Sinema v. Kyl

I recall that in a guest column (“Kyl Overlooks AZ Benefits of Stimulus,” Aug. 21 edition of the Arizona Capitol Times), State Rep. Kyrsten Sinema called Sen. Jon Kyl to task for daring to criticize President Obama’s stimulus bill as ineffective. She claimed that he was out of touch and that “here in Arizona, we have proof that it is working.”

Hmm. The White House’s own data now indicate that stimulus contracts awarded through September have saved or created a mere 657 jobs in our state, despite the Obama administration’s promises that it would create 70,000 jobs. The fact is, some 77,300 jobs have been lost in the state since the stimulus was signed into law in February.

Apparently, Kyl wasn’t the one who was out of touch. Sinema was, and she ought to be held to account for making exaggerated, partisan claims.

- Troy E. Hyde, Phoenix