Rocker Ted Nugent backs Republican Congressman Paul Gosar in Arizona reelection bid

Ted Nugent has endorsed Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., in what will become the 9th Congressional District.

The six-term congressman currently represents Arizona’s 4th Congressional District, but due to redistricting, he's seeking reelection in a new district that covers most of Arizona's western border, including parts of La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, and Yuma counties.

Nugent, who lives in Michigan, has been among the most politically outspoken rock musicians to the right of the political spectrum for decades.

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In 2017, he was invited to the White House for dinner with former President Donald Trump, alongside Sarah Palin and Kid Rock.

"The Nugent family salutes, thanks and endorses Paul Gosar of Arizona's fourth district to constitutionally represent the best families of Arizona, God, family, country, constitution, bill of rights, 10 Commandments, Golden rule, and law & order," Nugent said in a statement.

"Paul Gosar represents real Arizona!”

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Gosar welcomes Nugent's support

Gosar has been a strong ally of former President Donald Trump and echoed the baseless 2020 election conspiracies he promoted. Critics also have accused him of helping instigate the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Gosar responded to Nugent's support by issuing a statement saying he was "deeply honored" to have the endorsement of the guitarist who sang "Cat Scratch Fever," "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" and "Yank Me, Crank Me."

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"Nugent’s legendary voice on and off the stage demonstrates national heroism," Gosar said.

"While cancel culture is rabid, Nugent has been fearless in speaking up for Conservative principles. The stakes are high when it comes to expressing First Amendment rights in favor of America First politicians, but Ted Nugent refuses to be paralyzed by the stranglehold that mainstream media and Big Tech attempts to maintain on those who proudly display their American patriotism."

For those who may not follow Nugent as closely as Gosar, "Stakes are high" is a line from the title track to Nugent's second album, "Free-For-All."

"Stakes are high and so am I" is the full lyric, although Nugent himself has been just as outspoken about abstaining from both alcohol and drugs.

"Paralyzed" and "Stranglehold" are also Nugent records from the '70s.

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Nugent also backed Matt Salmon's bid for governor

"In light of his legendary status as a musician," Gosar said, "his activist voice demonstrates how one does not have to compromise their stance on American liberties to be successful.”

Last September, Nugent came out in support of another Arizona Republican, Matt Salmon, in the race for governor.

“I love real Arizona, and, with the whole country in a tailspin abandoning God, family, country, Constitution, Bill of Rights, Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, work ethic, law-and-order, Matt Salmon would be a great leader for the great state of Arizona," Nugent said in a video endorsement.

Referring to Salmon as "a spirit blood-brother," Nugent said, “We the people of Arizona — my rock-and-roll and hunting buddies — should support Matt Salmon for governor. Arizona needs to return to a strong, fortified Arizona with Matt Salmon. Godspeed.”

Reach the reporter at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4495. Follow him on Twitter @EdMasley.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Ted Nugent gets involved in Arizona politics again, backing Paul Gosar