It may have been a well-known fact, but it hasn’t become a campaign issue until now.
2nd District Republican Congressional candidate Scott Wallace is embroiled in a controversy over his past ownership of a liquor store in downtown Little Rock. Suzi Parker has the story in this report from The Daily Caller.
Wallace’s ex-wife says she entitled to proceeds from the sale of the liquor store and has filed suit to collect. Wallace disputes his wife’s allegations and claims.
On March 26, Wallace’s ex-wife, Yulonda Wallace, filed a “verified motion for contempt and other relief” in Pulaski County Circuit Court lambasting the candidate about the sale of a liquor store they owned. It sat 140 feet from Philander Smith College.
You can read the full story at this link. Wallace has been endorsed by former Gov. Mike Huckabee in his primary challenge with former federal prosecutor Tim Griffin.
Conservative blogger Jason Tolbert of the Tolbert Report has additional information and thoughts on the subject at his blog. He says he expects it to be a full-blown issue in the 2nd District Congressional race.
Operating a liquor store is not the typical small business background most conservatives in the Bible belt tout. Wallace insists he made no attempt to hide this part of his background and I will admit I actually first found out about it directly from him in a telephone conversation last night. But in a Republican primary fight in Arkansas, this will no doubt become an issue.
How about this additional twist? According to this article, Wallace is partners in a restaurant in Jonesboro with former Democratic Party of Arkansas Chairman Jason Willett. The restaurant, Whole Hog Cafe, is seeking a private club permit to serve alcohol at the location. Wallace is the owner of Bruno’s Little Italy, a west Little Rock Italian restaurant.
