Arizona’s right-wing state lawmakers seem to be aware that this episode has put one of their states’-rights cause in a very bad light and are either condemning the occupation or remaining silent (a couple claiming they weren’t following it—bullshit):

Arizona lawmakers react to Oregon standoff

Rep. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, tweeted that Finicum’s death was “#suicide by cop, just as he said he wanted.” She linked to a YouTube video narrated by Victoria Sharp, who said she was with Finicum when his car was stopped by police.

Townsend condemned the occupation, which started three weeks ago. She said the unfortunate shooting death does not equate the Oregon situation to other cases where states’-rights advocates believe the federal government overreacted to standoffs.

“This is not Waco, it’s not Ruby Ridge,” she said. “It’s discredited our cause. It wasn’t the right way to go about it.”

Rep. Bob Thorpe, R-Flagstaff, said he is still a strong supporter of states’ rights, but said bringing guns to a protest is not the way to make a point.

“From day one, I didn’t think they were going to accomplish a lot,” said Thorpe. “They weren’t going to get the federal government to step down, that wasn’t going to happen.” […]

Rep. David Livingston, the No. 3 Republican in the House of Representatives, said through a spokesman he had no comment on the situation.

Two years ago, Livingston could not stop talking about his experience traveling to the Bundy ranch, when protesters were ready to face off against federal agents attempting to end Bundy’s standoff in Nevada. He preceded his vote on a number of Arizona bills by commenting on how the trip changed his life. […]

Senate President Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, an ardent supporter of states’ rights, also declined to weigh in on the Oregon standoff. He said he hadn’t been following the situation. Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa, also an advocate of states’ rights, said he also hadn’t been following the Oregon situation.

“The need to take control of our land from the federal government is a plight we share,” Smith said. “But it’s unfortunate this situation came to that (Finicum’s death).” […]

More: azcentral.com