Border senator being considered as Vice President could help Harris with important challenge.
Arizona Senator, Mark Kelly, has been a prominent figure in discussions about potential Vice President candidates for Kamala Harris. Known for his stance on border issues, Kelly has expressed support for the construction of a border wall and has at times criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the crisis.
While Vice President Harris has a history of advocating for left-wing immigration policies, including reducing enforcement funding, Kelly’s approach to the issue is notably more moderate, given his status as a senator from a border state.
Despite generally aligning with the Biden administration, Kelly has not hesitated to push back against certain policies. Following President Biden’s address to Congress in April 2021, Kelly was the sole Democratic senator to fault Biden for omitting mention of the border crisis in his speech.
In a letter to Biden the same year, Kelly urged the continuation of border wall construction in strategic areas, citing a specific stretch in the Yuma Sector known for high rates of border crossings. Subsequently, these gaps have been addressed.
Expressing concern over reports of the administration’s plan to end Title 42 expulsions in 2022, Kelly highlighted the need for a well-thought-out alternative strategy. Despite these criticisms, Kelly has supported certain Biden administration initiatives, such as the executive order that restricted entries during periods of heightened border crossings.
Kelly has a bipartisan legislative record on border security, collaborating with Republicans on various bills. Notably, he co-sponsored a bill to raise Border Patrol pay by 14% and establish a new reserve force. Additionally, Kelly worked with Republicans on legislation requiring the Department of Homeland Security to develop a strategic plan to manage surges in migrant activity.
He has consistently pushed for additional federal resources at the border and secured funding for various border security measures, encompassing operations, technology, and surveillance enhancements. Kelly endorsed a bipartisan Senate border security agreement earlier in the year, emphasizing increased border funding and stricter restrictions on interior entries.
Sen. Kelly also criticized Republicans for failing to support the Senate deal while expressing his support for Biden’s executive order. He underscored the Senate’s missed opportunities to address border issues collaboratively.
Several individuals within Arizona believe that selecting Kelly as Vice President would benefit Harris, particularly in addressing border concerns. Yuma County Supervisor Tony Reyes stated that having a border state senator as Vice President could enhance Harris’ approach to border issues.
Politico reported that three congressional Democrats from border states like California and Texas have publicly advocated for Kelly as a potential running mate.
In presidential campaigns, candidates often choose running mates to bolster areas of perceived weakness. Republicans have consistently criticized Harris for her management of the border crisis, a responsibility she assumed in 2021 to address the root causes of migration through diplomacy.
Termed the “border czar” by critics, Harris visited the border, Mexico, and Guatemala as part of her diplomatic efforts. While the White House has rejected the czar label, Republicans have linked her to the ongoing border challenges.
Former President Trump, in a recent press call, blamed Harris for the influx of illegal immigrants and alleged migrant-related crimes since her appointment as border czar. The Harris campaign has refuted these claims, contrasting her approach to border security with Trump’s policies.
A campaign spokesperson for Harris asserted that Trump’s border security approach involved divisive actions, while Harris focuses on genuine solutions to secure the nation’s borders. The spokesperson emphasized Harris’ commitment to addressing border challenges effectively.
