LITTLE ROCK — Job creation and protecting Social Security and Medicare are key issues in the 4th District congressional race, the two Democratic candidates seeking their party’s nomination said during a televised debate Monday.
State Sen. Gene Jeffress of Louann and Hot Springs attorney Q. Byrum Hurst face each other in Tuesday’s party runoff for the right to challenge Republican Tom Cotton Dardanelle in the Nov. 6 general election.
Polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The Democratic Party congressional runoff is one of two on the ballot in Arkansas.
Voters in the 1st Congressional District will choose between Jonesboro Prosecutor Scott Ellington and state Rep. Clark Hall of Marvell. The winner faces incumbent Congressman Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Party runoffs also will determine nominees in four state House races and one Senate race.
During Monday’s debate on Little Rock TV station KARK, channel 4, which lasted about 30 minutes, Hurst and Jeffress were cordial and complimentary of each other as they touted their 4th District roots and qualifications to be the nominee.
Hurst said in response to a question that he was felt he was best suited to be the nominee because he is better able to put together a more effective campaign than Jeffress, who has not run any television ads during the primary and has no paid campaign staff.
“A campaign requires a lot of different elements in it, not just your qualifications, but you’ve got to be effectively put it on,” he said. “I think I’ve demonstrated that I have the ability to raise funds. I have the ability to get messages across on the media and I think that’s what it is going to take to try to defeat someone like Mr. Cotton, who is heavily financed.”
During the primary, Hurst has raised about $225,229 and spent about $220,860, much of that on TV ads, according to the Federal Election Commission website.
Jeffress raised $38,281 and spent $30,844, as of May 23, according to the FEC.
Cotton raised more than $1 million and spent nearly $436,000 in the primary, according to the FEC.
After the debate, Jeffress said money for television advertising would begin flowing in after if he wins the runoff.
“I guarantee you, people will elect me and we’ll win this contest,” he said. “We’re going to be funded and we’re going to be viable and we look forward to a fall election.”
Jeffress received 42.91 percent of the vote in the May 22 primary. Hurst received 35.84 percent.
During Monday’s debate, Jeffress, a retired school teacher who spent four years in the state House and the last nine in the state Senate, described himself as representing the average voter in the 4th District.
“For years the (Republicans) hit us pretty hard over the head about family values,” Jeffress said. “I am that family values man. I’m married … for 43 years,” he said, adding he sat up with his sick children at night and helped them with their homework.
“Second amendment rights is another big deal,” he said. “I have a hunting and a fishing license in my pocket today … I’m a regular Arkansan of the 4th District. Let’s put someone like that to Congress to represent us.”
Hurst told reporters after the debate that he also has both a hunting and fishing license.
“I have deep roots in District 4,” Hurst said during the debate, noting his family has lived in Garland County for seven generations.
“I believe the people of District 4 want someone who can effectively represent them,” he said. “They want someone who will protect Social Security and Medicare. They want someone who can revive and regrow the economy. I believe that I have the ability. I believe I have the energy and I believe I am the best candidate for that position.”
Hurst said he supports removing the $110,600 annual salary cap for Social Security payments.
“That’s got to be lifted, that’s got to be changed,” he said, noting that removing the cap would make Social Security solvent again.
The four state House runoffs today for Democratic nominations:
• District 7: John Baine of El Dorado against Albert Glenn Glover of El Dorado. The winner has no opposition in the general election.
• District 10: Former Jefferson County Judge Mike Holcomb of Pine Bluff against Dorothy Hall of Sheridan. The winner faces Republican Charles Roberts of Rison in the general election.
• District 30: Charles Armstrong of North Little Rock against Tommy Branch Jr, also of North Little Rock. The winner has no opposition in the general election.
• District 55: Monty Hodges of Blytheville against Mary Gay Shipley of Blytheville. The winner has no opposition in the general election.
The lone primary runoff in the Senate pits two Democrats with legislative experience against each other. State Rep. Eddie Cheatham of Crossett will face former state Rep. Gregg Reep of Warren. The winner with face Republican Mike Akin of Monticello in November.