Conrad Reynolds Wins College Republican Straw Poll With Nine Out of Fourteen Votes
A small group of College Republicans met together in Little Rock at the Republican Party of Arkansas offices and declared their support for U.S. Senate candidate Conrad Reynolds. Only fourteen students from seven schools made the trip to hear from four candidates in person, one campaign representatives, and a video from another before casting their ballots.
As the College Republicans settled in hear from the candidates, while snacking on pizza provided by the Reynolds campaign, it became clear that they would not be impressed with anyone based on their fundraising or their position within the party, in fact they seemed to resent both of these two things.
Conrad Reynolds, who earned the votes of nine attendees for a first place finish, spoke to the group first discussing his background growing up in Arkansas, followed by his service in the military. Reynolds said that he decided to get in the race due to objection to the economic stimulus bill, a sense that the veterans were not being treated fairly, and from inspiration after attending a TEA party in Richmond, Virginia.
“I don’t owe anybody anything,” Reynolds told the students. “I live on my retirement. I have not taken a dime from special interests. I have not taken a dime from political action committees and I don’t want to. I am trying to get as much as I can from regular people… I don’t have very many friends that can give $2,400, but that is not what it is all about anyway. It’s about people and letting them have a voice in Washington and that’s what I’m going to do.” Reynolds also discussed his support for the FairTax proposal.
Kim Hendren came in second place by persuading three College Republicans to vote for him, presenting himself as a citizen legislator. Hendren discussed his wide range of experience from a pilot to a truck driver, a farmer to a teacher, and a radio station owner to a car dealership owner. He discussed his ability to work with members from different parties such as Democrat state legislator Jerry Bookout to Republican Governor Mike Huckabee.
“I will bring common sense to Washington and continue to be a working Arkansan,” said Hendren. “I serve my constituents; that is what I think my job is. But I also will continue to work.”
Third place finisher Curtis Coleman with two votes was not able to attend but sent a video to play. In it he discussed his fundraising challenges reflected in his recent financial report but said that he felt that he could turn this around and raise enough to compete with Blanche Lincoln.
State Representative Ed Garner represented Gilbert Baker as, much to the apparent displeasure of the fourteen college students, Baker was in California raising money. Garner pointed out that while many of Baker’s opponents were great candidate, none of them had raised as much as Gilbert Baker.
“Focus your time and your efforts on getting a Senator to replace Blanche Lincoln in Washington,” said Garner. “Based on my experience around Gilbert Baker, I believe that Gilbert Baker, head and shoulders, has the best chance of winning this race….Gilbert has raised over half a million dollars and it’s ten times what anyone else has raised in the latest reporting period and there is no debt associated with that. So in terms of just bulk money out there, Gilbert is way ahead in just 30 days out there and it is a great accomplishment. And it means a lot.”
Rep. Garner then faced pointed question as to why should they vote for Baker unless he is the best candidate, why he was so “wishy washy” in deciding to run, and why he was out raising money in California rather than in Little Rock in speaking to the fourteen of them. Tough crowd.
Tom Cox told the group that although he has not raised as much funds as others, he has the personal resources to invest in the race to compete. “I have never ever voted anything but Republican in my whole life. They can check my voting record,” said Cox. “I am a winner and unfortunately the Republican Party of Arkansas has done a job of many times losing. I am a winner and the way that we will win this race is through grace. And grace to me is about going and building bridges and finding common ground with Democrats while at the same time not prostituting your convictions.”
Finally, Buddy Rogers spoke last telling the group that while funds matter, they should not be the priority. He cited the unsuccessful challenge of Jim Holt against Sen. Lincoln in 2004 as an example of a well-run campaign without much money. He also said he felt if he wins the primary then there will be plenty of money. “Why do lobbyist give you money? Why do PACs give you money?” asked Rogers. “Because they expect something out of you.”
But in the end, neither Cox, Rogers, nor Garner of behalf of Baker were able to earn the support of any attendees. Both Fred Ramey and James McNair were invited but unable to attend and also did not receive any votes.
“I think this is a message from the young people of Arkansas saying they want a change,” said an excited Reynolds after winning the poll. “They don’t want politics as usually. And I am in awe and humbled by them selecting me…But this is only one step in the process. You have to get the College Republicans, the Young Republicans, the veterans of this state, the business owners of this state.” Reynolds added that although it is not about money, he believes between $500,000 and $750,000 is necessary to compete in the primary with he is confident he can raise this, even though he had only raised $13,176 through September 30. He also believes more money will come to whoever wins the Republican nomination.
