Election Issues.....................................................................2Budget Issues......................................................................4Business and Consumer Issues...........................................5Campaign & Campaign Finance Issues................................5Crime & Public Safety Issues...............................................6Defense Issues....................................................................6Economic and Financial Issues............................................6Education Issues..................................................................7Energy Issues......................................................................7Environmental Issues..........................................................8Ethics Issues........................................................................9Foreign Policy Issues – Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea9Gay and Lesbian Issues.......................................................9Gun Issues...........................................................................9Health Care Issues...............................................................9Immigration and Border Issues..........................................10Israel.................................................................................10Labor and Working Family Issues......................................11Social Security and Medicare............................................11Other.................................................................................12Personal.............................................................................13Stem Cells.........................................................................14Tax Issues..........................................................................14Tea Party...........................................................................15Transportation Issues........................................................16Women’s Issues.................................................................16

Election Issues

Footage: “I’m lying to ya. I’m already a politician apparently, I’m lying through my teeth.”

At a February 2012 rally with the Tucson Tea Party in support of Rick Santorum, Kelly spoke to an audience outside the event and joked about the size of the crowd inside then said, “I’m totally lying to ya. I’m already a politician apparently, I’m lying through my teeth.” [Youtube, Tucson Tea Party, 2/22/12]

Kolbe on Kelly: “He’s out of touch with the district”

In February 2012, former eighth district Republican Rep. Kolbe said of Jesse Kelly, “He [Kelly] would assure that a Democrat would win the seat. He’s out of touch with the district. It’s a very moderate district. We are close to the border and we have a different outlook than Phoenix. If there was a time when a Republican should have won it it was 2010, and we couldn’t win the race with that candidate then, I don’t know how anybody thinks we will win with that candidate now.” [Governing Blog, 2/07/12]

Jesse Kelly Filed to Run, But Did Not Campaign Since Gifford’s Shooting

In June 2011, Chris Cillizza reported, “Jesse Kelly, a Republican who nearly defeated Giffords in 2010, has filed to run again but has not campaigned actively since the shooting.” [Blog, The Fix, Washington Post, 6/16/11]

Kelly Resurfaced Within Days of Giffords Announcing Resignation

According to the Arizona Republic, “Kelly soon vowed to run again but dropped his campaign after Giffords was shot in January 2011. He resurfaced within days of Giffords' Jan. 22 announcement that she would resign.” [The Republic, 2/03/12]

Conflicting Reports Whether Kelly Looked into Filling Giffords’ Seat

In the days following Giffords’ January 2011 shooting, there were conflicting reports whether Kelly had looked into the process for filling Giffords’ seat.

On the 12th, the Yellowbook reported that Kelly was one of several politicians who had looked into procedures for replacing Giffords should she not make a full recovery. Lee Miller, a lawyer for the Arizona Republican Party, said the Kelly campaign contacted him about the process. [Yellowbook, 1/12/11]

But on the 22nd, the Los Angeles Times reported on January 18 that Kelly had not looked into filling Giffords seat. [Los Angeles Times, 1/22/11]

Kelly Canceled Campaign Announcement In Wake of Giffords Shooting

The day before the January 2011 shooting that injured Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Jesse Kelly sent out invitations to an invent announcing his intention to run again in 2012.

“We have unfinished business here in southern Arizona. It’s time to finish what we started,” the invitation read.

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But after the shooting, Kelly canceled the event, though he has remained in the public eye by appearing in commercials for his new employer Vision 360. [Politico, 1/24/11]

Kelly: The Campaign Will Be Positive

In his February 2012 announcement he was running for the eighth congressional district special election, Kelly said, “The campaign is going to be a positive campaign. The campaign is going to be about each candidate representing themselves. … I don’t anticipate any kind of negative campaign.” [Tucson Weekly, 2/03/12]

Antenori on Kelly Living Out of State

Antenori: “Some of us stayed to fight [redistricting battles] and some of us didn’t”

In February 2012, following Kelly’s announcement he was joining the race for the eighth congressional district special election, Antenori said of Kelly, “We went through a period of time in the state when there were a lot of political battles. Some of us stayed to fight those battles and work for the conservative cause in the party, and some of us didn't. When the going gets tough, Jesse Kelly gets going.” [Tucson Weekly, 2/03/12]

Antenori: “All of a sudden, Mr. Opportunity is back in town”

