Burkhalter, Curry to seek Democratic nod for Lt. Gov.

In the span of five hours, two Democrats stepped forth to challenge for their party's nomination for Arkansas Lt. Governor in 2014.

Little Rock businessman and Arkansas Highway Commissioner John Burkhalter and Little Rock School Board President Dianne Curry both said Tuesday (June 11) they would vie for the position.

The Lt. Governor presides over the Arkansas State Senate when it is in session and is next in succession should the Governor be unable to fulfill his official duties.

Current Lt. Governor Mark Darr (R) could seek a second term next year, but he has hinted that he may run for Congress if a current House member challenges Sen. Mark Pryor (D).

With already crowded Democratic and Republican fields for Governor, there has been little mention of potential Democratic candidates for Lt. Governor.  

Burkhalter told reporters in an afternoon conference call that he would use the part-time position to push for jobs and economic development, two signatures of his previous public service as a highway commissioner and Arkansas Economic Development Commission board member.

“I want to be a voice for small business,” Burkhalter said. “They will hopefully create another Wal-Mart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt,  Acxiom – whatever their dream is.”

Burkhalter is a private businessman who has been successful in engineering, contracting and property development. He and his wife, Penny, and their two children live in Little Rock and have been active in a number of charitable causes.

He received his degree in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1980. Burkhalter also has close political ties with former Pres. Bill Clinton and Gov. Mike Beebe.

Burkhalter said he plans to meet with the two announced Democratic gubernatorial candidates – Bill Halter and Mike Ross – to learn more about their positions on critical issues. He hinted that he might side with one of the candidates if he agreed with them philosophically.

“I’m an opinionated person,” Burkhalter said.

He also said he would not resign his position as a highway commissioner while running for the Lt. Governor's office.

Earlier in the day, Little Rock School Board President Dianne Curry said she would also seek the Democratic nomination for Lt. Governor.

“For the last few months, I began a conversation with people all across Arkansas, and not just wealthy political donors, but everyday, hardworking Arkansans,” says Curry. “I told them I am looking at opportunities like U.S. Congress or State Auditor, but the office that seems to make the most sense, that fits my experience and my abilities is Lieutenant Governor. So I am going to start a listening tour, beginning this Saturday.”

Curry, a native of Malvern, now lives with her daughter and grandson in southwest Little Rock. She was elected to the Little Rock School Board in 2006 and was re-elected to two more terms. She is a retired Arkansas State Employee working for the Arkansas Bank Commission and is a registered tax preparer and advisor.

She is also a Democratic Party of Arkansas activist and has served on a number of state boards and commissions.

If elected, she would be the first African-American to hold statewide office.