State of Arizona Archives: on Homeland Security
Alan Keyes:
Keep some forces abroad, but avoid globalism
We obviously are a global power, we have interests all over the world. And I think that in many regions of the world, we do have forces deployed where their
deployment makes a definite contribution to regional peace and stability and to the defense of our own interests. I wouldn’t suggest that we withdraw forces from Korea
or from Europe or elsewhere, where I think that they do serve a useful purpose in both maintaining our presence and defending our interests. On the other hand, I think our
principle ought to be very clear. It ought to be that when we are using those forces, deploying them, it serves our interests, not some abstract agenda of globalism, global sovereignty, global left-wing interventionism.
Source: Arizona Republican Primary Debate
Nov 21, 1999
Alan Keyes:
Defend human rights & self-govt within national interests
A Keyes administration would be based on an understanding that we serve the national interests of our people. Part of that interest is our leadership in the world, it is our defense of human rights around the world, it is our maintenance and sustenance
of people’s commitment to self-government around the world. But it ought to be a clear commitment to our national interest first, not to globalism and internationalism.
Source: Arizona Republican Primary Debate
Nov 21, 1999
Ann Kirkpatrick:
Supports Iranian nuclear deal & Congressional debate on war
Q: On Iran: Support the US-Iran treaty that limits Iran's nuclear capability in return for lifting economic sanctions?Kirkpatrick: Yes
McCain: No
Q: On Iraq: Should the US recommit significant additional ground troops to Iraq to combat the
success of ISIS?
Kirkpatrick: Wants to do more, but wants Congressional debate before any decision to send more troops.
McCain: Yes. Wants to send in significantly more troops. Criticizes Obama's "grudging incrementalism."
Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Arizona Senate race
Oct 9, 2016
Blake Masters:
Ensure our military is world's most lethal fighting force
We also need to ensure that our military remains the world's most lethal fighting force, even if it means standing up to the bureaucratic
National Security State and generals who would prioritize social issues like transgenderism in the enlisted ranks over actually winning wars.
Source: 2021 Arizona Senate campaign website BlakeMasters.com
Jul 19, 2021
David Garcia:
Trained as a nuclear/bio/chemical warfare specialist
Prior to attending college, David R. Garcia proudly served in the U.S. Army Infantry, where he excelled as an expert marksman,
was awarded the Humanitarian Award and the Army Achievement Medal, and was trained as a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare Specialist.
Source: 2018 Arizona gubernatorial campaign website dg4az.com
May 2, 2017
Deedra Abboud:
Veterans are ignored, forgotten, and deserve more
Our Veterans deserve to be honored by more than platitudes. After volunteering to serve in our military, they should have better resources when they return home. It is a fallacy that all our Veterans are 100% covered by the VA, thousands also depend
on Medicaid. We can do better in making sure they are all covered by healthcare and given the help they need to go back to work in the civilian world. Those resources must include support for the emotional and physical tolls they have experienced.
Source: 2018 Arizona Senate campaign website Deedra2018.com
Dec 12, 2017
Deedra Abboud:
Opposes expanding the military
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Expand the military"?
A: Oppose
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Arizona Senate candidate
Mar 5, 2018
Doug Marks:
Bring the troops HOME, rather than expanding the military
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Expand the military"?
A: No need, bring the troops HOME!
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Arizona Senate candidate
Mar 5, 2018
Doug Ducey:
Increase tax exemption for vets
It's been nearly 30 years since Arizona created the tax exemption for military retirement pay. But it's capped and not once, have we increased it. Arizona has more than 600,000 veterans, and for the military retirees who quality for the exemption,
inflation alone has chopped it in half. Their service has earned them a lifetime benefit from our nation. So please, send me a bill that increases the exemption and demonstrates to our vets that we value this service.
Source: 2018 Arizona State of the State address
Jan 8, 2018
Fred DuVal:
Incent veterans' businesses in competitive bidding process
Veterans and military families are assets to our economy, and Arizona must maximize their contributions by slashing through bureaucracy and ensuring their skills and experiences are recognized by our education systems and state government. We should also
incent the private market to hire those who have served, while encouraging veterans to start their own small businesses by making sure veteran-owned businesses are recognized during the competitive bidding process for Arizona government contracts.
Source: 2014 Arizona gubernatorial campaign website, Fred2014.com
Jul 2, 2014
Jan Brewer:
Name Arizona as training site for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
We should do everything we can to see that Arizona is named a training site for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. At Luke Air Force Base; at the Air National Guard's 162nd Fighter Wing in Tucson; and at the Marine Air Corps Station in Yuma.
As a child raised on a military base --I have a special affection for those who serve in the armed forces. Every one of Arizona's military bases is critical to our national defense --and to our state and local economies.
Source: Arizona 2010 State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2010
Janet Napolitano:
Emergency calling system for health and safety information
For 2004 we will continue work on a statewide 211 system, a phone number similar to the 911 system that residents will be able to dial for critical health and safety information in times of emergency.