In February 2012, following Kelly’s announcement he was joining the race for the eighth congressional district special election, Antenori said of Kelly, “What's really astonishing is that (Kelly) had no intentions of running in the normal election, and he had already started cutting staff away, and all of a sudden, Mr. Opportunity is back in town.” [Tucson Weekly, 2/03/12]

Running on Same Issues as He Did Two Years Ago

In footage of his February 2012 announcement speech, Kelly said, “Of course, we’ve analyzed the last election. We’ve analyzed 2010 but really the issues we faced in 2010 are the same issues we face in 2012. It’s a stagnant economy and families are struggling.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

Flip from 2010: Said He Will Now Work with “Any and Every American,” Democrat or Not

In footage of his February 2012 announcement speech, a reporter questioned Kelly about previous statements he had made in his 2010 campaign in which he said he did not want to work with anyone across the aisle should he be elected to Congress and Kelly tried to walk back his previous statements, saying, “Any and every American, whether in Congress or not , that wants to bring this economy back, wants to help people get a good job, that’s somebody that I’ll be working with in Congress without question, regardless of party.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

Citizens United Endorsed Jesse Kelly

In 2012, Jesse Kelly was endorsed by the Citizens United Political Victory Fund. They also contributed $10,000 to his campaign.

“Citizens United Political Victory Fund was an early supporter for Jesse Kelly in 2010, and it is an honor to be one of his first supporters in this race,” said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United. “Jesse

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Kelly has shown that he can run a very strong campaign in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District. Jesse is a Marine Corps veteran and true hero of the conservative movement. I urge all Republican primary voters in Arizona’s 8th District to rally around Jesse Kelly because he will work hard for lower taxes, a strong economy, and more jobs when he is in Congress.” [Tucson Weekly, 2/08/12]

“Honored” by the Citizens United Endorsement

In February 2012, Kelly received the endorsement of Citizens United, a leading conservative group.

Kelly said, “We are honored to have the support of Citizens United and I look forward to working with them to lower taxes, strengthen America, and strengthen our economy.” [Jesse Kelly for Congress Press Release, 2/08/12]

Said the Special Election Will Be “Different” But Not Tougher Because of Giffords’ Circumstances

In February 2012, the USA Today wrote, “Kelly, who has filed to run in the special as well as the general election, said the special election race will be "different" but not tougher because of the circumstances that led to Giffords' early exit. He said he didn't think the shooting would play a part in voters' decisions. “The issues that still matter to the district are lower taxes, more jobs and a stronger economy. It's that kind of fiscal conservative district and that has not changed,” he said. But he said the race will be different than 2010 because “the national mood has changed. There's less anger out there; people just want solutions now.” [USA Today, 2/23/12]

Kelly: “You could be the most principled, greatest person in the world, I assure you I’m not…”

At the March 2012 candidate forum hosted by the 388th Precinct Republicans, Kelly said:“Well, to answer your question on, how you avoid losing your mind when you go there, how do you know that? Well, bad company promotes good character. That is just the bottom line. It’s about who you surround yourself with. You could be the most principled, greatest person in the world, I assure you I’m not, and you’re gonna go there and you’re gonna lose your way. There are very few people there that I trust, I got to know several of them over all this campaigning I’ve been doing for the past three years and I can count them on one hand, the ones I actually trust. The good better of them that I trust. And I, those will simply be the people I associate myself with. I’ll be sleeping on my couch. I’ve spent enough time on my knees in prayer making sure my mind and my sould won’t go the other way. [388th Precinct Republicans Candidate Forum, 3/06/12]

Budget Issues

“Loves” Paul Ryan – Refused to Take a Stance on the Ryan Budget

In an interview with conservative online magazine National Review, Kellly said, “I think Paul Ryan is outstanding. His ideas for lowering the deficit, for having a simpler, flatter tax — I love them.”

Kelly also said he does not know whether he supports Ryan’s latest budget, because “I haven’t read the thing yet.” [National Review, 4/27/12]

Supported Zero-Based Budgeting

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In a March 2012 candidate forum hosted by the Precinct 388 Republicans, Kelly said he supported the idea of zero-based budgeting, where spending has to be justified for specific use not just have funds provided in a large pot of money. [Sierra Vista Herald, 3/14/12]

Business and Consumer Issues

Campaign & Campaign Finance Issues

Said 2012 Will Be the Same issues as 2010

In his February 2012 announcement speech, Kelly said, “Of course, we’ve analyzed the last election. We’ve analyzed 2010 but really the issues we faced in 2010 are the same issues we face in 2012. It’s a stagnant economy and families are struggling.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

