By Jeff Arnold
Stephens Media
FORT SMITH — Veteran Republican campaigner Gunner DeLay howled against the nation’s “path to socialism” under President Obama and urged supporters to “push back against intrusive government” today in announcing his second bid for Northwest Arkansas’ congressional seat.
Newcomer Patrick Kennedy took a less boisterous route, announcing his Democratic candidacy for Central Arkansas’ 2nd District seat on his campaign’s Facebook page.
DeLay, 46, a Fort Smith lawyer, is seeking the GOP nomination to succeed U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, who is vacating the 3rd District seat to run for the U.S. Senate.
DeLay served in the state House and Senate before losing to Boozman in a 2001 special primary to replace Asa Hutchinson. He lost a bid for attorney general five years later.
Today, DeLay said he would fight to end wasteful government spending, bolster national security and higher education, and cut taxes.
“People shouldn’t be left to themselves. They should have an ally; they should have a representative who will to roll up their sleeves … and push against this intrusive government,” DeLay said during at speech in his hometown. “We need a strong voice, and I can be that strong voice.”
He also made stops Russellville, Fayetteville and Harrison.
Kennedy, director of public programs and public policy at the University of Arkansas Clinton School for Public Service, is seeking the 2nd District seat now held by retiring U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder, D-Little Rock.
Kennedy, who is attending law school at the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, becomes the fifth Democrat to announce for Snyder’s seat, joining House Speaker Robbie Wills, D-Conway, Sen. Joyce Elliott, D-Little Rock, Little Rock attorney John Adams and David Boling, Snyder’s former chief of staff.
Republicans Tim Griffin and Scott Wallace also have announced for Snyder’s seat.
Six other Republicans, a Democrat and an independent have said they would run for Boozman’s 3rd District seat.
Primary elections are scheduled for May 18, with primary run-off elections scheduled for June 8 if necessary. The general election is Nov. 2.
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Arkansas News Bureau reporter Rob Moritz contributed to this report.
