Former Rep. Mary Beth Green endorses Rice in Senate race

A tense political rivalry from 2012 could be coming back for round two in 2014 as former Rep. Mary Beth Green, R-Van Buren, endorsed Rep. Terry Rice, R-Waldron, on Thursday in his primary challenge to incumbent Sen. Bruce Holland, R-Greenwood.

Green's husband, former Rep. Rick Green, R-Van Buren, faced Holland in the 2012 primary. After losing the hotly contested race, Green broke ranks with his party and instead endorsed Holland's Democratic opponent, Rep. Tracy Pennartz of Fort Smith.

In explaining his reasoning at the time, Mr. Green cited a previous incident involving Holland in a high-speed pursuit with police.

In announcing her support for Rice's candidacy, Mrs. Green said Rice was a politician who "understands conservative values."

“I am proud to endorse Representative Terry Rice for Arkansas State Senate," she said. "Terry is a small business owner who understands the conservative values of not only Van Buren but also the entire state senate district. I look forward to doing all that I can to ensure that he is victorious.  I would encourage any Republican primary voter to vote for Terry Rice for State Senate.”

Rice, who is term limited in the House, said he appreciated Green's support in his Senate bid.

“I am grateful for Mary Beth Green’s support in my bid for State Senate. This will be a close race, and I am humbled by her support and trust in me.“

In his last term in the House, Rice has been serving as chair of the House Performance Review Committee, as well as serving on the Insurance and Commerce and Public Transportation committees. He is also vice chair of the Arkansas Legislative Council.