Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) is among an emerging field of possible running mates for newly-minted presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
Arizona Democrats rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris following Biden’s endorsement after his withdrawal from seeking reelection.
According to Election Betting Odds, which aggregates data from various online betting sites, Kelly currently has a 27.2 percent chance of being selected as the presumptive nominee’s vice-presidential pick, second behind Democrat Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro at 34 percent. This prediction has swung in the past 24 hours, previously Kelly was the favorite.
In an interview with AZ Family, Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04) said that picking Kelly would help Democrats’ chances of winning in Arizona.
“If you want Arizona to be a battleground state and give us the chance to win Arizona, which is one of the most important states to win the presidency of the United States of America, I do believe Sen. Mark Kelly would give that ticket a great opportunity,” he said. “The best opportunity to win the important state of Arizona. He and I are friends, we work together, and I really respect him.”
Stanton highlighted Kelly’s fundraising prowess, noting, “Mark Kelly is one of the best fundraisers, breaking records during his Senate race. He has proven to attract moderate Republicans and independents.” He also championed Kelly’s support for his wife, Gabby Giffords, and her work as a gun control activist.
On the other hand, Conservative PAC Arizona Women of Action detailed on X that Kelly has not done much as a senator.
“What do we know about him? According to http://govtrack.us, he introduced the fewest bills, got 0 out of committee, cosponsored the fewest, wrote the fewest laws, & held 0 leadership positions,” the PAC said.
Senator Mark Kelly may be on the Democrat ticket as VP
What do we know about him? According to https://t.co/MFKf88GbaJ, he introduced the fewest bills, got 0 out of committee, cosponsored the fewest, wrote the fewest laws, & held 0 leadership positions. https://t.co/TuL77ufI5Y pic.twitter.com/g7l7jLNe6f
— Arizona Women of Action (@azwomenofaction) July 23, 2024
Also, the Republican Party of Arizona broke down the top reasons Kelly would be a “disastrous choice for Arizona” on X.
🚨 Mark Kelly is being floated as a potential VP pick for Kamala Harris.
Let’s break down why that’s a disastrous choice for Arizona and America. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/6ccx3bSSIq
— Republican Party of Arizona (@AZGOP) July 21, 2024
“INFLATION: Kelly’s votes with Biden have led to skyrocketing inflation, crushing Arizona families with higher costs for everything from groceries to gas,” the Arizona GOP said.
“BORDER CRISIS: Just like Kamala “Border Czar” Harris, Kelly has been MIA on border security. With record illegal crossings and fentanyl flooding our communities, his inaction is putting lives at risk,” Republican Party of Arizona added.
“OUT-OF-TOUCH PROGRESSIVE: Kelly may claim moderation, but his record shows support for Biden-Harris’s radical policies, including ending Title 42,” the party continued.
According to ABC News, labor unions have concerns about a Kelly pick.
“Why would the Democrats even consider a senator for the vice presidency if the senator doesn’t support the PRO Act?” John Samuelsen, president of the Transport Workers Union, told ABC News. “It’s the most important piece of national legislation workers have right now.”
Labor unions have shown reluctance to support Kelly for a potential vice presidential bid due to his lack of support for pro-labor legislation, particularly the PRO Act. The union claims that this act is crucial for expanding collective bargaining rights.
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Christy Kelly is a reporter at The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow Christy on Twitter / X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Mark Kelly” by Mark Kelly.
