Coleman speaks to NEA Political Animals

The decision to seek a U.S. Senate seat held by an incumbent of the same party was a difficult one, Republican Curtis Coleman said Friday.

Coleman spoke about his campaign to unseat incumbent Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., as well as the cynicism in politics on Friday during the NEA Political Animals club. Coleman said he was not planning to run for the Senate this year or possibly running for office ever again after getting 27% of the vote in the 2014 Republican gubernatorial primary against Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

However, Coleman said Boozman’s voting record drew him to the race. He said supporters pushed him to look at Boozman’s voting record, citing as an example the 2015 “Cromnibus” bill, which funded immigration and other issues.

“I will never compromise on my principles,” Coleman told the group. Coleman also said Boozman voted to raise the debt limit seven times as well as the No Child Left Behind education law.

A spokesman for Boozman’s campaign countered Friday that the senator’s voting record is conservative.

“As Senator Boozman has often said, he has been accused of a lot of things, but not being conservative enough has never been one of them. One merely needs to look at his record or any number of the conservative organizations to see that. From his 100% score with American for Prosperity to his lifetime A+ rating from Numbers USA and several other organizations. Senator Boozman has consistently been an outspoken voice for the people of Arkansas and will continue to do so when he is re-elected to the Senate in November,” campaign manager Chris Caldwell said.

Earlier on Friday, Boozman also received the endorsement of National Right to Life.

“As stated in the release, Senator Boozman very much appreciates the support of the National Right to Life. They are on the forefront of the fight to protect the unborn. It is a commitment that he shares, as do most Arkansans, and an issue that we must do all we can to defend the sanctity of life and protect the voiceless. He is honored to have their endorsement, and it shows his consistent record of defending life,” Caldwell said.

DECISION TO RUN
On the Thursday before the filing period ended, Coleman said he told several groups he still would not run for office. He later thought about it, noting he told people if they could help raise the $20,000 filing fee, he would run. That Saturday was used to raise money, especially during an Arkansas Razorbacks football game.

“That is a sure fire way to end a campaign,” Coleman said of making the phone calls.

By Sunday afternoon, supporters had raised $24,000 for the filing fee, Coleman said. He said nearly 4,000 supporters will hit the ground next week to campaign.

“They will knock on 60,000 doors around the state to make our message,” Coleman said.

His message? Making government smaller.

“I will make government small enough to fit on the Constitution,” Coleman said.

Also, Coleman said he supports the repatriation of income kept overseas due to the tax code, opposes extending the Export-Import Bank and is against the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade bill.

As for the Obama administration, Coleman said the administration does not respect the rule of law or other groups like police. On economics, Coleman said he supports a flat tax proposal by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas to set a specific rate. Coleman said a key part of the immigration issue is controlling the border.

“Don’t let anyone tell you it cannot be done,” Coleman said, noting he also supports creating a way to verify the status of refugees.

The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Conner Eldridge, Libertarian Frank Gilbert and write-in candidate Jason Tate on Nov. 8.

The next NEA Political Animals Club meeting will feature a debate between two Arkansas Supreme Court candidates. Circuit Judge Shawn Womack and Clark W. Mason, who are running for the position 5 seat, will speak at the group’s Feb. 26 meeting.