Victoria HarkerSenator 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 awards 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.”
Joseph Kavetsky
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