Garner said that he was surprised Baker did not received more support from the College Republicans and felt they ignored the candidate with the best chance to beat Sen. Lincoln. However, Arkansas College Republican President Tom Norsworthy, who organized the event, was not surprised. Norsworthy, clearly not a supporter of Baker, said that he believes the results “says a lot about College Republicans’ distrust for Gilbert Baker.”
Tags: 2010 Candidates
October 18th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
“As the College Republicans settled in hear from the candidates, while snacking on pizza provided by the Reynolds campaign, it became clear that they would not be impressed with anyone based on their fundraising or their position within the party, in fact they seemed to resent both of these two things”. But now the pizza …THAT impressed them …LOL
October 18th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
First I would like to congratulate Conrad Reynolds on his winning the CRSP yesterday. I regret that I was unable to attend due to a prior commitment in Blytheville.
It is encouraging to see the younger Republicans in Arkansas ready to rebuild this party from the ground up. As a true conservative, I, like them, am not impressed with someone’s fundraising abilities or “connections” with the national party. What Arkansas needs is a senator who knows Arkansas, is conservative, decisive,and who is interested in building relationships with people of THIS state.
We have proven that we can connect with Arkansans from all walks of life, as we did in Mississippi Co. yesterday. We continue to believe that, once the nominee of this party is chosen, the money will come in.
October 18th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
As an attendee at the straw poll, I asked Colonel Reynolds a question the Fair Tax (which he advocates in his campaign literature). Instead of answering my question, he dodged. Therefore, he did not get my vote. The last thing we need is another politician who doesn’t answer to the people.
Also, Representative Garner must be taking lessons from Barney Frank on how to deny things he just said. Somebody play the tape back to him.
October 18th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
The vote against Baker was much more a vote against Garner. He has got to be one of the single worst surrogates available. The real problem for Gilbert is Gilbert’s poor judgment in sending Garner… and in having Garner (or anyone else) say that Gilbert is OUT OF THE STATE raising money.
The other folks could be good additions to the Republican farm team…. But they need some work (like many of us).
To take but one example: the Fair Tax is a fraud. Without a repeal of the 16th Amendment a “Fair Tax” will only mean MORE TAXATION AND MORE GOVERNMENT. Indeed, that is precisely what Obama, Pelosi, and Reid (and BLincoln) have planned; they just call it a Value Added Tax. Conrad is rapidly writing himself out of the GOP picture with his campaign literature and obfuscation on the issue. Too bad; but that is why Gilbert will win the primary (in spite of Garner’s poor performance).
Yup, Gilbert supporter hear. Not “against” any of the others yet; just don’t think they could win the big enchilada.
October 18th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Hear should be here. Can you hear me now?
October 18th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Glad to see the Gilbert apologists out so early.
Have you dialed the 800 number to let voters know where he is?
Which piece of literature do you have a problem with, the one 150 of us got in Fort Smith on Friday?
October 18th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Ahhhh, the power of cheese.
October 19th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Senators Hendren and Baker voted to bring back part of a tax on Arkansas Charities after the House had voted 90 to 7 to eleminate the tax. Organizations such as the Blind Day Care, Cradle Food Bank, Volunteer Fire Departments, schools, Churchs and Veterans’ Organizations. For that reason, I am glad to see Conrad Reynolds defeated them. They are too far out of touch. We have enough tax and spend legislators in Washington already.
October 19th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Gilbert Baker is a post turtle. And is waiting for the highest bidder for decisions to be made. Ed sorry but you are more of the same. Baker says something then if he Is questioned about it well I didn’t say it or I said it but didn’t mean it. Huh? Buddy Rogers is an interesting man start listening to him, he has alot good ideas. As for me and other small business owners that I.know. We
not be supporting G Baker for anything. He costs us money and does not ever say what he really means: Another Career power hungry Politician
October 19th, 2009 at 11:37 am
I love the part where Garner said Gilbert asked him to poll the legislators to see if Gilbert should run, I think that speaks volumes. I am not sure that Pizza is what won him the election but that coupled with him being there probably helped, I find it also interesting that Coleman did better than most of those taht showed up with just a video. I think that shows he has some winning qualities.
October 19th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
So, I re-watched Ed Garner’s rambling speech, and I noticed he talked about capturing the swing vote.
From a logical standpoint, how does the former chairman of the state Republican Party capture a “swing vote”?
Who wrote that talking point?
