Trump looking forward to working with McCain replacement Jon Kyl

PHOENIX — President Donald Trump might not have gotten along with the late Sen. John McCain, but that might be a different story for his replacement, former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl.

Trump, in a tweet, said Kyl will be an “extraordinary Senator representing an extraordinary state, Arizona. I look forward to working with him!”

Jon Kyl will be an extraordinary Senator representing an extraordinary state, Arizona. I look forward to working with him!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2018

The president took to his social media site of choice a few hours after Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey made the announcement during a Tuesday morning press conference.

Vice President Mike Pence also tweeted his approval of the Kyl appointment. He said Kyl will work to support Trump’s agenda to “rebuild our military, grow our economy and confirm strong judges.”

Congrats to Jon Kyl on his appointment to serve AZ again in the US Senate. He’ll serve w/ the same principle & integrity that defined his 30+ year career. Look forward to working w/ him to support @POTUS’ agenda to rebuild our military, grow our economy, & confirm strong judges.

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) September 4, 2018

“I realize what an important decision this is and there’s no replacing Sen. John McCain. But the law requires me to do it and the people of Arizona deserve representation in the U.S. Senate,” Ducey said.

“There is no one in Arizona with the statute of Jon Kyl. He is a man without comparable peer.”

Kyl, speaking to reporters, said he did not commit to serving in the Senate seat after the end of the year and said he would not seek the seat in 2020.

Voters will decide in a 2020 special election who fills the remainder of McCain’s seat through 2022. Then the seat will be up again for a full six-year term.

McCain died last month at 81 after a yearlong battle with brain cancer. He was in his sixth term in the Senate.

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