By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Republican Party is trying to energize its voters this week with a rare mid-term convention headlined by President Donald Trump.
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But not every Republican candidate running in a contested race is planning to be there.
On Wednesday, the Republican National Committee is set to host a convention in Dallas. The two-night event represents the first time in 40 years that a major political party will host such an event ahead of a mid-term election.
As the battle for control of Washington and key governor’s races heats up, a couple of Arizona’s most high-profile candidates in contested races are choosing to skip the event.
At the center of this dynamic are three of Arizona’s most pivotal and closely watched races: the governor’s race and the state’s two key congressional swing districts, which could tip the balance of power in Washington D.C.
Among those who plan to avoid Dallas is Rep. Andy Biggs, the Republican nominee for Governor.
While Biggs has been a steadfast ally of Trump over the past decade, supporting him through both political highs and lows, his campaign confirmed he will not attend what RNC organizers have dubbed “Trump-a-Palooza,” citing prior commitments.
Political analysts suggest the absences are highly strategic.
“Trump’s negatives are significantly outweighing the positives for people to come to him,” said Chuck Coughlin, a prominent Arizona political consultant.
Coughlin pointed to the president’s low approval ratings, persistent inflation and foreign policy concerns, such as the conflict in Iran, as liabilities for candidates trying to appeal to moderate and independent voters in general election matchups.
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Similarly, Rep. Juan Ciscomani is steering clear of the Texas convention. Ciscomani, locked in a tight re-election battle in Arizona’s highly competitive 6th Congressional District, is choosing to stay in-state to focus on a critical televised debate scheduled for this week.
Not every Arizona Republican is keeping their distance.
Former professional football kicker Jay Feely, the Republican candidate running in Arizona’s other swing district, Congressional District 1, is traveling to Dallas as a keynote speaker.
Coughlin said this is likely a financial necessity.
“I assume what he’s allowing to happen is his fundraising desires are overwhelming his political desires because he needs money to get his message out,” Coughlin said.
Feely, however, rejected the idea that his attendance is merely about campaign cash. In a statement, Feely argued that Republican leadership requires active engagement and visibility.
“You don’t win by hiding,” Feely said. “I’m speaking in Dallas because Republicans need to show up, make our case to the country and fight to keep the House.”
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