AUDIO: “The Message Stays the Same” as 2012

During an April 2012 appearance on the Garret Lewis Show on KNST, Kelly said of his strategy for the AZ-08 special election, “The message stays the same.” [AZ08RawFootage, KNST, Garret Lewis Show, 4/18/12]

Tried to Strike a New Bipartisan Chord

Despite having previously said he wished there were not any Democrats in Congress because he did not want to work with them, n his February 2012 announcement speech, Kelly said, “Any and every American, whether in Congress or not , that want to bring this economy back, wants to help people get a good job, that’s somebody that I’ll be working with in Congress without question, regardless of party.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

Promised to Run a Completely Positive Campaign

In his February 2012 announcement speech, Kelly promised to run a positive campaign. He said, “Due to the short nature of this race, the campaign’s going to be a positive campaign. The campaign’s going to be about each candidate presenting themselves. It’s going to be about lower taxes. It’s going to be about a stronger economy. It’s going to be about more jobs. I don’t anticipate any kind of negative campaign.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

AUDIO: Kelly – We Won’t Be Attacking Barber, Just Getting Our Message Out

During an April 2012 appearance on the Garret Lewis Show on KNST, Kelly said of his message strategy and Ron Barber’s support for Gabby Giffords’ policies, “Well, we don’t have to try to attach him to anything – he is attached. He’s already come out in support of all these things. But, we’re going to talk about our message. Our message is not going to change. We have a positive message to get America back to work, to lower the cost at the pump, to secure the border, to do all the things that you talk about everyday on your show […] We’re not talking about his agenda or anyone else’s.” [AZ08RawFootage, KNST, Garret Lewis Show, 4/18/12]

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AUDIO: To Radio Host, Kelly Said “You Know Me Better Than” to Consider Me the Civil Campaign

During an April 2012 appearance on the Garret Lewis Show on KNST:

Host: You know, you sound like a little bit of a different Jesse Kelly than the one I met a few years ago. Now, granted, I’m just a wack job talk show host that tries to be funny sometimes. But, do you ever think of maybe beating them to the punch and just you know, calling your campaign, calling yourself, Jesse Kelly: the civil candidate? Kelly: Laughs […]

Host: And of the campaign for civility - I think that'd be hilarious. But then again, that's just me. That's just me.

Kelly: [Laughs]. I think you know me better than that, Garrett. [AZ08RawFootage, KNST, Garret Lewis Show, 4/18/12]

Crime & Public Safety Issues

Defense Issues

Said the Job of the Federal Government Is National Defense

In his February 2012 announcement speech, Kelly said, “Well Defense, defending this nation, defending Americans, defending southern Arizona, that’s the job of the federal government is national defense. So, if we begin to scale back the spending in all these other unnecessary areas, then the defense spending, the dollars for defense will be there.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

Refused to Directly Comment on Pentagon’s Decision to Allow Women in More Combat Positions

In February 2012, after the Arizona Daily Star tried to reach Kelly for comment on the Pentagon’s decision to allow women serve in more combat positions and McSally blew up the issue in saying she would like kick Rick Santorum in the jimmy for his sexist comments on the decision, Kelly simply sent a written statement that read, “Our campaign is focusing on lower taxes, a stronger economy, and more jobs so that women veterans have the economic opportunities they deserve.” [Arizona Daily Star, 2/18/12]

Economic and Financial Issues

Said It Was “Not an Accident” that the Auto and Housing Markets Failed

During a 2012 candidate forum with the Greater Catalina Council, Kelly said:

“That's because the three most regulated parts of our economy: the energy, the auto and the housing - were the three that failed. And that is not an accident.” [Greater Catalina Council Candidate Forum, 4/02/12]

VIDEO: “In the Same Way that Wealth Trickles Down, So Does Poverty”

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During an April 2012 candidate debate hosted by the Green Valley Republican Club, Kelly said, “Well, in the same way that wealth trickles down, so does poverty.” [Green Valley Republican Club Debate, 4/12/12]

VIDEO: Defended the Rich

During an April 2012 meet and greet at the La Cholla Country Club, Kelly said:

Kelly: “When we talk about taxes -- let's talk about taxes for a moment. Currently, the average American taxpayer pays more than 50% of their wealth to the federal government. When we talk about 'taxing the rich' or 'it should be upper-income people that should pay more in taxes' -- for one, the top 10% are already paying 70% of the tax bill. That's one. And for two, let's say, let's say I agree with you -- and I don't -- but let's say I agree with anybody who says, 'Oh, the rich should pay more.' If you took every single dime every person made -- who made $250,000 or more last year -- you took every single dime they made. Literally, tax them at 100%. It wouldn't even pay off the deficit.” [La Cholla Country Club Meet and Greet, 4/23/12]

