(Mark Pellin, Headline USA) In the race for Arizona’s U.S. Senate seat that could likely determine majority control of the chamber and was marked once again by widespread vote irregularities, incumbent Democrat Mark Kelly was projected Friday to beat Republican challenger Blake Masters.
With nearly 90% of precincts reporting, Kelly led Masters by a 51.78% to 46.10% margin.
If the numbers hold, it would be a stinging loss for the GOP, which would need to score wins in both a tightening race in Nevada, where votes are still being tallied, and a run-off in Georgia slated for Dec. 6 to regain majority control of the Senate.
Already-embattled Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was lambasted for what critics said was his role in losing a prime opportunity to oust Democrats from control.
In what would prove to be a prophetic interview before the race was called, Masters unloaded on McConnell, particularly the leader’s decision to allocate funds to other races where they weren’t needed.
When asked why McConnell made those decisions, Masters offered two likely reasons.
“I will leave it to the viewers to decide whether it is just malice or whether it’s gross incompetence,” Masters told Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
“But clearly, Mitch McConnell cares about Mitch McConnell and less about a Senate majority or the people of America,” Masters said. “I think we need a change. That’s why I ran for office. And one way or another, change is coming.”
The pathway for changed started taking place Friday, when Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., called for Senate Republicans to delay their leadership elections.
The Senate GOP leadership vote next week should be postponed
First we need to make sure that those who want to lead us are genuinely committed to fighting for the priorities & values of the working Americans (of every background) who gave us big wins in states like #Florida
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 11, 2022
That sentiment resonated with others who blamed McConnell for wasting funds on a Senate race in Alaska to boost the chances of swamp dweller Lisa Murkowski securing reelection over pro-MAGA Kelly Tshibaka in a race that’s headed for a run-off.
“Blake Masters’ race is probably going to be decided by less than 30,000 votes and Mitch McConnell decided to spend $9M in Alaska to help a pro-abortion Republican beat an America First Republican for no other reason than Blake said he wouldn’t support him for majority leader,” wrote Greg Price, senior digital guru for XStrategies.
Former president Donald Trump blasted McConnell not only for the underperformance in Arizona, but also for allowing vote integrity to dissolve in Nevada, where Republican Adam Laxalt is battling to topple Democrat incumbent Catherine Cortez Masto.
“Never ever forget that Mitch McConnell pulled *all* Senate campaign cash from Arizona – BACKSTABBING Blake Master because he did not like the cut of his jib,” wrote Newsmax’s Benny Johnson. “McConnell would rather a young promising, popular Republican LOSE than be MAJORITY Leader and have to listen to the base.”
