Bill Walker has a lot to be smiling about these days.
ARKANSAS AFL-CIO
Little Rock Chapter of ACORN
Prominent local women who are Arkansas Democrats like Joyce Elliott, Becky Pryor, Leta Anthony, Kathy Webb, Johnnie Pugh, as well as young men like Drew Pritt, Sylvester Smith, and we have heard names like Jordan Johnson and Jesse Gibson may be joining their ranks.
Word is that Walker has locked up support from a group of Little Rock Teachers. We have seen a number of them on the street, as well as a number of Little Rock School Board Candidates – specifically Diane Curry & Charles Armstrong.
All one has to do is drive across Little Rock and see there is an overpopulation of Bill Walker for Mayor signs in yards. They are plentiful in West Little Rock, Southwest Little Rock, downtown businesses, Hillcrest, the Heights, University, Midtown, and even on the outer reaches of the city towards the suburbs near Bryant.
Stodola may be more on television but Walker seems to be on the move. What do you think Billy Bob?
Well Mark Stodola the hard-charging former Pulaski County Prosecutor is the first up on television with an ad focusing on you guessed it….crime. Also, I have had a chance to sneak a peek at the first of Bill Walker’s television ads. Its pretty positive but emphasis is on crime as well.
Stodola says he is the only candidate with hands on experience.
Walker says he is fighting crime and fighting for Little Rock.
And what about Vice Mayor Barbara Graves herself? Maybe she should cut down the advertising of Barbara Graves intimate apparel. As of yet no word on television ads.
Jesse “PANDER BEAR” Mason has a campaign headquarters. Its largely vacant all the time and no word on television ads from Mr. Mason either.
On the strength of television ads alone, this could come down to a Stodola – Walker runoff fight.
One caveat that people may not remember. This is a grudge match of sorts. In 1996, Stodola was the favorite to succeed Ray Thornton and go to Washington, D.C. as a U.S. Congressman from the 2nd District. This is the same seat that Wilbur Mills and Jim Guy Tucker had occupied as well as the rascally Tommy Robinson.
Stodola led the initial primary. However, he angered Bill Walker who swung his support and muscle behind Vic Snyder in the runoff. Stodola advanced from a strong 48% to a short but no prize 49% in the runoff against Snyder. Many could say Stodola would be a Congressmen today had he allied with Walker.
The question now is will Stodola be able to settle the score or remain just short of the prize. If television ads are any measure, its an evenly matched bout.
