State of Arizona Archives: on Free Trade
Alan Keyes:
WTO is not representative; hence unconstitutional
KEYES [to Bauer]: The WTO is an unrepresentative body based on an illegitimate principle of government; it is not a body that contains entities that are based upon consent. And yet it could make decisions that affect our lives & jobs. Our Constitution
says that our representative bodies are supposed to be composed of states based on republican forms of government-consent not dictatorship. How can you support our membership in the WTO without violating our constitutional liberties?BAUER: I don’t
like bureaucrats-they are out of the reach of the people. I don’t like HMO bureaucrats; I don’t like Washington bureaucrats that are trying to run the schools. And I don’t like WTO bureaucrats either. I think that when decisions are made that affect the
way we live, that affect our jobs, those decisions ought to be made by people that we can reach, so if we don’t like what they’ve decided, we can get rid of them. And I believe that in the case of the WTO, it’s a system out of control.
Source: (cross-ref. to Bauer) Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
Ann Kirkpatrick:
Yes to Ex-im bank; no to fast-track
Ballotpedia.org analysis of Congressional voting record on trade issues:- Voted NAY on Trade adjustment assistance (TAA): On 6/12/15, the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314 by a vote of 126 to 302. TAA is a federal program providing
American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services.
- Voted NAY on Trade promotion authority (TPA): On 6/12/15, the House narrowly passed the TPA measure in HR 1314 by a vote of 219 to 211.
TPA would give the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster.
- Voted YEA on Export-Import Bank: On 10/27/15, the House passed HR 597, the Export-Import Bank
Reform and Reauthorization Act, by a vote of 313-118. The bill allows the Export-Import Bank to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that want to buy U.S. goods.
Source: Ballotpedia.org coverage of 2016 Arizona Senate race
Oct 27, 2015
Blake Masters:
Need trade policies prioritizing American workers & industry
The Biden Administration is pushing "solutions" that will only make things worse: dumb regulations, massive tax hikes, and reckless spending. We need to ensure every citizen is trained for a well-paying job that suits them. We need healthcare that
actually covers what we need it to cover, where people aren't one surprise medical bill away from bankruptcy. And President Trump was right to draw attention to bad trade deals; we need trade policies that prioritize American workers and industry.
Source: 2021 Arizona Senate campaign website BlakeMasters.com
Jul 19, 2021
Deedra Abboud:
Support & expand free trade
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Support & expand free trade"?
A: Support
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Arizona Senate candidate
Mar 5, 2018
Doug Marks:
Support & expand free trade
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Support & expand free trade"?
A: Yes, as long as it is free trade
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Arizona Senate candidate
Mar 5, 2018
Doug Ducey:
Mexican border represents opportunity for increased trade
Arizona shares an international border with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Mexico. This represents a unique opportunity for Arizona businesses and workers to benefit from increased trade, capital investment, and job expansion.
That's why last month, I led a delegation of roughly 50 Arizona business and public policy leaders, representing key industries and economic development groups in our state, to Mexico City.
There we began a dialogue about enhancing our economic partnerships with our friends on the other side of our international border.
It was the first gubernatorial-led trade mission to Mexico City in almost a decade, and I'm hopeful it will provide
major economic benefits over the long-term for Arizona.
Already, Mexico is Arizona's largest international trading partner. We just hit a record of $15.9 billion in trade with the country. That's nearly as much as Mexico trades with Germany.
Source: The Arizona Republic OpEd on 2018 Arizona Governor campaign
Jul 4, 2015
Doug Ducey:
USMCA: new trade deal with Mexico means jobs in Arizona
Arizona's economy is booming. There's no doubt about it. We've added nearly 300,000 new jobs in the last four years.And I'm proud to say, our relationship with Mexico is stronger than ever. With an updated North American trade deal, known as the
USMCA, this will mean even more trade coming through our ports and more jobs for Arizonans.
I've become fond of saying that the last time unemployment was this low, you were renting your movies at Blockbuster.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 14, 2019
Fred DuVal:
More export trade with Mexico; border is a strategic asset
A strong export rate is a key indicator of a healthy economy and job creation, but Arizona's neighbors have surpassed us in this critical area. We can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines while other states build jobs and economies through trade with
Mexico. While our politicians treat our extensive border with Mexico as a liability, Fred will treat it as a strategic asset that should be utilized to grow Arizona's economy.
