Friday, June 5, 2015

WATCH: Rep. Franks Getting Pushed To Support Trade Fast Track Measure, By GOP Group Tied To House Speaker; Arizona's Delegation Split

Arizona Rep. Trent Franks (R-CD8) is one of 65 Republican Congressmembers being pushed by a Boehner-tied group to support the trade fast track TPA later this month.

The American Action Network is spending nearly $1M on a national TV ad (Fox News, and below), mailers, digital and radio advertising.  They will only use the national ad and digital advertising to influence Franks regarding the Trade Promotion Authority measure.

The campaign by a Republican group backing the Republican House Speaker to influence Republican House Members who may be reluctant to support TPA because of Republican voters is obviously going to "make the Republican case" for promoting trade.

The ad urges passage because "If we don’t lead on global trade, China will.”  It points out that "liberals and labor unions" oppose the measure because they "advocate weakness abroad". (Interestingly, the ad shows a picture of President Obama just before that statement, although the President is campaigning hard for Congress to pass it.)



Franks' position on the TPA is listed as "undecided or unclear" by TheHill.com.  Arizona's Politics has asked the Congressman for his position and will update as warranted.

TheHill's list also describes Rep. Paul Gosar (R-CD4) as undecided or unclear on the GOP side, and Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-CD1) as the same on the Democratic side.  It notes that Arizona GOP Reps. Martha McSally (R-CD2), Matt Salmon (R-CD5) and David Schweikert (R-CD6) are "yes or leaning yes". Equally on the other side, Arizona Democratic Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-CD7), Raul Grijalva (D-CD3) and Ann Kirkpatrick (D-CD1) are "no or leaning no".

A Politico article notes that a vote on the TPA is expected within the next two weeks.


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1 comment:

Christy K Robinson said...

This is from Trent Franks' Facebook page:

Congressman Trent Franks shared Mike Huckabee's post.
June 17 at 11:44am ·

What a kind message from my good friend Mike Huckabee. I'm humbled by his gracious words.
Mike Huckabee

I salute Congressman Trent Franks of AZ who reminded us what a statesman looks like. There was enormous pressure applied to him by the House GOP leadership to vote for an Obamatrade bill last week, but he determined that the bill was not supportable and voted against it. For his act of conscience, he was promptly booted off the Whip leadership team (along with a couple of others). Instead of reacting with anger and bitterness, he responded with kindness and said that the House Leadership had the right to yank his leadership spot, but that he was most committed to acting in the best interest of his constituents instead of his own interests.

That my friend is classy! I’m proud that Congressman Franks has endorsed me, is a valued advisor to our campaign, and even traveled all the way to Hope, AR to be present for my announcement. But I’m even prouder that he values convictions over committee assignments, principle over political positions, and service to those who elected him over service to himself. For these reasons, we ask you to join me in offering a “Citizen’s Salute to a Statesman” to Congressman Trent Franks. If you appreciate him as I do, show it by liking him here. Let’s give him a huge electronic cheer and a cyber salute!