LITTLE ROCK — Martha Shoffner, running for re-election as state treasurer, wants voters to know she’s sorry for what she said.
“I misspoke and apologized, and I want people to know that,” said the Democrat from Newport elected in 2006.
In July, while defending her use of a state vehicle, Shoffner said that Gov. Mike Beebe, who travels in a vehicle driven by a state police security detail, has “a manservant driving him around.”
The resulting firestorm prompted a public apology from Shoffner, who says her comments were “misconstrued” and she’ll abide by whatever the courts decide on the legality of the use of state vehicles by constitutional officers.
Her opponent, Green Party candidate Bobby Tullis of Mineral Springs - whose campaign website queenmartha.com refers to Shoffner as “her royal highness” - said Shoffner’s remarks prompted him to run against her.
“It was the impetus. No question. In July, I had no idea I’d be running, but then Martha made the comments she made. People all over the state were outraged with what she had said,” said the former state representative.
Tullis, 59, is also running for mayor of Mineral Springs, a Howard County town of 1,264. He said he would seek an attorney general’s opinion or a court ruling to determine if he can hold both offices simultaneously if elected.
“I wish him luck. I’m spending all my time on this race,” Shoffner, 66, said.
The treasurer is the state’s banker and handles more than 400 accounts for about 200 state agencies and sits on the boards that manage investment ofstate retirement funds for public employees, including schoolteachers.
Other duties include managing short-term investments of state money and helping maintain a stable banking system.
Shoffner points to her fiscal stewardship as treasurer, noting that she invested state funds in five-year contracts locking in higher interest rates. She also upgraded technology to deliver turn-back funds to cities and counties, and pushed for a 2009 law clarifying federal mining rights.
Tullis said he doesn’t have any plans for “huge initiatives,” but would conduct a thorough review and might reduce the office’s 31 staff positions.
Mostly, he said, he’s running to give voters a choice. He promised to serve one four-year term, ban out-ofstate travel in the office and sell the state vehicle assigned to Shoffner.
“I’ll run a tighter ship than she does. I do think there’s been a breach of confidence in these tough times,” Tullis said.
Shoffner said she’s not sure that her opponent understands the functions of her office. She also questions Tullis’ character, pointing to a letter written by Tullis to formerAuditor Gus Wingfield after losing a Democratic primary race in 1994.
Tullis offered Wingfield a high-paying job, a job for his wife, a state car and a “liberal” expense account if Wingfield gave up the nomination.
Tullis said the letter was a mistake but that is “ancient history” and that people don’tcare about it anymore.
“That’s about character. All I know is that it’s an issue with me,” Shoffner said.
Shoffner defeated Republican Chris Morris in 2006 with 60 percent of the vote.
On Nov. 2, voters will cast ballots for the statewide office, which pays $54,305.
Northwest Arkansas, Pages 7 on 10/25/2010