Page 34 - The Edge - BTS 2021

Here's How Political Insiders See 2022 Election

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

The Invest in Arizona referendums need about 118,000 simple thing for most voters.” He noted that tax cuts for
valid signatures by September 28 to put the tax cuts on the wealthy could be $30,000 or as much as $300,000.
hold and allow voters to decide. Quinlan said collecting
that many valid signatures during the summer is difficult Asked about the governor’s race, Coughlin said he
and he expects the drive to “come down to the wire.” He considered former TV anchor Kari Lake the frontrunner
said a majority of Arizonans have indicated a willingness for the Republican nomination in a four-way contest. In
to increases taxes to benefit education. his 30-plus years in politics, Coughlin said he has never
seen a Republican primary like this. “I’ve called it a
“I’ve called it a circular firing squad.” circular firing squad. Whoever survives will be in a very
– Chuck Coughlin difficult position. It’s likely to be the person who hugs
Trump the most.”

Coughlin said that while most people believe public But Coughlin said attracting Republican voters to win a
education is a community responsibility – for everyone, statewide primary is so different from winning a general
but not just one segment of the electorate. He said the election. Making the transition from the end of August to
issue will help Republicans. November is going to be “a completely extraordinarily
difficult experience for that candidate,” Coughlin said.
Quinlan recalled that Prop. 208 passed narrowly, but Quinlan agreed with Welch that the Democratic
predicted it will be more of a topic of conversation than nomination for governor is Secretary of State Katie
it was in 2020. “Most of us in this room would get a tax Hobbs’ to lose. “Hobbs is by far the front runner,” he
cut of about 30 bucks,” he said. “How people vote for said, adding that he doesn’t expect the primary to be
a $30 tax cut versus funding education – that’s a pretty combative.

JOIN OUR CIRCLE

OF COVERAGE Employee Benefits

Made Better

Medical
Dental & Vision
Prescription
Wellness Programs
Employee Assistance
And so much more
For more information:
quote@kairoshealthaz.org
602.845.6158
Kairoshealthaz.org

|
34 THE EDGE BACK TO SCHOOL 2021