Lots To ‘Know’ And ‘Not Know’ In 2014 Politics

FILINGS ARE FAST, FURIOUS FOR STATE, LOCAL OFFICES

As the political filings for the 2014 election cycle fill the newspaper pages and airways every night and day, it’s about time to revisit what one “knows” and “doesn’t know” on these last Dog days of summer 2013.

I know the announced Republican candidates for the Open 4th District Congressional seat, Lt. Gov. Mark Darr, 40, and State Rep. Bruce Westerman, 45, R-Hot Springs. There are others in the GOP may still announce.

I don’t know the latest Republican candidate Tommy Moll, 31, a Hot Springs businessman. Just who does know him?

I know that 3rd District Congressman Steve Womack of Rogers has been crisscrossing the District, holding Town Hall meetings in search of a third term these last few weeks.

I don’t know Thomas Brewer of Rogers, a GOP challenger to Womack? Do you?

I know that State Senator Paul Bookout, D-Jonesboro, is in serious “hot water” over ethical violations on campaign spending reports. He has been assessed the largest ethics fine in the state’s history.

I don’t know if the second generation politician can survive a special Prosecuting Attorney pouring over his books?

I know Secretary of State Mark Martin, is also in some “hot water” over hiring private law firms for legal help, rather than use the Arkansas Attorney General’s office.

I don’t know if Secretary Martin will be “hung out to dry” by the state GOP, trying to maintain a Republican in that office?

I know and have known for almost a year that State Rep. Charlie Collins, R-Fayetteville, was looking for a “step up” politically.

I don’t know if Rep. Collins, a Michigan native, is really up to a long state-wide campaign in Arkansas.

I know that Democrat Bill Halter swallowed a “bitter pill” to drop out of the Arkansas Governor’s race. He could not raise funds or gain much traction after former Congressman Mike Ross’ announcement for the office.

I don’t know if the earlier