SAFFORD — on Nov. 1, U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., posted to social media that “allies” of his opponent, Democrat Kirsten Engel, were sending racist text messages to voters in the district in an effort to “suppress the Republican vote.”
Engel denied involvement and it appears that group behind the text messages may actually on the right rather than the left.
The text messages said that “Mexican-born” Ciscomani was actively working against American interests and helping strengthen China’s military and manufacturing.
“This election day, no Juan can help us. Say to no to Ciscomani,” the text reads.
– Gila Valley Central Image
The texts are from the political action committee Save Western Culture, which claims to fight against “cultural degeneracy,” and has the goals of promoting traditional families and marriage, protect children from the LGBTQ gender mafia, eliminate foreign threats to our nation and save Western culture, according to the PAC’s website.
Save Western Culture has hired consultant Gibson McKay, who previously worked for Ciscomani’s Republican primary challenger, Kathleen Winn.
– Contributed Image
During a campaign stop in Safford during a 14-citiy swing through the district on Saturday and Sunday, Engel decried that racist rhetoric in the texts.
“We had nothing to do with it, and we should all be shunning it and not pointing fingers baselessly at each other,” Engel said.
During the campaign swing on Sunday, Engel toured the Chase Creek area of Clifton, as well as stopped in at Gila Valley Samaritan Home in Safford to learn about local efforts to help the homeless.
She also made stops in Vail, Green Valley, Oro Valley, Mammoth, Eloy, Casa Grande and Marana on Saturday; and Sierra Vista, Tombstone, Pearce, Willcox and Benson on Sunday.
She said she’s been talking with voters about women’s access to health care, stopping price gouging, securing the border and fixing the immigration system and protecting Arizona’s water.
She said traveling the entire district was important to “getting to know the communities and giving them an opportunity to meet me if they haven’t met me already,” Engel said. “Talking about the importance of this election and my position on these issues, and how we really just have two more days — Tuesday will be the election — and that this is the time to have their voices heard.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
