Professional Documents
Culture Documents
To those who follow politics, it is no secret that 2010 is an incredibly tough environment
to run for public office across the country. The pundits are constantly making
comparisons to 1994. It should be noted that 2010 is not 1994 in the First District of
Arkansas. Here’s why:
Arkansas is a special place where we have a unique relationship with our elected
officials. Arkansans want someone who shoots straight with them; even when the news
is not good. They do not tolerate lies. They want a candidate who is ready to work hard
and will shake every hand in the room, not sit on the sidelines and wait.
It is often said that the First Congressional District of Arkansas has not elected a
Republican since Reconstruction. While that is a fact, when the seat is open, it is always a
competitive race between the two major parties. In 1992 and in 1996, both races were
close, with the Democratic candidate ultimately winning. Largely, this was due to the
hard work of the winning candidate and the lack of a quality Republican candidate.
The race this year in the First District is shaping up to be similar. Chad Causey started
the race with statistically 0% name recognition and has been down in polls, internal or
public, since getting in the race. The only public poll he came out on top was the runoff
election on June 8. Since then, the polls released by his opponent and others have shown
him down but within the margin of error.
Causey’s opponent, Rick Crawford, is not going to be able to coast to victory due to the
environment. There are too many problems with his candidacy.
- He declared bankruptcy in Missouri for $12,000, largely due to the fact he was
living beyond his means.
The candidates in this year's election for U.S. Congress in this district are Chad
Causey, the Democrat, and Rick Crawford, the Republican. Given this choice,
would you vote for Chad Causey or Rick Crawford in the election for U.S.
Congress?
Chad Causey 40
Rick Crawford 41
Not sure 12
The Garin-Hart-Yang Research Group, the political division of Peter D. Hart Research
Associates, is one of the most respected and successful political polling firms in the
country for Democratic candidates. The firm has assisted in more than 400 political
campaigns and counts among its current clients 10 members of the U.S. Senate, 16
members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and five sitting governors.
Zata3 also conducted a survey on our race on 7-23-10. They have previously polled
Arkansas for TalkBusiness.net, showing Democrats down, outside the margin of error.
Below are their findings and methodology.
Bottom line: Arkansans in the First District may be willing to vote for a Republican,
but Rick Crawford is not the right one. Even though this is a very competitive race,
Rick Crawford is a deeply flawed candidate.
While this is a toxic environment for electoral politics, Chad Causey will be a bright spot
in an otherwise dismal year. Arkansans do not want someone who is dishonest to look
after their tax dollars. They will not elect someone to Congress who cannot keep their
personal and campaign finances in order. They want someone who is ready to get to work
representing Arkansas on day one. That person is Chad Causey.
--
Candace J. Martin
Chad Causey for Congress
Deputy Campaign Director
www.chadcauseyforcongress.com