Democratic candidates hope to ride anti-Trump wave to victory in GOP congressional stronghold

The Democrats vying to replace disgraced former Rep. Trent Franks hope a national wave of opposition to President Donald Trump will help them break Republicans' decades-long vice grip on the West Valley congressional seat.

Physician Hiral Tipirneni and activist Brianna Westbrook took every opportunity Thursday to say how they oppose Trump's policies — on immigration, taxes, climate change and other issues — during an hourlong debate hosted by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com.

It was in sharp contrast to five of their GOP foes, who debated Wednesday, promoting themselves as border-security hawks and loyal allies of the president.

"The voters, they're wanting to talk about the issues, they're not talking partisan ideology," Tipirneni said. "The energy is there, it's on the ground and I'm incredibly excited to see the results of this election."

Read more: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/01/25/democratic-candidates-hope-ride-anti-trump-wave-victory-gop-congressional-stronghold/1067986001/