attorney General and Steve Gaynor (R) for Secretary of State.

State Senator Yee was elected in 2010 to serve Arizona’s 20th Legislative District. strong economic growth, low taxes, limited government spending and freedom of choice in education and healthcare.

“Senator Yee has been one of Arizona’s most open lawmakers, listening to and helping implement the business community’s needs during her tenure in the Legislature,” Sanders said. “Senator Yee’s sharp intellect and common sense approach to governing will leave the state’s finances in great hands.”

Brnovich was elected Attorney General in 2014. During his tenure in office, he has demanding huge settlements. Brnovich has expressed disdain for fraudulent charities preying on “Americans’ patriotism and their compassion for our veterans and military,” and the Attorney General’s office passed consumer protection legislation as a result,.

Perhaps most notably, Brnovich announced in May that auto giant as part of a consumer fraud settlement over its diesel emissions scandal, directing $10.5 million to Arizona consumers who had purchased VW-made vehicles and $20 million to the state K-12 education budget.

“General Brnovich has proven to be a stalwart protector of the business community’s interests,” Sanders said. “General Brnovich was instrumental in protecting the business community from frivolous lawsuits filed by serial litigators in the name of disability compliance. Most impressive has been his focus on upholding Arizona’s laws without regard to politics.”

Gaynor is a graduate of Harvard Business School and has spent nearly forty years in the printing businesses. This is Gaynor’s first time seeking elected office.

“The Greater Phoenix Chamber is pleased to endorse Steve Gaynor as Secretary of State,” Sander said. “Mr. Gaynor has proved to be a business leader in Arizona and will bring that expertise with him to the Secretary of State’s Office.”

In August the GPC PAC endorsed Daniel Valenzuela, a nonpartisan city councilman, for mayor of Phoenix.

“While Phoenix voters are very fortunate to have several well-qualified candidates running for Mayor who would all likely serve the city well and move Phoenix forward, Daniel Valenzuela has a unique understanding and vision for the future of our city focusing on growth, innovation and fostering economic development and prosperity, making him the best choice for mayor,” Moody said.

The GPC supports candidates who align with the organization’s mission to generate economic prosperity, Sanders said.

“With a rigorous vetting process and endorsement standard, the Chamber’s PAC continues to support candidates that will be advocates for economic growth,” he said. “We are pleased to endorse these leaders.”

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