Jay Feely, a candidate for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, said that conservatives express gratitude toward the military and police, while accusing liberals of mistreating them.
“When Conservatives see members of the armed forces or police in public we shake their hands,” said Feely, Congressional Candidate. “Thank them for their service and risking their lives for our freedoms. Maybe even buy them a drink or a meal. Liberals yell, harass, hit and even shoot them.”
Feely’s remarks highlight a recurring cultural divide in American politics regarding attitudes toward the armed forces and police. According to Gallup polling, 81% of conservatives express confidence in the U.S. military, compared with 48% of liberals. This partisan divide extends to views on police, where conservatives report strong trust in law enforcement institutions while liberal confidence remains significantly lower.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics reported more than 60,000 assaults on police officers in 2023, marking an increase from previous years. Analysts attribute this rise to heightened tensions between law enforcement and activist movements, particularly in urban protest settings.
Feely is a former NFL kicker and sports commentator now running for Congress in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District. He has been a longtime advocate for veterans and first responders and has been active in community outreach, youth mentorship, and patriotic charitable work.
Arizona’s 5th Congressional District is located in the East Valley region and includes cities such as Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek. The district has traditionally leaned conservative and emphasizes issues like border security, veterans’ support, and public safety.
