By Elaine McGuire | Point of View
As an engaged Democrat, I have hosted forums, knocked doors, and talked with voters across the political spectrum.
A common theme — regardless of party — is people want candidates to show up and be genuine. I have had buyer’s remorse before and don’t want that again. I want the strongest Democratic candidate, with long-term values I can trust, to defeat David Schweikert.
Marlene Galán Woods is running for Congress as a Democrat in AZ-01. She’s developed a reputation for skipping events and dodging her past GOP affiliation.
In a recent Arizona Republic article, Marlene struggled to defend her Republican past. What jumped out was Marlene’s claim that she was hesitant to go on a 1988 blind date with her future husband, Grant Woods, because he was a Republican. In a fundraising email, Marlene recalled:
“A friend asked to set me up on a blind date with a Republican. After covering the GOP convention as a reporter, I was nervous, to say the least. Before I agreed, I asked if he was at least pro-choice. He was, so I said yes.”
This narrative isn’t credible. Marlene was a Republican her entire adult life until November 2018, so why would she fear Grant’s Republicanism? The article noted that both of Marlene’s parents were Republicans:
“[Marlene] declined opportunities to discuss specific policy positions or views that made her align with Republicans…she said that her family background pushed her toward the Republican Party…”
Marlene’s concern about Grant’s abortion stance implies she was highly engaged. Yet, the Maricopa County Voter History Report shows she didn’t start voting in Arizona until 1998 (despite registering as a Republican in 1992!).
As a reporter, Marlene would have been aware of Reagan’s 1988 “Pro-Life Act” prohibiting federal dollars from being used to fund abortion. The GOP platform backed this. Despite this, Marlene was still a Republican and would be for 30 more years. Why?
The Woods’ married in 1990. As someone with a spouse in elected office, I’m shocked Marlene wasn’t engaged enough to vote for her husband in his 1991 election for AG. She didn’t vote in Arizona until 1998 and missed some elections in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2018, and even 2020! This is not the behavior of an engaged voter.
During the 1990s, AG Woods battled Planned Parenthood. There is no indication Marlene spoke up then. Years later, AG Woods chaired the campaign of Gov. Jan Brewer, a longtime politician and pro-lifer who signed some of the harshest anti-abortion bills in America. Marlene donated a maximum amount to Brewer in 2009, which she now doesn’t remember.
While silent on abortion rights, Marlene also never spoke out against Brewer’s other policies including her work to destroy unions, end all-day kindergarten, kill child health programs, and advance SB 1070. Some argue Marlene wasn’t a public figure, but she was a former broadcaster who claims she has always been a fighter for democratic principles. If so, please show us where.
In 2012, Marlene loudly supported Mitt Romney, who had a complex relationship with abortion. In 2013, Marlene admitted she was more conservative than Grant and stated she was previously for traditional marriage before evolving on the issue of gay rights.
In 2017, Marlene amplified a pro-life tweet; she claims she was promoting an adoption tax credit. Perhaps, but viewed holistically, Marlene’s behavior reflects the pattern of a longtime Republican.
Just look at her financial contributors: The notorious Schweikert donor Jay Swart and election-denying attorney Dennis Wilenchick, who represented the GOP in several election-denying cases. Marlene eventually gave Wilenchick’s contribution to the League of Women Voters, but Wilenchick says Marlene would “be a fine representative” in Congress.
Marlene seems to be trying to rewrite history. While I appreciate a person changing, I don’t appreciate revisionist history. Marlene has been MIA at most candidate forums (including one I hosted), she’s repeatedly missing opportunities to defend her record or present coherent ideas about how she’ll effectively govern as a Democrat. So we can’t blindly accept she will.
Editor’s Note: Elaine McGurire is chairperson of the Foothills Democrats
