Gov. Hutchinson sets Nov. 8 for election to replace Lampkin

Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Wednesday officially set Nov. 8 – Election Day in Arkansas – as the date for a special election to fill the House District 9 seat left vacant by the death Saturday of Rep. Sheilla Lampkin, D-Monticello.

The political parties can choose their nominees by party convention, with a deadline of Aug. 8.

J.R. Davis, Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s spokesperson, said the intent is to have both races appear separately on the ballot, but the local county election commission will make the final decision.

The Democratic Party of Arkansas is planning to host a special convention to choose another candidate, with the likely date to be Aug. 4, DPA spokesman H.L. Moody has said. Among the announced candidates are retired brigadier general and attorney LeAnne Burch; forestry contract business owner Grant Pace; and Candace Jeffress, the wife of former state Sen. Jimmy Jeffress, D-Crossett. The Democrat-Gazette reported Sunday that former Rep. Johnnie Bolin, D-Crossett also has expressed an interest.

Republican Party of Arkansas Chairman Doyle Webb said he will visit with the party’s executive committee about how to proceed regarding the special election. Jim Hall is running as a Republican for the full term and told Talk Business & Politics he would be interested in running in that special election.

A similar special election is occurring for the District 99 seat left vacant by the resignation of Rep. Kelly Linck, R-Yellville. The RPA is holding a convention August 5 in Rogers to nominate Jack Fortner, the lone candidate running for the upcoming term, to complete the last two months of Linck’s term.