Continued to Defend Millionaires

Kelly later added, “Money and capitalism and success, and even the word 'millionaire' and 'billionaire' -- those used to be things that we celebrated in this nation. Now, we hear the word 'millionaire' and people sneer at it. I thought that was great.” [La Cholla Country Club Meet and Greet, 4/23/12]

Education Issues

Energy Issues

VIDEO: Said Oil “Is the Renewable Resource We’ve All Been Talking about”

At a February 2012 rally with the Tucson Tea Party in support of Rick Santorum, Kelly brushed off concerns of an energy crisis in the United States and joked that oil perhaps is the renewable resource that is needed. He said, “I do find it laughable when they talk about the energy crisis, the energy shortage, when we have so much here in this country. We have so much coal, so much oil, so much natural gas, we have everything we need right here. Three decades ago, they told us there were 800 million barrels of oil existing in the world. Today, because of technology, there’s over a trillion. So apparently it is the renewable resource we’ve all been talking about!” [Tucson Tea Party event, Youtube, 2/22/12]

Olbermann: Kelly Is a “Worst Person in the World”

In February 2012, Keith Olbermann of MSNBC named Kelly a “Worst Person in the World” for having called oil a renewable resource. [Countdown with Keith Olbermann, 2/27/12]

Said the Social Security Crisis Can Be Fixed by Expanding Energy and Oil Production

In a April 2012 primary debate at Vail High School, Kelly continued to campaign on gas prices, arguing that the only way to protect Social Security benefits for future generations is to drill.

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He said, “We have to fulfill our promises, give future generations choices. The only way that we'll be able to do that is through energy - drilling for oil, clean coal, natural gas. In short, our economy is currently not big enough to support the benefits that people have earned. We can grow that economy. We will grow that economy. That's the best solution to solve all of these problems and fulfill the obligations that the federal government must.” [Vail High School AZ08 Republican Primary Debate, 4/05/12]

Fellow Republican on Stage: “Oil Doesn’t Have Much to Do” with Social Security

Fellow GOP candidate Martha McSally countered, “Yeah, actually, oil doesn't have much to do with protecting Social Security for the future.” [Vail High School AZ08 Republican Primary Debate, 4/05/12; Arizona Daily Star, 4/08/12]

AUDIO: Defended Big Oil and Said Government Should Not Subsidize Any Industry Including Alternative Fuels

During an April 2012 debate hosted by the Green Valley Republican Club, Kelly said, “We cannot subsidize any industry. The government does not pick winners and losers. The American people do […] And you cannot punish one industry and subsidize another. And where I hear things like the solar industry and alternate, and all these other alternate fuels and renewable energies are completely subsidized with our money. And the oil companies, who are so demonized, pay more money to the federal government than they themselves make in profit. That tells me we are completely upside down with our values.” [Green Valley Republican Club Debate, 4/12/12]

Pushback on Kelly’s “More Oil than Saudi Arabia” Claims: Difference between Oil Shale and Oil-Bearing Shale

According to Forbes: “Thus, while the U.S. might indeed have greater oil resources than Saudi Arabia, U.S. oil reserves (per the BP Statistical Review of World Energy) are only about 1/10th those of Saudi Arabia. The distinction is important.” [Forbes, 3/29/12]

Environmental Issues

Kelly: EPA and Department of Energy Killed More Jobs than Created

In 2012, Kelky said that federal regulations – especially by agencies which have no constitutional authority to exist, such as the EPA and the Department of Energy – are causing expensive add-on costs to consumers.

“Everything involving the federal system drives costs up,” Kelly said. And the EPA and DOE “have killed more jobs in this country” than they’ve created. [Willcox Range News, 2/08/12]

Kelly: “Throw out the Sierra Club and Environmentalists”

In a March 2012 candidate forum hosted by the Saddlebrooke Republican Club, candidates were asked to comment about rising gas prices and Kelly responded, “Kelly said, “You want to get rid of a 15 trillion dollar debt? Throw out the sierra club and environmentalists. Send out the patriots and unlock the amazing resources we have in this country.” [KVOA, 3/14/12]

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VIDEO: Claimed Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal Plants Are Not Dangerous

The following is an exchange from a meet and greet Kelly held at the La Cholla Country Club:

Kelly: What does clean coal mean? Are we talking about carbon dioxide?

