Looking At 2014 Elections

CAN CONGRESSIONAL SEATS PULL FOCUS FROM GOVERNOR’S RACE?

The last month has been full of movement, surprises, close polling results and new names headed into the political fray of 2014. So let’s break it down. Governor’s race: We still have the often confusing Republican primary race for Governor. Asa Hutchinson, the front runner, now is more of a moderate, than his former conservative attempt in 2005 to become the state’s chief executive. On his heels are true conservatives, state Rep. Debra Hobbs of Rogers and Little Rock businessman Curtis Coleman.

Can a moderate Asa carry Benton County?

That’s the buzz going around, as the TEA Party Conservatives seem to be aligning strongly behind Hobbs or Coleman.

All three GOP candidates have been anemic fund raisers. Asa, has barely cracked a million dollars in the last reporting period, and a large personal loan of his own money was needed to achieve that threshold. Hobbs and Coleman, lag even farther behind.

Mike Ross, as the lone Democrat for the nomination, continues fundraising and friend-raising by traveling the state more days than all three of the GOP candidates combined. Ross is still on a record setting pace for donations. Early fundraising for any political race may be a good thing as future political developments will show. Lt. Governor’s race: State Rep. Charlie Collins of Fayetteville has held his statewide kickoff low key. His fundraising is also largely funded by personal loans ($46,000) and not sufficient for a state wide race. Another state Rep. Andy Mayberry of Hensley (Jefferson County) has also entered the race. Mayberry has raised $4,810 from outside sources; Collins $6,475.00.

Former Highway Commissioner and businessman John Burkhalter stunned everyone by raising substantial funds for his maiden polit- ical voyage ($ 530,195) as the Democratic nominee. Burkhalter maintains a busy state wide traveling schedule introducing himself and continuing to raise money. 4th Congressional District: While this race takes up almost one-third of the state’s land mass, it does have an impact on the other state wide races.

State Rep. Bruce Westerman of Hot Springs, a conservative, is seeking to fill the shoes of Congressman Tom Cotton. Westerman was once a sponsor on the Arkansas bill for the state’s Private Option health coverage, but balked when GOP leaders tweaked the bill. Westerman voted No.

Tommy Moll, a young businessman, with big pocketbooks is in the GOP Race. Moll and Westerman will try to “out Obama” each other to replace Cotton’s conservative ways in Washington.

Janice Perceval, an unknown Community College instructor, was the lone Democrat, until last week. Then here comes James Lee Witt, former Yell County Judge, Arkansas Emergency Services Director and federal FEMA Director under Bill Clinton, tossing his hat into the ring. 2nd Congressional District: A surprise to Arkansas Republicans came when Little Rock’s Tim Giffin, said he was done with Congress.

State Rep. Ann Clemmer of Benton, a UALR professor, who is term limited, jettisoned a run for a state Senate seat, to enter the Congressional race.

Little Rock banker French Hill, whom Asa Hutchinson has already endorsed, is the other GOP entry.