Sen. Jake Hoffman said a committee he leads “did exactly what we said we would do” while questioning Gov. Katie Hobbs’ pick to direct the Arizona Department of Health.

The Senate Director Nominations Committee voted last week not to recommend to the full Senate Hobbs’ nomination of Pima County Health Director Theresa Cullen, who later withdrew her name from consideration for the job.

“What they did was beyond reproach,” Hobbs said regarding the committee’s questioning of Cullen. “It was inexcusable.”

Hoffman, a Queen Creek Republican, was unapologetic for the GOP’s questioning of Cullen.

“We did exactly what we said we would do, which was a thorough, factual and honest vetting,” he said.

That, Hoffman said, included questioning her on the policies she recommended that the county board of supervisors adopt, including curfews, mask mandates and school closures.

“Whether or not she wants to stand by those policies is her decision,” he said of the nominee. “But they were nonetheless the policies Dr. Cullen advocated.”

Hoffman acknowledged some of those same policies were implemented by Doug Ducey when he was governor. He issued executive orders for people to remain at home except for “essential” travel, the closure of schools and recommendations for people to be vaccinated.

But Hoffman said that is irrelevant to the questioning of Cullen.

“The Republican governor wasn’t up for confirmation to lead the Arizona Department of Health,” Hoffman said. “Dr. Cullen was.”

Hobbs said she’s not sure she can find someone to head the state health department that would meet with the approval of Republican lawmakers.

“We are back to the drawing board,” Hobbs said.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.