Elvis Is Back In The Building And On The Political Scene

Elvis is back in the building. At least, he’s back in Arkansas’ political conversation.

Elvis. D. Presley of Star City, a write-in candidate for Governor in 2010, tells Talk Business & Politics he’s considering a run for the Fourth Congressional District seat held by Rep. Mike Ross (D-Prescott).

Presley, 45, said he’d like to run as a Democrat and would entertain keeping Ross’ staff intact if he wins.

"I’m looking for party support," Presley says of this year’s run. "I got my name out there last time and had a good response. Think of what we could do."
 
Presley certainly has some Democratic positions. He’s for universal health care, green jobs, and for controlling the "overspending in Congress."

"All the turmoil, all the wars going on — people need something to get them energized back into politics. We need to let folks know that someone’s listening to them," he said.

Presley is self-employed as an entertainer (as an Elvis impersonator) and also works part-time doing paint and body work on cars and boats in southeast Arkansas.

He tells Talk Business that he’s considering touring the district with his band as a way to gin up support and possibly raise money for a filing fee.

"I think I can do a lot for the people. I don’t have a lot of experience in the field, but I want to listen to everyone and try to make things better," Presley said.

In the video interview below, Presley talks further about why he’s running for Congress. When asked if he wants to see a little less conversation and a little more action, he said, "A whole lot more action."

In 2010, Presley received 66 votes as a write-in candidate for Governor of Arkansas, although counties are not obligated to count all write-in candidates unless their inclusion would alter a race’s outcome. This time around, he’s hoping that party backing, if it materializes, will give him a boost.

State Sen. Gene Jeffress (D-Louann) has also said he’ll seek the Democratic nomination for Congress. Several Republicans have announced for the seat, including last year’s GOP nominee Beth Anne Rankin, Tom Cotton, and Marcus Richmond. Former State Rep. Bobby Tullis (D-Mineral Springs) says he is considering a run as a Republican.

For more on Elvis, click here and here.