Trent Franks is running to be re-elected to his fifth term in Congress. As a representative of District 2 for Arizona, what has Trent Franks done to deserve re-election?
Looking at his record: Nothing. Literally.
What exactly has Trent Franks been doing in Washington?
So, since Trent Franks was elected in the 2002 election to replace retiring Congressman Bob Stump, what has he actually accomplished?
Trent Franks has sponsored 20 bills since Jan 7, 2003 of which 20 haven't made it out of committee and none were successfully enacted.
GovTrack
In the nearly 8 years Trent Franks has been in office, he's only found time to come up with 20 ideas on how to make Arizona's 2nd District a better place. Not one single bill that Trent Franks introduced has had anything to do with policies that would lead to a higher quality of life in District 2.
Let's look at this in investment terms. With Trent Franks as our congressman here in District 2, we've paid approximately $1,200,000 (about $160,000 per year) (source) for Trent Franks to represent this district. That works out to about $60,000 per (failed) bill that has brought a net of $0 to be reinvested into this district.
If you can't beat 'em...
But it isn't enough for Trent Franks to continue to push the same rejected ideas, year after year. He actively votes against programs that would help his constituents- programs that he could very well introduce himself, but doesn't.
Trent Franks voted against the Post 9/11 GI Bill (HR2642) - a bill that has helped veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan go to college and seek a brighter future.
What was the last thing that Franks has done for Luke Air Force base, one of the major employers in District 2? An underpass. He didn't take leadership in ensuring that the JSF (F-35) came to Luke. And when Luke was threatened with closure during the BRAC, what did Franks have to say?
We truly went to the wall to ensure that Luke could be maintained as a viable military installation that meets the needs of the Air Force and helps them fulfill their mission.
...
We are grateful beyond words that Secretary Rumsfeld has recognized Luke's value and wisely chosen to keep it in operation."
Source
That's great! But Mr. Franks, where have you been the past 5 years as West Valley communities have been fighting to stave off development? Trent Franks must think he can stop working for us after three years on the job; I haven't heard hide nor hair of him talk about Luke's development issues. A congressman should help lead public opinion at home, not just be a fair-weather friend.
Trent Franks takes missile defense seriously. As a matter of fact, when it comes to national security, that's really all he talks about. What jobs does missile defense bring to District 2? NONE! Missile defense is an expensive system that is based on Cold War-Era ideology that will not counter the type of attacks that are the most threat today (dirty bombs by non-nation state aligned factions). His concern that Iran and North Korea will be capable of launching pre-emptive ICBM strikes against America without repercussion are delusional- but I guess that could fit Franks' recent actions to a "T".
We're paying for WHAT?!?
What HAS Trent Franks been doing in Washington, DC? We know it isn't creating jobs. We know it isn't fending off cuts to Social Security and Medicare.
Well, here's what we do know:
- Trent Franks has said abortion is worse than slavery
Half of all black children are aborted. Far more of the African-American community is being devastated by the policies of today than were being devastated by policies of slavery.
- Trent Franks reads books published by World Net Daily (home of Joseph Farah) that
a) Call into question Obama's citizenship (Franks agreed, then recanted), but signed onto the birther bill anyways.
b) Depict a vast Muslim conspiracy to participate in lobbying and government via internships (Trent Franks wants to investigate Muslims for participating in government).
If you'd like to know more about what Trent Franks has been doing in Washington, read
Trent Franks votes against America
Standing for the People
So who is willing to stand up and work for the people? John Thrasher, that's who! John recently signed onto the pledge to protect Social Security and Medicare, sponsored by the Progressive Caucus and fellow Arizonan Raul Grijalva.
What does John stand for?
John Thrasher wants to bring the new green economy to District 2.
John Thrasher wants to create jobs while protecting Main Street from the excesses of Wall Street.
The choice is clear.
John needs $300 to finish this campaign strong. He's going to be showing District 2 that there is a choice on Monday (Oct. 25), when he debates Trent Franks.
So, please, Please, PLEASE help John finish strong.
Contribute.
Tweet.
And come to support John Monday night!!!