Tolbert: Griffin Looks At LG Race; Mayberry & Collins Stay Put

The AP confirmed a rumor floating around the capitol this morning that Congressman Tim Griffin is weighing a run for the now open Lt. Governor’s office in 2014.  Griffin recently announced he will not seek re-election to Congress from central Arkansas’ Second Congressional District pointing mainly to the strain of the travel back and forth to Washington on his young family.  So it makes since that a part-time office in his hometown would be more appealing and also allow him to keep one foot in the door for public office.

But the Republican primary already has two candidates and both sound like they are sticking with the race.

“I am in the race.  I committed to the race back in August and nothing has changed since then,” said State Rep. Andy Mayberry of Hensley.  Mayberry said that Griffin had called him this morning and said he was thinking about running.  “I would prefer Griffin support me in my race, but I understand if he does want to run. That will not change things for me.”

Likewise State Rep. Charlie Collins of Fayetteville commented that it is a “free country” so everyone is certainly welcome to join the race.  He said that he is not making any decisions based on who is thinking about the race and will look forward to seeing who actually gets in officially.

“I am in the race with both feet,” said Collins. “I am committed more than ever to turning Arkansas into a jobs magnet.”

“It’s great to see income tax reform moved to the center of the debate,” said Collins referring to the income tax cut proposals from both Asa Hutchinson as well as Mike Ross.  He said that when he suggested such a plan a few years back it was not well received by the Democrats in Little Rock, so he is pleased they have come around.

As for who will ultimately be the in the Republican Primary, Mayberry summed it up when he said, “We will know for sure by March 3.”  That’s the day filing closes for candidates for 2014.