Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Smith Throws Hat In; Seeking Dickeys Seat

By JOHN MILLER

State Representative Judy Smith has dropped the gauntlet for the Fourth Congressional District House of Representative race.

She announced her candidacy officially Friday, Oct. 17, saying she is visiting all 26 counties in the 4th District individually. Smith began her journey Oct. 2, and by Friday had been in 17 counties. By Oct. 30, she said, she will have completed her task, and have been in five counties twice.

In recent years Smith has been asked if she planned to seek higher office. At the time, she said she wanted to be the best representative she could for District 37, but should the opportunity arise for a higher office she would take it.

Well, the opportunity has arisen, and Smith is working hard to take advantage of it.

She said the people of the 4th District, and particularly the children, are being kept on the outside of the political arena while lobbyist and special interest groups are being allowed inside. This, Smith said, results in the incumbent casting his votes against the people of the district he represents.

"We know this is the case in this district," Smith said. "We know our congressman is a millionaire attorney who votes against us. He tries to promote his image otherwise, but he's worth between $1.9 and $4.3 million."

The incumbent, Jay Dickey, R-Ark., she said voted against families, while allowing corporations to raid pension funds. He also voted against an increase in the minimum wage, the school lunch program, the childhood immunization program and to have Medicare cut. In the meantime, she continued, Dickey voted himself a hefty pay raise.

"He calls himself middle class, but his raise gives him $136,000 per year," she said. "It's clear who he works for in Washington, D.C., and who he's against.

"I hope you say it's time to act and send someone to Washington who will represent our needs and concerns. I believe I am that person," Smith said. "I know I can do a better job."

She said as a legislator she's been a strong advocate for children and children's rights, along with working families.

Her efforts in the State House have included getting the nation's toughest anti-stalking law passed, the fight against food stamp fraud and teen abstinence.

"I'm willing to stand up for what we all deserve," she said. "I've sen what it takes to keep children from a life of crime and drugs and to push them toward success. It's time to fight the good fight and take a stand for the people forgotten by Washington."

There is, she said, one overriding question which will be asked by many people during the campaign -- how can she win against Dickey's war chest.

Smith said the same question came up when she sought the District 37 seat in the house, but she and her campaign crew managed to overcome the money problem and post an impressive win in 1990.

"We are determined," she said. "We're committed to serve. We're reaching out to all people. We defeated a 24-year incumbent and have been serving since and not just for District 37."

Smith said as a state rep she's worked to help everyone in the state, and not just feather the nest of her own district.

"We expect no less in this campaign," she said. "It's time to have a congressman with a face you know and a name you trust.

"It's time to send someone to Washington who's had to work all their life and wants to continue working.

"I don't see this as just an opportunity to run for higher office, but as a response to a higher calling to make life better for those in the 4th District."