Guests - Eric Eggers, Bill Netherton, Abe Hamadeh

Recent Election Outcomes and Political Shifts

In the wake of recent elections, Kathleen Winn reflected on the ongoing vote counts in Tucson, Arizona, noting the slower pace compared to other states and expressing hope for improvements by 2026. The discussion highlighted key results, including the election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City's mayor, described as a Democratic Socialist. Winn emphasized the need to address these shifts without assuming they represent broader national trends.

Eric Eggers on New York's Mayoral Election and Ideological Changes

Eric Eggers, Vice President of Research at the Government Accountability Institute and author of Fraud: How the Left Plans to Steal the Next Election, joined Winn Tucson to analyze the New York City mayoral race. Eggers clarified that the election reflects demographic and ideological shifts in blue areas like New York, which has more citizens on housing assistance than any other state. He noted, "We didn't elect anybody. The people in New York elected them. And unfortunately, I think part of it is representative of demographic and ideological shifts in that specific region, the bluest blue areas and a very blue state like New York."

Eggers pointed out the high number of immigrants in Manhattan, potentially 40 to 50 percent, and expressed concern about its impact on upcoming races, such as the governor's election. Responding to Winn's question about his location, Eggers revealed he resides in Florida, humorously adding that each vote for Mamdani increased his property values as New Yorkers relocate. He stated, "With every vote that was cast for the democrat socialist slashed Marxist communist my property values went up incrementally so it's a great day to be in the free state of Florida."

Critiquing Mamdani's qualifications, Eggers questioned the 34-year-old state assemblyman's readiness to lead the nation's largest city and financial capital, sarcastically asking, "In what world is he not equipped just because he's 34 and has never held the job you don't think that equips him to become the head or the largest, the city and the country and the financial capital of the world, you know, like, I don't know. Do vibes count for nothing? I mean, theater kids can pull off anything these days."

Eggers viewed the election as a rejection of New York's status quo under decades of Democratic leadership, marked by high crime, unsafe subways, and unaffordability. He explained, "It's actually just a rejection of the status quo of what New York City has become under decades of Democrat, of failed Democrat leadership, right? You've got tons of crime on the streets. People don't want to ride the subway. It's incredibly expensive. If you have a six-figure job, you have to get a roommate."

He likened Mamdani's promises—free subway rides and universal healthcare—to "magic beans," predicting failure due to inability to raise taxes or implement changes. Eggers drew parallels to California's Prop 50, spearheaded by Gavin Newsom, where both campaigns invoked Donald Trump to divert attention from local issues. He observed, "Both politicians brought Trump into what otherwise would have been a local matter that had nothing to do with the president, because they kind of don't want to run on what they actually will do in that local area."

Eric Eggers on Broader Election Trends and Redistricting

Eggers discussed California's Prop 50, which could lead to redrawing maps and potentially removing more congressional seats from Republicans if it survives lawsuits, effective next year. He highlighted complications for Republicans, noting, "The more troubling trend for Republicans, for the midterms next year is with the exit polls in New Jersey and in Virginia, in which you saw Hispanic support, Latino support for Donald Trump drop from 40%, which is what he got in 2024, down to less than a third."

He warned that declining Latino support due to immigration policies could jeopardize Republican gains in Texas, where new seats are majority Hispanic. Eggers stressed the need for Republicans to address these communities' concerns, adding, "You cannot ignore the people that you've just brought into the party and you cannot ignore their concerns and this is a cautionary tale."

On Virginia's attorney general race, Eggers expressed disappointment over electing someone who threatened violence, calling it offensive and urging better Republican messaging for 2026. He referenced Arizona's 2020 election litigation and the importance of fair elections, stating, "We've got to make sure that the elections are fair and free. And that we do what we say. And we can't ignore huge populations."

Eggers tied this to his book, noting it predicted manipulable election conditions exploited in 2020, and praised Trump's role in elevating election integrity discussions. He advised Republicans to build broader coalitions, saying, "Arizona is a state that can lead the way because you guys know what it looks like to have to build a broader coalition than what Republicans have traditionally relied on."

Eric Eggers on the Government Accountability Institute's Role

Eggers described the Government Accountability Institute, founded in 2012 with co-founder Steve Bannon, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on educating about government corruption. Led by President Peter Schweizer, it produces a weekly podcast, The Drill Down, available at thedrilldown.com. Eggers explained, "What we try to do is elevate issues of government corruption and cronies... Peter likes to compare us to Paul Revere. We try to, like, tell people what's happening and who's coming."

He highlighted upcoming work, including Schweizer's January book on significant national issues, and past efforts like exposing congressional insider trading. Eggers noted Nancy Pelosi's retirement timing after ceasing such trades, quipping, "Shout out to Nancy Pelosi. She's retiring from Congress just months after she announced that she wouldn't be participating in congressional trade anymore. Isn't that interesting and fun timing?"

Bill Netherton on Professional Bartenders Unlimited

Shifting to local business, Bill Netherton, founder of Professional Bartenders Unlimited since 1984, shared his journey starting the company from the back of his 1977 Chevy van. Now operating from a 3,000-square-foot building in the Kaler Business Park, the company has weathered storms like 9/11 and COVID. Netherton said, "So many storms over the years that we've survived, from 9-11 to all the COVID crap, and just everything else that goes with that... We're happy to be here. We're thriving. The community of Tucson is such a big supporter of myself and my team."

