Ken Cowling, Paul White Join State Senate Races

Two more updates in our running lists of 2010 campaigns:

Former state Rep. Ken Cowling, a Democrat, is announcing he’ll run for the District 21 Senate seat in southwest Arkansas, which is being vacated by term-limited Democratic Sen. Barbara Horn. House Majority Leader Steve Harrelson is also running for the seat.

Meanwhile, Paul White of Mountain View, a Republican, has announced he’ll run for the District 10 seat currently held by Democratic Sen. Paul Miller, who is term-limited. A couple of Democrats have also expressed interest in the seat.

Full text of both announcements is at the jump. For more on 2010 Arkansas races, click here.

Ken Cowling Announces Campaign for State Senate, District 21

Speaks of experience, service during day-long announcement tour of district, hometown celebration at night

During a day-long tour through Southwest Arkansas, Monday, former State Representative Ken Cowling launched his campaign for State Senate, District 21.  An owner of a local small business and active member of many community organizations, Cowling cited his long standing commitment to the communities of Southwest Arkansas as his primary driver for running.  Prior to serving in the State House, he was an educator, coach and school board member.

“I’m running for the State Senate because I believe the people of this area are our best resource,” said Cowling.  “We need a tough legislator who will take tough stands, and with my business, legislative and community service experience I will be a strong voice for Southwest Arkansas.”

While in the State Legislature—between 2001 and 2006—Ken was recognized as “Legislator of the Year” by several organizations and as “A Special Friend of Children” by the Arkansas Kids Count Coalition for his work in support of his constituents and all Arkansans.  During his first term, Ken was one of three Representatives who held strong while calling for funding for school nurses, Meals on Wheels and home health services to be included in the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.  All three were funded.

He also helped to secure funding to save early childhood education programs, which have been named number one in the nation since, and worked to ensure that Southwest Arkansas schools were treated fairly by school consolidation legislation.

Ken was a forerunner in cutting taxes for industry to help create and maintain jobs, introducing legislation to reduce the taxes that industrial employers pay on the energy they use in manufacturing.  Those taxes have, in subsequent Legislative Sessions, been cut by two-thirds.

“As a local business owner, I understand this economic climate and the stress it has put on Arkansas families and businesses,” Cowling said.  “You can count on me to have an open ear on every issue, especially when it comes to helping move our economy forward.”

Cowling is a past president of the Arkansas State School Board Association, past chairperson of the Governor’s Council for Gifted and Talented Students, area representative for the Arkansas Good Roads Council and former zone chairman of Ducks Unlimited.  Locally, he has served as past president of the Foreman School Board, past president of the Little River Chamber of Commerce, and director of the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council.

“I was born here and I’ve lived here my whole life; I know the values held by the residents of Southwest Arkansas,” Cowling said.  “I’m embarking on this cross-district announcement tour to kick off a campaign that will be centered around an open dialogue with those who live in the district, to find out what issues are important to them.  My pledge, if elected, is to be a strong voice for Southwest Arkansas.”

Throughout the day, Ken was flanked by his family, including wife, Elaine, who he referred to as his “hero and rock,” and son, Kevin, who is vice president of the family business.  Elaine and Ken now live in Texarkana and are members of the Beech Street Baptist Church.

The announcement tour stopped in Ashdown, Texarkana, Lewisville, Taylor, Fulton, McNab, and Horatio, finishing off with a coming home celebration in his hometown of Foreman.

Cowling is running in the Democratic Primary to replace State Senator Barbara Horn, who is term limited and cannot seek reelection.

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PAUL WHITE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR ARKANSAS STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT 10

Mountain View Businessman Throws Hat in Ring

Paul White, business owner and resident of Mountain View, recently declared his candidacy for State Senate, District 10. Paul Miller, Democrat and current State Senator from District 10, is term limited in 2010.

District 10 encompasses Fulton, Izard, the northwest portion of Independence, Randolph, Sharp and Stone counties.

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