Republican Candidates Debate Key Issues for Arizona’s Congressional Seat
The race for Arizona’s southern congressional district, recently vacated by the late Raúl Grijalva, witnessed a heated debate in Phoenix on Thursday. Daniel Butierez and Jorge Rivas, both vying for the Republican nomination, sparred over immigration policies and other crucial issues. Notably absent was Jimmy Rodriguez, who withdrew from the debate unexpectedly.
Butierez, who previously ran for the same seat, and Rivas both expressed support for President Donald Trump’s immigration policies but differed significantly in their implementation strategies. Butierez advocated for keeping law enforcement out of educational and religious institutions, stating, “I don’t think law enforcement should be going into our schools or our churches. I believe they should be sanctuary areas.”
In contrast, Rivas took a firm stance against selective enforcement, warning, “We cannot pick and choose where we enforce the laws, we cannot pick and choose when we enforce the laws. If we do that, then we become a banana republic.” Despite their differences, both candidates agreed on the necessity of deporting migrants, including those fearing for their safety, emphasizing that the U.S. is not responsible for international governance standards.
The debate also touched on economic policies, with both candidates backing Trump’s tariffs and supporting the House-passed bill proposing significant reductions to Medicaid and other welfare programs.
As the primary election approaches on July 15, with the general election scheduled for September, these discussions highlight the candidates’ positions on pivotal issues affecting Arizona’s constituents.
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