Man: Yes.

Kelly: Are we operating on the assumption that carbon dioxide is bad?

Man: Yes, indeed.

Kelly: Well, you realize that it's a natural element that you're breathing out and that every scientific experiment that they've done, where they've pumped in, they've falsely raised the amount of carbon dioxide -- plant life, and therefore all life, goes through the roof.

Man: So the emission of the coal plants is fine then?

Kelly: What I'm saying is I don't -- absolutely. Absolutely… [La Cholla Country Club Meet and Greet, 4/23/12]

Ethics Issues

Foreign Policy Issues – Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea

Gay and Lesbian Issues

Gun Issues

Health Care Issues

Said Repealing Health Care Reform Had to Be “Priority 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5”

In a March 2012 candidate forum hosted by the Saddlebrooke Republican Club, Kelly said, “Repeal Obama care. It's simple. It has to be priority 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 right now.” [KVOA, 3/14/12]

VIDEO: Called Health Care a “Privilege”

During an April 2012 meet and greet at the La Cholla Country Club, Kelly called health care a privilege for Americans:

Kelly: My belief system is this -- that the healthcare, for anybody, but especially for our nation -- the highest quality and lowest cost can only be delivered without the government. It can only be delivered be delivered without the government. But what I believe is that all things we drive, all things we do, healthcare, anything is a privilege to some extent. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - those are inalienable rights endowed by your creator. If you're claiming a right, you're

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going to say anything's a right. If you're going to say you have a right to a cell phone, then who has a responsibility to pay for it? That's what I believe.

Man: Do you put that healthcare as a privilege then?

Kelly: Absolutely. Absolutely. I believe that all things we have are. But they're privileges that you earn. [La Cholla Country Club Meet & Greet, 4/23/12]

VIDEO: Safety Nets Do Not Help Save Lives

During an April 2012 meet and greet at the La Cholla Country Club, Kelly argued with an audience member and denied that Medicare and Medicaid helped to solve seniors’ poverty and illnesses:

Kelly: …And I think it's a gigantic misconception when we talk about -- let's talk about Medicaid. You brought up people who can't afford insurance, things of that nature. We already have safety nets out there, but before we had it, were people dying in the streets?

Woman: Yeah, they were.

Kelly: I've not heard those stories. [La Cholla Country Club Meet & Greet, 4/23/12]

VIDEO: Kelly to Those with Pre-Existing Conditions: Find Your Own Insurance

Duirng an April 2012 meet and greet at the La Cholla Country Club, Kelly claimed those with pre-existing conditions and had trouble getting health insurance do have options.

He said, “Well, I believe there's a market for it. And there's a reason they cannot get health insurance. Let's not act as if health insurance companies are these non-profit entities. Health insurance is like any other business out there. They're in it to make a profit…” [La Cholla Country Club Meet & Greet, 4/23/12]

Immigration and Border Issues

VIDEO: Said Hezbollah Is Recruiting in Mexico and Infiltrating the US So Supported Bringing Drones Back from Afghanistan to Patrol the Border

During an April 2012 candidate debate hosted by the Green Valley Republican Club, Kelly said of border security and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and drones as patrolmen:

“Absolutely, as long as it's the proper law enforcement agency. Currently, what we have on our border is not just a cartel problem. We have Hezbollah being funded and organized, by not only Iran, but by Venezuela. Hezbollah is recruiting right beside us here, in order to try to get radical Islam get control of these routes into the United States and have them enter our nation. And in the same way we fight terrorism, and will always fight terrorism abroad, we will fight terrorism right here at home. We can bring our drones back from Afghanistan and use them to fight terrorists right here that are attempting to enter our nation.” [Green Valley Republican Club Debate, 4/12/12]

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Israel

Kelly: Israel Can Take Care of Itself

In February 2012, Kelly appeared on the Buckmaster radio show and said, “Well, for one, tension between Iran and Israel is not a new thing and it never will be a new thing. That is the nature of the beast over there. But, right now, all options need to be on the table. There’s all this talk of should we intervene, should we not intervene. The truth of the matter is that Israel can take care of itself. They have the ability to take care of itself. Now, we should defend them if they need it. But, the truth is, especially when it comes to Iran, they do not need it. They need us out of the way, out of their lives. They have the right like every other nation does to defend themselves and I think they should do so.” [Buckmaster Show, 34:52, 2/20/12]

