Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Politicos talk about clean sweep part 2

Fisher blasted the governor saying he showed poor judgement by not putting more trust in the legislature.

"You'll have a leader in Jimmie Lou Fisher who'll make good judgments," she said. "I can tell when things look tough."

Fisher said it's time for a change in the state.

Ron Sheffield, candidate for Lt. Governor, is running against incumbent Win Rockefeller.

Sheffield has worked for the state the past 27 years in the insurance department. He retired, only to have friends talk him into running for the Lt. Gov. position.

"For 27 years, I've worked every tornado in the state," he said, "making sure insurance companies paid off the way they were supposed to.

"When I retired on March 1, 2001, I'd planned to play golf and practice law, maybe make a little money. But my friends called saying I needed to think about running for Lt. Gov."

Sheffield talked with his wife about it, telling the audience he wouldn't have entered the race without her support.

"My entire adult life has been spent in service to my country and this state and I'm not finished yet.

"I decided to run because the children of this state deserve a better education than they're getting.

"We need to make sure the majority of children in the state get as good an education as other students in other states. The system in Arkansas has been declared unconstitutional and education must be fixed."

Sheffield said Arkansas needs job creation, not economic development, adding economic development is what is thrown against the wall.

"We need to find worthwhile jobs for people to work in so they can make a living wage, not a minimum wage.

"I will be your next Lt. Gov.," Sheffield said. "The other guy can't out campaign me, only outspend me."

Other candidates were also afforded time to speak to the packed house at Henderson State University.

Rep. Mike Ross, D-4th, said it's good to see Democrats coming together as they are this year.

Ross asked for the people's support in his race against Jay Dickey, but urged them to also vote for the Democratic candidates running for local and state office as well.

Gus Wingfield, candidate for state treasurer, said he has a background in banking, while his opponent is a "Washington lawyer".

The state's treasury, he said, is like a bank, and if he needs an attorney he can call upon Mike Beebe, who's running unopposed for the position, any time.

As state auditor, he said, he's been through eight legislative audits and had no cites in eight years.

"I'll get things done for the state of Arkansas and will make you a good state treasurer," he said. "I'm a native Arkansan and a born Democrat."

Mike Wilcox, candidate for state land commissioner, promised to work with those people who work in the county courthouses across the state on a daily basis, as the commissioner should do.

Charlie Daniels, candidate for Secretary of State, reminded all he's been the land commissioner for 17 years, knew what had to be done and made sure it was accomplished.

"I worked hard to preserve the state's historical record," he said. "I have the experience, desire and qualifications to be Secretary of State, and will make sure what I do will be compatible with what people in the state want."

Jim Wood, who's running for state auditor, said the Democratic party needs to show a united front against the Republicans in November.

He said if elected, the office will always be open to the public.

Beebe spoke, but urged people to get out and vote for the other Democratic candidates on the ballot in November.

He also said the state needs to repeal the term limit law before State Sen. Percy Malone terms out, because Malone know's what's going on in Little Rock and cares about the people of the state.

Dr. Dave Luck presented two awards before the political speaking began.

The Bob Riley Democrat of the Year Award went to Arkadelphia attorney Bill Wright, while Hugh Luckado was presented with a lifetime achievement award for his service to the Clark County Democratic Party over the years.