State Rep. Charles Blake gets Democrat House post

Charles Blake
Charles Blake

Arkansas House Democrats on Monday selected state Rep. Charles Blake of Little Rock to serve as the next minority party leader.

Blake, 35, replaces state Rep. David Whitaker of Fayetteville, who announced on Twitter on Friday that he would not seek re-election as minority leader. Whitaker, 57, had served in that post since May 2017. Blake's leadership begins immediately, rather than waiting for the start of the 92nd General Assembly in January.

Democrats hold 23 seats in the 100-member House. More representatives were elected as Democrats in 2016, but three switched to the Republican Party after that election and one became an independent during this year's filing period.

Democrats are competing against Republicans in 41 House races in this fall's general election. In the November 2016 general election, Democrats faced competition in 27 races.

Asked about the leadership change during an interview Monday, Blake chalked it up to a "change in energy" rather than a change in direction.

"It's going to take a clear and concise message," Blake said of the elections, "that we are looking out for the best interests of our families, our rural communities and our cities."

Blake has represented District 36, including downtown Little Rock, since 2015. A graduate of Grinnell College in Iowa, Blake said he runs a nonemergency medical transport company and his family operates a funeral home in Little Rock.

Behind Blake, state Rep. LeAnne Burch of Monticello was selected by the House Democratic Caucus to serve as minority whip, the position Blake had held over the past year.

Rep. Carlton Wing, R-North Little Rock, a spokesman for the House Republican Caucus, said Blake was a formidable legislator.

"What the voters are wanting is someone who represents them," Wing said. "He listens."

In the Legislature, Blake has served on the Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs.

Metro on 06/19/2018

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