October 19th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
I think the fact that the CRs dont respect the fact that Gilbert Baker is the best candidate and the candidate most likely to beat Blanche shows how out of touch most of them are. The fact that he was out of the state raising money and not wasting his time with these children impresses me.
October 19th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Yup! The fact that he was in California – where we all know true conservatives live – impresses me even more. But, I guess in the views of the good State Senator a dollar’s a dollar any way you look at it.
October 20th, 2009 at 7:23 am
Glad to see Clin, err “W” has weighed in on the “children”
October 20th, 2009 at 9:24 am
Our Future is with the children, Geeeze don’t you remember when we were the ones making changes… At least they are thinking for themselves. Wow now that is original… Frankly, I love that they are involved… They really aren’t children either…. They can and will vote,They aren’t jaded with power and greed, as some in our country are.
Go College Republicans,,,, You can make a huge difference and you will…
Thank goodness they recognize arrogance when they see it, and They call it out….
politically correct is so over
October 20th, 2009 at 9:48 am
In California raising money? Seriously?
October 20th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Raise serious cash for a major campaign or gain the endorsement of 14 college students?? Hmmmm……cost and benefit.
October 20th, 2009 at 11:47 am
This is W. im not Clint Reed by the way. Also I have nothing to do with the Baker Campaign. Gilbert Baker is the kind of man that we need more of in politics. His is a strong leader who has represented his district well in his years in the State Senate. I have always wondered why the Republican Party always shoots itself in the foot. I was once a College Republican Chairman we would never have voted for a candidate that could not raise money. We need a candidate with Gilberts history and with the ability to raise money. College is a time of growth and I would say that Im proud of these young people for being involved but that they made the wrong choice this time. With all due respect.
October 20th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Gilbert Baker is an effective legislator and a great communicator. I will be supporting him in the primary.
October 20th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
serious cash as opposed to unserious cash…. Effective for who?
great communicator…we have way too many of those already…
How about accountability? Honesty? Integrity? Representing the people of Arkansas; instead of fence rider…double talker… serious money person.. might be great for Blanche and Baker, sometimes when you don’t have the other stuff (look above) then you really need the serious money.
October 20th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
I am left wondering what kind of person some of you want running for the U.S. Senate. I have run campaigns I am here to tell you if we do not nominate a candidate that can raise real money as opposed to the Jim Holt style wing nut we have been nominating we will never win. This party needs to grow up and stop going for our so called dream people. I challenge you to tell me what Gilbert Baker has done that is so bad in the State Senate or how he has not represented his district well. Just remember this stuff is coming from the same Republicans who would not support Mike Huckabee for President. The Republican party needs to get their act together we are often our own worst enemy. Blanche is one of the 7 most endangered dems this election cylce and we had better pick a candidate that is respected (Gilbert is) that some dems will vote for ( many will just like they did for McCain) and that can raise money (he has proven that in his last campaign and already in this one) I chanllenge you to stop talking trash about the front runner and tell me what is good about your guy. So far all i see is weak opposition. Republicans we need to start being possitive and not so negative.
October 20th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I don’t like John McCain calling himself a Republican. He isn’t conservative “W”.
Does Gilbert Baker vote for higher taxes? Yes he has, What are the good qualities of Baker’s agenda? Is he PRO UNION? if not why does the AFL-CIO think he is a good candidate?
This is a right to work state not a Union State.
Has or Does Baker vote for higher taxes in Arkansas? that would be yes he has or he didn’t even vote on some tax votes…(thats a yes in my book)
Even when you don’t even stand a chance on a vote : And You Vote the way the People who elected you wanted you to vote….Then you are someone to consider.
Is Baker a Conservative? or just another so-called Republican… Maybe you should check out what is going on in New York…. Some Republicans are really standing up for Conservatism even during these times….How does Baker stand on Abortion issues? (let me check that out myself)
Our State Republican Party will have to stand up and speak out on what They stand for too.
I am looking for a True Conservative, not a part time Liberal saying they are a conservative, or saying they are a Republican and voting like a democrat/liberal.
October 20th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I am supporting Fred Ramey for Senate for a number of reasons. Reason 1: He is an everyday person just like me. He was worked at FedEx for 16 years and owns his own real estate business. He is in tune with the stuggles of the comman man. Reason 2: He is not a career politician. We have to many career politicians in Washington now, we need a common man to represent the everyday Arkansan. We need a man like Fred Ramey in the U.S. Senate, thats why I am voting for him in the primary.
