Three claim interest in Democratic nod for House District 9

Teacher Candace Jeffress of Crossett said Thursday that she wants to be the Democratic nominee in House District 9 in the Nov. 8 general election, and former state Rep. Johnnie Bolin of Crossett said he is leaning toward seeking the nomination.

Remarks by Jeffress and Bolin came on the same day that the state Democratic Party formally notified the governor's office that state Rep. Sheilla Lampkin of Monticello had withdrawn from the Democratic nomination in the House District 9 race and plans to fill out the rest of her term. Lampkin, who has served in the House since 2011, said last week that she has ovarian cancer.

Grant Pace of Monticello also has expressed interest in the seat.

The Democratic Party tentatively plans to have a district convention on Aug. 4 to select a nominee in House District 9, party spokesman H.L. Moody said.

The convention likely will be held in Monticello, and the number of delegates from Ashley and Drew counties to the convention are details that "are still being ironed out," Moody said.

Jeffress -- the wife of former state Sen. Jimmy Jeffress, D-Crossett -- said in an interview that "I definitely have my name in the running."

"It is very unfortunate that we are placed in this situation because [Lampkin] is such a sweet person who has done a good job," Jeffress said. "My heart just breaks for what she is going through."

Jeffress said what makes her a good candidate for the House seat is her 30 years of teaching experience, service on the Crossett City Council, and her understanding of the legislative process and the importance of helping constituents cut through the red tape from her husband's 16 years in the Legislature.

Bolin said in an interview that he's "leaning very strongly" to seeking the office.

"A good Democrat, which I am, needs to be elected," said Bolin, who is chairman of the Ashley County Democratic Committee. "I had a good record as a state representative."

Bolin was in the House from 2001-07 and was the county judge in Ashley County from 1979-81. He lost a bid for the Democratic nomination in Senate District 26 in 2012 -- which Sen. Eddie Cheatham, D-Crossett, won.

He is retired and previously worked for Georgia Pacific Corp. and Albany International in several jobs and as executive director of the Arkansas Good Roads Transportation Council.

Pace, a partner in Regions Forest Services, said Wednesday that he's interested in seeking the Democratic nomination for the House seat. He could not be reached for further comment by telephone on Thursday.

Metro on 07/24/2016

Upcoming Events