Breaking Battlegrounds

Republican candidate for US Senate, Jim Lamon, joins us in-studio this week. Jim is a Fortune 500 executive with more than 30 years' experience in the engineering and construction of large-scale power plants, Jim Lamon is the Founder and Chairman of DEPCOM Power, headquartered in Arizona. Responsible for creating 1,600 jobs across the country, DEPCOM is one of the fastest-growing solar power companies in the U.S. and was ranked the fifth fastest-growing private company in the U.S. by Inc. 5000 in 2018. DEPCOM's corporate practices reflect Jim's deep commitment to serving the community, honoring the sacrifices of veterans, and supporting American workers. Under Jim's leadership, DEPCOM donates ten percent (10%) of its net income to charities across our country, $7 million to date and growing to help Arizona's and America's less fortunate. Twenty percent (20%) of DEPCOM's staff served in the United States Military, four times the national average of those who have served.CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholes Show notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Broken Potholes, Chuck and Sam are joined in studio by candidate for Arizona Attorney General, Lacy Cooper. For the past eight years, Lacy has been on the front lines securing Arizona's and our nation's border. As a federal prosecutor and Border Security Section Chief in the United States Attorney's Office, Lacy fought against dangerous Mexican cartels who were trafficking drugs and humans into the United States and firearms and cash back to Mexico. She prosecuted gang members who deteriorated the fabric of our local communities, and terrorists who took advantage of loopholes in the United States' immigration system. Lacy knows firsthand what it takes to keep our country safe, and she has a record of doing just that.Lacy began her career as a Deputy County Attorney in Gila County fighting all levels of crime and defending the vulnerable. She spearheaded a task force targeting the most prevalent drug dealers. She prosecuted white-collar criminals who defrauded Arizonans. And she obtained lengthy sentences for sexual predators. Lacy ensured victims' rights were protected and justice was served.Lacy has lived in Arizona for over 30 years. She moved to Arizona in elementary school and graduated from Dobson High School in Mesa. Born in the oil fields of southeastern New Mexico, Lacy learned the value of hard work from her father's side of the family, all of whom spent their Friday nights at high school football games and their Saturday mornings on the rigs. She was also blessed to have school teachers, coaches and administrators on her mother's side who devoted themselves to her education. Lacy brings this legacy of perseverance, aptitude and servant leadership to all of her endeavors.CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholes Show notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Broken Potholes, Chuck and Sam are joined by Geoff Duncan. As Lt. Governor of the State of Georgia, Geoff never expected to find himself in the national spotlight – or in the crosshairs of the President of the United States. Then the 2020 Election and its aftermath brought the nation's attention to Georgia. Amidst a hurricane of conspiracy and misinformation, Geoff spoke up for truth, conservative values, and the Republican Party he knows. His experiences inspired him to write the book GOP 2.0.A former professional baseball player and successful entrepreneur, Geoff was elected Georgia's Lieutenant Governor in November of 2018. Geoff graduated from Chattahoochee High School in Alpharetta where he met his wife, Brooke. Geoff and Brooke both attended the Georgia Institute of Technology where Geoff was a scholarship pitcher. After a successful career at Georgia Tech, Geoff was drafted by the Florida Marlins' organization. Geoff spent six seasons playing baseball in the minor leagues, advancing as high as AAA before a shoulder injury forced his retirement in the early 2000s. After retiring from baseball, Geoff and his wife Brooke started a small marketing firm in their living room. The company experienced tremendous success which allowed Geoff and Brooke to sell the business and move on to multiple other entrepreneurial ventures. Geoff most recently served as the CEO of a health technology startup. Geoff's faith inspired him to a life of leadership and prompted his upstart run for political office. He was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2012. During his time in office he authored several important pieces of legislation. These include HB 749-The Cargo Theft Act, HB152-Michael's Law and most recently SB258- the Rural Hospital Tax Credit. Geoff and Brooke are married and have three sons: Parker (17), Bayler (13), and Ryder (9). Geoff has coached 23 different youth sports teams, and also leads a weekly bible study with his wife Brooke. The Duncans attend Browns Bridge Community Church, an affiliate of North Point Community Church.GOP 2.0 is available at gop2.org CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholes Show notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Broken Potholes, Chuck and Sam are joined by Republican candidate for Congress in Arizona's 9th Congressional District, Tanya Wheeless. Tanya Wheeless is a valley native, who was born to teen parents, and is the granddaughter of immigrants. She grew up in a working class family that often struggled, but despite the challenges she learned the importance of faith, family, hard work, and personal responsibility. Driven by the desire to create a better life for herself, Tanya worked from the time she was fourteen. She earned an academic scholarship to put herself through Arizona State University, becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college. She went on to graduate from ASU Law with distinction earning a job at one of the nation's top law firms. As a lawyer, business association CEO, sports executive with the Phoenix Suns, small business owner, and community advocate she understands the impact that policy can have on our lives. Tanya lives in Tempe with her husband Steve, an attorney and former F-16 pilot in the U.S. Air Force. They have three wonderful children and two dogs who keep them on their toes. When they aren't hiking or exploring new places you can find them at grandma's enjoying dinner and playing dominoes.CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholes Show notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Broken Potholes, Sam Stone is joined by Alexander Kolodin and Anthony Kern for a discussion on the important role our state legislature has to play. Alexander Kolodin is the president of Kolodin Law Group and has worked on many high profile cases. He is a graduate of Georgetown University and Pennsylvania Law School. He is currently running for the Arizona House of Representatives in LD 23. Anthony Kern is a former Arizona State Representative for LD20 who was first elected win 2014. As an Arizona State Representative, Anthony has served on committees such as Chairman Rules Committee; Chairman Joint Legislative Audit Committee; Vice-Chair of Public Safety; Vice-Chair Ways and Means; Member Commerce Committee; Member Appropriations Committee; Member Judiciary Committee. He is currently running for State Senate.CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholes Show notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Broken Potholes, Sam and Chuck are joined by two great guests. In the first half of the show, Professor Eric Kaufmann of Birkbeck College for a discussion of race in American politics. Later, State Representative Jeff Weninger calls in to discuss Arizona's new sports gambling law, which he sponsored in the state legislature. Eric Kaufmann is Professor of Politics at Birkbeck College, University of London, UK. Though a native of Vancouver, British Columbia, he was born in Hong Kong and spent eight early years of his life in Tokyo. In winter, his favourite pastimes are (ice) hockey and skiing. In summer, cooling off in the ocean or by the lake. Eric is principally interested in cultural politics: ethnicity, national identity and religion.Jeff Weninger is a member of the Arizona House of Representatives representing District 17 since January 5, 2015. Before serving in the legislature, Weninger served on the Chandler City Council for eight years and held the position of Vice Mayor. He is also a small business owner and is now running for State Treasurer. CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholes Show notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Broken Potholes, Sam and Chuck are joined by Dr. Anders Corr as they continue their look at President Biden's military withdrawal from Afghanistan and its effects on the global political stage. Dr. Anders Corr is Publisher of the Journal of Political Risk. He has analyzed international political risk, including in the academic, political, and business fields, for over fifteen years. His areas of expertise include quantitative approaches to conflict, rare events, and public opinion. Dr. Corr has in-depth field experience in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and has worked for several consultancies and government agencies, including Booz Allen Hamilton, United States Army, United States Pacific Command (USPACOM), United States Special Operations Command Pacific (USSOCPAC), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He founded Corr Analytics to provide strategic analysis of international political risk for commercial entities, and the Journal of Political Risk to provide a peer-reviewed outlet for a diverse group of insightful analysts. Dr. Corr has a B.A. in International Relations from Yale (Summa cum laude), and a Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University. CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholes Show notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Broken Potholes, Chuck and Sam are joined by Shay Khatiri, a contributor for The Bulwark, who brings unique insight on Biden's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.Shay is a writer, an MA candidate in Strategic Studies and International Economics and, an Ambassador Andreas Baum Fellow at Johns Hopkins University, The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. Shay grew up in Iran. Following his active participation in the Green Movement, Shay was permanently banned from academia in Iran and left the country in December, 2011. He lived in Budapest, Hungary, for two and a half years and moved to Arizona to study politics at Arizona State University. In 2016, the government of Iran blacklisted him, and he is currently seeking political asylum in the United States. Because of his work for the victims of the Tree of Life synagogue attack, Shay has received the Beacon Award from the Ellis Island Honors Society and American Immigrant Society and the Hero of the Community Award from the Johns Hopkins University's Alumni Association. Shay is a contributor to The Bulwark and The Week. In addition, his writings have appeared a a variety of publications, such as the Wall Street Journal, Mosaic, The American Interest,National Review, The Strategy Bridge, Quillette, Jerusalem Post, the New York Post, Law and Liberty, and ArcDigital. He is also a public speaker and a member of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's Speakers Bureau.CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholes Show notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

