Why Gov. Doug Ducey won't attend President Donald Trump's Phoenix rally

Gov. Doug Ducey will greet President Donald Trump on the tarmac after Air Force One touches down Tuesday afternoon for his first presidential visit to the Grand Canyon state.

But the Republican governor, who like many in the GOP has diplomatically sidestepped Trump and his more divisive rhetoric, will not attend Trump's campaign-style rally at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Daniel Scarpinato, Ducey's spokesman, wrote in a statement to The Arizona Republic that Ducey looks forward to welcoming Trump.

But, he added, "Gov. Ducey's focus has been working with law enforcement toward a safe event in downtown Phoenix for all those involved and in the area. That will continue to be his priority during the event and afterwards."

Ducey will be working and will be receiving updates from law enforcement. In the lead-up to the rally, the governor joined law enforcement last Friday for a public-safety briefing, which included the U.S. Secret Service, the state Department of Public Safety and the Phoenix Police Department.

Thousands of Trump supporters and protesters are expected to flood downtown Phoenix ahead of Trump's 7 p.m. rally. Other protests are expected with the prospect of a pardon of former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Trump has indicated he is "seriously considering" a pardon for the 85-year-old sheriff, who was convicted of criminal contempt two weeks after a judge found he had defied a court order intended to stamp out his signature immigration patrols.

Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams last week worked to assure residents that the department is well-prepared for the visit. She promised "maximum staffing" at the event and noted Phoenix's partnerships with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center.

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., was among the many Democrats calling on Ducey to rebuff Trump.

“Instead of showing leadership, Gov. Ducey is running away as fast as possible because, as usual, Gov. Ducey tries to have it both ways. He wants to be able to say to the Republican base, 'I stand with Donald Trump,' but he wants to be able to lie to everyone else and say he is not with him," Gallego said. "We know that in spirit and in policy, Gov. Ducey and Donald trump are aligned.”

Richard Herrera, an Arizona State University associate professor of political science, said Ducey's decision illustrates the Trump tightrope he walks as the governor prepares a 2018 reelection bid.

Herrera said the governor is trying to strike a balance between Republican voters who ardently support Trump, and those who vehemently oppose him.

If Ducey avoided Trump altogether, he could alienate voters he will need next year. And if he joined the president at the rally, Herrera said, he could leave some voters with the impression he supports all of the president's views.

A handshake on the tarmac is the "the least public way possible" for Ducey to show his respect while keeping his distance, Herrera said. 

"The upside is that for supporters of Trump, he makes a gesture of being close to the president," Herrera said. "The upside is that he doesn't have to be in full public view at the rally.

"The negative side is it may not be enough for either group," he added. 

Scarpinato said state services will operate as normal on Tuesday, but given the expected crowds, agency directors will have the option of letting non-essential employees leave work early.

Republic Staff Writer Ronald J. Hansen contributed to this report. Follow the reporter on Twitter @yvonnewingett and reach her at yvonne.wingett@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4712.