The Tolbert Report

Stopping just short of a formal announcement, Arkansas State Representative Dan Greenberg announced he intends to run for State Senate District 22. This seat will be open in 2010 as Sen. Shane Broadway is term limited. This race promises to be one of the most hotly contested races in the state. There are at least three candidates considering running in the Republican Primary and as well as several in the Democratic Primary. In fact, Rep. Greenberg, former State Representative Jeremy Hutchinson and former Republican Party of Arkansas Chairman Dennis Milligan have all already conducted polls within the district to gauge support. On the Democratic side, Rep. Dawn Creekmore of East End is rumored to be moving into Senate District 22 so that she is able to run for the open seat. In addition, former State Representative and popular former high school football coach Dwight Fite is considering throw his hat in the ring. Although Fite previously ran as a conservative Democrat, it is believed his is at least considering running as a Republican this time around.

In Greenberg’s speech, he expressed frustration with the lack of debate allowed in the House of Representatives and told two stories illustrating this. One story involved a colleague who was bewildered that Greenberg would actually speak against bills on the floor of the house. The second involves Speaker Robbie Wills complained about the laughing going on during the cigarette tax debate. Greenberg went on the say that the State Senate was even worse stating that this is “where good bills go to die” and asked the crowd if he should run for State Senate instead of another term in the House. The crowd cheered him on which set up his announcement of his intention to be the next State Senator from Pulaski and Saline Counties.

Tags: 2010 Candidates