Arizona--with our proximity to population hubs in Southwestern states and Southern California--should be the main conduit for the transportation of goods and products throughout the United States.
As Governor, Fred is ready to expand trade relations with Mexico and claim this economic boom for Arizona beginning his first week in office
Source: 2014 Arizona gubernatorial campaign website, Fred2014.com
Jul 2, 2014
Gary Bauer:
WTO bureaucrats are out of control
KEYES [to Bauer]: The WTO is an unrepresentative body based on an illegitimate principle of government; it is not a body that contains entities that are based upon consent. And yet it could make decisions that affect our lives & jobs. Our Constitution
says that our representative bodies are supposed to be composed of states based on republican forms of government-consent not dictatorship. How can you support our membership in the WTO without violating our constitutional liberties?BAUER: I don't
like bureaucrats-they are out of the reach of the people. I don't like HMO bureaucrats; I don't like Washington bureaucrats that are trying to run the schools. And I don't like WTO bureaucrats either. I think that when decisions are made that affect the
way we live, that affect our jobs, those decisions ought to be made by people that we can reach, so if we don't like what they've decided, we can get rid of them. And I believe that in the case of the WTO, it's a system out of control.
Source: (cross-ref. from Keyes) Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
Gary Bauer:
Seattle protestors were right that WTO isn't representative
I don't agree with the demonstrators in the street [at the WTO talks in Seattle]. I think they had a lot of hidden agendas. But they were right about one thing: the WTO is not representative. It's an alliance between some third world countries and a lot
of big corporations. And I think it's hurting American workers & farmers. I suspect the WTO system is so broke that it can't be fixed and we've got to start over from ground zero. I'm prepared to do that in order to protect American workers and farmers.
Source: Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
Gary Bauer:
Apply Reagan's USSR policy: No MFN; insist on human rights
BAUER [to Bush]: Ronald Reagan never gave the Soviet Union most favored nation status. He always insisted on progress on human rights & national security. Our new challenge is China. They persecute their people, arrest those who practice their religion,
forcible abortions, etc. Yet you've embraced the policy of Clinton and Gore, you want to give them MFN status & membership in the WTO. Why not follow a Reagan policy instead of a Clintonian policy?BUSH: [I don't] follow the policies of Clinton-Gore.
They believe in what's called a strategic partnership. I believe in redefining the relationship to one of competitor. But competitors can find common ground. It's in our best interests to sell to the Chinese, and to make sure that the entrepreneurial
class in China flourishes. If we make China make an enemy, they'll end up being an enemy. If we trade with China, and trade with the entrepreneurial class, and give people a taste of freedom, I think you'll be amazed at how soon democracy will come.
Source: (cross-ref. to Bush) Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
Gary Bauer:
Nazi atrocities precluded trade. When will China's?
BAUER [to Bush]: We would never make the argument [that we should work with China] if we were talking about Nazi Germany. Is there no atrocity that you can think of, the labor camps doubling in their slave labor, a bigger crackdown, more priests
disappearing in the middle of the night, is there anything that would tell you to put trade on the back burner? BUSH: Gary, I agree with you that forced abortion is abhorrent. And I agree with you when leaders try to snuff out religion.
But I think if we turn our back on China and isolate China things will get worse. Imagine if the Internet took hold in China. Imagine how freedom would spread. Our greatest export to the world has been, is and always will be the
incredible freedom we understand in America. And that's why it's important for us to trade with China to encourage the growth of an entrepreneurial class. It gets that taste of freedom. It gets that breath of freedom in the marketplace.
Source: (cross-ref. to Bush) Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
George W. Bush:
Work with China, but as a competitor, not a partner
BAUER [to Bush]: Ronald Reagan never gave the Soviet Union most favored nation status. He always insisted on progress on human rights & national security. Our new challenge is China. They persecute their people, arrest those who practice their religion,
forcible abortions, etc. Yet you've embraced the policy of Clinton and Gore, you want to give them MFN status & membership in the WTO. Why not follow a Reagan policy instead of a Clintonian policy?BUSH: [I don't] follow the policies of Clinton-Gore.