October 20th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
The CRs made the right decision. It is nothing against Ed or Gilbert like some others said. It is that the CRs don’t care about money or political influence they care who the right person for the job is. This is the kind of voting the party needs to do. Look what happened to us in 2006. The reason is because we had people in office who abandoned conservatvie principles. I think for the day to go the way it did Conrad should have won, the most impressive showing was Curtis Coleman for sending a video and coming in third. I believe he would have one had he attended.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Gilbert Baker has been working for the good of all of Arkansas for the 15 years I have known him since I was a student and a College Republican at UCA. While Gilbert has been called on to make some votes in the State Senate that some of you do not agree with he is still a solid Conservitive. For the Arkansas Republican Party to win any statewide race we must appeal to Conservitive Dems, Libertarians, Moderate Republicans and Conservitives. Gilbert is best suited to do just that. It seems to me that to many Arkansas Republicans are simply anti anything that is in power. Gilbert has the respect of so many people and we see that in his fundraising numbers. We have been lucky to draw so many candidates to this race but I believe he is the top of the heap. A good man and I believe the man that will eventually be our Junior U.S. Senator. I will support the Republican candidate whoever it is unless it is Kim Hendren. He is someone that we should rid ourselves of he does far more harm than good. Just remember not all Republicans are extream conservitives I know liberal ones, gay ones and moderate ones. If we cannot all get in the big tent, as President Reagan put it will will not win. Stop bashing Gilbert and start supporting your candidate and may the best candidate win.
October 20th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
I’m almost sorry, W, but a “true conservative” would not vote for the tax increases that Senator Baker has. When, as a state, we have millions left over every year, there is absolutly NO REASON to raise some of the taxes that have been raised.
Senator Baker can be a nice enough guy if you have something he wants. If not, well then he stares right through you. I, for one, am tired of people being sent to Washington and forgetting where they came from and who it is that sent them there.
If Senator Baker could stop for just one moment and realize how many bridges he’s burned over the past few weeks by continually failing to show up places he’s supposed to be at maybe he can salvage what he has left of his campaign. And, no, I’m not just talking about “a bunch of kids” he left hanging. I’m mainly talking about speaking engagements with county committees.
October 21st, 2009 at 12:47 am
So..I’m a little confused here. How exactly is Gilbert Baker a career politician? He was a professor at UCA just 8 years ago…not exactly career politician type? Or after a year of yelling “experience” in the Presidential campaign, we want to not vote for the candidate with experience? Makes sense..
I don’t understand why Baker catches so much flack for raising money..that is how the race will be won, and btw newsflash, Jim Holt lost and by over 10 points. We don’t need a repeat of that.
Lastly, not sure the CRs lack of vote for Baker means they “distrust” him, as it should be pointed out that no CRs from UCA attended.
October 21st, 2009 at 12:50 am
Gilbert Baker uses a Brummett quote in his mailer saying he can get along with conservative Democrats.
Blanche Lincoln styles herself as a conservative Democrat.
Therefore, Gilbert Baker would get along with Blanche Lincoln.
Is that who we want in the Senate representing us?
October 21st, 2009 at 10:21 am
What a bunch of nimrods.
October 21st, 2009 at 10:22 am
With all due respect to “W”, the last thing I saw under at “big tent” was a circus. Usually 3 ringed, Executive, Legislative, and Judicial which is what our current administration has turned into. Blanche was very vulnerable in the last election cycle and without very little money, Mr. Holt was within 6 points of taking her out. This time around is no exception. Raising money outside of the state as opposed to shaking hands and making relationships with your constituents is politics as usual. Are we not sick to death of that? Arkansas as well as the rest of the nation is tired of the career politician. Where are the men and women who would represent us like our founders did. Our first representatives and even our first President were working people who had full time jobs, and not all, but many did not even want to be paid to represent their state. They felt it their duty. Where are the men and women of honor, truth and the audacity to question things when questioning is not popular. There are many good men in this primary. Listen to the message that resonates with you and then vote for that person. It seems very difficult to hear a message when the messenger is in California…..
October 21st, 2009 at 11:19 am
College Republicans are losing perspective…or may not have any in the first place. I take issue with Chairman Norsworthy having such obvious contempt for a candidate he seems to be unfimiliar with. It seems quite inappropriate for the organizer of this event to be so clear in his dislike. Sen. Baker has always supported CRs, especially when he was chairman of our party. I can understand not always agreeing with a candidate’s ideas; however, to say you distrust a man like Gilbert Baker shows complete unwillingness to observe the recent past or the ignorance to realize it exists. Sen. Baker has done more for our party and our cause than ALL of the other candidates combined because he is committed to those causes.
