Gov. Candidate Ken Bennett Wouldn't Appoint McCain's Wife To Seat

PHOENIX, AZ — Arizona gubernatorial candidate Ken Bennett has promised he will not appoint Cindy McCain to the Senate if he's elected in November. Bennett, the former Arizona Secretary of State, tweeted Thursday afternoon: "I promise I will not appoint Cindy McCain to US Senate as Gov of AZ. #bennettforgov."

Bennett, who is facing incumbent Republican Gov. Doug Ducey in the primary election, delved into the controversial issue of who might replace sitting U.S. Sen. John McCain — who is battling an aggressive form of brain cancer — should the seat be vacated.

McCain has been in Arizona since December, the Arizona Republic reported. Should his seat be vacated, the governor would select his replacement.

McCain, an outspoken opponent of President Donald Trump, has faced criticism from his own party and other conservatives over his positions. He shocked many in August when he gave a surprise thumbs-down vote that effectively killed the GOP effort to repeal Obamacare.

Bennett has been roundly criticized on social media for his tweet.

Daniel Scarpinato, a spokesman for Ducey, tweeted that Bennett is not the guy they thought he was.

"I thought we knew Ken Bennett. We were wrong. He’s not who we thought he was -- he’s way worse," tweeted Scarpinato.

He added: "The statement speaks for itself. We are honestly in shock that he would stoop so low and say something that’s so clearly in poor taste. Ken Bennett has disqualified himself from consideration by anyone with any sense of decency. He should be ashamed of himself."

Twitter user Matthew Benson said Bennett gave him his first opportunity outside newspapers, but he couldn't wrap his mind around Bennet's recent actions.

" I'll always be grateful to Ken for giving me my first opportunity outside newspapers, and he remains someone I consider a friend. But I don't understand his actions of late. I hope he's just getting bad advice ... really really bad advice," he tweeted. "It's not too late to turn back."

I promise I will not appoint Cindy McCain to US Senate as Gov of AZ. #bennettforgov
— Ken Bennett (@BennettArizona) May 31, 2018

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