Case Study: Elections, Participation, and Interest Groups - As Kari Lake's Campaign Manager
Kari Lake—
As your Campaign manager for Senate, my recommendation is that you head full force into the election, and attain your deserved incumbency. The people within your district, among many, await a Senator who more clearly represents their interests. The historicity of the Arizonian citizen’s political interests reveal that your prospects on public policy, (like cutting inflation and reducing the deficit to “free more revenue to directly benefit American citizens;” alongside the efforts of bolstering the strength of the State, like your 10 Point Plan to Secure the Border, align with the current interests of the ambitions of the constituency. As you know, Arizona sits two Democratic Senators that represent the interests of the State, Senator Kyrsten Sinema, and Mark Kelly.
Incumbent Senator Kyrsten Sinema was a member of the Democratic Party, operating as Representative for Arizona’s 9th District from 2013–2019. But the needs of the population remain unappeased through negligent policy and invasive government. Citizens need a Senator who will advocate remedies for apparent problems; while finding ways to invigorate the local economies, and facilitate the flourishment of families—rather add hinderances to the everyday lives of citizens through imposing more debt upon them. Arizona needs the leadership your platform offers; but now it comes down to a matter of distributing valid public information of your character.
The people have a right to information and transparent government, thus ought to be given the complete picture of what needs to happen; rather than rely on polarizing soundbites and inflammatory headlines. Moreover, the border crisis has brought civic detriment upon the residents of Arizona, and imparted greater taxation on all Americans. This conflict of interest must be remedied by a clear minded leader with the intentions of uniting all people within the state. As you are aware, politics needn’t operate on partisanship, rather the needs of the people—irrelevant of their social and cultural preferences. The Federal Government must stay out of individual lives, and focus its effort on fortifying the State through their representation on federal policy issues. Therefore, as your political advisor, your efforts are positioned to suit the needs of Arizonians—whether they support your campaign or not. But, we must gather up the support of the majority, by attaining more reach through the power of special interest groups. We must use them for what they are, to better focus our efforts on your campaign, and achieving the outcome objective of your victory in the Senate.
Arizona’s upcoming Election for Senate in 2024 will greatly shape contemporary politics, specifically in the partisan representation of the Senate. You have many of the same attributes exhibited by Goldwater—of which led to his sequential reelection and consistent incumbency.
Barry Goldwater dominated the Senate from 1953–1965, and 1969 to 1987, running for President during the 1964 Presidential Election. Historically, Arizona has always offered conservative representation for its constituents. Goldwater was immensely connection to Native Americans. Barry Goldwater’s advocation for Native Americans, offered stark representation, that has unfortunately greatly faded over recent decades. Now, the focus of the national government seems to be on the influx of immigrants at the border and ways to fund their arrival. Through reducing this unnecessary economic burden, Arizona can regain allocations of its appropriations; and target citizen initiatives, rather than illogical policies concocted by career politicians, far removed from their constituency.
Arizona’s migration crisis needs your incumbency to facilitate its correction. As John Locke noted, “[b]ut what is to be done in reference to foreigners, depending much upon their actions, and the variation of designs and interests, must be left in great part to the prudence of those, who have this power committed to them, to be managed by the best of their skill, for the advantage of the common wealth,” (Locke, J., p. 84). Moreover, Locke declared that “in a constituted common wealth, standing upon its own basis, and acting according to its own nature, that is, acting for the preservation of the community, there can be but one supreme power, which is the legislative, to which all the rest are and must be subordinate,” (Locke, J., p. 84). Locke adds that “for all power given with trust for the attaining an end, being limited by that end, whenever that end is manifestly neglected, or opposed, the trust must necessarily be forfeited, and the power devolve into the hands of those that gave it, who may place it anew where they shall think best for their safety and security,” (Locke, J., p. 84). Locke gives provision unto the outcome objectives of centralized power; whereby civilians are consensually governed by their elected officials. But when this outcome objective is overtly thwarted by the politicians elected to represent the needs of the constituency; so forfeits their position as leader; the people ought to depose the tyrant and elect another representative. While this is not the case with every election, Arizona’s 2024 Senatorial Election mirrors the beliefs of John Locke’s political theory. Thus, your campaign imparts the duty and further obligation of upholding the eternal natural law given by God, and recognized by great leaders throughout history.
