If we’re talking Star Wars references, Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., is Luke Skywalker/Ben Kenobi for the Republican establishment in Washington against a hostile takeover by the Galactic Empire in the form of Kelli Ward and Joe Arpaio.
On Friday, McSally announced her highly expected run for the U.S. Senate seat in Arizona to replace retiring Sen. Jeff Flake. She’s made a name for herself for being the first female combat pilot in the Air Force, where she was deployed in Iraq (enforcing a no-fly zone) and Afghanistan. However, in recent weeks in Congress, McSally has been making her presence felt by participating in Congress’ debate on immigration, border security, chain migration, and the reauthorization of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
“Like our president, I’m tired of PC politicians and their BS excuses,” McSally said in her announcement video. “I’m a fighter pilot and I talk like one. That’s why I told Washington Republicans to grow a pair of ovaries and get the job done.”
As you watch her video, she posts a quote of her swearing during a GOP conference meeting on health care that’ll hopefully play well with Trump supporters who approved of his “shithole” comment late last week.
Martha McSally stood up in GOP conference meeting and said let’s get this “fucking thing” done.
Yes, direct quote — per members and aides.
— Erica Werner (@ericawerner) May 4, 2017
McSally is trying to dodge the label of being part of the GOP establishment by saying she is against political correctness, will never bow down to Sharia law, and dropping the F-bomb. However, in a race against Ward and Arpaio in Arizona, she’s the closest thing to being “Establishment.”
While Ward and Arpaio weren’t shy about supporting Donald Trump during the election, McSally was mum at best. She said in October 2016 after the “Access Hollywood” tape was published, “I don’t plan on endorsing anybody and I haven’t in the past. Who we vote for is our own private decision. It’s not my focus or my responsibility. […] I think the voters are smart enough to figure out who they want to vote for the president.”
In spite of all this, it might actually work in her favor to be where she is right at this moment in the Senate race. Ward and Arpaio are two sides of the same coin. McSally at least offers an alternative to their brands. And the polls reflect that. And she’s the only one who has a chance against Democratic favorite Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz.
Whether McSally’s hate for the GOP establishment is genuine or not, one thing is clear: The establishment loves her unconditionally. And there’s nothing she can do to change that.
Siraj Hashmi is a commentary video editor and writer for the Washington Examiner.
