Martha McSally's Senate appointment cheered, blasted along partisan lines

PHOENIX — The decision by Gov. Doug Ducey to name Republican Martha McSally to the U.S. Senate drew varied, and largely predictable, reactions.

Republican National Committee:

“Gov. Doug Ducey has made a great decision and put Arizona first by appointing Martha McSally to the late Senator John McCain’s seat. McSally has a long history of fighting for our country and Arizonans, and will continue to fight for this state and its values in the Senate.”

Kelli Ward, who lost to McSally in the GOP primary in August in the race for Arizona’s other U.S. Senate seat, which Democrat Kyrsten Sinema won in November:

“She has served our nation honorably and courageously during her time in uniform and I look forward to working hand in hand with her on Arizona’s top priorities in the coming year. If 2018 showed us anything, it’s that the Arizona Republican Party must prepare itself for a tough fight ahead in 2020 — and again in 2022 — to defend this seat from a Democrat Party that is fired up and energized.”

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona:

“Voters rejected Martha McSally’s negative and disingenuous campaign. They rejected her plan to take away maternity care from women, and they said ‘no’ to blocking 2.4 million patients from essential care at Planned Parenthood health centers. Last year, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona rallied our supporters to protect the ACA (Affordable Care Act). Martha McSally, on the other hand, supported legislation that would have stripped away protections for pre-existing conditions.”

U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, Mesa-area Republican:

“I look forward to working with her in the next Congress. I wish Representative McSally the best of luck in her tenure to fill the seat left by Senator John McCain.”

Democratic National Committee:

“Arizona voters rejected Martha McSally. They rejected her plan to take health care away from millions of Americans. They rejected her record of putting wealthy corporations ahead of hardworking families. But now Governor Ducey is ignoring the voice of the people and forcing McSally’s disastrous judgment on Arizonans. Democrats beat McSally in 2018. We’ll do it again in 2020.”

Jonathan Lines, chairman, Arizona Republican Party:

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“Martha McSally is a proven leader and icon for the things she’s done to serve her country and community. McSally has all the makings of a great Senator given her experience and upbringing. The next legislative session figures to be the most ambitious group we’ve seen in years and the appointment of Martha McSally will be a welcomed addition to that group as McSally brings with her expertise from the Committee on Armed Services and Committee on Homeland Security.”

Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

“Gov. Ducey has chosen a trailblazer to represent our state. From her distinguished military career, to her tenure in the U.S. House where she was one of the most effective members of Congress, Arizona is incredibly fortunate that her service on behalf of the state will continue. Gov. Ducey made an excellent choice. Martha has a proven record of championing policies that will strengthen the competitive standing of the country and state. Arizona’s job creators look forward to working with her once again.”

Felecia Rotellini, chair, Arizona Democratic Party:

“Washington, D.C., insiders hand-picked Martha McSally to represent Arizona in the U.S. Senate. After running a divisive, dishonest campaign for over a year, Arizona voters rejected McSally because they don’t trust her to fight for them when it matters most. Mitch McConnell and Martha McSally are ignoring the will of Arizona voters to advance their agenda of putting their wealthiest donors ahead of Arizonans’ access to health care.”

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Phoenix-area Democrat, and a possible 2020 campaign foe of McSally:

“Arizona lost a respected independent voice when John McCain passed away. Shady backroom deals between Gov. Ducey, Sen. McConnell, & a lobbyist refreshing his Rolodex are giving the state the one candidate they definitively rejected? Martha McSally is the wrong choice for Arizona.”

U.S. Rep. David Schwei- kert, a Scottsdale-area Republican:

“I have had the pleasure of working with her in the House and seen her be a good leader, serving her constituents well. I’m confident she will do a terrific job representing the interests of our state.”

League of Conservation Voters/Chispa Arizona:

“The people of Arizona have already rejected Martha McSally for this job. As a Congresswoman, she has supported a $25 billion tax windfall for oil companies and voted to block safeguards against air pollution. Her support for the fossil fuel agenda is limiting Arizona’s clean energy potential, contaminating the air we breathe, and exacerbating health disparities among Latinos, low-income families, and people of color.”