A Fifth Filing For Open House Seat

A fifth candidate filed for an open House seat on Wednesday, just two days before filing closes.

Willie Gammon of Marion filed the necessary paperwork to run as a Democratic candidate in the House District 54 special election to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Fred Smith.

Smith vacated the seat after being convicted of a felony theft charge on Jan. 26.

Gov. Mike Beebe has set a special primary election for the House seat on April 12, 2011. The District 54 special general election will be held on Tuesday, July 12.

Gammon, the fourth Democrat to seek the nomination, joins the following in seeking the Crittenden County seat:
 
Lorraine Robinson (D) – West Memphis
Hudson Hallum (D) – Marion
Kim Felker (D) – Crawfordsville
Velmar Bailey (R) – Earle