State Senate Round-Up – The Battle for 18

Tolbert Report

by Jason Tolbert ([email protected]) January 17, 2012 6:51 am 98 views 

The has been quite a bit of activity taking place in the upcoming battle by the Republicans to take the majority in the Arkansas State Senate (and of course, the Democrats battle to defend it.)  Currently, Republicans hold 15 seats to the Democrats 20 seats.

Republicans I have spoken to are excited about the announcement from Jimmy Hickey, Jr. from Texarkana that he will run for State Senate District 11 in the increasingly reddening Miller County.  This is the seat currently held by Sen. Steve Harrelson, who had his share of bad press last year for his state police helicopter ride and a domestic disturbance incident.

“I am proud to be running for an opportunity to serve the citizens of Senate District 11,” said Hickey. “As a small-business owner, I will work hard to grow Southwest Arkansas’ economy, encourage job creation and make our community a great place to live, raise a family and build a business.”

Hickey is the former Senior Vice President of Commercial National Bank, where he recently retired after 25 years. He is also the owner of three rental and construction businesses in Texarkana and spent six years on the Texarkana, Arkansas School Board from 2004 to 2010.

In addition to this potential pickup, Republicans are hopeful they can pick up several others from the following:

  • Republican Mike Akin of Monticello running in the southeast Arkansas District 26 with four Democrats running in that primary.
  • Republican Rep. Gary Stubblefield of Branch challenging former Democratic Rep. John Paul Wells of Paris in District 6.
  • Newly Republican Rep. Linda Collins-Smith of Pocahontas taking on incumbent Sen. David Wyatt of Batesville in District 19.
  • Republican Pulaski County JP Jim Sorvillo, who is running against Sen. David Johnson in Little Rock District 32.
  • Republican Alan Clark of Hot Springs challenging incumbent Democratic Sen. Mike Fletcher of Hot Springs in District 13
  • Republican Rep. Jane English taking on Democratic Rep. Barry Hyde in North Little Rock District 34.
  • In addition, several sources tell me that Democratic Rep. Jerry Brown of Wynne, who is seeking the open Senate District 23 seat, will soon draw a very strong opponent. (Friday Republican Cross County Judge Jack Caubble announced he will seek the seat.)

An all-but-certain pick-up due to population shifts is the new State Senate District 1 in northwest Arkansas.  Most believe the district was drawn in a way considered favorable for Rep. Tim Summers of Bentonville. Summers has the backing of Wal-Mart, which has contributed several thousand dollars to his campaign and are even hosting a fundraiser for him later this month. He faces Bart Hester in the primary, who enjoys the support of grassroots activists and has some financial backing from individuals connected to Americans for Prosperity.

In several districts, Republicans will battle to hold seats:

  • Perhaps the most high-profile will be the race between Republican Sen. Jason Rapert and Democratic Rep. Linda Tyler in Conway District 35. Rapert posted an impressive fundraising report today showing he has outraised Tyler with $75,637 to her $50,349.
  • District 15 where Republican Reps. David Sanders and Ed Garner will battle to take on former Democratic Rep. Johnny Hoyt.
  • Incumbent Republican Sen. Bruce Holland will also face a primary challenge from former Rep. Rick Green and a general election challenge from Democratic Rep. Tracy Pennartz to hold District 9 in the areas surrounding Fort Smith.
  • Republican Sen. Jonathan Dismang of Beebe will have to defend a vastly redrawn District 28, where he faces a challenge from Democratic Rep. Tiffany Rogers of Stuttgart.
  • Also Republican Sen. Bill Pritchard of Elkins faces a primary challenge from Rep. Jon Woods and where general election opponent Democrat Diana Gonzales Worthen awaits them.

Lots could change with a little over a month left in filing, but my math puts this a potential pick-up of 8 seats for Republicans which would bring their numbers to 23 Republicans with 12 Democrats. On the other side, if things break perfectly for the Democrats, they could pick up 5 seats to bring their numbers to 25 Democrats and 10 Republicans.