Senator John McCain has been in Congress since 1982 and the U.S. Senator from Arizona since 1986.

During this time, he has generated substantial controversy. Much of this stems from his pre-election rhetoric about border enforcement (“Build the danged fence”) followed by his post-election support of “comprehensive immigration reform,” understood by many Arizonans as amnesty by another name.

The Senator opposed the 2003 tax cuts passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush. He co-sponsored McCain-Feingold, limiting our ability to financially support our favorite candidates, understood by some to limit freedom of speech.

One month before the 2008 presidential election, McCain opined about then Senator Obama – “you don’t have to be scared of [him] as president of the United States.” In 2013, as Senator Ted Cruz eloquently and vigorously opposed “comprehensive immigration reform,” Senator McCain called Cruz a “wacko bird.”

In 2014, the members of Maricopa County Republican Committee and Arizona Republican Party voted overwhelmingly to censure McCain. Many question whether Senator McCain truly represents Arizona voters on many issues.

So far, three individuals have announced their intent to challenge Senator McCain for the 2016 Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. On Tuesday, Sept. 15, Fountain Hills AZ Tea Party welcomes two of them -- Alex Meluskey and Clair Van Steenwyck.

Meluskey and Van Steenwyck will participate in this candidates’ forum, explain their positions on issues, and take questions. You are invited to join us at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the FHUSD Learning Center (Palisades and Golden Eagle boulevards) for what promises to be a lively evening. Admission is free. Donations to cover expenses are gratefully accepted. All interested parties are welcome to come and bring some friends. We hope to see you there! For more info, visit www.fhteaparty.org.