After undergoing a dramatic make-over U.S. Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick announced on Tuesday that she is entering the race Senate race against Senator John McCain.
Kirkpatrick, an Arizona native, said in a statement, “I love this state, and I’ve worked hard all my life to put Arizona first. From the timber towns of the White Mountains to the tech hubs of Phoenix and Tucson, we are working to build a strong, diverse economy. I’m fighting for Arizona every single day, and I’d be humbled to represent our state in the United States Senate.”
Kirkpatrick, who lost her Congressional District One seat to current Congressman Paul Gosar in 2010, and after redistricting both she and Gosar were reelected in 2012. Since then, in neighboring districts, she and Gosar have worked on bipartisan legislation.
McCain does not enjoy widespread support in the Republican Party and is facing a challenge by State Senator Kelli Ward. Republicans are expecting the more serious challenge to McCain from Congressman Matt Salmon or Gosar, who has yet to say whether they are running.
According to Roll Call, Kirkpatrick made calls Monday to inform people of her decision.
According to sources, Ward has been hoping to court Freedom Works for their support, but other reports indicate that FreedomWorks has been pushing Salmon to challenge McCain in Republican primary.
Rural residents were not as surprised by Kirkpatrick’s announcement as they were by her makeover. One resident, who asked to remain anonymous due to the small size of her community said, “That sure isn’t the Ann we know. Whoever it is better have a good reason for us to vote for her.”