Arizona Politics, Border Security, DEI Battles & Government Waste

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren and Sam Stone bring together a powerhouse lineup of guests to break down the biggest political, economic, and cultural issues shaping Arizona and the nation.

Kicking things off, congressional candidate and former NFL kicker Jay Feely joins the show following a major endorsement from President Trump and backing from national Republicans. He also recently received the NRCC’s endorsement as part of a select group of candidates in key battleground districts. With Arizona’s 1st Congressional District seen as a key battleground for control of the House, Feely shares what he’s hearing from voters on the ground—rising concern over border security, illegal immigration, election integrity, and the economy.

Beyond politics, Feely discusses his journey from the NFL to public service and lays out his vision for tackling Washington’s spending problem. From cutting waste and fraud to exploring blockchain as a tool for real-time transparency in government spending, he argues that Americans are demanding accountability—and not getting it. He also highlights Arizona’s opportunity to lead in AI, data centers, and energy production, making the case for long-term investment in infrastructure to fuel economic growth.

See more about Jay Feely's campaign: https://www.jayfeelyforcongress.com/

Economist Richard Salsman joins to take on bigger philosophical questions about capitalism, government intervention, and immigration. He argues that the U.S. has drifted away from true free markets and calls for a return to constitutionally limited government. On immigration, he outlines a more structured, Ellis Island-style system—one that balances opportunity with security and assimilation.

See more about Richard's work: https://richardsalsman.com/

Investigative reporter Aaron Sibarium brings a real-world example of government failure, detailing a case in Maryland where a condominium complex was overrun by a homeless encampment while local officials stood by. The result: extensive property damage, displaced residents, and a bureaucratic deadlock that has left homeowners facing financial ruin.

See Aaron's latest article here: https://freebeacon.com/america/state-created-danger-condominium-besieged-by-homeless-encampment-heads-to-federal-court-to-take-on-left-wing-county-officials-who-let-it-fester/

The episode also dives into higher education, as Timothy Minella of the Goldwater Institute raises concerns about the growing influence of DEI ideology at Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College. From curriculum shifts to a lack of transparency around course content, the discussion highlights broader questions about trust in institutions and whether students are getting the education they signed up for.

See Tim's full story here: https://www.goldwaterinstitute.org/arizonas-honors-colleges-hijacked-by-activist-faculty-to-force-dei-on-students/

Finally, Bess Byers joins to explore the intersection of government, technology, and privacy. From delays and complications in the U.S. Postal Service’s electric vehicle rollout to the rapid expansion of surveillance tools like license plate readers, the conversation underscores the risks of unchecked technological growth—and the urgent need for clear safeguards to protect civil liberties.

See Bess's latest story here: https://x.com/reason/status/2029607508835176884