Rep. Collins Joins Lt. Governor’s Race

State Rep. Charlie Collins (R-Fayetteville) waded into the Arkansas Lt. Governor’s race on Wednesday (Aug. 14).

Collins, who chairs the House Revenue and Tax Committee, has been a proponent of major tax cuts including a reduction of the personal income tax.

On Wednesday, Collins launched a web site – votecharliecollins.com – that explains his interest in the state’s second-in-command job.

“Why do I want this job? Well, there are several reasons. First, I love this state and its people,” Collins explains before discussing his faith. He also discusses his interest in altering the tax code, making gains for the Republican party, and pushing an entrepreneurship agenda.

“I want to be a part of that team and I think that my background in the military, in business, and in government has prepared me to fill an important role in bringing this agenda to life as Lieutenant Governor,” Collins said on his website. “I will not, in other words, be a passive office holder. I pledge to work with our next Republican Governor and to work with our next Republican legislature to help craft the practical details of legislation needed to make our great state better still. To help pass that legislation (and believe me, that isn’t always easy). And then to work actively as part of the team to implement the changes needed to turn the state government around.”

Rep. Andy Mayberry (R-Hensley) and Col. Conrad Reynolds of Conway have also expressed interest in the GOP Lt. Governor’s race. Businessman John Burkhalter, who currently serves on the Arkansas Highway Commission, is the only announced Democrat in the race.