They believe in what's called a strategic partnership. I believe in redefining the relationship to one of competitor. But competitors can find common ground. It's in our best interests to sell to the Chinese, and to make sure that the entrepreneurial
class in China flourishes. If we make China make an enemy, they'll end up being an enemy. If we trade with China, and trade with the entrepreneurial class, and give people a taste of freedom, I think you'll be amazed at how soon democracy will come.
Source: (cross-ref. from Bauer) Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
George W. Bush:
WTO for both China & Taiwan; maintain Taiwan relations law
It's in our nation's best interests to open up Chinese markets to farm products, to high-tech manufactured goods. So therefore I believe China ought to be in the World Trade Organization. I also believe that Taiwan ought to be in the World Trade
Organization. But let me make this clear to you and to the Chinese. I will enforce the Taiwan relations law if I'm the president, if the Chinese get aggressive with the Taiwanese we'll help them defend themselves.
Source: Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
Jane Dee Hull:
Proud of all-time record trade levels with Mexico
While we work hard at home, we cannot forget we are in the global economy and we cannot forget our neighbor to the south. We have a long history of cooperation and commerce with Mexico and I am proud that we continue to build on that tradition. In fact,
in the last year, we set an all-time record of trade with Mexico. Our exports totaled nearly $3.5 billion, up approximately 50% from the prior year. While I differ [with Mexican Pres. Fox] on some specifics, we share a goal of progress along our border.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 8, 2001
Janet Napolitano:
Expedite transport of goods to and from Arizona
Trade with Mexico represents another tremendous opportunity to expand Arizona's economy. I have worked hard this year to enhance our already-strong relations with Mexico through productive meetings with President Fox and Sonora Governor Eduardo Bours.
My administration continues to work through the Arizona-Mexico Commission and our counterparts in Mexico to further develop the Canamex Corridor and Cyberport capabilities to expedite the transport of goods to and from Arizona.
Source: 2004 State of the State speech to Arizona Legislature
Jan 12, 2004
Jeff Flake:
It's out of whack to get sued by Brazil over cotton subsidy
The Farm Bill sparked the longest exchange between the candidates. Carmona said the bill should offer "appropriate support to farmers struggling here along the border."Flake agreed on a need to redo the bill, describing it as being "out of whack."
In particular, Flake said he opposes the bill's cotton subsidies to U.S. farmers, which have resulted in annual payments of $150 million to Brazil after they sued the US and the World Trade Organization found the subsidies "unfair" to the global market.
Source: Yuma Sun on 2012 Arizona "Rural Issues" Senate debate
Oct 25, 2012
Jim Lamon:
Tariff goods coming from China, India and other countries
Tariff the goods coming from China, India and other countries: This will apply to those who do not comply with the pollution control, workplace safety rules and reasonable wages that American businesses support. The tariff payments will go directly to
an Investment Tax Fund to be used to bring manufacturing back to America. The resulting increase in good-paying jobs will produce bountiful additional tax revenues.
Source: 2022 Arizona Senate campaign website JimLamon.com
Apr 20, 2022
Jim Pederson:
Vote against making it easier to ship jobs overseas
PEDERSON: This government is not the government of business any more. This administration is leading us down the path of financial ruin. We've had a pretty good run over the last 10 years, and created a lot of jobs. But look where those good-paying
jobs are going. They're going overseas. My opponent has voted to make it EASIER for American companies to ship jobs overseas. That's not the way I'd vote
Source: Arizona 2006 Senate debate at KPHO in Phoenix
Oct 15, 2006
Justin Olson:
Teach the importance of free markets and capitalism
In 2018, I was elected to statewide office, where I currently fight to protect Arizonans' hard earned resources and to advance free markets. In addition to my public service,
I worked as the CFO for Turning Point USA, the leading conservative organization educating students about the importance of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and capitalism.
Source: 2022 Arizona Senate campaign website VoteJustinOlson.com
Mar 16, 2022
Katie Hobbs:
Prioritize awarding state contracts to Arizona businesses
Implement an Arizona Jobs First Policy: To make our economy work better for Arizonans, Hobbs will push for more purchasing contracts to go to Arizona businesses.
That's why she will implement a policy to prioritize awarding state contracts to Arizona businesses over out-of-state companies.
