By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Gas prices in Arizona have jumped about $1.50 since the start of the war with Iran, and polls show a majority of Americans blame the White House. But Andy Biggs campaign is placing blame on the governor’s office.
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“Arizonans are struggling under Katie Hobbs. Rising housing and gas costs are hurting our bottom line,” according to a new ad from a Republican candidate for governor, Andy Biggs.
However, the spike in gas prices didn’t start at the state capitol. It started after the first bombs dropped in Iran.
Political risk in the strategy
“The governor doesn’t control gas prices in California … the conflict with Iran and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz,” said Barrett Marson, a Republican consultant.
Marson said the Biggs campaign is wasting its time with this argument. One poll reveals the public’s mind is made up — over 60% of Americans blame President Trump for the gas prices.
So this tactic carries some political risk. If voters are angry about the war, and if Biggs is seen as closely aligned with Trump, Marson said those same voters could hold Biggs responsible, not the governor.
“The war in Iran is pretty unpopular, and Andy Biggs has not put any kind of check or balance on President Trump’s ability to wage war,” Marson said.
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In March, Biggs voted against a measure to halt military action in Iran. So Democrats have argued that he’s at least partly accountable.
In response to the Biggs attack ad, the governor’s campaign issued a statement that reads in part: “No matter how much Andy Biggs tries to hide from his harmful record, he has nobody to blame but himself for the high costs, and Arizonans won’t fall for these desperate political smears.”
Arizona is about a month and a half away from the first early votes in the primaries.
Polls have shown Biggs leading his Republican opponent, David Schweikert. Biggs also holds a big advantage in fundraising.
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