Arizona’s Political Landscape
Author Ann Bowman notes that “[t]he challenge for government is to incorporate citizen participation into ongoing operations,” (Bowman & Kearney, p. 105). It is with this civic participation that specific groups and cultural social classes can mobilize the response of specific districts. Bowman adds that, “[p]ublic policy tends to reflect the interests of active citizens. The mobilization of lower-class voters, for instance, is linked to more generous state welfare policies,” (Bowman & Kearney, p. 105).
As you know, the Seventeenth Amendment clearly states that, “[t]he Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote.” Moreover, that “[t]he electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature.” Therefore, in accordance with your platform, you bear rightful qualifications. The primary focus, now, must be revealing your abilities and initiatives to those being fed lies of your image by the mainstream media. This aspect of a State’s Senator obligation to represent the people (either by the current standard of election or the previous standard of appointment) has become obscured with many conflicting interpretations; to the extent that Senators do not represent the interests of the people and the expectations of God, but that of temporal culture.
The New Testament gives stark correlation with Arizona’s recent state representation from its Senate at a national level, “[f]or you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition,” Mark 7:8 (NLT). This passage reveals the further incursion of detrimental factors that arise from neglecting natural law. You can see how this is directly applicable to your current campaign, this election, and your future incumbency. You possess one factor that the other candidates lack; the awareness of natural provision that existed before any form of government. By implementing these factors into your policy decision, Arizona will again thrive; and future generations will inherent these benefits. Kari Lake—now is an essential time for you incumbency; the fate of the Arizonian state relies on us winning this campaign. And with the grace of God, it appears likely that we will.
Senators are now expected to uphold civic representation rather than sorely State interests; yet the benefit here, is that the State interests exist concurrent with the public demand for national representation. You are committed and able to deliver these civic requests; especially through uniting forces with special interest groups dedicated to specific causes that would bolster the entirety of the State. Below is a list compiled for your convenience; each group is worth giving a moment of consideration to its applicability—coupled with special interest groups to avoid. As your political advisor, it is my hope you find use of this information, in the context of your campaign.
The Pew Research Center recorded the Political Ideology Among Adults in Arizona to be 39% Conservative; 31% Moderate; 23% Liberal; and 7% unsure. Thus, the Moderates are responsible for incumbency of any candidate during the Senatorial election. You already represent the majority of Arizonian constituents; our primary objective should be reaching the Moderates and those politically unsure. Moreover, Pew Research Center reports that in Arizona, “naturalized citizens make up 9% of all eligible voters,” (Pew).
Your popularity has remained steady through this important year. In February, Rasmussen reported that “Arizona Republican Kari Lake has a three-point lead over Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego in this year’s U.S. Senate race, and Lake’s margin would be slightly wider if incumbent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema decides to seek reelection as an independent,” (RasmussenReports). As you are aware, incumbent Senator Krysten Sinema is not seeking re-election. But this does not mean that the prediction of Rasmussen Report ought to equate to the actualized facts of the data it displays. You had a three-point lead seven months ago; Sinema has no bearing over your popularity.
Conversely, critics have reported that your opponent Ruben Gallego has surpassed you in recent polls; this is likely due to response bias of the poll itself and not reflect actual representation. Asking a few hundred biased individuals what they think of a particular issue does not reflect the millions of Arizonians that will be at the polls this November for your election. Worse, other institutions have reported or publicized exaggerated false numbers to coerce groupthink behavior.
Arizona’s Special Interest Groups
To win this election, my advice would be to gain the support of special interest groups to back your candidacy. Currently, with you campaign well underway, the strength of these organizations would enhance the assurance of your election into the Senate, thus granting Arizonians the representation they have previously been neglected.
· Goldwater Institute
· Arizona Police Association (APA)
· Arizona Free Enterprise Club (AFEP)
· Americans For Prosperity (AFP)
· Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council (AZBTC)
First, (1) the Goldwater Institute, named after Senator Barry Goldwater, is a consistent advocate for liberty. The institute issues range from “free speech and property rights to school choice and equal protection under the law,” (GoldwaterInstitute). All of these policy initiatives are aligned with our campaign and would bring fortification to activate Goldwater Republicans bringing their inhabited districts in your favor. The organization states that “[w]e advocate for freedom before state supreme courts, federal courts of appeal, and even the U.S. Supreme Court. And our American Freedom Network of pro bono attorneys expands our reach to every state in the nation,” (GoldwaterInstitute). The Goldwater We opened the Scharf-Norton Center in 2007, creating Arizona’s first “state-based free-market think tank” facilitating the deployment of “a team of lawyers to promote our vision in court,” (GoldwaterInstitute). Beyond this, over the course of the past decade, “the Institute’s litigation team has advocated for freedom before state supreme courts, federal courts of appeal, and even the U.S. Supreme Court,” (GoldwaterInstitute). Therefore, their public endorsement would greatly enrich the vigor and outreach of this campaign.
