CD4 debate: Healthcare, economy, Middle East conflicts discussed

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, and his opponent Democrat Risie Howard of Pine Bluff agreed on some key issues but were diametrically opposed on others during their Fourth Congressional district, PBS Arkansas debate on Thursday (Oct. 10).

If elected, Howard said she would support and protect the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as Obamacare. About one in three Arkansans are on Medicaid and it was expanded through the act. If the act were repealed, something that former President Donald Trump has suggested if he’s re-elected, many would be without health insurance, she said.

Westerman said he wouldn’t vote to repeal the act, but the Medicaid expansion is driving up federal and state debts. He supports the Fair Care Act, legislation that fixes some of the problems with the act, but he didn’t give any specifics.

CD4 debate: Healthcare, economy, Middle East conflicts discussed

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Westerman faces Democratic attorney challenger

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

In Arkansas’ 4th Congressional District, Republican incumbent Rep. Bruce Westerman is running again to maintain control of the seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Westerman’s Democratic challenger is Risie Howard. Little Rock Public Radio emailed her and the state Democratic Party several times about an interview, and was sent a list of the same questions asked of Westerman. We received no response.

Howard is set to be at the Arkansas PBS debate with Westerman on October 10.

Howard is a lawyer in Pine Bluff, and is listed as being employed by the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Her website says she is a former science teacher and that she knows a lot about naval law, but she doesn't seem to have much of a campaign or online presence.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Westerman faces Democratic attorney challenger

Challenger Risie Howard / U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman

Democrat challenges incumbent in Northwest Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District

KUAR | By Matthew Moore

For decades, beginning in 1874, Arkansas was a one-party state. And that party was the Democratic party. Governor, state assembly, land commissioner, U.S. Senate… nearly every elected official in the state was a Democrat.

“There’s one exception in the state of Arkansas, beginning in the 1960s.”

That’s John C. Davis, the executive director of the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History and the author of From Blue to Red: the rise of the GOP in Arkansas.

Democrat challenges incumbent in Northwest Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District

U.S. Congressman Steve Womack/Challenger Caitlin Draper

Congressional candidate Jones forming veterans group, names Hollingsworth first campaign chair

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Marcus Jones, the retired U.S. Army colonel running as a Democrat to replace U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, said he would support veterans in Congress and announced he was creating a Veterans for Marcus group.

Jones made the announcement at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History March 28. He also announced that Pulaski County Clerk Terri Hollingsworth would be his first named campaign chair. The campaign plans to name others later.

Jones said there are 45,000 veterans in the 2nd District, which he said means there are more than 100,000 military-associated voters when their families are taken into account.

Congressional candidate Jones forming veterans group, names Hollingsworth first campaign chair

Long-serving Arkansas Treasurer Jimmie Lou Fisher dies at 80

KUAR | By Talk Business & Politics Staff

Jimmie Lou Fisher, one of the state’s longest serving constitutional officers and the first female major party nominee for Arkansas governor, has died, according to a Twitter statement from the Democratic Party of Arkansas. Additional sources have confirmed her passing.

Fisher, a resident of Paragould, was 80-years-old.

Fisher, a Democrat, was first elected county treasurer in Greene County, a post she held for eight years. In 1979, Clinton, then governor, appointed her to state auditor to fill a vacancy. Two years later, she was elected state treasurer, an office she held for 22 years until term-limited.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-07-12/long-serving-arkansas-treasurer-jimmie-lou-fisher-dies-at-81

Danny Johnston/AP

Former President Bill Clinton speaks with Democrat candidate for Arkansas governor Jimmie Lou Fisher, left, at a Democratic Party rally on Aug. 26, 2002, in West Memphis, Ark.

Baptist Minister Becomes 4th Democrat To Enter Arkansas Governor’s Race

By GEORGE JARED/ TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

Dr. Anthony Bland fell short in his 2018 attempt to win the lieutenant governor’s race in Arkansas, but that did not deter the Democrat from Little Rock from setting his sights on the state’s top job.

Bland, 43, told Talk Business & Politics he intends to seek the Democratic nomination for governor during the 2022 election cycle. He formally launched his campaign Wednesday in Hot Springs.

Bland is a graduate of J.A. Fair High School and Arkansas Baptist College. He has master’s degree in business administration and doctorate in business administration from the University of Phoenix. He is completing a master’s degree in theological studies from Regent University.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/baptist-minister-becomes-4th-democrat-enter-arkansas-governor-s-race

Anthony Bland formally announced his candidacy for governor of Arkansas Wednesday in Hot Springs.

CREDIT KATV-CHANNEL 7

Democrat Jesse Gibson Announces For Arkansas Attorney General

By ROBY BROCK / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

The race for Arkansas Attorney General just added another candidate. Attorney Jesse Gibson announced Tuesday he would seek the Democratic nomination for the state’s top legal post.

Gibson will be challenging Democrat Jason Davis for the nomination. Lt. Governor Tim Griffin and Leon Jones have announced for the Republican nomination for the position. Current Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is term-limited and is running for Governor.

Gibson said consumer protection will be one of his biggest priorities in seeking the office.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/democrat-jesse-gibson-announces-arkansas-attorney-general

Jess Gibson, as seen in a video announcing his candidacy, said Tuesday he will be running for Arkansas Attorney General.

CREDIT YOUTUBE