Just days away from the 2016 presidential election, Republican nominee Donald Trump made a stop in Phoenix on Saturday.
It was Trump’s seventh visit to the state, and the usual Valley faces were there — former Gov. Jan Brewer, Sheriff Joe Arpaio and state Treasurer Jeff DeWit.
One newcomer who spoke was Carl Mueller, the father of murdered Islamic State captive and Arizona-native Kayla Mueller.
“We pleaded with the administration to let us do what was needed, but they refused, and blocked us from doing what we needed to do many times. It’s time for a change," said Mueller.
Mueller has been critical of how the Obama administration handled his daughter’s hostage situation by not paying ransom. He said Trump’s defense policy would keep America safer.
Trump, who spoke on defense and immigration, also spoke about the failure of Obamacare, specifically in Arizona.
“Obamacare is a catastrophe for Arizona and it’s a catastrophe for the United States of America. And we’re going to get rid of it," said Trump.
Trump referenced insurers leaving the marketplace, causing more than one hundred and twenty thousand people in Maricopa County to lose policies. And, increasing premium costs.
He also endorsed Arpaio, telling supporters to re-elect him, after recent criminal contempt of court charges for the Maricopa County sheriff.