Told the National Review that Israel Needs To Be Backed “in Every Way”

“I think Israel is going to prevent them from doing so, and we should back them in every way if they do it.” [NRO, 4/27/12]

VIDEO: “Israel Can Take Care of Their Own Affairs”

During an April 2012 candidate debate hosted by the Green Valley Republican Club, Kelly said:

“The great news is, Israel can take care of their own affairs. They are very, very tough. Our most important support we can give them, on top of intelligence, on top of anything else they need, is simply verbal support. We need a president to stand up in front of the world at a podium and for once not apologize for this nation. But stand at a podium and say, 'America stands with Israel. And the rest of you, leave them be.' And Israel will take care of their affairs. They're able to do that.” [Green Valley Republican Club Debate, 4/12/12]

Labor and Working Family Issues

VIDEO: Kelly Angered by $7.50 an Hour Minimum Wage Rate

During a May 2011 Cochise County Young Republicans event, Kelly said, “Minimum wage is what, like $7.50 an hour now? You gotta pay some 15 year old kid $7.50 an hour, or $8 an hour to put together a tuna sub? Do you think you can run your subway?” [Cochise County Young Republicans, May 2011]

VIDEO: Labor Unions Are “Awful” and “Terrible”

Audience: What do you think of labor unions?

Kelly: They're awful. […] No, they are terrible. [May 2011]

AUDIO: Kelly Would Not Support an Extension of Unemployment Benefits

During an April 2012 Republican debate hosted by the Green Valley Republican Club, Kelly said, “Well, the simple answer to your question is: no. I would not support an extension of the unemployment benefits in any way.” [Green Valley Republican Club Debate, 4/12/12]

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Social Security and Medicare

AUDIO: Said Politicians Were Trying to Scare Seniors on Social Security and It Needed to Be Protected

In February 2012, Kelly appeared on the Buckmaster radio show and was asked if he still considered Social Security to be a big issue as it had been in the 2010 race. Kelly said, “It will always be important because we have so many Americans, so many people here in southern Arizona that rely on these benefits so we don’t want politicians playing political games with them. Politicians attempting to influence or scare seniors or scare anybody who has earned their benefit. The policy now and in this country needs to be protecting the benefits of the people who have earned them and giving future generations a choice as to whether they want to choose the current system or to choose a personal option.” [Buckmaster Show, 34:10, 2/20/12]

Said Entitlement Programs Need to Be Handed Down to the States

In March 2012 at the 388 Candidate Forum, Kelly said, “We want to get people off of entitlements? That power needs to be handed down to the states and let the states handle it themselves.” [388th Precinct Republicans Candidate Forum, 3/06/12]

AUDIO: Must Give Seniors a Personal Account Option

During an April 2012 appearance on the Garret Lewis Show on KNST, Kelly pledged his support for protecting Social Security benefits: “We cannot touch the benefits seniors have earned, while giving future generations choices -- choices of a personal account, something the government can't put its hands on. And in order to fund the obligations -- our promises that we have to keep to those seniors -- we continue to come back to energy. Because in order to fund those obligations, we actually need to grow our economy at a much greater rate than it's currently growing.” [AZ08RawFootage, KNST, Garret Lewis Show, 4/18/12]

VIDEO: Kelly – “You actually don’t even want the answer on this, grandpa.”

At an April 2012 meet and greet in La Cholla, Kelly was asked about Social Security:

Man: I have one for you. We understand -- I've been told that Social Security's in trouble primarily because the funds were raided way back when, never replaced. My question is: is that still being done?

Kelly: You actually don't even want the answer on this, grandpa. [La Cholla Country Club Meet and Greet, 4/23/12]

Other

Did Not Support Term Limits

During a 2012 candidate forum with the Greater Catalina Council, Kelly said of term limits:

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“There are a lot of things I support, but this is one I actually disagree with most conservatives on. The answer is no. I do not. I believe there is only one thing that will save the United States of America, and that's the American people becoming awake and engaged in their government and voting them out.” [Greater Catalina Council Candidate Forum, 4/02/12]

Personal

Had at Least Seven Traffic Violations Including over 15 mph in a School Zone

In March 2012, the Sonoran Alliance reported that Kelly had had seven moving violations including a September 2005 Tucson local charge, September 2005 registration in a county other than residence, a September 2005 emissions violation, a May 2010 Marana ticket for a speed in excess of 15 mph in a school zone, a May 2010 Marana local charge, another May 2010 Marana local charge, a July 2010 Marana local charge and a December 2010 photo ticket for failure to stop at a red light in Tucson. [Sonoran Alliance, 3/26/12]

