In Florence, Tortosa’s McCain Launches Unhinged Rant Against Maricopa

During a recent Pinal County Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Rich Vitiello found himself bewildered by a tirade from Barry McCain, a losing candidate for Maricopa’s seat. McCain, a resident of Tortosa, took the opportunity to voice his grievances against current and former members of the Maricopa City Council, including Vitiello.

McCain’s three-minute address left the audience confused, as he demanded accountability for what he described as “bad, deceitful behavior.” His comments were directed at Mayor Nancy Smith, Vice Mayor Henry Wade, and Vitiello, though the specifics of his accusations were unclear.

Beginning his speech with claims of royal lineage, McCain asserted that he was a relative of the King of France and the Queen of England, as well as being a cousin to the late Senator John McCain. However, he offered no evidence to substantiate these assertions. His comments included allegations of “psychological manipulation and harassment” from Florida Democrats in 2000 and invoked the words of author James Baldwin.

Transitioning into concerns about electoral integrity, McCain posed a rhetorical question: “How can we protect the vote and citizens’ rights with unqualified candidates?” He mentioned certain pieces of legislation under consideration but failed to present a coherent argument relating to his accusations against the council members.

Vitiello expressed confusion over McCain’s comments, stating, “I don’t understand what he said. His aunt’s the Queen of England?” He suggested that McCain’s outburst stemmed from his recent election loss, in which McCain did not secure enough signatures to qualify as a Republican candidate for District 1 supervisor.

McCain later attempted to run as a write-in candidate but garnered only 84 votes, raising questions about the support he claimed to possess. Vitiello described McCain’s behavior as increasingly erratic, noting that McCain has repeatedly targeted him and fellow council members with accusations of unfitness for office without providing substantive evidence.

Following the meeting, Vitiello indicated that he had sent McCain a cease-and-desist letter, considering further legal action if necessary. “I’m all for freedom of speech,” Vitiello said, “but I won’t allow it to be used to lie and make up stuff.”