DeLay makes official his Congressional bid

Gunner DeLay on Wednesday (Feb. 24) formally entered the 3rd District Congressional race, telling a Fort Smith crowd of about 50 that he is running to push back against the “socialist agenda” of President Barack Obama and the Democratic leadership in Congress.

DeLay, 46, began his day in Russellville at Arkansas Tech University, then traveled to Fort Smith and is scheduled to attend announcement events in Fayetteville and Harrison before the day ends.

This will not be DeLay’s first attempt at the 3rd District seat. He and U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, were part of a four-person GOP primary in the 2001 special election to replace Asa Hutchinson. Hutchinson was appointed by Pres. George W. Bush as director of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The election placed DeLay second behind Boozman. Boozman has entered the GOP primary for Arkansas’ U.S. Senate seat now held by Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark.

DeLay also was elected to represent Fort Smith in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1995 to 1998, and in the Arkansas Senate from 1999 to 2003. DeLay lost to Dustin McDaniel in the 2006 general election race for Arkansas Attorney General.

DeLay mentioned the national Tea Party movement as a reflection that many Americans  “have had enough of this intrusive government.”

The campaign platform DeLay outlined included cutting pork barrel spending, reducing the deficit, opposing Card Check, opposing cap and trade legislation, securing national borders and supporting programs for Veterans. DeLay also said job creation without federal stimulus funding will be a priority. He said cutting taxes and regulation will “let the free enterprise system work.”

After his announcement, DeLay told The City Wire he does not consider spending for construction of Interstate 49 as pork barrel. He said a basic function of government is support infrastructure development, and added that I-49 would be his “No. 1 top priority” if he is elected.

When asked how he plans to overcome the big money and large Republican voting bloc in Northwest Arkansas (Benton and Washington counties), DeLay said he thinks his message will carry the day.

“There are more voters beyond just that business community,” DeLay explained. “Our message will resonate beyond that area.”

The crowded GOP field in the May 18 primary for the 3rd District now includes:
State Sen. Cecile Bledsoe, R-Rogers;
Gunner DeLay of Fort Smith;
Steve Lowry of Springdale;
Kurt Maddox of Gravette;
Boone County Judge Mike Moore;
Bernard Skoch of Elkins; and,
Rogers Mayor Steve Womack.