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.
Womack for 3rd Congressional District
U.S. Rep. Steve Womack of Rogers isn't perfect, by any means, but we're convinced he's a far better fit for conservative Northwest Arkansas voters than his challenger in the Republican primary, Rob Ryerse.
Ryerse of Springdale, a pastor for the last 13 years in Northwest Arkansas, deserves credit for taking a stab at public office. But he hardly sounds like a Benton County Republican at all. For example, he said he's pro-life, but he defines that as favoring access to education and health care and argues more restrictions on abortion actually increase demand for the procedure.
He said he supports the Second Amendment, but supports "common sense measures" to increase gun safety.
But that's his point: He believes the Republican Party needs to be redefined.
Maybe he has a point, but we don't think electing Ryerse to Congress will accomplish that. Instead, it will jettison the influence that former Rogers Mayor Womack has built over the last seven-plus years in Washington. Womack now chairs the Budget Committee, an indication of his growing influence. Ryerse hasn't built a compelling case for Northwest Arkansas to start from scratch.
Whoever wins the primary faces several challengers in November.
Commentary on 05/08/2018