Trolling the blogosphere led me to a bunch of interesting developments in and around Arkansas while I was away.
State Rep. Dawn Creekmore, a Democrat, announced that she’ll run for the State Senate, district 22, which was occupied by Shane Broadway. State Rep. Dan Greenberg, a Republican, has also announced his candidacy for the seat. This one will be one to watch. Saline County resident and super-blogger, Jason Tolbert, is all over it.
Todd Witham, a local small business owner and former U.S. Marine, also announced he’ll be running in the Democratic primary. Mr. Witham and his wife, Carol, serve as President and CEO of Woodland International Research Group and Inspiration Day Treatment, Inc. They live in west Little Rock.
David “I love exclamation points” Meeks, a Republican, made his candidacy for US Congress official. He’ll challenge incumbent Rep. Vic Snyder.
Things don’t appear to be good in the Arkansas prison system. Apparently there was a meeting about recent reported abuses in the system, but having read only John Brummett’s tweets I couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on. Thankfully, Mr. Brummett cleared it up in this blog post and this column.
The first black woman to serve on the Arkansas Supreme Court died this week. Judge Andree Roaf was 68.
Sen. Blanche Lincoln has been in the news lately, the focus mainly related to President Barack Obama’s health care plan. Over on his spectacularly busy blog, Zack Stovall, offers up thoughts and perspectives. Can we expect more pressure on Sen. Lincoln now that Al Franken has won the Minnesota Senate race? Chuck Todd of MSNBC discusses President Obama’s approach.
Everybody’s All-Arkansas and soon-to-be-blogger, Rex Nelson, is having a blog launch party on July 14. I don’t know if I’m invited or not. Frankly, I don’t care. I’m showing up at Whitewater Tavern. Lucky him.
Thanks to Mr. Tolbert for this; David Kinkade of The Arkansas Project for this; and Max Brantley of the Arkansas blog for this.
Enjoy the 4th of July long weekend.
These are terrific updates from around the state that describe significant developments. On the national stage there is another big story brewing- about DEMOCRATIC SENATOR BLANCHE LINCOLN and her mystifying LACK OF SUPPORT for a public option in health reform. Well I guess it really isn’t so mystifying considering she received over $1million in campaign contributions from health insurance companies and private hospitals. Let her know she NEEDS to support REAL HEALTH REFORM if she wants your vote in 2010. Without a strong public option health reform is pointless.
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