McSally Blames Fundraising Shortfalls on Healthcare Record

Now trailing behind rival Mark Kelly, the Arizona Senator’s healthcare record may be coming back to haunt her.

While addressing a group of Republicans, Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ) revealed a growing concern that attacks on her healthcare record are hurting her fundraising efforts, according to a recording obtained by AZ Mirror. At this time, she’s trailing behind rival Mark Kelly.

The ad in question centers on McSally’s vote against denying states the ability to waive healthcare requirements in the Affordable Care Act, such as protections for people with preexisting conditions. The Trump-era policy extends the minimum length of short-term insurance policies from three months to three years, and has paved the way for a slew of ‘junk’ insurance plans in Arizona.

McSally has called the attacks “a lie that is based on fear.”

However, Democratic challenger Mark Kelly said in a statement after the vote that he is “disappointed that Senator McSally still can’t be honest with Arizonans about the impact her policies and votes would have on their health care.” The retired astronaut and U.S. Navy captain has been quick to criticize his opponent, often contrasting his stances against McSally’s votes.

“I’m getting my ass kicked for it right now.”

The two candidates have contrasting opinions on healthcare issues— particularly in regards to the Affordable Care Act. McSally has opposed the Obama-era healthcare law from the beginning, voting to repeal it —or parts of it— at nearly every opportunity.

In a 2018 interview with Fox News political commentator Sean Hannity, then-candidate McSally admitted that while she “did vote to repeal and replace Obamacare on that House bill — I’m getting my ass kicked for it right now.”

Kelly, however, has made his support of the ACA a staple of his campaign, calling any attempt to repeal the law a step in the wrong direction. Like presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden, Kelly supports offering a public option, and believes that this will allot people their “right to have access to affordable health care.”