A comprehensive homeland security plan for authorities, combined with a 211 system to help citizens, is forming a web of readiness that is making Arizona a stand-out state for emergency preparedness.
Source: 2004 State of the State speech to Arizona Legislature
Jan 12, 2004
Jeff Flake:
Cut $475M from unwanted littoral combat ship
More than 160 proposed amendments have now been filed for the Senate's minibus appropriations bill, which includes $675 billion in annual Pentagon funding. Senators are still gunning for a fight over the Navy's littoral combat ship purchases
[on whether] to buy more of the small surface ships than the Navy wants in 2019.Sen. John McCain and Sen. Jeff Flake have proposed an amendment slashing $475 million from the defense appropriations, which would cut its current
two-ship buy down to a single LCS. McCain is a long-time foe of the program, once calling the LCS a classic example of "defense acquisition gone awry." The legislation would bring the bill in line with the Navy's request for one LCS, which Navy
Secretary Richard V. Spencer assured lawmakers this year would be plenty. It could also placate the White House after it strongly opposed a larger buy last week.
Source: Washington Examiner on 2018 Arizona Senate race
Aug 22, 2018
Joe Arpaio:
Our concern should be terrorism, not border-crossers' rights
A jump to becoming the head of Homeland Security was not entirely out of reach for Arpaio. He had been a staunch advocate for border security over the years and was strongly in favor of Trump's stances on immigration and terrorism. In a speech at the
RNC, Arpaio said the U.S. is "more concerned with the rights of illegal aliens" and the country shouldn't have to be concerned with "terrorists coming over our border, infiltrating our communities and causing massive destruction and mayhem."
Source: KTAR News on 2018 Arizona Senate race
Dec 7, 2016
John McCain:
Long-time foe of LCS, littoral combat ship
More than 160 proposed amendments have now been filed for the Senate's minibus appropriations bill, which includes $675 billion in annual Pentagon funding. Senators are still gunning for a fight over the Navy's littoral combat ship purchases
[on whether] to buy more of the small surface ships than the Navy wants in 2019.Sen. John McCain and Sen. Jeff Flake have proposed an amendment slashing $475 million from the defense appropriations, which would cut its current
two-ship buy down to a single LCS. McCain is a long-time foe of the program, once calling the LCS a classic example of "defense acquisition gone awry." The legislation would bring the bill in line with the Navy's request for one LCS, which Navy
Secretary Richard V. Spencer assured lawmakers this year would be plenty. It could also placate the White House after it strongly opposed a larger buy last week.
Source: Washington Examiner on 2018 Arizona Senate race
Aug 22, 2018
Karrin Taylor Robson:
Form state-controlled Arizona State Guard
I will surge National Guard to the border to be a force multiplier for CBP and local law enforcement, as well as boots on the ground in border areas under-patrolled. I will also augment our National Guard by constituting formation of the
Arizona State Guard, a state-controlled force already authorized under state law and available "for the safety and protection of the lives and property of the citizens of the state."
Source: 2022 Arizona Governor campaign website KarrinForArizona.com
Jun 24, 2022
Kelli Ward:
Support AZ military bases; base more aircraft in AZ
Dr. Ward is a military wife and has been for over 16 years--she is married to Dr. Michael Ward, a Colonel in the Arizona Air National Guard. This gives her a unique perspective on the needs of not only our military men and women,
but also their family support systems who are integral to their success in protecting our country.- Supports AZ military bases
-
Encourage family and community support for deployed service members and their dependents
- Supports maintaining the tax-free status of Arizona Military members
- Supports using the natural resources of Arizona to enhance the research, development,
manufacturing and testing of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)
- Supports the basing of the KC-46 Tanker and F-35 Fighter on Arizona Active Duty and Guard bases
Source: 2012 Arizona State Senate campaign website, DrKelliWard.com
Nov 1, 2012
Martha McSally:
End reckless, across the board military cuts
We must also ensure our troops are equipped with the best weaponry, technology, and training available to defend us. The reckless, across the board military cuts, otherwise known as sequestration, are hollowing out our military capability and diminishing
capacities that will take years to rebuild. There are ways to gain efficiencies and savings in our defense budget; I know this first-hand from seeing the redundancies, inefficiencies, and waste throughout my time in uniform.
We need a strategy-based budget, not a budget-based strategy. Savings should be found in a thoughtful, strategy-driven way, and I am well equipped to lead this effort.
The decisions we make today will be crucial to our security and standing in the world for decades to come. We need Members of Congress with the background and credibility to ensure America is strong and secure, and that is what I will bring.
Source: 2014 Arizona House campaign website, McSallyForCongress.com
Nov 4, 2014
Martha McSally:
Protect our $1B investment in the A-10 Warthog
I flew the A-10 "Warthog" for 325 hours in combat and commanded the one deployable A-10 Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. I know first-hand the unique capabilities of the A-10 to save American lives on the ground in harm's way.
It can fly low and slow, loiter for a long time, and is incredibly survivable & cheap compared to all other fighter aircraft and aircraft under development. We just invested over $1 billion to upgrade the avionics and rebuild the wings on each aircraft.