As Tucson's beverage caterer, they provide full-service bartending for events like birthdays, weddings, and fundraisers. Recently, they supplied 30 bartenders for the University of Arizona's homecoming. Netherton explained, "Have bar, will travel... U of A just contacted us on short notice, and they said, hey, can you send us 30 bartenders for this Saturday for Arizona Homecoming? So, I've got 30 bartenders."

He detailed services: bringing bars, beverages, ice, and more, with site visits for setup. Their slogan, "Be a guest at your own party," emphasizes relieving hosts of work. Netherton noted, "We do everything. We've all tried to be a good host or hostess. There's a lot of work involved... Why don't we hire professional bartenders Unlimited next time so we can, in fact, be a guest at our own party?"

With a number 10 beer, wine, and liquor license, they purchase at wholesale and pass savings to clients. Netherton highlighted training: hiring those with interest and work ethic, pairing them with veterans. Staff undergo alcohol awareness training, valid for three to four years.

Bill Netherton on His Hospitality Background and Community Impact

Netherton's hospitality roots trace to 1973, bussing tables at Westwood Look Resort at age 13. He recalled, "My dad drove me over to Westwood Look Resort, 245 West Ina Road... And he introduced me to the maitre d'... That was my beginning of hospitality, bussing tables in the gold room in 1973."

He worked at the Arizona Inn for 10 seasons, serving Barry Goldwater, and bartended at TGI Friday's. Netherton partnered with Barbecue Ranch Catering since 1986, offering menus like barbecue, Italian, and Mexican. They cater nonprofits and events, including a recent cornhole tournament with Track Ranch.

Praising Tucson's spirit, Netherton said, "Tucson, we're still licking our winds from Tuesday from the election. But there's a lot of great things about Tucson... We take care of each other. We help each other. We fight for things that I think matter."

As a second-generation Tucson native with seven kids and 19 grandkids, he owns vacation rentals and emphasizes entrepreneurial spirit. Netherton urged civic leaders to have business experience, critiquing shutdown policies: "The last five years, to be 100% transparent has been the roughest five years, uh, in my business life and we almost I almost lost."

He stressed voting: "Everybody needs to vote... If you don't vote, then in my humble opinion, you don't get to talk about these issues with anybody in public." Netherton called for non-emotional, fiscal decisions, noting poor road conditions and understaffed police.

Bill Netherton on Local Events and Tucson Pride

Netherton promoted upcoming events: U of A homecoming against Kansas Jayhawks, with tailgating starting early, and Rockin' for Heroes on Sunday at James Kreigh Park, honoring first responders, military, veterans, and Gold Star families. He said, "Tucson, grab a chair, come on out. Great music. It's all free and it's for to celebrate the wonderful people that serve us in this community."

He highlighted the Arizona Bowl's economic impact and charity focus, urging ticket purchases: "Even if you're not a sports fan, buy some tickets, donate them to first responders... Let's fill that stadium." Netherton praised Snoop Dogg's involvement and youth scholarships.

Congressman Abe Hamadeh on the Government Shutdown

Congressman Abe Hamadeh discussed the government shutdown, expressing optimism for a continuing resolution post-election. He said, "There is a growing consensus that they believe it's going to open up that now that the elections are over, that some of these Democrats, you know, have feel the pressure."

Hamadeh blamed Democrats for holding the country hostage, demanding $1.5 trillion extra for items like illegal immigrant healthcare and PBS funding. He noted federal unions turning against Democrats and public blame shifting. Praising Republican unity, he credited Trump and Charlie Kirk's influence: "President Trump, I think, has reawakened the Republican Party to grow his spine... I think his death has inspired even the more moderate Republicans."

He criticized Arizona senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for doubling down, and Georgia's John Ossoff for fundraising amid the shutdown. Hamadeh called it politics over people.

Abe Hamadeh on Election Integrity Legislation

Hamadeh proposed the Vote Only Through English Act to eliminate federal funding for multilingual ballots, requiring English proficiency as in citizenship tests. He urged co-sponsors: "I encourage your listeners... to call their congressmen and asking them to sign on to the Vote Only Through English Act."

He also introduced legislation banning ranked-choice voting federally, citing audit difficulties. Hamadeh addressed food stamp waste, encouraging community support during the shutdown.

On Nancy Pelosi's retirement after 38 years, he predicted a more radical replacement: "Whoever's going to replace Nancy Pelosi... is going to be even worse than Nancy Pelosi."

Reflecting on Virginia's attorney general election, Hamadeh decried electing someone who threatened opponents' children, calling Democrats despicable but urging persistence: "Last November, President Trump showed us that we still have a shot... It's up to us to continue to show up and make sure that we fix our country."

Reflections on Tucson's Future and Community Engagement

Winn wrapped up by addressing local challenges, including voter turnout disparities and the need for factual analysis post-election. She thanked candidates like Jill Wittenbraker, Janet Napolitano, and Jay Tokoff for running, and emphasized continued engagement: "We will not be silenced... We're going to ask questions after the selection."

Highlighting 2026 races for governor, secretary of state, and more, Winn urged meeting candidates like Andy Biggs, David Schweikart, and Karrin Taylor Robson. She promoted Jeff Utsch's event at Millie's Pancake House on making America great again.

Winn stressed community reflection, rejecting hate and focusing on solutions for homelessness, drugs, and immigration. She affirmed Tucson's potential: "We can agree to disagree on things but... I will never regret the fact that I moved back here."