Lake blames Gallego for border woes, he vows to protect abortion rights in Arizona Senate debate

Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) — Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake repeatedly reminded debate viewers of her three-decade career on Arizona television, looking to harness the connection she built with voters and overcome Democrat Ruben Gallego’s portrayal of her as a liar. The hourlong forum Wednesday highlighted big differences on immigration, border security, abortion and taxes. Lake accused Gallego of undergoing an “extreme makeover” to downplay his progressive record in the U.S. House and sought to tie him to disorder on the U.S.-Mexico border. Gallego pointed to Lake’s discredited claim that she won the 2022 race for governor. “She will do anything and say anything to gain power, including lying,” he said.