Statewide Campaigning Wraps Up In Northeast Arkansas

The day before Election Day brought nearly a dozen state and federal candidates to Northeast Arkansas on Monday, ending an 18-month political marathon with candidates hoping to reach the proverbial winner’s circle.

For the Democrats, Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Arkansas, and gubernatorial candidate Mike Ross traveled to Jonesboro to talk with supporters.

The day ended with Republicans – Rep. Tom Cotton, R-Dardanelle, gubernatorial candidate Asa Hutchinson, Rep. Rick Crawford and local candidates – having a little bit of rainbow stew at a rally.

Pryor spent the noon hour at the One Love People coffee shop on Main Street in Jonesboro, shaking hands and hugging supporters, during the event.

Most recent polls, including the Real Clear Politics average, show Cotton with about a 7 percent lead going into the election Tuesday.

However, Pryor said he is optimistic about the election Tuesday.

“I want to thank everyone. We have had great support around the state. It has been phenomenal,” Pryor, who is seeking a third term, said. “The volunteers have been helping out. In fact, we have knocked on 75,000 doors this past weekend. I am encouraged and you have lifted me up. I am encouraged by the young people here. There is a real choice in this race. A real, clear difference in this race. People say it has turned in your favor.”

At the Monday night event, Cotton, who was with his wife, Anna, said he believes the time may be running out politically for his opponent.

“The sun sets on this campaign tonight. Tomorrow, the sun sets for Mark Pryor. And Wednesday morning, the sun rises on a new day in Arkansas,” Cotton told a group of about 350 people to rousing applause.

Cotton also said there “are platoon officers in Afghanistan on patrol tonight where it is cold, who are defending your right to vote.”

GOVERNOR
Earlier in the day, Ross flew into the Jonesboro Municipal Airport and met with supporters. During his remarks, Ross said he has visited 17 cities in the past two days and that he has been buoyed by the support of people on the campaign trail.

“I have talked about my positive vision for Arkansas,” Ross said, citing his record in the United States House. “I have a history of bringing people together while my opponent has a history of tearing people apart.”

Hutchinson said he has enjoyed being on the campaign trail and that voters should not think the election is a foregone conclusion.

“Bill Clinton, one of the best campaigners in the history of this state, has said it likely will come down to 30,000 votes. And that it is why they are going after them. I would say don’t take anything for granted,” Hutchinson told Republicans at the event. “Don’t be deterred. Go to the polls.”

Ross also implored his supporters to get folks to the polls Tuesday.

“I would say, ‘Adopt 10 people Tuesday’ to go vote. Take them to vote. They said the weather is supposed to be bad tomorrow. The weatherman said that today. If you have people who do not want to go, tell them they can be wet on Election Day or they can get soaked for the next four years,” Ross said.

Hutchinson responded late Monday.

“He’s desperate and he’s frustrated,” Hutchinson said of Ross’ comments. “We are confident of our positive message and have focused on our positive message. We have also concentrated on issues important to Northeast Arkansas.”

Both candidates stressed the basics Monday during trips to Jonesboro.

Ross said he would like to continue working on policies implemented by outgoing Gov. Mike Beebe, including the private option, taxes, pre-kindergarten and support for Arkansas State University while Hutchinson said tax reform, workforce training and education would be key goals for his administration.

HISTORY
Both Hutchinson and Sen. John Boozman, R-Arkansas, said they believe the state may be on the verge of a political shift.

Locally, Hutchinson credited Crawford, who in 2010 became the first Republican since the 1870’s to win a House seat in the First District, with helping to build a Republican base in Northeast Arkansas.

Craighead County Democratic Party chairman Benton Smith said he believes Democrats will do well Tuesday.

“The Democrats have a lot of momentum. We have had a strong push,” Smith said. “We have the best ground game. It will be a tight election, but I am pleased with the momentum.”

Boozman, who will be the state’s senior senator if Cotton defeats Pryor Tuesday, said there have been “great gains” made by Republicans in recent years due to dissatisfaction with the economy and foreign policy.

Boozman said the political shift may have been sooner if not “because of Bill Clinton, we were slower to join our neighboring states (in switching from Democrat to Republican).”