Could Arizona be headed down the same path as Colorado did during the 2012 election cycle?
With the legalization of marijuana on the ballot, it is eerily reminiscent of the Colorado election. However, Arizona has an extra measure on the ballot Colorado did not. Voters will also have the choice to increase minimum wage.
These two ballot measures together in one election sets up Democrat voters to show up en masse. This could potentially turn the red state of Arizona, blue.
It goes without saying, if Democrats show up to vote on a specific measure, they will also vote straight party line down the ticket.
The aftermath of the 2012 election in Colorado gave birth to some of the most extreme gun control any state in the country has faced. Democrat state senators elected during that cycle pushed an assault on the 2nd Amendment that garnered nationwide attention.
The laws put a ban on magazines holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition, a universal background check and a requirement that buyers pay for their background checks.
Due to these burdensome regulations, four separate gun manufactures left the state taking their revenue and employment opportunities with them. Magpul planned to expand in Colorado, but halted those plans when HB1224 was introduced for debate.
After outcry from Colorado residents, Senate President John Morse and Senator Angela Giron were recalled for their efforts to pass the bill. Both were replaced with Republicans.
The question on the minds of many in Arizona is, will the ballot measures in November net the same results as Colorado in 2012?
We already know Arizona seems to be in play this November, as Trump is barely leading Clinton 2.2 percent in recent polling. Trump recently made his sixth campaign appearance in Arizona, indicating he possibly sees Arizona as being a potential battleground state.