Memorial Day

Voter turnout

Post election analysis shows that while voter turnout was dismal statewide, local races in my senate district drove high turnout.

Of the 75 counties in the state, Little River was 2nd in voter turnout (45%), and Sevier (41%) was 3rd. Only Pike County (46%) turned out a higher percentage of voters.

In contrast, Hempstead was 71st (15.9%). The only locally contested race in my district in Hempstead County was Constable of Bois D'Arc Township.

Election Day

Midnight update: I'm very grateful and humbled by the support I received today. Complete but unofficial results give us a victory by over 600 votes. I want to thank Larry Cowling...he and his brother Ken have done great things for Little River County. I'll see each of you soon as we take our message of jobs and education back to the people!

6:10 pm: From texts, phone calls, and my own observations, it sounds like it's been a fairly light turnout throughout my senate district, with a few exceptions: Fouke, Little River County, and Sevier County. I'm still out and about at polling places and intersections. I'll try and post results as they come available.

Election Eve

Working the plant gate at Cooper Tire talking to voters. Please remember to vote today or tomorrow!

Final weekend

The weekend is here, and Camille and I are hanging out at the Little River County Relay for Life

6 Days Out

Candidates are busy getting out the last minute message for Tuesday's primaries...here's our final full page ad for Little River.

One week out

The Preferential Primaries will take place a week from today in Arkansas, and early voting is ongoing. Click here to view your sample ballot and polling place address, etc.

Railfest in downtown Texarkana

With Diamond Rio

Whistlestop Festival in Ashdown

Domtar CEO John Williams visits

Domtar CEO John Williams visited the Ashdown paper mill today. Here are a couple of pictures of the visit, one with members of the Community Advisory Team and one with local Steelworkers.

Early voting begins

The first ballot cast in Miller County went to Steve Harrelson for Senate. Please join me and vote early at your local county courthouse from 8-6 (10-4 on Saturdays).

Candidates are still out hitting the pavement hard campaigning. Here I am at testerday's unveiling of a newly-found portrait of former Governor Jeff Davis of Rocky Comfort (Little River O). Davis was the first governor to serve three terms in office. It's said that Huey P. Long of Louisiana thought a lot of Davis ... He was apparently a colorful character. I'm pictured with Little River District Judge Johnny Finley, Ashdown Mayor Carroll McLarty, and Little River County Judge Clayton Castleman as the portrait is unveiled (and this was Camille's first photography gig for the campaign).

Introducing local students to the new UofA campus in Texarkana

Local high school students visited the new UofA campus in Texarkana recently. Miller County ranks 75th of 75 counties in students utilizing the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which is funded largely by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery. One reason for that is that the scholarship lottery cannot be used by Arkansas students at the other two colleges in Texarkana, Texarkana College and Texas A&M-Texarkana. This college will bring needed opportunities for Miller County and help provide a pipeline to the UA system flagship in Fayetteville. The director of this campus will report to Chris Thomason, the chancellor at UACCH.

Update on the John W. Turk Power Plant

I toured the new Turk Power Plant last week, and it is expected to be fully operational by November of this year. There are currently over 1,600 workers at the site, which is vitally important to our regional economy. Construction is moving at a swift pace, and the technology utilized at this plant is second to none. I'm hopeful that our local colleges can continue to develop curriculum to prepare our students for jobs like the ones being created here. Here are a few pictures of the tour:

DeQueen Lion's Club

I'm off to DeQueen to speak at the Lion's Club luncheon alongside my cousin, Rep. Nate Steel. Nate's House district and my Senate district overlap in Sevier County, and it's been great being able to represent that county together.