Vice President Kamala Harris' stance on the southern border crisis is becoming a focal point in the upcoming November election, particularly impacting down-ballot Democrats. Arizona Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake has initiated the GOP's offensive in battleground states following the recent Democratic ticket reshuffle.
Lake's initial ad for the general election campaign targets both Rep. Ruben Gallego, the Democratic Senate nominee in Arizona, and Harris, with a narrator stating, 'Ruben Gallego and Kamala Harris: Bad for the border. Bad for Arizona. Bad for America.' The ad highlights Gallego's consistent voting alignment with President Biden and Harris during the 117th Congress.
The video, part of a $10 million ad reservation by Lake, features past statements from Harris and Gallego regarding border security and immigration policies. Harris is shown expressing reservations about treating border crossers as criminals and advocating for a reevaluation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Gallego's remarks criticize the border wall proposed by former President Trump and emphasize the need for comprehensive border security measures.
In response, Gallego's campaign defended his record, highlighting his efforts to enhance border security through various initiatives. Conversely, Lake's campaign accused him of prioritizing power over bipartisan solutions to address the border crisis.
Harris, in a recent rally, pledged to reintroduce a border security bill that was allegedly thwarted by Trump, aiming to demonstrate effective leadership in the realm of border security. The bill's failure to advance was attributed to disagreements over its components, with Senate Republicans contesting its efficacy in securing the border.
The Arizona Senate race, where Lake secured the Republican nomination and Gallego ran unopposed for the Democratic ticket, is considered a 'Lean Democratic' contest by political analysts. The race is poised to be a significant battleground alongside Senate races in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, featuring vulnerable Democratic incumbents.
