T E X A R K A N A M A G A Z I N E
engaging voters while traveling the Lone Star State, even visiting Texarkana in December. Former White House Press Secretary and Texarkana native Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) exited the Trump administration publicly with her focus set on running for governor of Arkansas. Sanders is the daughter of former State Governor Mike Huckabee, who was a Republican presidential candidate in 2008 and 2016. Current Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson (R) is finishing his second term and cannot be re-elected; he endorsed Sanders, who is officially the only Republican in competition. Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge (R) dropped out of the race early in November to instead run for lieutenant governor. Voter turn-out is usually much lower for midterms than the Presidential general elections. Statistics show that in recent years, most midterm election votes are cast by older Republicans. This is proof that it is hard for Democrats to mobilize during midterms. There is also a strong trend in United States history that the incumbent presidential party loses seats during midterms, and this is especially true in the House. Voting in elections and running for office are not the only ways citizens are involved in the government process. Political activism is the bread and butter of democracy. In Arkansas, The Miller County Republican Committee (MCRC) is the official Republican organization at the county level. “Our
objective is simple, to elect qualified Republican candidates to every public office, and to fulfill the needs of the citizens of Arkansas in a manner consistent with the beliefs and principles of the Republican Party,” said MCRC Chair, Diana Lowe. “The committee members are responsible for organizing and canvassing county precincts, recruiting qualified Republican candidates, raising party funds, identifying poll workers, assisting officers of the County Committee and supporting and working to elect Republican candidates.” In 2020, the MCRC was recognized by the Republican Party of Arkansas as the “Best Overall County Committee” in the state out of all 75 counties. “We take great pride in executing the duties and expectations of the county committee,” said Lowe. The MCRC is focused on community engagement, and in preparation for the 2022 midterm elections have scheduled a “Candidate Meet and Greet” for the citizens of Miller County on April 12, 2022, at Crossties in downtown Texarkana. Do not let phone screens become the final resting place for your individual political engagement. It is important to register and vote in every election cycle to secure that your voice is heard. Make sure you are registered now and be ready to take part in November. Lowe urges efficacy and welcomes those who are interested in greater involvement. “[MCRC] meetings may be attended by the public and we have visitors from the community frequently” says Lowe; “We can be contacted on our Facebook page or our website.”
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B U S I N E S S & P O L I T I C S
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