Trump camp asks about Phoenix sites for possible September rally

PHOENIX — President Donald Trump could be planning to make another campaign stop in the Phoenix area before the November midterm elections, and Arizona’s top official was looking forward to it.

“I think Arizona is one of his favorite states, so we certainly expect him to come and we believe they’re looking for a location,” Gov. Doug Ducey said Wednesday on KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News.

At least two sites are off the list: Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Phoenix Convention Center.

Jen Yee, assistant executive director with the Arizona Exposition and State Fair, told KTAR News 92.3 FM the office had been contacted about hosting a rally at the Coliseum in early September, but had to decline because the visit conflicted with fair preparations.

The state fair will run Oct. 5-28; potential dates for Trump’s rally were Sept. 5 or 6.

A Phoenix Convention Center spokesperson said Trump’s camp inquired about the same two dates, but the facility didn’t have space available. While no events were scheduled at the downtown venue those days, critical maintenance was already planned during that time.

Former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac and Gaydos that she felt it was necessary for Trump to campaign in Arizona ahead of the general election.

“I think that we need all the spirit we can get. It’s an interesting election year, and I know that I’ve been watching a lot of the polling and there’s a war going on,” she said.

“And a lot of money is going to be spent — we’re going to be so burnt out with mailers and robocalls and signs on the street and the misleading statements. It’s going to be something that we’ve never probably seen in Arizona.”

Trump has made several trips to Arizona, including a rally Aug. 22, 2017, that devolved into a melee near the Phoenix Convention Center between protesters and police.

The corner of 2nd Street & Monroe in downtown Phoenix. President Donald Trump inside the building behind giving a speech at his Rally. pic.twitter.com/jnWFi3VmJ1

— Tyler Bassett (@Tyler_Bassett) August 23, 2017

At that rally, which began with peaceful protests before the event got underway, police were criticized for using tear gas and pepper spray on protesters afterward.

The demonstrators, police said, had been pelting them with rocks and bottles.

A handful of people were arrested that night.

Chief Jeri Williams said her officers did an outstanding job managing the situation.

“They gave people opportunities to comply,” she told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Bruce St. James and Pamela Hughes the morning after the disruption.

“I absolutely give my folks an A-plus.”

Williams ordered a full departmental review. A recommendation by City Manager Ed Zuercher for an independent investigation was withdrawn less than two weeks later.

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