The Tolbert Report

Democratic candidate for Congress Robbie Wills sent out a press release (on the jump) showing his support among women. In a race against state Sen. Joyce Elliott, I am sure this is a demographic for which he has to compete. However, I noticed that only two of his fellow house members – Reps. Barbara Nix and Linda Tyler – are on the list. This could be because his record on women’s issues was mixed as Speaker of the House.

As shown in the picture above, Wills only appointed three out twenty-five women to serve of his house leadership team. The House Rules Committee, which was made up entire of his appointments, had only two women out of fifteen members. He appointed no women to the House Management. He supported Rep. Robert Moore, chairman of House Rules, to succeed him as Speaker over Rep. Johnnie Roebuck. Are you seeing a pattern?

But before you write off Speaker Wills completely there were some “women’s issues” for which he was champion. On example is the Equal Right Amendment which made a come back in the previous legislative session. Wills did his best to revive this proposed federal constitutional amendment despite the fact that it had to be ratified by 1982 and despite opposition from conservative groups such as Arkansas Right to Life and Family Council of Arkansas.

He took to his blog and proudly announced. “I’m FOR the Equal Rights Amendment. How could I not be? I’m married, I have a seven-year-old daughter and we are expecting another baby girl at the end of May.” He even allowed one of the three women on his leadership team, Rep. Lindley Smith to write a guest post supporting ERA as well. These posts have since been removed but remnants remain of the ArkansasNews.com. In spite of his noble efforts, the bill failed.

So perhaps Wills has promise to do better as a Congressmen than he did as a Speaker. Who knows?

Wills for Congress announces “Women for Wills”   Over 70 professionals, officials and community leaders unite to endorse  

Little Rock, May 7th, 2010 – Today over 70 women from across central Arkansas united to encourage other women to support Speaker Robbie Wills in the May 18^th 2^nd District Democratic Primary. The group of Women for Wills endorsers includes business leaders, elected officials and community leaders from across central Arkansas.

“I strongly believe Robbie Wills is the best candidate to keep this seat Democratic in November. Robbie’s work to improve health care and create jobs in Arkansas gives him the track record to run on and win in November.  I hope you will join me in voting for Speaker Robbie Wills.” 

                                                                        Former Gubernatorial Candidate and State Treasurer Jimmie Lou Fisher

“Robbie understands what is at stake.  I support Robbie because too many Arkansans are unemployed and he is the only candidate with a real plan to create jobs and career opportunities.  It’s not about personality. It’s about people.”  Attorney Staci Croom-Raley

 “I am committed to electing Robbie Wills to U.S. Congress because I believe in his track record on health care and job creation.  Robbie has the leadership qualities and experience that we need to help get our country back on track.”                                                                                                                                                       Business Owner Beth Coulsen

  “I hope that my fellow Pulaski county voters will join me in casting their vote for leadership.”  Former State Rep. and current State Senate Candidate Sandra Prater

  Women for Wills is having an event this Saturday, May 8^th at 2:00pm at the home of Brenda Walton located at 40 Carmel Drive in Little Rock.  Other women interested in supporting Speaker Robbie Wills are encouraged to attend.

“I am humbled to have the support of this amazing group of women.  I promise to honor their endorsement by serving with the same set values that I campaign with.  I will still focused on creating jobs, providing better health care, improving education, and finding common sense solutions to the problems discussed at the dinner table,” said Speaker Robbie Wills.

A full list of Women for Wills members is available at www.RobbieWills.com. “It’s no secret that women are a powerful force in politics.  This group is diverse by any standard. However, one thing they have in common is their belief that Speaker Wills is the best candidate in this race. No other candidate has assembled such an impressive group of women to support their campaign.  These are the people who will be responsible for the Speaker’s success,” said Wills for Congress Campaign Manager Kyle Gott.     Julia Adkisson, Kerri Allen, Marion Baker, Linny Bell, Benecia Betton Moore, Sherri Black, Amy Bogner, Francis Bogner,The Honorable Toni Bradford, MichelleBridges, Hope Brookings, Donna Clawson, Beth Coulson, Annette Cox, Staci Croom-Raley, Claudia Davis, Jan Davis, Almeda Ellis, The Honorable Jimmie Lou Fisher, Alice Gardner, Bellar Gisela, Jane Gray Todd, Jackie Hale, Dr.Becky Hall, Karen Hamilton, Kim Hawkins, Tabitha Henderson, Angie Hetherington, Erin Hetherington, Laura Hicky, Gayla Hopson, Faye S Hunnicutt, Brooke Ivy, Darlene Mahone, Melissa Manness Dean, Melissa Masingill, Angela Maxfield, Lauralee McCool, Julie McDonald,Judy McKnight, Andi McNeil,Becca Munson, Beth Munson, Suzanne Munson, The Honorable Barbara Nix, Shanta Nunn-Baro, Pamela Osment, Cari Pikschus, Sally Porter, Sandra Prater, Valerie Pruitt, Billie J Robbins,The Honorable Tiffany Rogers, Jill Rogers Barham, Mary Margaret Satterfield, Darinda Sharpe, Hallie Shoffner, Candice Smith, Katherine Smith, Roberta Smith, Kathryn Spinks, Mandy Stanage Shoptaw, Anna Swaim, Margie A Teal, Judy Tenenbaum, The Honorable Linda Tyler, Brenda Walton, Kathryn Walton, Sue White, Kara Wilkins, Donyale Worsham, Ashley Wright, Val Yagos, Karen Yant   ##