Christine Jones Is Ariz.'s GOP Rising Star

The name may be common, but the woman behind it is anything but. Arizona Republican Christine Jones has people talking in Arizona and Washington, D.C., and for good reason. 

 

Christine Jones is the former executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Go Daddy. She brokered the deal that sold Go Daddy for $2.25B in 2011. And she is now a serious contender for governor in Arizona.

 

If you’ve never heard Jones’ story before, you really should. Jones grew up the youngest of three in a family that struggled to make ends meet; often wearing mismatched hand-me-downs and shoes two sizes too small. A tenacious work ethic and determination to make a difference propelled Christine to success in the private sector and in my prediction, a bright future in politics in Arizona and beyond.

 

She is arguably exactly what the Republican Party needs right now — a young, conservative, tech-savvy, female governor from the Southwest. Her no-nonsense approach is what Arizonans — and the American people — are yearning for amidst an increasingly overbearing and overreaching federal government.

 

Although new to politics, Jones is not without experience. She established Go Daddy as a leader in the fight to make the Internet better and safer for users, particularly children. For example, she helped push through bills such as the “Protect Our Children Act” and the “Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators Act”.

 

These bills were signed into law by President Bush in October 2008 and have been used by law enforcement and others to prosecute online child predators. Jones’ inherent understanding of budgeting and fiscal responsibility, coupled with her penchant for framing informed policy, make for a formidable candidate.

 

I recently watched a debate sponsored by Newsmax between the top-tier Arizona gubernatorial candidates on the topic of border security. The outcome of the debate and its aftermath is actually what led me to pen this column. Jones not only demonstrated a deep understanding of the illegal immigration crisis, but also is the only gubernatorial candidate to put out a serious plan to secure the southern border. 

 

Our nation is chock full of run-of-the-mill politicians. What is most needed at a time of economic challenge, immigration crisis, massive debt, entitlements teetering on bankruptcy and a national healthcare system that costs too much and cares too little are statesmen and women. We need leaders who will take on tough issues with a resolve to fix the problem instead of “kicking the can down the road.”

 

Leaders are supposed to prevent a crisis, not merely respond to it when it occurs. Governors historically have been the ones America turns to for national leadership. Governors have the ability to try innovative solutions in their states that become models for national policy.

 

The Republican Party could use the conservative, common sense, principled, businesslike bottom-line approach that Jones will bring to Arizona and beyond. The American people want results; they are tired of the status quo.

 

In business, in marriages, and in politics — compromise is essential to find common ground that brings progress. Compromise does not mean you need to surrender principle. Governing requires leaders who are not afraid to advance their positions passionately while in good faith working with the opposition for the benefit of the health, safety, and welfare of the people they serve.

 

Christine Jones is common-sense conservative and a go-getter in every sense of the word. Her forward-thinking approach to problem solving has made her a rising star in both business and, now, politics. In my opinion the people of Arizona and the GOP locally and nationally would be well served by hitching a ride to this rising star.

 

 

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.