By Matthew Holloway |
Democratic congressional nominee Amish Shah did not participate in a second candidate appearance in less than a month, leaving Republican nominee Jay Feely to address voters at AMAC Action’s September 22 forum. The host said Shah did not respond to the AMAC invitation. His absence followed his decision to decline an August 26 Arizona PBS appearance.
“Please note that Democrat candidate Amish Shah was invited to participate but did not respond to our request,” the host said in the forum introduction, before introducing Feely.
Feely addressed Shah’s absence in a statement posted to X Tuesday.
“Arizonans deserve to hear from the candidates running to represent them. I’m disappointed that my opponent continues to hide from the public. But when you align yourself with Democratic Socialists, dodging questions is easier than answering for your policies,” Feely wrote.
AMAC Action’s announcement listed both First Congressional District candidates as invitees to the virtual event. The organization described the forum as a nonpartisan educational program offering participating candidates equal opportunities to discuss their priorities and answer questions.
The appearance followed Arizona PBS’ August 26 “Candidates in Conversation” program, during which Feely answered questions without Shah participating. Arizona PBS confirmed that Shah declined its invitation.
At the AMAC forum, Feely discussed immigration enforcement, economic policy, and congressional stock trading.
“This election comes down to two choices. On one side you have myself who believes in free market principles, that believes in capitalism…on the other side, the Democrat party has embraced this big government, socialist belief,” Feely said.
On immigration, Feely added, “If you come into this country illegally, you should not participate in any of our welfare programs.”
Feely also advocated for people who entered illegally to leave the country and pursue legal entry. And he endorsed restrictions on lawmakers’ financial activities.
“We should have a congressional ban on stock trading,” he said.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) said Feely also addressed lowering costs for seniors, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and combating fraud. The committee criticized Shah’s absence and his health care positions.
“For seniors wanting answers about his socialist healthcare record, socialist Amish Shah was nowhere to be found. Socialist Shah would rather hide than defend the Bernie Sanders-AOC policies he praised,” NRCC spokesman Ben Petersen said.
Republican National Committee spokesman Nick Poche also criticized Shah in a statement provided to AZ Free News.
“Shah won’t debate because the second he opens his mouth, everyone in Arizona will know he’s an extremely far-left socialist who supports transgender surgeries for minors, soft-on-crime policies, and opening the border,” Poche said.
The Republican statements attributed Shah’s absence to his policy positions. The AMAC host’s introduction said Shah had not responded to the invitation but provided no explanation for his nonparticipation.
Health care has been a recurring subject in Republican criticism of Shah. Shah spoke in support of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and a universal, single-payer Medicare for All system during an April 2019 Arizona for Bernie town hall.
Shah’s current campaign platform describes him as a supporter of universal health care and calls for expanding coverage, protecting Medicare, reducing premiums, and lowering prescription drug prices. His public safety platform calls for fully funding police and stopping fentanyl trafficking across the border.
Both candidates are listed for a separate First Congressional District debate scheduled for October 7 at 6 p.m. That event is part of the debate series organized by the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission and the Arizona Media Association.
Feely, a former NFL kicker and broadcaster, and Shah, an emergency physician and former state lawmaker, are competing for the seat being vacated by Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ-01). The district includes northeast Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and Paradise Valley.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