October 21st, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Baker is against union “card check” legislation. He is pro-market. He is pro-life. He has been a champion for home school rights. He’s a strong social and fiscal conservative. He knows get to get things done. This is precisely why the Mike Beebe political machine tried to destroy Baker in his last state senate race.
If we don’t get our act together, we are going to hang ourselves and any hope of replacing Blanche Lincoln with a true conservative.
I echo D’s statements above.
October 21st, 2009 at 2:44 pm
So is Alice writing your talking points from Gilbert?
After seeing this vigorous defense for Gilbert’s questionable record, you would think the guy who wrote Trevor Drown’s playbook has been tapped by $ilbert.
October 21st, 2009 at 2:46 pm
D,
Making a deal where Bob Johnson eventually became pro temp furthers the Republican cause how exactly?
October 21st, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I find the comments here most interesting and have enjoyed the give and take. I believe strongly that Gilbert Baker is the best Candidate the Republican Party can put forward and I am going to work hard to help him. I believe that he is the only candidate in the Republican Primary race with the ability to raise the vast amounts of money that will be needed to beat Blanche and her 4.5 million in the bank. If Republican or neo cons like those on here continue with this attitude the party will go down in smoke just like always. So he voted to raise some minor taxes, he has opposed many more and opposed usless spending. He is a normal everyday guy who I first new at UCA. Being a State Senator that meets every 2 years and gets paid $15,000 per year does not mean he is a career politician, get a grip. Why is it so bad if he can attract Conservitive Dems? Without them no one can win in this state. Arkansas is not a conservitive state it is a moderate state. The Democrats should be who we are after not each other so work for whoever you want and support the nominee who ever it is.
October 21st, 2009 at 5:03 pm
This so much reminds me of what I like to call The Great Slug Fest of ‘05 and ‘06 (i.e. the Lt. Gov’s primary race). Let’s hope it doesn’t turn out the way it did, shall we?
October 21st, 2009 at 6:16 pm
It’s not like Sen. Baker voted against a Republican in the pro temp race. We only have a handful of GOPers in there any way. The tactic of “throwing anything against the wall and seeing if it sticks” method without using any common sense not only hurts premise of the debate but our party as a whole. My mere point was that not “trusting” Sen. Baker shows lack of perspective. I will concede the point that sending Ed Garner to speak on anyone’s behalf is a TERRIBLE IDEA!! The Baker campaign should enlist some young blood to talk to the youth of the party (i.e. Rep. John Burris, Rep. Davy Carter, Rep. Duncan Baird…). By the way, the majority of Arkansans classify themselves as ‘Conservative Democrats.” I would idiotic not to pursue those voters.
October 21st, 2009 at 6:17 pm
*It would be idiotic…
October 21st, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Dear rawacr,
I read your last post and have a few thougths for you. First of all every time Republicans have won on a national level or on a state level it has been because they followed President Ronald Reagans advice about the big tent. Jim Holt raised little money but I know many Republicans that did not even vote for him due to poorly run devisive campaign. I take issue with your telling me that the founders were common people, they were the most powerful wealthest people of their time. If you dont believe me visit Mr. Vernon. We have seen time and time again we let the right wing nuts in the party make our choices for us and we loose, its time we said enough. We need to pick a candidate that can raise money. We dont want this campaign turning out like the race for Lt. Governor in 2006. As far as Gilbert working against Sen. David Bisbee in favor of Sen. Bob Johnson, he was not the only Republican to do so. That should tell us something more about Sen. Bisbee than it does about Gilbert. If you dislike tax and spend Senators then you should despise Sen. Bisbee. Why do Republicans turn on their own? We shoot ourselves in the foot with this crap all the time. We need a senate candidate with experience, with fundraising ability and the ability to work with others, not some radical that will get 40 to 45% that so many seem happy with just because he agrees with all of your positions.
October 21st, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Out of curiousity, who among the current crop would you consider radical?
