Arizona politicians welcome the news of Kyl’s appointment to McCain seat

PHOENIX — News that former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl would be appointed Tuesday to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of John McCain was met with approval by Republican politicians in and out of the state.

Kyl, 76, has only committed to the position until January, but his readiness to assume the job was praised.

Governor Ducey has selected Senator Jon Kyl as Senator McCain’s replacement. What an excellent choice! There is no one more qualified and Arizona is well served. Kudos to Senator Kyl for his willingness to serve once again.

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) September 4, 2018

Flake, a former Arizona congressman who was elected to replace Kyl, has said the older man was a mentor to him.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called the announcement an “excellent choice” made by Ducey in a statement.

I look forward to working with Jon Kyl as we continue making progress for the American people pic.twitter.com/yAqYcqycAe

— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) September 4, 2018

U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) congratulated Kyl in a statement saying, “I look forward to working with him in the Arizona delegation. Senator Kyl brings a wealth of experience to this job. His longtime devotion to our state and people will give Arizona a much-needed and honest voice for land, water, and military issues.

“Senator Kyl has a pro-life track record and will work to increase America’s economic resurgence and prosperity. I commend him for his decision to return to public service; his leadership is greatly valued.”

I look forward to working with Senator Kyl on behalf of our great state in the coming months. While no one can ever replace Senator McCain in the U.S. Senate, I can only imagine that he’d be grateful to his good friend and colleague for stepping up to this challenge once again.

— Kyrsten Sinema (@RepSinema) September 4, 2018

My statement regarding @dougducey's appointment of former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl to succeed Senator John McCain in the U.S. Senate. pic.twitter.com/UyCzETyJXV

— Martha McSally (@RepMcSally) September 4, 2018

My statement on the appointment of Senator Jon Kyl to the Senate: pic.twitter.com/3i50RWU0NU

— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) September 4, 2018

Speaker @JDMesnard Praises Appointment of Jon Kyl to United States Senate. #AZLeg pic.twitter.com/OonMRNlq0f

— AZ House Republicans (@AZHouseGOP) September 4, 2018

Excellent choice by Governor @dougducey in selecting #JonKyl for Senate!
Just attested the signature before the paperwork gets on a plane to D.C. pic.twitter.com/7x9i7JQ5jY

— Michele Reagan (@VoteReagan) September 4, 2018

Arizona Republican Party Chairman Jonathan Lines said in a statement:

“Senator Jon Kyl has honorably served Arizona for decades, with a strong, conservative record of results for our state. … Jon Kyl is a statesman. He is a conservative leader. And he is proud Arizonan and a truly decent and honorable man. I am proud to call him our United States Senator.”

U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.) said in a statement, “Governor Ducey today made an excellent choice in Jon Kyl to return to the U.S. Senate. Former Senator Kyl served alongside Senator McCain and has been a champion for Arizona on many important issues including critical water issues impacting our state. I look forward to working with Senator Kyl in Congress to advance conservative policies important to Arizonans.”

Outside of Arizona, longtime McCain friend Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) tweeted out his thoughts:

I’m very pleased to hear that Jon Kyl has been appointed as John McCain’s successor for at least the remainder of the 115th Congress.

For decades, John McCain and Jon Kyl were a terrific Senate duo for the people of Arizona and the country as a whole.

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) September 4, 2018

Two members of the McCain family also shared their feelings:

Jon Kyl is a dear friend of mine and John’s. It’s a great tribute to John that he is prepared to go back into public service to help the state of Arizona.

— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) September 4, 2018

I’m very grateful to Jon Kyl for his willingness to return to public service to take my father’s seat in the Senate. I can think of no one better to keep fighting for the country and state he held so dear. He has always been a true statesman and a friend to my family. https://t.co/ukYYQrhekI

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) September 4, 2018

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