In the wake of years-long friction between independent Right-of-center activists and Republican Party veterans, some Arizonans are forming stand-alone political groups. One recent clash in May gained national attention when a video recording surfaced of a Legislative District 2 (LD2) meeting that devolved into a physical altercation.
Interviews by The Arizona Sun Times of several of the individuals at that meeting revealed that the conflict was more about the discord between hundreds of newly-recruited, pro-Trump precinct committeemen (PCs) and the establishment PCs that have participated in and run the Republican party in the area for years.
As a result, these newer activists are opting to form separate groups, clubs, and associations for the purpose of accomplishing specific political goals aimed at helping to send Donald Trump back to the White House and to advance Trump’s America First agenda.
The Sun Times interviewed members of the National Freedom Coalition (NFC), co-founded by Michael Lombardo and Josh Barnett, who dreamed of having an independent association. Rosemary Spaulding and Deborah Boehm quickly joined to help establish the group.
Lombardo explained that the group has no bylaws, no rules, and no dues — it is a free association of people “focused on winning in 2024 and beyond.”
He said, “We established the NFC after the 2022 election.”
The group agreed that the goal was not to “just talk about things” but to actually get things done.
“Most members are still elected PCs,” said Bohem. She has used the group as an opportunity to teach others about the Constitution. For her, the goal is grassroots activism, upholding the Constitution, and holding elected officials accountable. This year, they have a “Constitutional Pledge” that they are asking all candidates to sign. They will also have a “Golden Ticket” of candidates who have earned their recommendation.
Lombardo elaborated that during meetings, there are guest speakers, and the group has the opportunity to ask questions and vet candidates. As a group, members have helped obtain signatures, canvass, distribute literature, and plan local events. The group initially started meeting in North Phoenix and has now expanded, by request, to a second location in the East Valley.
Ari Bradshaw, a member of LD2, the NFC, and a candidate, said, “We don’t have time for censures and internal fighting. PCs who want to help win the most competitive district in Arizona can help out by getting involved with campaigns, and we will continue to ignore the sideshow happening from the disruptors.”
Another loyal member of both LD2 and the NFC said, “People are dropping out of the LD due to the drama. We needed an alternative.”
The NFC North meets biweekly at 6:30 pm at IHOP, 4201 W. Bell Rd. in Phoenix. NFC East meets on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 pm at 2501 N. 44th St, Phoenix.
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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 “National Freedom Coalition Meeting” by National Freedom Coalition.
