Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Ross says no to govern's office bid

Congressman Mike Ross will not be running for Governor of Arkansas in the 2006 elections.

Ross made this announcement at a community coffee at his Prescott office on Tuesday, Jan. 18, ending speculation he would seek the state's highest constitutional office.

"There has been a lot of speculation for some time now on whether I would seek a fourth term in the United States Congress or run for Governor of Arkansas in 2006. With my family, I have discussed and prayed about my service to the people of Arkansas and decided to continue the work that I truly love in the United States Congress," he said.

Ross said the decision was based on where he thought he could do the most good and best serve the state and its people. His recent appointment to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and being elected Whip of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of 35 fiscally conservative Democrats, helped with his decision to seek a fourth term.

"My family agrees with my decision," he said.

Ross said the announcement was made early to anyone else who planned to run for governor would already know Ross's intent to remain in the House of Representatives.

"Our nation faces many challenges," Ross said, "critical to our children, working families and seniors. The issues that require my full attention include protecting Social Security for future generations; restoring fiscal discipline and common sense to our nation's government; keeping America safe from the threat of terrorism; improving education for our children; strengthening our economy; making health care affordable for working families; passing an energy policy; and continuing to fight for meaningful Medicare prescription drug benefit for our seniors."

Ross said he's as committed now as when he first ran for Congress in 2000 to provide the people of Arkansas with a strong effective voice in Washington, D.C. on these and other important issues.