Kelly: “I am not a politician, I’m a businessman”

In his February 2012 announcement speech, Kelly said, “I am not a politician, I’m a businessman.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

Has Been Living and Working in San Antonio

In announcing he would run for the eighth congressional district special election, Kelly said he did not have details on his time in San Antonio where his family’s construction business, Don Kelly Construction, had won a contract for part of a major public-works project but would provide reporters with them later. [Tucson Weekly, 2/03/12]

Claimed to Be Raising His Children in Arizona

In footage of his February 2012 announcement speech, Kelly was asked if he had left town and returned only as a political opportunist. Kelly said, “I work for the family construction business. We do business all over the country. My wife and I are raising our two boys right here in southern Arizona and like so many other families in southern Arizona, I have to pay my mortgage, put gas in my car and put food on my kids’ table.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

Responding To Question If His Wife Lived in AZ, Kelly Said, “She’s standing right behind you”

In footage of his February 2012 announcement speech, a reporter said to Kelly that Rick Stertz had also confirmed that Kelly had left town and moved to Texas to which Kelly said that was not true. The reporter asked, “Okay. Is your wife living here now?” and Kelly awkwardly responded, “She’s standing right behind you Jim.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

Note: This question noticeably makes Kelly uncomfortable.

Was Working on a San Antonio Sewer Line Project

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In footage of his February 2012 announcement speech, a reporter asked Kelly what project he was working on in Texas and Kelly said, “I’ll give you all the details on that after. It was a project in San Antonio, Texas, a sewer line project.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

Audio: Said He Was Managing Construction Projects for the Last Five Months Out of Town

In February 2012, Kelly appeared on the Buckmaster radio show and said, “I am a husband and father of two boys and I also manage construction projects for the family business, Don Kelly Construction. And we do work all over the country. So right after the election, I was not only doing a morning radio show here on this station for quite a while, I was managing a project right here. Then, for about the last five months, I had to manage a project out of town and that’s what I have to do to put gas in my car, feed my kids and pay my mortgage, so that’s this life of managing construction projects.” [Buckmaster Show, 33:07, 2/20/12]

Claimed His Residence Had Always Remained in Pima County

In February 2012, Kelly appeared on the Buckmaster radio show and was asked if his residence remained Pima County, to which Kelly responded, “Oh, absolutely. Unless you’re offering to buy my home right now so I can move across town, Bill, because right now I’m not happy with my house payment, but, yes, absolutely.” [Buckmaster Show, 33:40, 2/20/12]

Stem Cells

Tax Issues

Supported a Ten Percent Flat Tax

In his February 2012 announcement speech, Kelly said, “The rate would be as low as you could possible make it. But I support a ten percent flat tax. I support every American paying ten percent of their wages to the federal government. The federal government can figure out how to do that.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

Ten Percent with No Deductions

Kelly said that his ten percent flat tax rate would not include deductions. He said, “There will be no needed deductions if every American pays ten percent. That’s another thing, I’m glad you brought that up, Jim, that’s an excellent question. Filing taxes in this nation has become so unnecessarily complicated that the government itself doesn’t know how to do it. We’ve time that time and time again that the head of the IRS can’t file his taxes properly. It needs to be a simple process, a simple ten percent flat tax will take care of that.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

…Possibly Supported Eliminating the Payroll Tax

When asked if his ten percent flat tax plan would include payroll taxes, Kelly said, “A simple ten percent flat tax on all income taxes will take care of it.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

Tucson Weekly: Details in Kelly’s Tax Plan Are “Foggy”

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“There's no easy way to score the fiscal impact of Kelly's plan, because the details are foggy—for example, he's under the mistaken belief that getting rid of the mortgage deduction would lower the average tax bill, when instead, it would increase it. On top of that, there's no serious proposal along those lines in Congress.” [Tucson Weekly, 3/22/12]

Said We Should Reduce Taxes on “Every Individual”

In February 2012, Kelly appeared on the Buckmaster radio show and said, “We need to be reducing taxes on small businesses, reducing taxes on every individual…” [Buckmaster Show, 32:15, 2/20/12]

Kelly: “There’s Not a Single Tax out There That I Don’t Support Lowering”

In his February 2012 announcement speech, Kelly said, “I support anybody’s push to lower payroll taxes. I support lowering income taxes. I support lowering the corporate tax rate. I support lowering capital gains taxes. There’s not a single tax out there that I don’t support lowering.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

Wanted to Lower Everyone’s Taxes without Exception

In his February 2012 announcement speech, Kelly said he wanted to lower every American’s taxes.

