Eli Crane and Mark Lamb Rally Voters in Camp Verde

The Central Arizona Conservatives convened at Camp Verde’s American Heritage Academy on July 18, featuring notable guest speakers including incumbent freshman U.S. Rep. Eli Crane [R-District 2] and Pinal County Sheriff and U.S. Senate candidate Mark Lamb. The meeting occurred just hours before former President Donald Trump officially accepted the Republican nomination at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Eli Crane remarked on the timing of his appearance, having flown in directly from the convention. “It was my first time at such a convention, and it was quite an experience. We managed to address the Arizona delegation earlier today,” said Crane. Trump has publicly endorsed Crane in the District 2 race, adding another layer of significance to his participation.

Crane is currently focused on urging the House Committee on Homeland Security, on which he sits, to have FBI Director Christopher A. Wray testify regarding an alleged assassination attempt on Trump. He also aims to involve Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. “We want them to testify without subpoenas, but we’re prepared to issue them if necessary,” Crane emphasized, highlighting his commitment to federal oversight.

Crane briefly touched upon his first term and his primary challenger, Jack Smith, linking Smith to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Crane was one of eight Republicans who voted with Democrats to remove McCarthy, leading McCarthy’s donors to support challengers like Smith against Crane and his allies.

Jack Smith, Crane’s primary challenger, promoted his qualifications, including his tenure as a Yavapai County District 5 Supervisor and his appointment by Trump to head the USDA’s rural development program. Smith argues that Crane is out of touch with rural voters due to his residence outside District 2. Smith also took part in the Citizens Clean Elections Commission’s CD2 Republican debate, during which he declared he would not have voted to remove McCarthy.

Mark Lamb shared his loyalty to Crane, revealing he declined an offer to run against Crane in the primary due to his loyalty. Lamb is currently running against Kari Lake for the U.S. Senate. “I have no desire to campaign for Congress every two years,” Lamb said, adding that his withdrawal would almost guarantee a win for Democrat Ruben Gallego.

Lamb trails Lake, a former newscaster and gubernatorial candidate, in most polls by significant margins. He called for greater U.S. energy independence, noting that American oil and natural gas production has hit record highs, outpacing rivals like Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Camp Verde Town Manager Miranda Fisher briefly discussed the Yavapai-Apache Nation’s Water Rights Settlement Agreement with Crane. The agreement, approved by the tribal council on June 26, aims to secure water rights for the Nation through a new pipeline from the C.C. Cragin Reservoir to the Verde Valley. “We hope he supports this as it moves through Congress,” Fisher said, stressing the importance of securing water for future infrastructure projects in Camp Verde.

Additionally, a petition circulating during the event urged the Camp Verde Town Council to delay decisions on city ordinances until after upcoming elections.