Republican congressional candidate Jay Feely told Newsmax Thursday that Arizona voters will see a clear contrast between himself and Democrat opponent Amit Shah and expressed gratitude for President Donald Trump's endorsement.
Appearing on "Carl Higbie: FRONTLINE," the former NFL kicker and sportscaster said he appreciated Trump's backing in the race for Arizona's 5th Congressional District.
"I was grateful for his support," Feely said. "He and I have been friends for almost two decades."
Feely said he has played golf with Trump and has assisted the president at various events over the past decade.
"I think he knows that I'm going to be somebody who's going to go there, who's going to stand up for his constituents, who's going to fight for the things I believe in," Feely said.
He said his priorities include strengthening the economy, creating more jobs in Arizona, and addressing rising costs facing families.
"That's creating an economy that works for everyone," Feely said. "It's creating an economy that brings more jobs to Arizona, that deals with the affordability crisis, and that gives opportunity to everyone."
Feely added that he believes the United States offers opportunities for success through hard work and personal responsibility.
"That's what makes this country great," he said. "If you make great decisions and you work hard, you can be a success."
Turning to the race itself, Feely said voters will see what he described as fundamental differences between himself and Shah.
"I think the people of Arizona will see the stark difference that exists between our political beliefs. He's lockstep party," he said.
"The Democratic Party has embraced democratic socialism. He's one of these guys that believes that you shouldn't have property rights," Feely continued.
"He believes that the free market system is broken. He wants to abolish borders."
Feely offered no evidence for those claims during the interview. Although Shah's critics argue his policy positions point in that direction, he has not publicly advocated abolishing private property rights or eliminating U.S. borders.
The Republican candidate also criticized Democrats over tax policy, arguing they oppose tax cuts that benefit lower- and middle-income workers, including eliminating federal taxes on tips and overtime pay.
"The Democrats want to get rid of those tax cuts, and then they want to run on affordability at the same time," Feely said. "The hypocrisy should be evident to everybody."
Feely, who is seeking to succeed Rep. Andy Biggs as Biggs runs for Arizona governor, said he believes his campaign will resonate with voters looking for conservative leadership in the battleground state.
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