There is simply currently no other aircraft in the inventory or under development that provides this capability for our troops.
I have been active and engaged in defending the A-10 against elimination since the threat first became known. It took an op-ed from me in August of 2013 to alert Ron Barber of his party's own Administration's plans to axe the A-10.
Source: 2014 Arizona House campaign website, McSallyForCongress.com
Nov 4, 2014
Martha McSally:
Allow servicewomen to avoid body coverings in Saudi Arabia
McSally retired as a colonel in the Air Force with more than 2,600 flight hours. She served multiple tours in the Middle East and supervised the execution of an air campaign based in Saudi Arabia for Operation Iraqi Freedom. She also led a combat
deployment to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2007, McSally received her second masters degree from the Air Force War College. She drew national attention after she filed--and won-
a 2001 lawsuit against the Defense Department to overturn a policy that required U.S. servicewomen based in Saudi Arabia to wear a body-covering Muslim abaya and head scarf.
In an interview on CBS's 60 minutes, she criticized what she called other forms of discrimination in the conservative Saudi culture. "I can fly a single-seat aircraft in enemy territory, but [in Saudi Arabia] I can't drive a vehicle," she said.
Source: Almanac of American Politics on 2020 Arizona Senate race
Oct 5, 2015
Mick McGuire:
For restoring tuition reimbursement for National Guard
Major General McGuire, USAF (Ret.) advocated for education and workforce development. During his tenure, state funding was restored to
Arizona's tuition reimbursement for National Guardsmen and federal tuition reimbursement was established for Arizona Air National Guardsmen.
Source: 2022 Arizona Senate campaign website ElectMick.com
Dec 28, 2021
Rick Santorum:
There are good earmarks, like Osprey military program
Q: Senator, you have said there are good earmarks and bad earmarks?SANTORUM: The idea that somehow earmarks during the time that I was in Congress were this thing that drove up spending--as a percentage of GDP, the debt went down. What happened is
there was abuse. When abuse happened, I said we should stop the earmarking process. But I did say there were good earmarks and bad earmarks. We wouldn't have the V-22 Osprey, which was the most essential air platform for our Marines in particular in the
war against the radical Islamists. We wouldn't have it if it wasn't for an earmark. That program would have been killed. Dick Cheney and the Defense Department wanted to kill that program, and many of us, including myself, stood up and made sure that
was there. Congress has a role to play when it comes to appropriating money, and sometimes the president and the administration don't get it right. I do believe there was abuse, and I said we should stop it, and as president I would oppose earmarks.
Source: CNN's 2012 GOP Debate on eve of Arizona Primary
Feb 22, 2012
Ruben Gallego:
2009: pushed to overturn military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
After returning from Iraq, I moved to Arizona and quickly became politically active on LGBTQ issues. In 2006, I worked on the campaign against an Arizona ballot initiative that would have amended the Arizona constitution to prohibit the state from
recognizing same-sex marriages or civil unions. Our campaign was successful and Arizona became the first state in the nation to defeat a same-sex marriage ban.
I have a long history of working with the Human Rights Campaign, joining HRC and Voices of Honor in 2009 to push the Obama administration to overturn the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
Since being elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2010, I have co-sponsored bills granting Marriage Equality in Arizona and creating a state version of the Employer Nondiscrimination Act. I have a 100% rating from Equality Arizona.
Source: 2014 Arizona House campaign website, GallegoForArizona.com
May 31, 2014
Ruben Gallego:
Troops in Iraq got inadequate resources
I joined the Marine Corps & served in Iraq with Lima 3/25, a unit that saw one of the highest casualty rates of the war. My unit was so hard hit because Congress had failed to allocate resources for the armored vehicles we needed.
We were rolling around Iraq in amphibious assault vehicles that offered no protection to roadside bombs. We knew it and the insurgents knew it, but Congress wasn't doing anything about it.
Source: 2014 Arizona House campaign website, GallegoForArizona.com
May 31, 2014
Steve Forbes:
Haiti & Somalia interventions were mistakes
Q: What troops would you bring home from what countries? A: They didn't have to send in troops to Haiti. We tried that from 1915-34. It didn't work then. It didn't work today. In Somalia it was one thing to get the food on the ground, quite
another to play social workers and try to re-make that benighted country. That was a mistake. We do have very real interests in the world. But throwing our forces around [without] an exit strategy and not building up the military is a policy of disaster.
Source: Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
Tom O`Halleran:
Let veterans go outside VA hospitals, on VA's dime
The perpetual mismanagement of the VA hospitals around the country is unacceptable. This is not consistent with our values, and it is our obligation to ensure that the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces do not have to struggle to
see their doctor. In many cases, the VA lacks the medical specialists to care for all the vets who need treatment. In these cases, veterans should be able to get the care they need outside the VA system, on the VA's dime.
Source: 2016 Arizona House campaign website TomOHalleran.com
Nov 8, 2016
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023