by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Four-term State Rep. Brandt Smith, R-Jonesboro, told Talk Business & Politics on Friday (Aug. 6) he intends to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, in the Republican primary in 2021.

Smith, 62, said he’s talked with many constituents in Northeast Arkansas during recent years and he thinks there’s a disconnect between Crawford and people in the district. “Politicians don’t own these seats … They belong to the people of Arkansas. I’ve been blessed to be elected to four terms, but I only occupy that seat as long as the people re-elect me. It belongs to them,” he said.

Smith, a Jonesboro native, said he had a “heated conversation” with Crawford about his plans to challenge him. Smith claimed the conversation grew so contentious that he hung up the phone.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/08/rep-brandt-smith-to-challenge-u-s-rep-rick-crawford-in-gop-primary/