Arizona congressional incumbent O’Halleran rebuffs comic’s support

PHOENIX — An Arizona politician running for re-election has thrown a celebrity endorsement right back at the sender. Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran has rejected controversial comic Kathy Griffin’s tweet of support Friday, according to a report.

O’Halleran told the editorial board of the Arizona Daily Star that he didn’t want Griffin’s backing, which she gave after a testy online exchange with Republican Wendy Rogers, his opponent in the Nov. 6 general election.

On @kathygriffin’s recent endorsement, @TomOHalleran says he didn’t need or want her endorsement. Says the picture of her holding a severed head of President Trump was “repugnant.” #AZ01

— Joe Ferguson (@joeferguson) September 21, 2018

The comedian had posted a profane response to a Rogers campaign ad that included an image of Griffin, who was famously raked over the coals last year for a photograph of her holding a fake severed head that looked like President Donald Trump.

Republicans and Democrats alike were offended by the graphic photo.

This time, Griffin was the offended party. Thursday, she criticized the ad and posted a tweet that included a link to donate to the Democrat’s bid.

WOW. Trump suck up @WendyRogersAZ is using my image in an ad against Democratic Congressman Tom O'Halleran.

You're a pathetic hack Wendy.

I hope everyone supports @RepOHalleran for Congress.

Donate Here: https://t.co/gHdiilB15B pic.twitter.com/a7463AoeMy

— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) September 19, 2018

So glad to have triggered @kathygriffin who has a major case of #TDS. #AZ01 #FlipAZ01 #TeamWendy pic.twitter.com/jfxVegj98z

— Wendy Rogers (@WendyRogersAZ) September 20, 2018

O’Halleran, a former Republican, won Congressional District 1 in the 2016 general election, replacing Ann Kirkpatrick. He ran unopposed in the 2018 primary.

Rogers won her August primary by 3,198 votes over Steve Smith.

It’s the second straight time Rogers has campaigned for CD1. She lost in the 2016 primary to former Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu.

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