Second, (2) the Arizona Police Association (APA) calls itself “an association of associations,” representing over 80% of Arizona Law Enforcement. The APA cites “[o]ne of its primary objectives and [the] purpose of the Arizona Police Association is to protect the interest of Arizona Law Enforcement, Corrections, Detention, and Probation Officers in the legislative process on the State, Local, and National level,” (AZPolice). The 56th Arizona State Legislature has introduced over 1700 bills since its opening, “the most in history,” (AZPolice). One of the important tasks this special interest group is affiliated with is their authority when in comes to the State legislature. The Arizona Police Association (APA) remarks that it continues to [oppose] and/or [support] numerous other bills that [harm] or [benefit] public safety,” (AZPolice).
Third, (3) the Arizona Free Enterprise Club declares it “is focused on getting results, which means being fearless when it comes to taking on the establishment and radical left in Arizona,” (AZFree). In addition to advocating your incumbency during the political discourse with Katie Hobbs, the Arizona Free Enterprise Club has “[s]ecured a $1.9 Billion personal income tax cut – the largest tax cut in Arizona history; [c]reated the lowest flat income tax rate in the country at 2.5%; [s]lashed Arizona’s capital gains tax rates by 25%; [and] [e]liminated the job training tax, saving small businesses millions of dollars,” (AZFree). Beyond fiscal policy, the Arizona Free Enterprise Club works to take on the left; defeat bad ideas; building election integrity; and preserving free speech and intellectual diversity—all central points to your campaign. Whilst this special interest group is aware of your candidacy and supports you; we could gain more representation from the AFEC, resulting in a higher output of essential information about your platform, putting to rest the false claims over your goal to dismantle our Republic.
Fourth, (4) the interest group, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) has over 4,000,000 advocates throughout all fifty states, and “believes freedom and opportunity are the keys to unleashing prosperity for all,” (AFP). The organization recognizes its “community of millions of concerned citizens advocating for solutions based on proven principles to tackle the country's most critical challenge,” (AFP). Americans for Prosperity writes, “[w]e are living through the worst border crisis in the history of America: Since President Biden took office, we’ve been witnessing 2 million yearly illegal crossings, not to mention an 8 million migrant backlog,” (AFP). Further, this group offers insight from the front lines, writing “[i]n the words of Retired Border Patrol Chief Chris Clem: ‘In my 27 years as a border patrol agent, I’ve never seen the border this bad,’” (AFP). The AFP adds “[s]end Congress a message right now. Tell them to choose innovation, progress, and the American people. Tell them to REJECT endless sideshows, overspending, and overregulation,” (AFP). An important attribute to Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is their ambition to focus efforts on “[l]owering inflation through better budgeting practices, like passing a unified budget; [r]emoving barriers to domestic energy production, processing and delivery by supporting bills like the UNSHACKLE Act; [and] [i]ncreasing opportunities for fulfilling work by supporting bills like the Employee Rights Act,” (AFP). These initiatives exist concurrent with your administration, thus its ability to reach over four million constituents would be the push your campaign needs to ensure victory. And no other politician has worked as diligently possessed relentless ambition as your campaign.
Fifth, (5) the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council (AZBTC) strives to uphold “[a] reliable, safety-focused labor force; be “[o]n-time, within-budget project completion;” with “[w]ork that’s done right…the first time!” (AZBuildingTrades). The special interest group appears to be what Arizona needs to improve its economy following the last half decade of government imposed detriment. The Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council (AZBTC) assures that “[n]o matter which trade interests a prospective apprentice, the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council has a world-class member training program that will enable him or her to set the foundation for a successful career while earning a competitive salary and getting real-world experience on the job site,” (AZBuildingTrades). In July 2024, the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council endorsed your opponent, but this should not deter us from pursing their support. The AZBTC seeks “leaders [that] understand the importance of investing in our state’s infrastructure to ensure a prosperous future for all Arizonans,” (AZBuildingTrades). Your campaign, thus ought to pursue their support, even by the mention of them in one of your upcoming speeches, or of their concurrent initiatives within the context of your platform. Although the interest group has endorsed your political opposition, and supports “candidates who have demonstrated unwavering support for the building trades and our hardworking members,” (AZBuildingTrades). As Jesus reminds us, “[y]ou have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” (Matthew 5:43-44; NIV). Further, Scripture states, “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you,” (Luke 6:27-28; NASB). Therefore, attempting to form an alliance with an entity who supports your political opposition may thwart any ballot monopolization from forming on a basis of collective groupthink. The Arizonian people deserve access to honest information—the information your campaign provides a direct lifeline to for the constituency. But loving your enemies does not mean that you should approach all special interest groups within Arizona that oppose your platform.
