
PHOENIX — On Thursday, Governor Doug Ducey announced a series of questionable actions in response to the increase of positive COVID-19 tests results. Speaking at the State Public Health Laboratory, Ducey emphasized the need for wearing masks, outlined his plans for the distribution of the vaccine, and threw a small amount of money at desperate restaurants struggling to stay afloat.
During the question and answer period of the event, the testy governor took a cheap shot at AZGOP Chair Dr. Kelli Ward, in response to the fact that on December 1, she questioned his decision to certify the state’s election results despite serious allegations of fraud.
.@dougducey – I recommend you watch the replay… https://t.co/avZy1l8twB
— Dr. Kelli Ward ?? (@kelliwardaz) December 1, 2020
The maskless governor told Ward to “practice what you preach;” in essence telling her to be quiet.
Ward hit back on Twitter:
If Arizonans are wearing masks & we are told endlessly that masks work, why is Ducey is giving a press conference about cases & threatening business closures? ? The answer: BECAUSE THIS IS A VIRUS. Wash your hands. Stay out of faces. Stay home when sick. #COVID19 https://t.co/R5Q6rVXzJ6
— Dr. Kelli Ward ?? (@kelliwardaz) December 2, 2020
Arizona voters want their elected representatives to stand tall & defend the rule of law—not see them cower & surrender to the mob when the pressure is on. There are no election results until We the People have our day in court. You promised us that, Governor. #ElectionIntegrity pic.twitter.com/e6D7nNE1Z5
— Dr. Kelli Ward ?? (@kelliwardaz) December 3, 2020
Ducey trotted out Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Chucri, CEO/lobbyist for the Arizona Restaurant Association, to announce an Executive Order easing red tape on outdoor dining. The order makes it easier for restaurants to expand outdoor dining spaces.
Chucri, who along with his fellow supervisors has come under fire for mismanagement of the 2020 General Election in Maricopa County, took center stage to tout the new first-come-first-serve Safest Outside Restaurant Assistance Program. The program provides funding up to $10,000 per restaurant for items they need to extend their outdoor dining premise, including outdoor furniture, barriers, patio heaters, patio covers, and more.