Kari Lake and James Taylor
Jenna Ridgeway
On May 2, 760 very enthusiastic PebbleCreek Republican Club members and guests packed the Tuscany Falls Ballroom at 7 p.m. to hear potential US Senate nominee, Kari Lake.
The evening began with the announcement that monies raised from our 50/50 raffle has enabled our club to sponsor one veteran member to attend the Honor Flight Arizona trip to Washington, D.C., this year. Honor Flight Arizona board member Diane Franzese explained the program and was thrilled that we had raised the $1,300 required.
Next up was James Taylor, who is running as a write-in-candidate for the Arizona State House seat. He was asked to step up following Representative Austin Smith’s withdrawal from the race. Taylor briefly described his platform on children, education, safety, and crime. Other candidates introduced were Justin Heap, who is running for Maricopa County Recorder, and Goodyear City Council candidates.
Kari Lake was then introduced to thunderous applause! She outlined not only her platform, but how she differed from the Democratic candidate, Ruben Gallego. She said his campaign has raised over $250 million. She knows the negative ads attacking her are of concern, but declared they only make her stronger and she is fueled by them. Kari also stated that she has been termed an extremist. She said, “The only thing I am extreme about is, I’m extremely mad about where this country is headed.” On the abortion issue, Kari confirmed she is pro life with exceptions. However, she is not in favor of taxpayer funded abortions, especially up until birth and is against the upcoming ballot initiative in Arizona allowing this.
Some of the issues Kari is fighting for include keeping men out of women’s sports, securing our border by implementing border security such as building the wall, refusing to have Americans financially support unauthorized migrants, and dealing with our country’s $34.5 trillion debt. She worries about inflationary pressure on our retirees who are struggling financially to live out their lives as well as on our young people who are unable to buy a home. She plans to introduce a Quick Start voucher program for high school graduates who are not going to college, to help fund training for skilled labor jobs.
After taking questions from the crowd, Kari talked individually with members about their concerns. The charismatic candidate urged us to have conversations with Democrats and Independents and start with ideas on which we agree.
This was our last Thursday night meeting until Sept. 5.
For more information about our club or to download a membership application, visit pebblecreekrepublicanclub.com.
Men’s Breakfast Club, Tuesday, June 11, 8:30 a.m., Eagle’s Nest. RSVP to Chuck Streeter at [email protected].
Women’s Luncheon, Wednesday, June 12, 11:30 a.m., Eagle’s Nest. Seating is limited to 20. RSVP to Vicki Streeter at [email protected].
Men’s Golf Group plays golf on Tuesdays. Contact Stanley Bloch at [email protected].
Remember to fly your flag!