Tolbert: Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Bryant Endorses Asa Hutchinson

With the primary now over, most candidates are endorsing their former opponents in their respective primaries.  It’s normal and an expected gesture of party unity.  Even in the continuous Republican attorney general race, David Sterling endorsed the Republican nominee Leslie Rutledge only a week after losing to her in the runoff.

But the unsuccessful Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Lynette Bryant, broke the mold today endorsing Republican nominee Asa Hutchinson saying he is a “proven leader.”

“I ran for governor because I believe in the people’s ability to determine their own representatives and leaders. I have done my homework, and based on quality standards, like those used by the Holden Leadership Center, I believe that Asa Hutchinson is a proven leader. Asa has shown commitment, consistency, and determination. These are qualities that are needed when faced with the pressures of being governor. We need someone to lead Arkansas through this time in which global competition is a reality. I believe that leader is Asa Hutchinson,” said Bryant.

She went on to say that she believed Asa “will honor our state’s commitment to education and that his plans for computer science education and workforce skills training will strengthen Arkansas’s education system.”

“When Asa reached out to me, I saw that he is willing to take a bipartisan approach to working for a better Arkansas. I am proud to endorse Asa Hutchinson for governor of Arkansas. I encourage all of my supporters to vote for Asa in November,” said Bryant.

Hutchinson said that he was pleased to receive the endorsement. “She is a tireless worker and a passionate supporter of causes that are important to all Arkansans. Though we might not agree on every issue, she is an example of bipartisanship at its finest. Reaching across philosophical differences to come together to build a bright future for Arkansas makes me proud to be an Arkansan,” said Hutchinson.

The Ross campaign also responded saying through spokesman Brad Howard, “Throughout the primary, Dr. Bryant attacked Mike Ross’ plan to increase access to pre-K, and she attacked Mike Ross for defending Head Start.  So, she’s in good company with Congressman Hutchinson who has called increasing access to pre-K ‘irresponsible’ and ‘the wrong direction’ for Arkansas and who voted to cut Head Start funding when he was in Congress.  Mike Ross is proud to be endorsed by President Clinton, Governor Beebe, the Arkansas Education Association, 56 of the state’s 75 county judges and 65 of the state’s 75 county sheriffs.”

During candidate filing in February, Bryant become an unexpected primary opponent to Democratic favorite Mike Ross.  At the time, she said she was running at least in part because she “could not vote for Mike Ross.”  So the endorsement while unusual is not completely unexpected.

Meanwhile, former Republican gubernatorial candidate Curtis Coleman indicated in a recent Dave Elswick Show that he will support Hutchinson.