'Shedding of blood' may be required to save US, controversial former Arizona state senate president Russell Pearce claims during right-wing rally Russell Pearce said it might take the 'shedding of blood to save the Republic' The controversial former state senate president spoke at a right-wing rally The rally, 'Patriotism Over Socialism', was attended by anti-immigration groups It is not clear what the remarks were in reference to but come against a backdrop of vast economic migration from Central American countries By Rod Ardehali For Dailymail.com Published: 18:55 BST, 20 April 2019 | Updated: 18:57 BST, 20 April 2019 Viewcomments A controversial former Arizona state senate president appeared to suggest the U.S. might have to resort to violence to save itself during a right-wing rally this week. Russell Pearce, a firebrand ex politician who helped introduce one of the country's harshest state immigration laws, declared that it might take the 'shedding of blood to save the Republic,' during a series of remarks delivered at an event dubbed 'Patriotism Over Socialism.' While it is unclear what the remarks specifically referred to, the heated speech comes against a backdrop of vast economic migration from Central America. Russell Pearce, a firebrand ex politician who helped introduce one of the country's harshest state immigration laws, declared that it might take the 'shedding of blood to save the Republic,' during a series of remarks delivered at an event dubbed 'Patriotism Over Socialism' Pearce, wearing an American flag shirt and Stetson hat, told the audience of anti-immigration activists that 'I, for one, am willing to do whatever it takes.' During the rambling speech, that appeared to have severe racial and homophobic undertones, he rallied against lawmakers who do not support his tough immigration laws. 'We have stupid leaders, we have stupid politicians, and it's time we started replacing those that refuse to stand up for the values that have shed blood for,' he said. Pearce was fundamental in introducing the SB1070 requires police to determine the immigration status of someone arrested or detained when there is 'reasonable suspicion' they are not in the U.S. legally. The much maligned law is among the toughest on illegal immigration nationally. The rally also included speeches by U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Arizona Republican Party chairwoman Kelli Ward, and right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who was banned from Twitter and for using Uber and Lyft over her anti-Muslim posts. Later in his remarks, Pearce went on to criticize the repealing of a law that banned teachers from discussing homosexuality in the classroom. 'They took that away. Why would they do that? Why would they do that? Why would they put my children at risk?' Pearce said about the repeal of the so-called 'No Promo Homo' law. Pearce currently works at the treasurer's office, where he earns $157,000 a year, according to county officials. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility