Republican Tidal Wave

I'm still digesting the numbers, but last night's election results, both locally and statewide, reflect a solid statement by Arkansas voters. It looks as though Republicans won all seven contested seats in the state senate and will make unprecedented gains in the Arkansas House. Republicans also look to take over three of the state's seven constitutional offices: Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and and Land Commissioner. Democrats previously held all seven seats.

Locally, incumbent Miller County Judge Roy John McNatt (D) was defeated by Larry Burgess, his Republican challenger, and across State Line Avenue, Republicans defeated long-time Democratic incumbents County Judge James Carlow (in office since 1987) and races for county clerk and county treasurer. Texas District 1 State Rep Stephen Frost (D) also lost to Republican George Lavender. Wayne Smith will be the next mayor of Texarkana, Arkansas. I'll post more later this morning.

We'll convene on Thursday morning in the senate chamber to determine committee assignments and to draw for seniority.

Also locally:

I note that Mike Ross, while the only Democrat on an Arkansas ballot to win federal office, lost here in Miller County (53-45) and in Columbia County (57-42), Rankin's home county.

Now, in the Arkansas House, Democrats hold as slim a majority since statehood. The count now stands at 55-44, and there will be a special election held in the Garland County seat (HD24) won by Keith Crass, who died unexpectedly last Wednesday.

Republicans now hold majorities in 51 state legislative chambers, compared to 38 held by Democrats.