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:33 am
W, if you and I were to meet on the street, I would have to concede that you are more politcally astute than I. And we would probably get along famously, while having friendly discussions where we would have to agree to disagree. I do not mean that facetiously either. Many of the founders, while wealthy for there time, were still common men. They were not men who sought after political office for power, they were men of ideals. I don’t think they felt themselves right or left, conservative or liberal, they felt themselves Americans. This is what we have lost in our entire political system. I am currently reading “The 5000 Year Leap” a phenomenal book that provides more insight into our Republics origins than anything I have every read. I highly recommend it. I did not mean to besmirch President Reagan, in fact, I agree he was probably one of the greatest presidents we have had to date. And I have only recently begun to be interested in politics in general and I find it to be a very polarizing, negative, nontransparent, power hungry and all around negative outgrowth of what was intended to be an honorable, transparent, worthy endeavor to represent people. This may sound cynical, but I think we have lost more than governing as Republicans and Democrats, we have lost focus as Americans and what that truly means. Again, I hold no anymosity for those that disagree with me, however, I do hope we can find a candidate, unlike the Republican Presidential candidate, who will stand for common values, Americanism, protection of our soveriengty, and reduction of the debt to the world. I concede that Mr. Baker has been pro home education, I have home educated my children for 18 years and appreciate his efforts, however, I do not follow that the man with the most money wins and don’t think it will take that to beat Blanche, she has already done enough to defeat herself.
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Will you be at the meeting next week W?, raw; FS rep;Belle; js;GBP,cr and Keith…etc I would love to put a face to your remarks. Actually, I don’t have a clue who any of you are but I am sure I will recognize some of you.
I look forward to hearing what Griffin and Wallace and Meeks will say next week.
I still want to know how each of these candidates stand on issues that I care about.
I will bring my list with me.! For US Senate and for US Congress candidates.
The “I got more money and I reach across the isles!” comments still turn my stomach!
But I am listening …. To all of the Candidates!
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Sorry – proves I’m out of the loop I guess. What’s next week Kay?
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I dont believe that it is always true that the candidate with the most money wins. Having said that I do believe that the voters of Arkansas elect a specific kind of person over and over. The fact that Baker can get money and support from independents and Dems makes him a better candidate. This is not a true conservitive state in fact if all the Republicans voted a candidate would do will to get 30% of the vote. Do I think you would like everything Gilbert would do in the Senate, no i dont. Neither would I, I do think he represents our best chance to defeat Blance, I believe that with here money and what I think is still strong connection with the voters she will be hard for even Gilbert to beat. Gilbert Baker is about as “common man” as you can get. He is not wealthy by any means and cares for common people. This whole debate shows how this party always turns on each other. We need to all work for our guy and then pull together to support the final candidate. Sometimes when we say so much about the otehr guy in the primary it is hard to come together in the end to do our job. If you read history the best senators haver reached accross the partisan divide as offten as they could. It is easy to set in our county committies and say what we think they should do but if you think about it most committiees cannot even get along. Republicans need to pull it together if we are going to have a state party that matters and for the 15 years i have known Gilbert he has worked for this party.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Belle the CARC will have luncheon next Friday Oct 30th. Griffin Wallace & Meeks will be speaking
hope you and anyone you know who is interested in these next elections will be there. It’s only a start but at least you can get to watch and hear and learn how they handle themselves
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
W,
You referred to us a “right wing nuts.” By your support of Baker and by this comment, you would be implying that Baker is not a conservative. Since he voted for tax hikes, I would say he’s not. The fact that he cannot seem to go out and meet the people of the state speaks volumes. He has to go to one of the more liberal states in the country and get the money. $ilbert just needs to pack it in and go home now. We need a TRUE conservative who can take Blanche down and out!
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
One wonders if the Baker campaign will now say money isn’t everything now that Stanley Reed can fart $500k out of his ass.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Dear Voteoutthelibs,
Id say that Gilbert has meet people all over the state and is well connected. I know members of my own County Committiee who will not even concider another candidate. I am unsure why some on here see his ability to raise money as a negative. I think he should be spending this time raising money and making few speaches. Time will tell but I believe he will win the primary by a fairly good margin. It is interesting to note that Stanley Reed is concidering entering the race for those of you who dont know he is a big Farm Bureau guy and former Chairman of the Board at the U of A. He is also a huge farmer from eastern Arkansas. As far as Gilbert Baker not being a conservitive I think his record speaks volumes. I cant help it if he has angered you in some way and you have a personal issue with him. Here is why I support him, I know him, I know his record, he has been elected 3 times to the State Senate, he has been a long time active conservitive memeber of the state party, he works well with Conservitive Dems (they make up most of Arkansas) and he can raise the money. Stop trying to hurt this good man and tell us what is good about your candidate. I am waiting to hear but no one wants to do anything but go after the front runner. Typical for this party.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:38 pm
One last thing you can be a conservitive without being a right wing nut. Mike Huckabee is a conservitive, Jim Holt is a right wing nut.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:10 pm
We finally agree on something “w.”
Kay – what is CARC and where is it?