U.S. Senate

 

Bill Halter has stepped up to challenge Blanche Lincoln in response to a massive draft effort that involved people all across Arkansas and around the country.  Bill has gotten real results for Arkansans and is a proud Arkansas Democrat.  In the past, he has stood up to make sure everyone has access to a college education, opposed anti-gay bigotry, and while the U.S. Senate was debating and Blanche Lincoln was threatening to fillibuster, Bill was looking out for Arkansans in need of health care by bringing a free clinic to Little Rock.  On vote after vote, his opponent in the primary has made it clear she doesn’t care about the interests of Arkansans.  The Republicans running for the seat are even worse.  Bill Halter is providing Arkansas with a real choice, and Blue Arkansas is proud to stand with him.  Sadly, Bill Halter narrowly lost in his challenge to Blanche Lincoln.  Thanks for running such a great race Bill, you have no idea how much it meant to all of us or how many people you inspired in the process.

U.S. House

Chad Causey (AR-01)-Blue Arkansas’ preferred candidate, State Representative David Cook, placed third in the primary, so Blue Arkansas is now moving to support the best candidate remaining in the race, Chad Causey.  Chad is a fairly conservative Democrat and we’ve had some complaints about him in the past, but we have long thought that he showed some promise as well as problems.  As such, we are voting our hopes and not our fears and backing him in the AR-01 primary against the incredibly right wing Tim Wooldridge.  We think Chad has the potential to grow into a good representative for AR-01, and in every category is far preferrable to his opponent.  For those reasons, check out his website and cast your vote for him in the AR-01 Democratic runoff.   Chad Causey won the nomination of the Democratic Party and is now the candidate in the general election!

State Senator Joyce Elliott (AR-02)-State Senator Joyce Elliott has been a progressive leader and champion in the state legislature long before Blue Arkansas was ever around to back her up.  Now she’s running to represent the people of AR-02 in Congress.  No matter what position she has taken or how hard the fight was, Senator Elliott has always lead with courage, intelligence, grace, and character.  She is the best choice to succeed Vic Snyder and represent AR-02 in these tough times, and we will stand with her every step of the way, no matter how tough the fight is.  To help Senator Elliott make history, check out her website. Senator Elliott won her primary and is now the Democratic nominee to succeed Vic Snyder.

David Whitaker (AR-03)-David Whitaker is a progressive Democrat running in the state’s toughest district.  David has long been an advocate in the Democratic party, especially on veterans issues, and now he’s running to be the first Democratic congressman from the third district since the 1960s.  With a divisive Republican primary and changing demographics, the third has the potential for a major upset, especially if Whitaker continues to run a strong, aggressive campaign.  We’re pulling for him every step of the way and will be by his side, no matter what the odds.  Visit his website here.

Arkansas Constitutional Officers

 

Pat O’Brien (Secretary of State)-As Pulaski County Clerk, Pat O’Brien brought reform to an office that badly needed it.  At the state level, the Secretary of State’s office is itself in need of serious reform.  For that reason, Blue Arkansas endorses Pat O’Brien, a smart and talented reformer promising to bring the Secretary of State’s office into the 21st century.  Visit his website here.  Pat O’Brien won the Democratic Primary and now has a real mandate for reform propelling him to the Secretary of State’s office.

 

L.J. Bryant (Land Commissioner)-L.J. Bryant is turning heads in his run for Land Commissioner and for good reason.  L.J. has a clear vision for the office and for using modern technology and fresh thinking to improve the lives of Arkansans and guarantee good government.  The Land Commissioner’s office, like so many in Arkansas, is in desperate need of new blood after decades of good ol’ boy mismanagement, and L.J. will provide that needed change.  What’s more, L.J. will be part of a growing progressive farm team in Arkansas that will strengthen the hand of the Democratic party for future races.  For those reasons, check out L.J.’s website and cast your vote for him.  L.J. Bryant won the Democratic primary and is now the party’s nominee for Land Commissioner.

