Arizona Democrats' frustration with Sinema comes to a head
By Tal Axelrod and Max Greenwood - 10/02/21 11:57 AM EDT
Democratic anger with Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) is beginning to reach a boil in Arizona over her opposition to Democrats’ $3.5 trillion reconciliation package, fueling speculation that a primary challenger could be awaiting her when she runs for a second term in 2024.
A handful of Democratic groups critical of Sinema popped up this week, with some looking to fund a potential primary challenger and at least one looking to specifically recruit Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) to run against her in the Democratic nominating contest. At the same time, the Arizona Democratic Party is threatening to hold a no-confidence vote on Sinema unless she falls in line with the rest of her caucus.
Frustration within the Democratic base with Sinema had been bubbling up since the start of the Biden presidency due to her opposition to raising the minimum wage, abolishing the Senate filibuster and more. But her central role in helping stop the reconciliation bill from moving forward is getting activists particularly energized to take down a lawmaker they vigorously sought to elect three years ago.
“She's practically laying out a red carpet for” a primary challenge, said state Sen. Martin Quezada (D). “I think that's the next step that people here in Arizona, activists and members of the party are going to take, is to start building that war chest to fund a possible primary challenge against her.”
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https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/574969-arizona-democrats-frustration-with-sinema-comes-to-a-head
