'What we need is an army': Mark Kelly, Ruben Gallego call on AZ Dems to meet the moment

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and the man who hopes to serve with him warmed up the packed crowd at the Harris-Walz rally Friday.

Rep. Ruben Gallego, who is running for an open Senate seat in November, used his time in front of the cheering crowd to take jabs at his opponent, Republican Kari Lake.

“Kari Lake is not looking out for you," Gallego said, as the crowd booed at the mention of her name. "She’s looking out for herself."

Gallego is locked in a nationally-watched competition with Lake for the seat being vacated by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an independent. The outcome of the race could determine control of the upper chamber.

His speech was followed by Kelly and his wife, former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords.

A survivor of gun violence after suffering a near-fatal gunshot wound in 2011, Giffords retold her story of struggle and success to the crowd.

“We are living in challenging times,” Giffords said. “We’re up to the challenge.”

Kelly reiterated that determination to fight hard in the three months leading to the Nov. 5 election.

“Folks, this is not rocket science, and I know a bit about rocket science," Kelly said of the presidential campaign, alluding to his experience as an astronaut. "This is about who works harder. That’s it. It’s as simple as that."

Kelly focused on international relations and the military in his speech, contrasting the Democrats' approach to the track record of former President Donald Trump.

International relations are at stake, he said, saying the election outcome will determine "whether our alliances are strengthened or shredded.”

Kelly, who was on Harris' short list for vice president, reminded the audience of Trump's disparaging comments about military members, a veiled reference to the former president's disdain for the late U.S. Sen. John McCain.

“Donald Trump calls those who served suckers and losers," Kelly said. "And he has zero respect for people who have worn the uniform. Here in Arizona, we don’t attack people who have served their country. In Arizona, what do we do? We thank them.”

Kelly wrapped up his comments by noting the Army background of presumptive vice presidential nominee Tim Walz.

"What we need is an army," Kelly said, as he urged the crowd to work to get the Democratic ticket elected in November.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mark Kelly, Ruben Gallego warm up crowd at Arizona Harris rally