Election Central: Governor’s Debate Preview
by July 10, 2014 5:35 pm 74 views
From the Election Central campaign trail and KATV’s Janelle Lilley, here are today’s political headlines:
REPUBLICANS ENDORSED
It was a day of endorsements. Two Republican Congressional candidates French Hill and Bruce Westerman were endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Hill, who is running in the Second District against Democratic challenger Pat Hays, says he is “not a career politician” and is proud of the chamber’s endorsement.
Likewise, Westerman pointed to his 22 years working as an engineer and business owner and said he’s honored by the endorsement from the world’s largest business federation. Westerman faces Democrat James Lee Witt in November.
GOP CRITICAL
Republican Party Chairman Doyle Webb criticized an endorsement of Fourth District Democrat James Lee Witt. California Democrat Cong. Mike Thompson threw his support behind Witt, but Webb said Thompson is a “radical gun control advocate.” Thompson co-sponsored a bill to require background checks at gun shows and in online sales.
BEEBE IN MAYFLOWER
Governor Mike Beebe visited Mayflower today to see how cleanup efforts were progressing after April’s tornadoes. He called River Bend Road the largest area left to clean up. The “Beebe Cares” committee got to work today, hauling debris left over from the killer storms.
PRESS ASSOCIATION DEBATES
A word of advice for politicos — you’re going to want to keep a computer nearby tomorrow.
The Arkansas Press Association is hosting debates in Hot Springs tomorrow. The events are not open to the public, but you can watch on a live-stream here or on the Talk Business & Politics web site link tomorrow. It will be the first time to see Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike Ross square off against Republican Asa Hutchinson. The gubernatorial debate kicks off at noon tomorrow.
Earlier that morning, the APA debates will feature the Lt. Governor and Attorney General candidates. Also, on Friday afternoon at 4 p.m., Talk Business & Politics host Roby Brock will be part of a pundits’ panel analyzing this year’s races.