Arkansans began early voting May 7 for the May 22 Republican and Democratic primaries, the first stage of the 2018 election cycle that will include municipal offices (filings in late summer) and the General Election on Nov. 6.
As is normally our practice, we conducted interviews for several legislative races as our editorial board pondered recommendations to make to our readers. We have no delusions that people would (or should) vote one way or the other based only on our perspective. But as with the many issues facing our region, we want to add some thoughts on the subject.
Della Rosa for House District 90
In this race, Jana Della Rosa of Rogers is the two-term incumbent being challenged by political newcomer Kendon Underwood of Cave Springs for the Republican nomination. Underwood's strategy is pretty simple: claim to be more conservative. But go beyond the surface and it's clear Della Rosa has in-depth knowledge to go along with her conservative perspective.
Underwood during our interview sidestepped on substantive issues we would expect any candidate for the House of Representatives to be able to discuss easily. He appears to rely on the "I'm more conservative" mantra to get him elected amid hope voters won't look any deeper.
Della Rosa is a smart and independent voice in the House of Representatives. And she ought to be a shoo-in if voters want depth and wisdom applied to the issues facing our region and the state.
The winner of the primary will face Democrat Kati McFarland in November.
Commentary on 05/08/2018