Whitaker seeks re-election to House seat

Rep. David Whitaker, D-Fayetteville, announced Tuesday (Oct. 8) he would seek a second term to his District 85 House Seat, which encompasses parts of Fayetteville and Farmington in Washington County.

According to a press release announcing his re-election, Whitaker, a former assistant city attorney for the city of Fayetteville and adjunct professor at NorthWest Arkansas Community College, touted a "flawless record in legislative successes during the 89th General Assembly, passing all eight pieces of legislation of which he was the primary sponsor."

Whitaker, who unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, for Congress in 2010, won his Arkansas House seat with 56% of the vote after facing primary and general election challenges.

He said his time in office was focused on helping families across his district.

"Our goal has always been to put working families first and I am going to fight hard to continue working for good schools, good jobs, and good government for the families in my district," Whitaker said.

Whitaker said his signature legislative accomplishment has been the creation of benefit corporations, "which give back to the communities where they are headquartered.  The legislation passed the House with no opposition."

He also highlighted five other legislative accomplishments:
• Toughening drunk driving laws to crack down on those who injure while intoxicated;
• Giving cities the power to address predatory towing and booting;
• Increasing transparency in local advertising and promotion commissions;
• Honoring Vietnam Veterans with a distinct license plate for in-country service; and
• Making common-sense updates to outdated state code.

Whitaker, an Air Force veteran, completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredricksburg, Va., and holds a law degree from the University of Arkansas. He and his wife, Lisa, have two daughters.

The 2014 election cycle will see Republicans attempt to maintain control of the Arkansas House and Arkansas Senate. During the 2012 election, Republicans captured control of the Arkansas Legislature for the first time in 138 years.

Going into 2014, Republicans have a 21-14 advantage in the Senate and a 51-48 margin in the House.