On the fence? Border union leader likes Lake’s plan but prefers Taylor Robson for governor
Jul 13, 2022, 4:15 AM | Updated: 10:15 am
Kari Lake, left, and Karrin Taylor Robson (Facebook Photos; U.S. Customs and Border Protection Background Photo)
(Facebook Photos; U.S. Customs and Border Protection Background Photo)
PHOENIX – The head of the U.S. border agents union thinks Kari Lake has strong security plan, but he’s endorsing Karrin Taylor Robson in Arizona’s Republican gubernatorial primary race.
“There’s a huge difference between a border plan and the right person to implement a plan,” Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council, told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News on Tuesday.
Judd said he thinks both candidates have “extremely good plans” but Taylor Robson’s experience makes her the superior candidate.
“She’s been an executive in the private sector. She has had to make decisions. She’s managed people, managed teams, managed budgets,” he said. “That’s what a governor does.
“Kari Lake just doesn’t have that experience.”
My 'Defend Arizona' Border Policy has been endorsed by Brandon Judd, the President of the National Border Patrol Council.
The experts support my plan.
Read it here: https://t.co/lpwWwztmN3 pic.twitter.com/Zj7EZIYO4y— Kari Lake for AZ Governor (@KariLake) July 9, 2022
Lake and Taylor Robson have both touted Judd’s backing, potentially creating some confusion. But Judd made it clear that neither candidate was misrepresenting his stance.
I’m honored to receive the endorsement of @BPUnion.
“Anyone can talk tough, but Karrin has the experience and conservative track record we can trust to get the job done.”
-Brandon Judd, President of the National Border Patrol Council
My plan ➡️ https://t.co/ZK2eZiV1Ly#AZgov pic.twitter.com/943dtUyhy7
— Karrin Taylor Robson for Arizona (@Karrin4Arizona) July 11, 2022
“I endorsed her [Lake’s] plan and I’m endorsing her opponent,” Judd said of the dual endorsement. “The plan was good. … But who can implement it?”
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Lake and Taylor Robson cover similar ground in their proposed border policies. For example, both want to increase Arizona National Guard involvement, complete the border wall and maintain coalitions with other states.
The border plan Taylor Robson posted online doesn’t go into as much detail as the one on Lake’s website.
Early voting is underway for Arizona’s Aug. 2 primary election, and border security is sure to be a major issue among Republican voters.
Lake, a former TV news anchor and political newcomer, has been the front-runner throughout the race, but recent polling shows Taylor Robson gaining ground as it gets closer to Election Day.
Editor’s note: Earlier versions of this story implied that Judd’s endorsement of Lake’s plan meant he preferred it over Taylor Robson’s. Judd said that wasn’t his intention.