He said, “The plan, specifically, is we need to, for one, lower the tax burden on every single family, EVERY single American that currently pays taxes needs to pay less in taxes. Arizona families know how to best spend their dollars, not the United States government. We also need to unshackle businesses in this country. We have the highest corporate tax rate in the world, we need to bring the tax burden down on those who create jobs, because right now, we need to be rewarding job creators in this nation, not punishing them.” [Tucson Sentinel, 2/03/12]

AUDIO: Again: Every American Should Pay the Same Tax Rate

In a March 2012 candidate debate hosted by the Green Valley Republican Club, Kelly said, “Every single American should pay the exact same tax rate.” [Green Valley Republican Club Debate, 4/12/12]

Kelly: What about a One Percent Tax across the Board Tax?

During a 2012 candidate forum with the Greater Catalina Council, Kelly said:

“What if we would all agree on a 1% tax across the board, every time? Income, corporate tax rate - everything kind of tax, 1%. That's so tiny, who could oppose it on the other side? That's a small thing. It would probably be the largest tax cut monetarily in American history. We can start with things like that, if we're interested in doing those things.” [Greater Catalina Council Candidate Forum, 4/02/12]

AUDIO: On Whether He Would Have Voted for the Buffett Rule: “Absolutely Not”

During an April 2012 appearance on the John C. Scott Show, Kelly was asked if he would have voted for the Buffett Rule had he been able to, and he said, “Absolutely not.” [AZ08RawFootage, KVOI, John C. Scott Show, 4/18/12]

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AUDIO: Did Not Deny He Wanted to Abolish the Minimum Wage – Just That Doing So Would Be Impossible

During an April 2012 appearance on the John C. Scott Show:

Host: You do not want to abolish the minimum wage?

Kelly: We can never -- we're never going to be able to abolish the minimum wage […] [4/18/12]

Tea Party

Disagreed with “Government Handing You Something”

In February 2012, Kelly said, “This country was built on making something of yourself. Not the government handing you something.” [Arizona Daily Star, 2/23/12]

Said Nothing Should Be Centered out of Washington

In a March 2012 forum hosted by the 388th Precinct Republicans, Kelly said, “Washington couldn't manage a carwash, let alone an economy, an education system or entitlement spending…You cannot have a central-controlled anything; it simply will not work in a country this diverse.” [Arizona Daily Star, 3/07/12]

VIDEO: Said the Country’s Problems Are Not Due to One Party or the Other

During an April 2012 meet and greet at the La Cholla Country Club, Kelly tried hitting a bipartisan note:

Kelly: “Right now, in this nation, Republicans and Democrats -- they're not both solutions. They are both the problem. They are. Don't think for a second that I'm standing up here telling you that 'Republicans, only Republicans can lead us forward, and only Democrats have hurt us.' It has been both parties in power several times throughout this nation that have brought us to where we are. Several times…” [La Cholla Country Club Meet and Greet, 4/23/12]

VIDEO: Would Do Away with Several Federal Departments

During an April 2012 meet and greet at the La Cholla Country Club, Kelly was asked if he would do away with any federal departments. He responded, “Oh, several of them.” [La Cholla Country Club Meet and Greet, 4/23/12]

Transportation Issues

Women’s Issues

AUDIO: “Government Has No Business Making Healthcare Decisions for Employers”

During an April 2012 appearance on the John C. Scott Show, Kelly was asked how he would have voted on the Blunt Amendment (exempt birth control from coverage as outlined in the health care law for employers with moral objects) and he responded, “Well, I'll say this. The government has no business making healthcare decisions for employers, for employees, providers - for anybody. This is the problem -

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that we're even discussing this issue, that the federal government should be involved in this in any way.” [AZ08RawFootage, KVOI, John C. Scott Show, 4/18/12]

National Right to Life Endorsed Kelly

In April 2012, the National Right to Life Political Action Committee endorsed Kelly.

David N. O’Steen, National Right to Life Executive Director said Kelly is needed in Congress “to reverse the pro-abortion and pro-rationing effects of that health care legislation,” referring to the President’s health care law that will supposedly “provide government funding for health plans that pay for abortion on demand.” [National Right to Life, 4/28/12]

Last updated 4/13/1217