Three candidates compete in special treasurer election

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

In November, Arkansans will have the opportunity to choose between three candidates for state treasurer.

The treasurer's office describes itself as being the “state's banker.” Similar to how most of us have bank accounts, government agencies across Arkansas have accounts with the treasurer's office. The office manages the deposits, withdrawals and money distributions.

They pride themselves on trying to “maximize returns” by collecting interest. The treasurer's office boasts that they manage about $9 billion dollars.

The last person elected to the post was former state Rep. Mark Lowery, but Lowery died in July of last year at age 66. He had been suffering from health problems before his death including two strokes the same year he died. He announced his retirement the day before his death.

Three candidates compete in special treasurer election

Democrat John Pagan (Left), Republican Secretary of State John Thurston (Middle), Libertarian Michael Pakko (Right).

Former State Sen. John Pagan files for Treasurer, U.S. Rep. Womack files for re-election

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

It was a quieter day at the Arkansas state capitol on Day 2 of the candidate filing period as fewer than 30 people submitted paperwork to run for public office.

Former Arkansas State Sen. John Pagan, a Democrat from Little Rock, filed for Treasurer of State, which will be filled by a two-year term due to the death of former Treasurer Mark Lowery. Yesterday, Secretary of State John Thurston filed as a Republican for the post.

Pagan was a law professor at the University of Arkansas Little Rock School of Law in the 1980’s and later served as dean and professor at the University of Richmond School of Law. He represented a portion of Little Rock in the Arkansas State Senate in the early 1990’s.

Former State Sen. John Pagan files for Treasurer, U.S. Rep. Womack files for re-election

Secretary of State John Thurston to run for State Treasurer

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston

Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston announced Wednesday (Aug. 9) he plans to seek election to the office of Arkansas State Treasurer.

The death of Treasurer Mark Lowery led Gov. Sarah Sanders to appoint Larry Walther to the post in the interim until the 2024 election cycle can choose a new treasurer to complete the term of office. Thurston is serving his second term as Secretary of State and has served two terms as Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands.

“Our state was dealt a loss with the unexpected passing of State Treasurer Mark Lowery. We continue to mourn his loss along with his family, friends, and staff,” said Thurston. “With Governor Sanders’ appointment of Larry Walther to fill the seat until the 2024 election, I am announcing my candidacy for the office of Arkansas Treasurer of State.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/08/secretary-of-state-john-thurston-to-run-for-state-treasurer/

Gov. Sanders names DFA Secretary Larry Walther as Treasurer

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Gov. Sarah Sanders on Thursday (Aug. 3) appointed Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Secretary Larry Walther to fill out the term of the late Treasurer of State Mark Lowery.

Lowery died of complications from a stroke in July.

Walther has served as DFA secretary since former Gov. Asa Hutchinson appointed him in 2015. He also served as former Gov. Mike Huckabee’s director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

Walther began his career as an engineer at SBC Communications, rising to the role of vice president of corporate services and also serving as chairman of SBC’s Foundation. SBC is now AT&T.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/08/gov-sanders-names-dfa-secretary-larry-walther-as-treasurer/

Poll: Griffin leads in AG primary; large undecided in State Treasurer GOP race

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin has a commanding lead over his challenger Leon Jones, Jr. in their quest for the Republican nomination for Arkansas Attorney General. Rep. Mark Lowery leads State Sen. Mat Pitsch in the State Treasurer’s primary race, although a large block of GOP voters remain undecided.

The latest statewide Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College Poll of 802 GOP primary voters was conducted on Monday, May 2, 2022 and has a margin of error of +/-4.3%. Respondents were asked for whom they planned to vote in the Attorney General’s and Treasurer’s races.

Attorney General
57% – Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin
10% – Leon Jones, Jr.
33% – Undecided

Treasurer of State
12% – State Senator Mathew W. Pitsch
30% – State Representative Mark Lowery
58% – Undecided

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/05/poll-griffin-leads-in-ag-primary-large-undecided-in-state-treasurer-gop-race/

State Representative Lowery exits Secretary of State’s race, will seek Treasurer’s post

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

State Rep. Mark Lowery, R-Maumelle, said Friday (Jan. 21) he would leave the Secretary of State’s race and would instead seek the Republican nomination for Treasurer of State.

Sen. Mat Pitsch, R-Fort Smith, has already announced for the Treasurer’s seat. No Democrats have announced yet.

Lowery has served in the Arkansas House of Representatives since 2013. He is the chair of the House Insurance & Commerce Committee.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/01/rep-lowery-exits-secretary-of-states-race-will-seek-treasurers-post/

Bill Prohibiting Teaching Certain Ideas On Racism Passes Arkansas House

By SARAH KELLOGG

The Arkansas House has voted to advance a bill that would prohibit public schools, as well as open enrollment charter schools in the state, from teaching certain aspects about racism.

By a vote of 63-13, representatives passed House Bill 1761. Under the legislation, schools would be unable to teach anything that falls under a list of five ideas. Those ideas include: that any individual from a particular race or ethnicity is inherently racists, or that any race or ethnicity should “feel guilt or shame” due to their race or ethnicity.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/bill-prohibiting-teaching-certain-ideas-racism-passes-arkansas-house

Rep. Mark Lowery, R-Maumelle, presents House Bill 1761 to the House floor

CREDIT ARKANSAS HOUSE

Bill Modifying Absentee Voting Process Passes Arkansas House

By SARAH KELLOGG

The Arkansas House has passed a bill that makes a variety of changes to the state’s absentee voting process.

Members voted 74-22 Thursday, largly on bipartisan lines, in favor of House Bill 1715. It now goes to the Senate.

Some changes the bill includes are: denying absentee ballots to voters if signatures don’t match between their application and voter registration application, and not allowing county clerks or other designated officials to give to voters "unsolicited absentee ballot applications."

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/bill-modifying-absentee-voting-process-passes-arkansas-house

Rep. Mark Lowery, R-Maumelle, presents House Bill 1715 to the House floor.

CREDIT ARKANSAS HOUSE