Hutchinson, Ross Campaign In NE Arkansas Ahead Of Tuesday Debate

The battle was on Friday and Saturday as the two main political parties put their best foot forward in trying to reach voters with a little more than a month before Election Day.

Republican Asa Hutchinson hosted an event Friday night with about 250 to 300 supporters at the Northeast Arkansas District Fairgrounds in Jonesboro.

Hutchinson, who will face Democrat Mike Ross, Libertarian Frank Gilbert and Green party candidate Joshua Drake Nov. 4, said he believes the nation and the state face serious challenges.

In the past, the nation faced events like the Civil War and World War II with optimism and courage, Hutchinson said. Hutchinson said the nation and Arkansas have the same ideals, but face a difficult situation.

“We have a struggling economy, especially with the middle class. We have an overreaching federal government that takes our pocketbook and does not give much in return,” Hutchinson told the crowd.

He said he would also use modern Republican standard bearer Ronald Reagan as inspiration.

“He provided a consistent voice of conservatism,” Hutchinson said. “With (former President) Jimmy Carter, we had double digit inflation, high unemployment and gas lines everywhere. President Reagan had hope and conviction. We need the right leadership … and Arkansas has a great opportunity to shape our nation.”

Locally, Hutchinson said Jonesboro could provide the inspiration for a way to grow the economy statewide.

“I want to be the jobs governor. I like what is going on Jonesboro,” Hutchinson said, noting the city has supported entrepreneurs and works together on issues.

Hutchinson also spoke about a Conway entrepreneur, who opened a cleaning company to capitalize on the shale exploration in Faulkner County.

“He went everywhere and was kind of given the cold shoulder. He then asked, ‘What can I do that has not already been done?’ So, he opened up a cleaning company that is now worth $30 million,” Hutchinson said. “And he is only 29 years old. He took a risk and is creating jobs. We need to unleash that power.”

ROSS ON RED WOLF BOULEVARD
Ross hit the campaign trail Saturday, with stops in Little Rock, Trumann, Lepanto and Jonesboro. The Democratic nominee stood at the corner of Red Wolf Blvd. and Aggie Road Saturday afternoon, waving to supporters and football fans heading into Centennial Bank Stadium.

During an interview at the intersection, Ross said he plans to talk about education and other issues as the campaign winds down.

“I love this state. I want to be the education governor,” Ross said. “My parents were educators. I want to make college within reach for students and I will fight and stand up for the middle class.”

Ross also touched on an issue – equal pay for women – that he brought up Friday at a campaign stop in Little Rock.

At Friday’s press conference, Ross said his “Fair Pay” plan would help employers with equal pay practices as well as other issues. Ross also brought up statistics from the National Women’s Law Center that showed Arkansas 35th in equal pay for equal work as well as women making 77% of what men make.

“I want my daughter and yours to have the same opportunities to succeed as our son,” Ross said Friday.

On Saturday, he reiterated his opinion.

“It is a big difference between me and my opponent,” Ross said at the intersection.

Ross said he would also stress other issues on the campaign trail.

“I have a record of being a fighter for the middle class,” Ross said. “I also have a record of being a tax cutting, pro-gun conservative. When I voted against Nancy Pelosi as Speaker, I gave the nomination speech for her opponent as she was sitting in front of me. It is not about being Governor of the Democrats or the Republicans, it is about being the governor for all Arkansans.”

Ross also questioned Hutchinson on a variety of issues.

“It is another opportunity to demonstrate our differences. I lived in Arkansas while I was in Congress. When he (Hutchinson) left (to become Drug Enforcement Administration administrator), he moved to Virginia …,” Ross said. “I support the minimum wage and the private option while he has straddled the fence. I am a fighter for Main Street. He is a fighter for Wall Street and millionaires. If Congressman Hutchinson wants to make this about Washington, I will make it about cutting taxes.”

Ross also questioned Hutchinson on a series of endorsements he has received.

“I have had 65 of the state’s 75 sheriffs and Gov. (Mike) Beebe has endorsed me. While Congressman Hutchinson has brought in out of state politicians from Massachusetts (fmr. Gov. Mitt Romney), New Jersey (Gov. Chris Christie) and Florida (fmr. Gov. Jeb Bush) to endorse him,” Ross said.

Hutchinson responded Saturday night to Ross’ comments.

“Ross not only supported the Wall Street bailout but has bragged that he raised over $1 million to put Nancy Pelosi in power. That is the essence of putting out of state interests over Arkansas. I am proud of the guests I have brought to Arkansas,” Hutchinson said. “That is one way we can promote Arkansas and its amazing way of life. I understand why Mr. Ross is reluctant to bring his national Democrat leaders to Arkansas but he should be happy that leaders like Mitt Romney visit our state.”

THE FINAL MILES
With about 30 days left in the campaign, both candidates have stressed they will work feverishly to build support.

Ross said the campaign, with visits to Northeast Arkansas Saturday, has entered another stage.

“Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas are very important to me. We are going non-stop, seven days a week, taking our positive message around the state,” Ross said.

Hutchinson told fellow Republicans they should not take any vote or area of the state for granted in the remaining days of the campaign.

“You need to talk to neighbors. It is the most powerful voice in American politics today, more powerful than any of the ads,” Hutchinson said.

The two men will debate Tuesday in Little Rock in a debate sponsored by KATV Ch. 7 and KHOG/KHBS 40/29. Talk Business & Politics Editor-in-Chief Roby Brock will be a panelist for the debate that will air in primetime at 7 p.m.

Additional gubernatorial debates are scheduled for Oct. 13 in Conway and Oct. 20 in Jonesboro. Early voting begins Oct. 20.