Avoid These Groups
As a warning, my advisement would be to steer clear of the following interest groups; both in their influence over the positivity of your campaign, and in offensive political contention. The majority seems to Although their views contrast greatly with your platform; your administration will face them in political discourse following your inauguration, yet must find ways to remain neutral, while still defend your platform positions in a manner ubiquitously favorable to the majority: your natural state of courtesy and professionalism. As your political campaign adviser, my advice would be to reveal the nature of your character to the public in a non-political manner; exposing your underlying moral value and conservative reasoning; you aren’t willing to lower yourself to the self-declared standards of your political opposition.
· Equality Arizona (EA)
· Pro-Choice Arizona (PCA)
· Stone Wall Democrats (SWD)
· Arizona Medical Political Action Committee (ArMPAC)
· Planned Parent Advocates of Arizona (PPA)
First, (1) Equality Arizona is an LGBTQ advocacy scheme. It proclaims “[o]ur most important work is to support LGBTQ Arizonans;” but fails to note this means that their most important work is to exclude the majority of Arizonians—advocating the funding of the minority due to their sexuality. The group states “[t]he first step in working for LGBTQ rights, is sharing our stories and educating people about who we are and how we live,” (EqualityArizona). The majority of Arizonians do not wish to know how LGBTQ live. There is a time and place for one’s sexuality, and this is private and away from the public. As you have displayed if your efforts to represent all Arizonians to the best of your ability; government should not legislate policy based on sexuality. This is not a war our campaign ought to engage in, with just over one month left before the 2024 Senatorial election.
Second, (2) Pro-Choice Arizona declares “access to reproductive healthcare is a human right,” but does not expound to what a human right is; nor how to right to life could be factored into this illogical equation. The group believes that “[i]t takes collective power to create a future in which every person has access to their full potential” adding “and range of reproductive options,” (Pro-ChoiceArizona). By denying this organization’s mission, media could claim you are against “[creating] a future in which every person has access to their full potential” therefore, we must address the erroneous contingency, that bears no connection beyond the goals of this entity. The “reproductive options” of Pro-Choice Arizona include “pregnancy, abortion, and family support, regardless of geographic location, financial status, race, gender, or political and social class,” (Pro-ChoiceArizona). Fallaciously, this organization assumes that America is built on a class system. This infected thinking does nothing but descend the civic morale, and weaken the State. Therefore, further reason to avoid this group altogether and surpass their erroneous political theories by action during your incumbency.
Third, (3) Stone Wall Democrats notes that there are “thousands of other like-minded people interested in advancing equality for all people,” (StoneWallDemAZ). This statement alone shows the fallacious intent of this group, and their likeliness to impose unfounded persecutory measures upon your campaign should we directly name them in policy, or denounce them. Rather, we ought to maintain a reserve of retorts, on the chance they engage in political warfare; or denounce your platform publicly in the media. Although my advocation is to avoid going on the political offense until the election; you must still defend yourself, as your platform stands to represent truth. Thus, defending yourself is defending the image of truth, without then context of politics. Their accusations include Republicans attempts to “undermine diversity” and other erroneous ambiguities, (StoneWallDemAZ). As mentioned earlier, special interest groups do not appeal to the entirety of the Arizonian population; rather a small minority of fringe beliefs.
