McSally defends sharp language used in U.S. Senate announcement

PHOENIX — U.S. Rep. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) first announced her Senate run with a pointed video, telling Washington to “grow a pair of ovaries and get the job done.”

And in an interview with KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac and Gaydos, McSally said she will not back down from her sharp comments during the campaign or if she is elected to U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake’s seat.

“It’s figurative, it means ‘grow some courage,'” McSally said of the “grow a pair of ovaries” comment. “It is who I am. I apologize if it offends anyone, but I’m a fighter pilot, I was the first woman to fly in combat. It is who I am.

“I’m tired of politicians becoming something that they aren’t.”

McSally is expected to go head-to-head with a whole host of candidates, including former Sheriff Joe Arpaio and former state Sen. Kelli Ward, in the Republican primary election in August.

But the congresswoman said she is prepared to square off for her party’s seat because she believes the people of Arizona will do what is right in the “high-stakes” race.

“I put my life on the line and served my country,” she said, adding that she “showed in my career that I’m willing to stand up for what’s right.”

McSally, who is a retired Air Force combat pilot, said building a stronger military and standing up for religious liberties will be among her top priorities in the Senate.

“I would just ask people to look clear-eyed at what the stakes are and what their options are and determine who is the best person to win a general election and represent Arizona.”

And when it comes to disagreeing with President Donald Trump, who has touted her in the past as a “friend” and “the real deal,” would McSally be able to do so?

“Absolutely,” she said. “My voting card right now is with the people of southern Arizona. I look at the stakes, the issues, the facts. [My voting record] just happens to line up with that, but not because of [Trump].

“I will be taking my own approach — working with the president to find common ground for what matters,” McSally said.

When it comes to some of the divisive and controversial comments that Trump often makes — whether in public, private or on his Twitter — McSally said she will most likely stay out of those battles.

“It is not my job to be a pundit and to be watching Twitter, trying to make statements. And I’m not saying I’m being weak or not courageous, but my view is that I’m fighting for things that matter to us. My job is to be fighting and winning on those things.”

McSally said her plan for now is to “criticize in private and work as a team in public.”

But for now, the Arizona Republican said she is focused on getting legislation passed in both the House and the Senate that will address citizenship for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients while including funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall.

“We have momentum in the House, the Senate just needs a different approach,” she said. “They need to hit the reset button in the Senate.”

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