For a Democrat, freshman Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona has a remarkably moderate voting record. She’s strayed from the Democratic Party’s liberal base on many issues, including immigration, climate change, judges, and foreign policy. Tuesday morning, she delivered her maiden speech, which invoked the principles of common-sense governing and bipartisanship.
“Most new senators deliver their maiden speeches soon after being sworn in. I waited so that I could use these six months to demonstrate to Arizonans, in actions more than words, exactly how I intend to serve our state in the Senate,” Sinema said. After speaking of her commitment to bipartisan legislation in reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs, Sinema concluded her speech by invoking the wisdom of a veteran who she called her “personal hero,” John McCain.
“Senator McCain talked of what is possible when the Senate works the way that it was meant to work. He stood for everything we stand for as Arizonans … he taught us to always assume the best in others, to seek compromise instead of sowing division, and to always put country ahead of party,” Sinema said. “So with Senator McCain’s example lighting the way, and with the trust of the people of Arizona shaping my service, I recommit to ignoring political games, and focus on upholding Arizona values to get things done for the state and for the country that I love.”
Sinema’s record shows that she’s not just talk when it comes to pursuing bipartisanship and representing the values of her relatively conservative state. For example, she was 1 of 4 Democrats who voted against the Green New Deal rather than abstaining as the other Democrats did in the bill’s 57 against to zero in favor defeat.
She has also voted to confirm approximately half of Trump’s judicial nominees from the past six months — far more than can be said for almost any other Democrat. As early as February, her voting record on judges drew direct criticism from Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America.
Sinema has also expressed support for Israel. While in the House, she supported the U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act in 2014, and two months ago, she condemned the Palestinian rocket attacks against Israel.
Additionally, Sinema recently sided with many Republicans to streamline the deportation of illegal immigrants who do not have valid asylum claims. Representing the border state of Arizona, Sinema clearly disagrees with the Democratic Party status quo on immigration and is sporting a heavy dose of common sense — something other Democrats are severely lacking.
Furthermore, in a move sure to make fiscal conservatives happy, Sinema introduced the Taxpayers Right to Know Act with Republican Sen. James Lankford last week. This bill would require the federal government to disclose more information on the details and costs of its numerous programs on a public online database.
As a result of these votes and several others, Sinema has voted against party lines 26.6% of the time, which is third-most among all senators.
Make no mistake, Kyrsten Sinema is still left of center. But she’s practicing what she preaches on bipartisanship, and people of all political stripes should respect her for it.
