Primary Concerns

Arkansas voters choose the middle; Miller County puts women in charge

Tuesday’s primary election in Arkansas proved to be interesting. Voters in the Republican contest, for example, showed a preference for the moderate style of incumbent Gov. Asa Hutchinson over Jan Morgan, who offered a more conservative governing ethos.

Hutchinson is a lot like former Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe, someone who can appeal to those in both parties, while Morgan, a former Texarkana newscaster, appealed primarily to those committed to the right wing of the GOP.

Hutchinson faces a Democratic challenger in the general election, but most expect he will easily win another term.

Here in Miller County, a big glass ceiling was broken by voters in the Republican primary.

Cathy Hardin Harrison became the first woman elected as Miller County judge, defeating incumbent Roy John McNatt.

She joins Laura Bates, who won the race for Miller County tax collector, and Nancy G. Herron, who took the county tax assessor’s position.

None of them have a Democratic opponent in the general election. So that means three women will be leading Miller County government for the first time. A big step forward for our area.

We wish those who won the best. And we also give a shout-out to the voters who took the time to exercise their franchise. Our democracy only works when the citizens make it work. Give yourselves a hand.