Early voting for the Nov. 2 general election begins Oct. 18. Here are more of the Times’ recommendations:
CIRCUIT JUDGE TIM FOX for the Arkansas Supreme Court. He’s ruled wisely and fearlessly in tough cases, including his finding that a state rule prohibiting homosexual parents from serving as foster parents was unconstitutional. The Religious Right is pushing for his opponent.
SHANE BROADWAY for lieutenant governor. An experienced, competent and forward-looking legislator, Broadway is probably over-qualified for this office, but term limits are forcing him out of the legislative branch. His opponent believes that health care is too cheap and plentiful; he says he’ll sue to put a stop it.
PAT O’BRIEN for secretary of state. Though given to goofiness, like book reports for employees, he seems to have brought honesty and efficiency to the Pulaski County circuit clerk’s office. His opponent is best known for padding his legislative expense account.
DEBBIE MURPHY for state representative, District 31. Public-spirited and reasonable, she’s opposed by a right-wing ideologue.
JOHN W. WALKER for state representative, District 34. The state’s foremost civil rights warrior, he will at the least make legislative sessions livelier.
SHERIFF DOC HOLLADAY for sheriff. Cool-headed and cooperative, he’s dealt with Pulaski County’s shortage of jail beds about as well as could be.
The Times previously announced its support for these candidates: GOV. MIKE BEEBE for governor.
SEN. BLANCHE LINCOLN for United States senator.
JOYCE ELLIOTT for United States representative, Second District.
Three proposed constitutional amendments are on the ballot. All were referred by the legislature. Issue No. 1 would establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish. Proponents say that such an amendment is needed to head off legislation that would restrict hunting and fishing rights. Animal- rights groups have promoted such legislation. Ten states have established a right to hunt and fish; two more have established a right to fish. Our view is that this is not the sort of thing that belongs in an already cluttered constitution. What’s next? A right to jog? A right to golf? Vote NO.
Issue No. 2 is a complex and far-reaching proposition that would raise the interest rate that can be charged by retailers, remove entirely the interest limit on government bonds, and provide a new way for government agencies to finance bonds for energy-efficiency projects. We might be able to support one or two of its aims if each was voted on separately, but not this confused hodge-podge. Vote NO.
Issue No. 3 would make it easier for the state to issue general-obligation bonds to help industrialists build new plants. We’re not totally convinced of the need. No recommendation.