Arkansas Candidate Downplays Bill Clinton’s Influence (Video)
Banker French Hill, the GOP nominee in the open-seat race for retiring Rep. Tim Griffin’s seat, said President Bill Clinton’s impact will be minimal in Arkansas in the midterms.
Clinton, an Arkansas native and former governor, has hit the campaign trail for Hill’s opponent, former North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Henry Hays, the Democratic nominee.
“President Clinton has a lot of friends in Arkansas and he usually comes and helps Democratic candidates every cycle,” Hill said in an interview with CQ Roll Call this summer. “But I don’t believe it will have a major impact in this race because I believe the electorate is looking for somebody who’s got a business background, that’s a conservative person to help represent the district.”
Arkansas’ 2nd District is the most competitive in the state. Even then, GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney carried it by a 12-point margin last cycle. But Democrats argue the party has strong roots in the district and Hays is the kind of moderate Democrat who could win there
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What’s more, with Sen. Mark Pryor’s competitive re-election race topping the ticket, Democrats will target the 2nd District — based in and around Little Rock — to turn out their base. But Hill said the number of competitive races on the ballot, including a competitive gubernatorial contest, will only aid his electoral hopes in November.
“I think the Republican team will be on point for turnout and I believe that will help my race,” Hill said.
Arkansas’ 2nd District is rated a Leans Republican contest by the Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.
Hill’s Team: Jack Sisson (campaign manager), Bob Wickers, The Wickers Group (general consulting), Impact Management (direct mail), Red Right Strategies (digital)
