By Tara Kavaler Arizona Republic
Republican congressional candidate Tanya Contreras Wheeless over the years has donated at least $2,180 to Democratic campaigns in Arizona.
This includes Rep. Greg Stanton, the incumbent Democratic U.S. House member in the new 4th Congressional District whom Wheeless would face if she wins the Aug. 2 GOP primary.
Wheeless, a former president and CEO of the Arizona Bankers Association and a deputy chief of staff to former U.S. Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., touts her Republican credentials on her website and uses Democrats in office to fundraise on Twitter. Yet, she contributed to five Democratic campaigns between 2004 and 2012, one twice, with no donation under $250.
Wheeless is one of five GOP contenders in the primary race. The winner will take on Stanton in November.
Wheeless’ campaign manager Katie Larkin responded in a written statement:
“As a valley business leader, Tanya wrote checks to a variety of candidates for different offices – much like President Donald Trump when he was in business. It should be noted that Tanya has given 4x more to Republicans than Democrats, has never been a registered Democrat, nor has she ever campaigned for Democrats. Tanya’s voting history and conservative credentials are rock solid. She can be trusted to fight for families, safe communities, and limited government which has earned her the endorsements of the National Border Patrol Council, law enforcement, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, and many more.”