Arkansas State Senate

Jay Barth (District 34)-The Arkansas Legislature needs leadership, knowledge, courage, and progressive vision.  Jay Barth has all those qualities, and will bring them to the Arkansas State Senate at a much needed time if he’s elected from the 34th district.  Jay is a great progressive Democrat, and his work as a professor at Hendrix and with politicians ranging from then governor Bill Clinton to the sainted Paul Wellstone has given him an extroardinary depth of understanding of issues important to Arkansans.  Jay’s not afraid to stand up for what he believes is right either.  Time and time again he’s led the charge on progressive issues and against right wing public policy like the bigoted Initiated Act One in 2008.  Electing Jay Barth to the Arkansas Senate will bring a much needed knowledgable and determined progressive voice to our state politics, and will make history by electing the first openly gay man to the state legislature.  You can learn more about Jay and help him get elected by visiting his website.  Sadly, Jay lost his bid to represent District 34 in the state senate.  His opponent, Linda Poindexter Chesterfield, stooped to new lows in gay baiting and race baiting to defeat him, depriving the people of District 34 of an excellent progressive voice.

Senator Robert Thompson (District 11)- Senator Robert Thompson is a rising star in the Arkansas Democratic Party and one of the best state legislators there is.  A former prosecutor and the father of three adorable kids, Senator Thompson brings a passion for public service and a thoughtful pragmatism to the state legislature, and everyone who meets him walks away impressed with his candor, intelligence, and persistence.  As a state senator, Senator Thompson has been an advocate for drug courts as a way to combat drug addiction while addressing the problem of our overcrowded prisons.  He’s been an advocate of biofuels to reduce dependence on foreign oil, fight global warming, and benefit Arkansas’ farmers.  He’s also an advocate of open government and universal health care.  If you want to support such a terrific candidate in his bid for reelection, check out his website.  Senator Thompson is not facing opposition for reelection and is therefor a sure bet to retain his seat.

 

Arkansas State House

Greg Leding (District 92)-Greg Leding is giving us a clear choice in the May 18th Democratic primary.  He’s a true progressive, and isn’t running away from that label as he takes on a more conservative opponent in a district that could (and should) readily elect progressive representation.  In fact, Greg isn’t just accepting the progressive label, he’s openly campaigning with it, and at Blue Arkansas that’s exactly what we like to see.  If elected, Greg Leding will be taking a progressive voice to a legislative body that badly needs it.  To help him do so, visit his website.  Greg Leding won the Democratic nomination for District 92 on May 18th!  There is no Republican opponent, so he will be headed to Little Rock next year!

Represenative Richard Carroll (District 39)-State Representative Richard Carroll has earned reelection.  He has stood up for both health care and the Employee Free Choice Act in Arkansas and backed progressive candidates for higher office.  If he continues to serve in the state legislature, he will be one of our best sources of progressive legislation and a progressive vote.  As such, we are happy to endorse Representative Carroll in the Democratic primary.  Representative Carroll lost his reelection bid to Tracy Steele on May 18th.

Representative Barbara Nix (District 28)- State Representative Barbara Nix is an extroardinary progressive who won her first election in tough territory.  A teacher by profession, Representative Nix has stood up every day in the state legislature for working men and women and for those in need.  Just in her first term, her efforts to protect railroad workers, fight drunk driving, and her commitment to ending hunger in Arkansas have earned her praise from around the state.  Representative Nix is the kind of public servant we need to keep in the House.  Visit her website here.

Debbie Murphy (District 31)- Debbie Murphy is an incredible and dynamic woman.  A mom and former businesswoman who worked her way through college, she went on to serve her community in a variety of ways, from helping the Humane Shelter to serving on the school board.  Now she is offering her community a real choice between herself and ultra conservative newspaper columnist David Sanders.  Debbie is a Democrat that isn’t afraid to stand up and doesn’t shy away from hard work.  She’s an amazing candidate and will make an equally amazing representative.  Visit her website here.

To apply for or recommend a candidate for endorsement, email ARDem at david-mcavoy (at) hotmail.com.