Fourth, (4) the Arizona Medical Political Action Committee seeks to “support candidates who support doctors” adding “and the patients they care for,” (ArMPAC). The Arizona Medical Association claims that out of Arizona’s 7.3 million person population, the group has “nearly 4,000 members,” declaring itself to be “the political arm that ensures our members are protected from ideas that will hurt their practice, or livelihood.” Overall, the Arizona Medical Political Action Committee appears to be a group of disgruntled doctors, writing “[t]ogether, we will make sure Arizona continues to be a place where all doctors thrive!” The Arizona Medical Political Action Committee notes that “ArMPAC is an extension of ArMA,” and that monetary contributions are “a critical part of ArMA’s advocacy efforts, and one of the most effective ways to both spread our message,” (ArMPAC). The Arizona Medical Association
(ArMA) claims that its goal is “[t]o represent the entire medical profession . . . in Arizona;” with representation “being the advocate of the membership with the legislative, administrative and judicial arms of state government,” (ArMA). It seems the main goal of ArMPAC is to expand government funded healthcare to the minority of individuals who qualify to fund the salaries of 4,000 aggrieved doctors at the expense of all Arizonians.
Fifth, (5) the Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona’s goal declares itself both an “advocacy arm in Arizona” and “the state’s largest nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to protecting access to sexual and reproductive health care,” (PlannedParenthoodAction). The group states their gratitude to the legislature for abiding by their initiative; neglecting to see the impact imparted to their local communities. Erika Mach, Chief External Affairs Officer for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona wrote “[w]e are grateful that the legislature decided to conclude the legislative session, thus allowing abortion care to continue in Arizona without any gaps in services,” (PlannedParenthoodAction). Mach warns that, “We will continue to work with our partners and community members to continue breaking down the barriers people face when it comes to their reproductive health,” (PlannedParenthoodAction). By this proclamation it may be best to avoid conflict with nearly a month before the 2024 elections to the Senate.
Method of Political Conduct
Gaining Support. To gain the support of Arizona’s special interest groups that align with your positions, and will ultimately result in your election, inauguration, and incumbency; will require a multi-faceted strategy. The culmination of public support gained from these institutions will result in a favorable expansion of your campaign, and the focus of your political positions. The mainstream media is likely to present your campaign in a negative light; but do not lose faith in your pursuit—it is only a matter of time until you are elected into office, and represent Arizonians directly from the Senate. The convergence of special interest group resources would not only promote your positions, but bring with them insightful policy and process objectives to achieve the stakeholders’ expected societal outcome. Thus, Arizonians stand to benefit generationally from your value, given the position of power in the Senate for this State.
Avoiding Unfavorable Politics. To avoid the detriment of Arizona’s special interest groups from affecting your campaign, and honorable public image; it is advised that you do not bring contention against these unfavorable interest groups. Instead, we must work directly against their interests, allowing the entities themselves to depose themselves of any pseudo-authority over the civic matters your campaign seeks to remedy. Rather, remaining in an image of Christ will allow you to prevail within a state of neutrality—yet relentless pursuance of victory. The Apostle Paul reminds us that “[w]e who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up,” (Romans 15:1-2; ESV). This character attribute comes naturally to you, thus you should have no problem neglecting hostility and engaging honorably with public opposition and your political critics.
Conclusion
Thank you for the opportunity to allow me to address these essential interest groups and the affect over our campaign in the final moments of this election. You will prevail and be elected into the Senate, Kari Lake; especially with the influence and reach of the above named interest groups—whilst voiding public conflict with our political opposition during this last month. In sum, you have what it takes to win this upcoming election. Not only do you deserve this position, but the citizenry will continue to benefit through your consistent zealous representation. Senators are essential to dissent against unfavorable actions to their constituency, no matter their internal congressional alliances and the expectations of their political peers. Your position in Senate will assist in reigning in the out-of-control U.S.-Mexico border, allowing public policy to be enacted, precluding the furthering of illegal immigrants. The American people outside of Arizona will also see a benefit from your actions. Thus, your works will bring benefit to the entirety of this nation and its posterity.
Your campaign advisor,
Jordan Muhsin
Bibliography
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PlannedParenthoodAction. (Accessed on September 21st, 2024). Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona Responds to State Legislature Ending 2024 Session. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona. https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/planned-parenthood-advocates-arizona/news/planned-parenthood-advocates-of-arizona-responds-to-state-legislature-ending-2024-session
Pro-ChoiceArizona. (Accessed on September 21st, 2024). Pro-Choice Arizona. https://www.prochoicearizona.org/
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Sinema. (Accessed on September 21st, 2024). About Kyrsten. Senator Kyrsten Sinema. https://www.sinema.senate.gov/about-kyrsten/