Columns

The good news is there is an election for the President of the United States next year. The bad news is that the election rhetoric has begun. Let me rephrase that. The campaign continues... While it is true elections only come around every two and four years, the campaigns never end. Just as the Christmas items at Walmart are displayed well before the time, so do the ads for candidates. Expect to see signs in yards anytime now. I will continue to inform, as always, the process of our election for President. The Constitution has set the process which is afforded to the states for details and implementation. There are actually two elections, the primary and then the national election on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November. The primary election determines the parties' (democratic, republican) candidate. In November, the parties run their candidates against each other. Now remember, not all primaries are on the same day, some are real early and others late. Each state sets the date. Arkansas' primary election day is March 5. There is a Republican ballot and Democrat ballot. In Arkansas, you may choose either one, but not both, regardless of your orientation or bias and you can vote for the other party on the November ballot. You do not have to be registered a democrat or republican, but you do have to be registered to vote in the county you live in. It's not complicated and it's reasonably fair. It is the Electoral College that seems to confuse people. Some don't like it at all and those are often people who do not understand (or do not want) our constitutional system of governing. That conversation is for another day. The debates begin as mudslinging trends. Listen to the candidates and choose for yourself. Make an informed decision. Do your own homework, don't rely on the media or ads that spin either way. Who would you like to see leading the most powerful country in the world? Good or Bad.

State Capitol Week in Review, June 9, 2023

When veterans who risked their lives in service to our country visit a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility to receive the care, benefits, and services they earned, they should not have to face political ideations and influence before they even walk through the front door. The VA, which is supposed to be apolitical, is meant to provide healthcare, education, benefits, and other vital services to our nation’s veterans, not push any outside political agendas.