Starting with the background: AR-01 is one of those districts that is… interesting. It is currently rated as R +8 in the Cook Political Report, but is held by a soi-disant ‘Blue Dog Democrat’: in this case, Marion Berry. Berry has been in that seat since 1997: he won the 2006 election with 69% of the vote; and he was unopposed in 2008.
However, he will not be unopposed this term. Rick Crawford is going to be challenging him; it’s reported that the NRCC is looking at him as part of their planned campaign against selected ‘Blue Dogs’ that did not get challenged in the last election cycle. Rick is a business owner (AG Watch, a radio agricultural network) and military veteran (Army, bomb disposal) with strong roots in the area; he’s pro-life, pro-Tea Party, ready to run on an agricultural platform and is just as exceptionally happy to see the back of Arlen Specter as most of the people reading this, particularly after what Specter did to Kemp’s memory.
The NRCC is taking a challenge to this district seriously, and it’s no surprise why: while Barry has been comfortably winning elections lately - and didn’t have a challenger last cycle - the district itself has shifted on the national level (Gore in ‘00, Bush in ‘04, McCain in ‘08). Plus there’s the entire agricultural subsidy thing, which Berry is notorious for (and, apparently, has set up an arrangement to allow himself to continue to benefit from personally). Then there’s the ongoing neutering of the Blue Dogs in general; as this NRCC radio ad (H/T: ARRA News Service) points out, Barry’s voting for what Pelosi’s proposing.
As noted above, Rick’s website is here, this is his current donation link, and here’s his Facebook page. We will no doubt see more campaign-related items as time goes on.
Moe Lane
Crossposted to Moe Lane.
Rick is the kind of public servant we are looking for
Jonah Shumate Thursday, May 21st at 9:06PM EDT (link)I live in the 1st Congressional District in Arkansas and Marion Berry has been something we can no longer stand! Rick is a true military veteran who knows what it will take with both our national defense as well as veterans issues.
Rick is a business owner, and very successful to boot! He understands that you can only do so much with the money you have and understands what it means to be fiscally responsible!
Rick is a man that is rooted in this area and has a passion for his country and wants to serve the people of our District. He could use everyone’s help with his campaign and if you can, please consider donating to his campaign!
Our efforts in 2010 will come, one congressional district at a time!
Being in AR
DerKrieger Thursday, May 21st at 9:09PM EDT (link)…myself I am very happy to hear this. AR is an anomaly here in the South with every single elected national official except one lone Congressman (Boozman) a Dem. The Governor is a Dem and the majority of the state house and Senate are Dems yet, yet the state voted overwhelmingly for McCain.
One problem is that the AR GOP is a mess. I wanted to run against Vic Snyder last year but could only sporadically get the state GOP to return my e-mails and calls. I don’t think they want to win here. AR is ripe for a GOP takeover. I’m in NW AR now and no longer in Snyder’s district so can’t run against him but I believe he can be easily defeated. He’s an Oregon native and brings his Liberal West coast baggage with him. He votes lockstep with Nancy Pelosi.
I wish Mr. Crawford all the best in this contest.
“In questions of power, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” - Thomas Jefferson
“I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence (OBAMACARE – mine), the money of their constituents.” – James Madison
DerKrieger
Jonah Shumate Thursday, May 21st at 9:19PM EDT (link)The GOP in AR this year has changed, and, I think is heading in a direction that is going to bring some major change to our state.
I will tell you that I have visited personally with our state leadership and they realize the mid-terms are going to be key for us. They have data that shows more Independents in a long time, and, they are trending towards more conservative candidates.
Rick is a sharp, sharp guy and that is why I am behind him, as well as where he stands on issues as a true conservative, the way I am. John Boozman was my eye doctor growing up and is all class. I think we will have another red district in Arkansas come November 2010! We can use your help, too!
Jonah
DerKrieger Friday, May 22nd at 8:01AM EDT (link)One of the first things I did when I moved to Bentonville was to join the Benton Co. GOP. I’ll be working hard for our candidates.
I really like Rep. Boozman and hope to meet him sometime soon. His office personally called me several times regarding Cap & Trade. See my diary entry for more info.
“In questions of power, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” - Thomas Jefferson
“I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence (OBAMACARE – mine), the money of their constituents.” – James Madison
I just checked his website...
ktsub Thursday, May 21st at 9:49PM EDT (link)…and I am now a Rick Crawford fan. There are just not many candidates that are able to fit Merle Haggard’s “Rainbow Stew” into their website. I love it, hope he kicks butt. There are no blue dogs…just southern “Pelosi Lap Dogs”.
Awesome!
Jonah Shumate Thursday, May 21st at 10:03PM EDT (link)Thanks, kstub!