Arkansas LegislatureObamacarePrivate Option

Cooper Defeats Rockwell In Landslide Victory

John Cooper and his wife Sue thank supporters after last night's victory.
John Cooper and his wife Sue thank supporters after last night’s victory.

Last night, Republican John Cooper defeated Democrat Steve Rockwell in the special Senate District 21 election. Cooper garnered over 1,000 votes more than Rockwell, winning by a margin of just over 14 percent — a landslide in a special election.

Here’s the final tally:

  • John Cooper: 4,314

  • Steve Rockwell: 3,227

After the final results were announced, Cooper thanked his supporters in a statement to The Arkansas Project:

I’m just so appreciative of the support. This is a grassroots win. We’ve been supported very well by people we’ve met at the doors. This is a win across the board. We’ve had business owners that have supported us here and there’s’ been people of all ages and all interests. I just really feel so humbled that the community has responded to our message as they have.

Cooper also said his victory sends a clear message about the “private option:”

Well, I think our opponent made [this election] about the private option and obviously it’s been rejected.

As for what’s first on his agenda in the senate, Cooper said “Get sworn in.”

Cooper’s victory comes despite being outspent by more than 3-to-1 in a district that had never before elected a Republican. His victory speaks volumes about the power of conservative principles.

We’ll have more analysis of the Senate District 21 race this week and what it means for the future of the “private option.” Suffice it to say, Cooper is right: Rockwell fully embraced the “private option” and made it a cornerstone of his entire campaign, at least in the final weeks. And then, in the first general legislative election since the passage of the PO, a traditionally blue district that includes two large regional hospitals decisively rejected the scare tactics and the unworkable math presented by Steve Rockwell and Mike Beebe. Voters sent a clear message to the legislature: the people of Arkansas don’t want anything to do with Obamacare, regardless of how it’s relabeled.

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4 thoughts on “Cooper Defeats Rockwell In Landslide Victory

  • John Cooper began his campaign focused on specific issues relevant to District 21 voters. He never deviated from his stated positions, never left voters to guess where he stood. He connected on a personal level that obviously won the minds and hearts of District 21 constituents. Not once was I unsure about how he would lead and serve. Thank you John for your integrity and courageous campaign. Sue, you are one in a million.
    Best wishes,
    Brandt Smith

    Reply
  • Pingback: Cooper Wins, ‘Private’ Option Loses | The Arkansas Project

  • Timothy Simmons

    I see a red future in store for this part of the state,those that have not been listening to what the people want better take note!!!!!! First Republican ever in this District 21,what a great thing that is!!!!!! I look forward to the next election and those that want Beebe to campaign for them LOL !!! Been far to long in coming !!!

    Reply
  • Pingback: AACF: Working to Confuse Voters about the Private Option | The Arkansas Project

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