Janis Percefull, a Hot Springs college teacher who’d announced as a Democratic candidate for 4th District Congress, has sent an e-mail saying she’s filed papers with the FEC to drop her Democratic bid. Instead, she’s attempting to qualify by petitions as an independent candidate.

James Lee Witt, the former FEMA director, is running as a Democrat. State Rep. Bruce Westerman and Tommy Moll have announced as Republican contenders to succeed Republican Rep. Tom Cotton. She said a $10,000 party filing fee was “obscene,” and absence of a petition alternative denied the party ballot to all but the wealthy or those connected to special interests.

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PS — Other Dems note there’s a petition route to the ballot in the Democratic primary.

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