Sen. Steve Smith makes endorsements in Primary Election races

Aug 6, 2016

By Sen. Steve Smith

I have been asked who I am endorsing in various contested races in the Aug. 30 primary election. This year it is particularly difficult in some races because it means choosing between friends and colleagues, but since we all only get one vote, here are the candidates I am supporting:

U.S. Senate: Dr. Kelli Ward. I have served with Kelli in the Legislature and I know first-hand that she is a strong conservative through and through and is a tenacious worker and fighter. After 30 years in the Senate, I think it is time for John McCain to step aside to let us embrace a new voice in Washington.

U.S. Congress: Sheriff Paul Babeu. As the commanding officer in the Army, Paul Babeu helped secure the Yuma sector in Arizona by stopping 94 percent of the illegal alien activity and smuggling and has continued that fight as sheriff. No one in the race has done or will do more to secure our border and I believe the unsecure border is one of the biggest threats facing our nation.

Pinal County Sheriff: Steve Henry. As the Chairman of the Senate Public Safety and Military Committee, I have worked with Chief Deputy Steve Henry on many issues relating to public safety and he is highly knowledgeable, experienced, tough on crime, and I believe he is going to do a great job as sheriff.

Pinal County Attorney: Lando Voyles. As our current county attorney, Lando has made Pinal County the safest county in Arizona for our children and he has worked side-by-side with me in the fight for landmark public safety legislation in Arizona. Lando also happens to be one of the most honest, principled and patriotic men I know, which in the world of politics is a rarity.

Pinal County Board of Supervisors: Anthony Smith. Being named ‘Champion of the Taxpayer’ for his strong voting record, Anthony has and will continue to protect our wallets from attempts to increase our taxes and he will continue to work hard for us in Pinal County.

Maricopa City Council: Bridger Kimball & Nancy Smith. Both Bridger and Nancy have done an exemplary job on our City Council by asking the tough questions and standing strong on good policy for our city and deserve to be re-elected.

Steve Smith is a state senator representing District 11 and a resident of Maricopa.