Rep. Mark Martin Considers Secretary of State Run
Rumors came in today that Republican State Rep. Mark Martin is considering jumping in the race for Secretary of State. Martin is currently serving his last term as state representative from Prairie Grove before being term limited.
I called up Martin to see if this was the case. He confirmed that he considering getting in the race but has not reached a final decision. He told me that he plans to visit with his family over the Christmas holiday and will probably be making a final decision at the end of the year or first part of January.
Incumbent Secretary of State Charlie Daniels is term limited and three candidates have already announced on the Democratic side, Pulaski County Clerk Pat O’Brien, Land Commissioner Mark Wilcox, and Sebastian County Clerk Doris Tate. So far no one else has announced as a Republican candidate.
It would certainly be interesting to have a guy named Mark Martin follow a guy named Charlie Daniels as our Secretary of State. I love Arkansas!
Tags: 2010 Candidates
December 4th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Mark Martin is a great representative and will be an excellent candidate for Secretary of State. With his name on the ticket we are assured of the NASCAR vote. Go Mark!
December 4th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Mark Martin would be a fantastic candidate for this very important seat. Here is hoping that he does get in this race.
We need you, Mark!
December 4th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Mark would be a formidable candidate and an excellent Secretary of State. As a veteran of the US Navy and of some of Arkansas’ most important legislative battles, he has the tenacity to win this. Another plus: he is an engineer who understands and uses current technology, which would be helpful for an office that sorely needs modernization.
December 4th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
I have known Mark for several years and he will make a great candidate.
December 4th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Even though Martin and I have not always seen eye to eye, even I admit that he would be a great Secretary of State. Lots of candidates have the legislative experience, but as Wayne points out, Martin has an engineering background. Not just any engineering, but one that is a near perfect match for physical plant issues that are a major part of the Secretary of State’s duties.
Some people would be good candidates, but maybe not so good at the job. Martin would actually be good at the job.
December 4th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Mark Martin is my friend and was my seatmate during my last term in the House. He is passionate about his conservative beliefs. Two of the most vital duties of the Secretary of State are administering elections and redistricting, issues of utmost importance to Arkansans and to Republicans. Mark Martin is someone we can trust to address those issues with integrity and fairness.
Mark will be in Hot Springs at the State GOP meeting…take a moment to encourage him to run for this critical open seat.
December 7th, 2009 at 11:06 am
[...] case you missed it last week, The Tolbert Report noted that GOP Rep. Mark Martin is eyeing a race for secretary of state. Republicans have been slow to field candidates for the state constitutional officers, since [...]