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The latest on COVID-19 in Arizona.

Arizona Democrats Voice Opposition To President Trump's Border Security Visit

Brandon mejia
Airforce One Arrives at MCAS Yuma

A handful of Arizona Democrats took part in a conference call Tuesday to voice their concerns with President Trump's visit to Arizona to survey portions of the newly completed border wall in the City of San Luis.

Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez headlined the call with Arizona Congressman Ruben Gallego, State Representative Charlene Fernandez of Yuma, and Alma Hernandez of Tucson. 

The President traveled to Arizona Tuesday with Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, Acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan, and Acting DHS Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli. After arriving at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, the President and top immigration officials met with Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls, Yuma Police Chief Susan Smith, U.S. Senator Martha McSally and Congresswomen Debbie Lesko for a round table discussion on border security. 

The Democratic National Committee Chairman called the visit a waste, and said Arizona is ground zero for the President's failed promises.  Particularly when it comes to the coronavirus which has had a prolonged surge throughout the state, Perez said. 

“He should be visiting health care providers and other front-line workers," Said Tom Perez, Democratic National Committee Chairman.  "This is the wrong time and the wrong place to bring together people for a political vanity project.” 

During the conference call with local Democrats, Yuma State Representative, and minority leader in the Arizona House, Charlene Fernandez, said the President's more frequent visits to Arizona are because he is concerned Democrats could flip the state blue in 2020.   

“We know his numbers are slipping here.  We know that Democrats are energized and ready to come together behind one of the best presidential candidates we’ve ever seen," Fernandez said. 

Congressman Gallego suggested Democrats have a good chance of flipping the Arizona State House as well, which could make Fernandez House Speaker.

 

Lou grew up in Tucson and has a long family history in the state of Arizona. He began his public radio career in 1988 at KNAU in Flagstaff as a classical music DJ and has been hooked on public radio since, transitioning to news after trying his hand at several other careers in publishing and commercial broadcasting. Lou has a degree in American Studies from Arizona State University and was KAWC's Morning Edition host for two and half years before becoming News and Operations Director.
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