BREAKING: GOP Senator Quits
AAN
McSally narrowly lost to Democratic Representative Kyrsten Sinema in November, becoming the first Democrat to represent the state since 1995.
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Insiders attribute McSally's loss to her failure to effectively tell her story as the nation's first female fighter pilot and performance in Congress, not establishing a strong presence in densely populated Maricopa County, and ignoring Sinema's effective rebranding of herself as a supposed moderate.
A replacement to Kyl's seat "will be announced in the near future," according to Governor Ducey's office.
Kyl wrote the governor two days ago, informing him of his decision.
Per Azcentral:
"Thank you for appointing me to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy created by John McCain's death," Kyl wrote. "It has been an honor and a privilege to again serve the people of Arizona.
"When I accepted your appointment, I agreed to complete the work of the 115th Congress and then reevaluate continuing to serve. I have concluded that it would be best if I resign so that your new appointee can begin the new term with all other Senators in January 2019 and can serve a full two (potentially four) years. Therefore, I will resign from the U.S. Senate effective 11:59 p.m. EST December 31, 2018."
Kyl, 76, served alongside McCain during his 18 years in the Senate. He retired in 2013 after becoming the chamber's second-highest-ranking Republican.
Despite a short second stint on the Hill, Ducey offered Kyl only effusive praise:
"Senator Kyl didn’t need to return to the Senate. His legacy as one of Arizona’s most influential and important political figures was already without question. But he did return, and I remain deeply grateful for his willingness to step up and serve again when Arizona needed him. I wish him and his family all the best."
Kyl remains tight-lipped about what he intends to do next. He previously served as a senior adviser to the high-powered Washington, D.C. law firm Covington & Burling.
Read more at http://americanactionnews.com/articles/breaking-gop-senator-quits#G6cQi6hTCEfvFshQ.99