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This afternoon we all learned of our Congressman Vic Snyder’s decision to not seek re-election and retire at the end of this term.  While I truly understand and respect the reasons behind Congressman Snyder’s decision to retire, I am incredibly sad to hear of this decision.  Vic has always been a role model for the type of public servant I hope to be and he served as an inspiration in my decision to run for the State Senate.

I worked many hours as a volunteer on Vic’s campaign for Congress in 1996.   During that campaign, I met many of the people who have remained among my closest personal and political friends.    I am thankful that Vic brought us all together for what was a tough, hard fought, yet ultimately rewarding campaign.   That campaign proved that grassroots campaigning can be a powerful force even in a high-profile race.  My belief in this power of grassroots to bring change to Arkansas has been the bedrock on which I have built my campaign for the State Senate.

As state Senator from District 34, I will seek to serve with the dignity and good nature of my friend Vic Snyder.

What makes me sad today is to know we will lose Vic’s exemplary service as a public official.  Vic dealt with complex issues in a thoughtful manner and always explained clearly why he cast the votes he made.   Most importantly, he always presented himself in a calm manner, resisting the growing tendency to demonize those with whom he disagreed.    He is exactly the kind of public servant I want to be and I know the people of Arkansas’ 2^nd district will dearly miss his leadership.

The final months of Vic’s term in office will be crucial ones for the future of our country.   I am happy that he will be casting wise votes on behalf of the citizens of our congressional district on issues such as health care reform over the coming months.

The present District 34 covers much of the geography included in the district Vic served in the state Senate during the first half of the 1990s.

As state Senator from District 34, I will seek to serve with the dignity and good nature of my friend Vic Snyder.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my website. I am running for the Arkansas State Senate in 2010 because I am confident that we are at a turning point in our state’s history. We have the real potential to make our state a place where educational and economic opportunities are accessible to all of our citizens. However, I also know that it is only through working together that we will make Arkansas the place we want it to be.

My underlying principle about politics was summed up by U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, one of my mentors, “Politics is about the improvement of people’s lives. It’s about advancing the cause of peace and justice in our country and the world. Politics is about doing well for the people.” Working with the people of District 34, I want to do well for the people of Arkansas. I am so glad you’re committed to help make that happen.

Sincerely,