Trump ally and GOP senator Martha McSally squirms when asked if she's proud of supporting president

Arizona lawmaker has supported Trump administration on several policies

Republican lawmaker Martha McSally repeatedly refused to answer when quizzed about her support for president Donald Trump during a Senate debate on Tuesday night.

Ms McSally, 54, faced off against Democratic challenger Mark Kelly, 56, at Arizona University as the pair battle it out for votes ahead of November's poll.

The debate moderator pointed out to Ms McSally that she had supported the Trump administration on a number of key policy issues, before asking her: "Are you proud of your support for president Trump?"

Ms McSally, a former US representative and US Air Force combat pilot, immediately deflected the question and launched into a broadside on her opponent, who she accused of promoting “the most radical agenda that we’ve seen”.

“Candidate Kelly says that he’s an independent and a moderate — and lots of platitudes here. But the stakes could not be higher. If you want your tax cuts, I’m your girl. If you want the largest tax increase in history, you’ve got somebody else over here,” she added.

Determined to get an answer, the debate moderator cut back in to remind Ms McSally of the question. "Senator, the question was are you proud of your support for president Trump?" he said.

Trailing her rival in the polls, Ms McSally again refused to be drawn on her record of supporting Mr Trump, before repeating a GOP campaing pledge to cut taxes.  

“I’m proud to be fighting for Arizona every single day," she added.

The response was much simpler for Mr Kelly - a first-time candidate - who called the president's overall behavior and actions in office "not acceptable."

During the debate, Ms McSally also unveiled a new nickname for her rival, branding him 'counterfeit Kelly’ - a phrase she used repeatedly as she made the case that the Democrat’s independent rhetoric would give way to a liberal voting record in Washington.

Ms McSally with president Trump at 2018 Arizona rally (Getty Images)

The pair also locked horns on the coronavirus pandemic, healthcare, the filibuster and GOP efforts to confirm a Supreme Court justice before election day.

The Arizona senate race is one of the tightest in the country and Democrats will need to win the seat to take back control of the upper chamber.

McSally has strong support among Trump supporters but she will also need to win over independent voters in a state that appears to have turned its back on the president.

Mr Kelly, a retired astronaut, is running on a more liberal platform than that of his rival. Throughout the campaign, he has held a consistent lead in the polls and has raised more money than his GOP opponent.