Boozman endorses Malone in Fort Smith House race
by March 5, 2010 5:36 pm 163 views
U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, has endorsed a candidate in a GOP primary for an Arkansas House District seat representing Fort Smith, despite a previous note from his campaign manager that the Congressman does not issue primary endorsements.
According to a candidacy announcement statement issued Friday (Mar. 5) by Rep. Stephanie Malone, R-Fort Smith, Boozman has endorsed her campaign for re-election which includes a primary challenge from Fort Smith City Director Gary Campbell.
“Stephanie Malone has been an excellent state representative. She has worked hard to represent the conservative values of Fort Smith. It is my pleasure to endorse Stephanie for re election to the state house,” Boozman was quoted as saying in Malone’s release.
Malone is Boozman’s niece.
Boozman, now representing the 3rd District, announced Feb. 6 he would not seek re-election to his U.S. House seat and instead would enter the GOP primary for the U.S. Senate race. Boozman’s departure from the 3rd District race resulted in seven Republicans entering the 3rd District GOP primary.
On Feb. 22, The City Wire asked Boozman’s campaign if he would endorse a candidate in the GOP primary for the 3rd District seat. The response from Boozman campaign chief Matt Sagely was that Boozman would “NEVER get involved in any primaries.”
The City Wire followed up Friday with Boozman’s campaign to ask if the familial relationship with Malone was the reason for the exception. No response was received Friday.
As to Malone’s campaign, following is the statement she issued Friday.
I am happy to announce that I am running for reelection to the Arkansas state house of representatives. It has been a pleasure to serve the people of district 64 for the past 14 months. During my time in the House I have acquired a reputation as someone with a strong conservative record. I am proud of that conservative record.
I voted against the Democrats’ $86 million tax increase during the last session. I also voted to reduce the sales tax on energy for manufacturing in Arkansas. Sebastian County has been losing manufacturing jobs for years and this tax cut will help us maintain the jobs we have while attracting new employers to our region. Additionally, I voted to lower the tax on groceries. I believe it is wrong that we tax food. I will continue to work to completely eliminate this tax.
I have supported the pro-life cause. I refused to vote for any anti-gun legislation and I have received an A rating from the NRA. I’m a firm believer in traditional family values.
Malone has been endorsed Congressman John Boozman who said, "Stephanie Malone has been an excellent state representative. She has worked hard to represent the conservative values of Fort Smith. It is my pleasure to endorse Stephanie for re election to the state house." – Congressman John Boozman
House Republican Leader Bryan King said: “Stephanie has been an excellent representative for Fort Smith. She’s has been a conservative legislator who has fought tirelessly for her constituents. I look forward to serving with her during the next session.”
Additionally, Malone has a been endorsed for re election by the following state representatives:
Jonathan Barnett, Jane English, Les "Skip" Carnine, Karen Hooper, Debbie Hobbs, Mary Lou Slinkard, Donna Hutchinson. Allen Kerr, Beverly Pyle, Dan Greenburg, Jonathan Dismang, John Burris, Ann Clemmer, Andrea Lea, Duncan Baird, Roy Ragland, Ed Garner, Frank Glidewell, Former State Rep. Jim Medley, And State Senator Denny Altes.
Malone has been selected by the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal as a member of its 40 under 40 up and coming business and community leaders.