Source: 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial campaign website KatieHobbs.org
Dec 20, 2021
Kelli Ward:
No secret trade deals; ObamaTrade bad for Americans
John McCain supports the secretive "ObamaTrade" bill. Let me be absolutely clear: It is unconscionable that our representatives would pass a bill that has been kept totally secret from the American public. John McCain should be ashamed of himself.
I support free trade, and free trade doesn't require bills that are kept secret from the taxpayers.
If you choose me as your next Senator, you can be sure that I will NOT support bills that are so bad that the American people are not allowed to see them.
That is not how this government should be run.
Source: Breitbart.com interview for 2016 Arizona Senate race
Jul 27, 2015
Kyrsten Sinema:
Concerned about retaliatory tariffs from reckless trade war
Q: Economy: Support President Trump's imposition of tariffs on Chinese steel & other products?Martha McSally (R): Unclear.
Opposed tariffs on imported solar cells. Backed tariff exceptions for products used in manufacturing.
Kyrsten Sinema (D): No. Worry about retaliatory tariffs & "reckless trade war."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Arizona Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Kyrsten Sinema:
Opposed trade with Malaysia: they imprison LGBT people
After the 2014 election, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer named Sinema the chief deputy whip. He said she brought "Dynamism in fresh ideas that will surely enhance the work of the whip operation. " In February 2015, she was one of five democratic cochairs of
the congressional LGBT equality caucus who objected to the prospective Asian Pacific trade pact on the grounds that LGBT people can be imprisoned for up to 20 years in Malaysia.
Based on her teaching experience, she has worked on legislation to provide additional protections to the victims of sexual violence on campus.
She has been mentioned as a potential challenger to Senator John McCain in 2016, which likely would be an
uphill challenge. She has dismissed the possibility though she created the leadership PAC that would be a useful fundraising vehicle. She may have other opportunities for a statewide bid, which would draw national support from the LGBT community.
Source: Almanac of American Politics on 2022 Arizona Senate race
Oct 5, 2015
Marco Lopez:
Worked to ensure legal trade and travel at our borders
Marco helped establish relationships between Arizona and foreign consulates and leaders. In 2008, he was appointed as Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce, where he prioritized Arizona's economy and developed relationships with Mexican and
Canadian companies. Marco later became Chief of Staff at Customs and Border Protection under President Obama, where he strengthened security while ensuring legal trade and travel at our borders.
Source: 2021 Arizona Gubernatorial campaign website MarcoLopez.com
May 11, 2021
Martha McSally:
NAFTA is a net plus for my district
Within Arizona's congressional delegation, most think the state has benefited from NAFTA, though some see underappreciated shortfalls and worry that any changes now would be intended to hurt Mexico, but also wound Arizona. "In my district,
it's definitely been a net plus. We've had a tremendous opportunity to become a hub for produce coming up from Mexico and it's created jobs in Arizona," said U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., whose district includes part of the Mexican border.
Source: The Arizona Republic on 2018 Arizona Senate race
Mar 13, 2017
Martha McSally:
Concerned about retaliatory tariffs from reckless trade war
Q: Economy: Support President Trump's imposition of tariffs on Chinese steel & other products?Martha McSally (R): Unclear.
Opposed tariffs on imported solar cells. Backed tariff exceptions for products used in manufacturing.
Kyrsten Sinema (D): No. Worry about retaliatory tariffs & "reckless trade war."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Arizona Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Orrin Hatch:
China's WTO admission will undermine police state
I'm for having China join WTO. Why? Because it will undermine the very same police state that exists there today. I was in China in the late 70's, early 80's, late 80's, early 90's and late 90's, and I've got to tell you the differences
between the 70's and 80's and today are just stark and that comes because of economics, of being brought into the world market, of being able to participate.
Source: Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate
Dec 7, 1999
Tom O`Halleran:
Protect American jobs; prevent currency manipulation
Any trade agreements the United States enters into must include protections for American workers and American jobs. The TPP agreement in its current form is unfair to American workers, and I reject it.Any trade agreement must prevent
other countries from taking advantage of the United States through currency manipulation. It is important for American workers that our trade agreements hold all partners accountable to fair standards, including monetary policy.
Source: 2016 Arizona House campaign website TomOHalleran.com
Nov 8, 2016
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023