This week, State Representative Joseph Chaplik joins Chuck and Sam in studio after a successful legislative season at the Arizona capitol. Later in the show, Washington Times reporter Jeff Mordock calls in to give us an inside look at the Biden White House. Joseph Chaplik has more than 25 years of executive leadership experience building and guiding top-tier companies. His past business knowledge, expertise, and accomplishments with Fortune 500 telecommunication companies has conditioned him for future success.Having the entrepreneurial spirit, in 2005 he ventured out and founded Joseph Bernard Investment Real Estate, specializing in multi-family investments and has experience with over $1B in sales volume. He has offices in Arizona (HQ), Oregon, and Washington.Joseph Chaplik was elected into the Arizona House of Representatives from District 23, which encompasses Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Rio Verde.Jeff Mordock is the White House reporter for The Washington Times and previously the Justice Department reporter for The Washington Times. A native of Newtown, Pennsylvania, he previously worked for Gannett and has won awards from both the Delaware Press Association and the Maryland Delaware D.C. Press Association. He is a graduate of George Washington University. CONNECT WITH US Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholes Show notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

Arizona State Senator and candidate for Arizona Treasurer, David Livingston, joins Chuck and Sam on this week's episode of Broken Potholes. David has spent more than half his life living and working in Arizona. He has helped parents save for their children's education, provided solutions to adults with parents who require special care, and guided many people toward their financial and retirement goals. After graduating from Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in Finance in 1988, Livingston began building a financial consulting business with Ameriprise Financial, Inc., a diversified US financial services company with location through the country. During the ensuing 20 years, Livingston achieved elite status with Ameriprise, which placed him in the top 10 percent of franchise owners worldwide. Livingston sold his franchise in 2013. He is a former member of both the Glendale and Peoria Chambers of Commerce, and is a past Board Member of the Glendale/Peoria YMCA. Livingston was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2012 for District 22. During his first term at the Legislature, he served as vice chairman for the House Committee on Financial Institutions. During this time, Livingston also served as a member of the House Committee on Insurance and Retirement, and the House Committee on Public Safety, Military and Regulatory Affairs. Livingston was re-elected in 2014. During his second term, he was selected by his fellow Republicans to serve as Majority Whip for the Republican Caucus. David has been married to his wife Tracy Livingston since 1988. They have a son, Kyle, who attends college part-time in Prescott and works fulltime for a hospital there. David and Tracy enjoy scuba diving, playing tennis and traveling. They attend Christ's Church of the Valley and currently live in Peoria with their two rescue dogs, Kate and Spencer. CONNECT WITH US Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholes Show notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe