Curry, Burkhalter announce Democratic bids for lieutenant governor

Two people — the president of the Little Rock School Board and a highway commissioner — on Tuesday announced their bids for lieutenant governor as Democrats.

Dianne Curry, president of the Little Rock School Board, said in a statement Tuesday that she considered different offices but settled on lieutenant governor because it seemed the best fit.

"For the last few months, I began a conversation with people all across Arkansas, and not just wealthy political donors, but everyday, hardworking Arkansans," Curry said in a statement. "I told them I am looking at opportunities like U.S. Congress or State Auditor, but the office that seems to make the most sense, that fits my experience and my abilities is Lieutenant Governor."

Curry, a native of Malvern, said her top priorities if elected would include promoting healthier eating for Arkansans of all ages and attracting new jobs to the state.

Curry is set to start a campaign listening tour with a first stop planned for the Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival in Warren on Saturday.

She is the first Democrat to enter the race, though her candidacy was announced hours before Highway Commissioner John Burkhalter, also a Democrat, also announced his bid for the office.

Burkhalter, who is also a small-business owner and entrepreneur, announced his bid for lieutenant governor in a Tuesday afternoon conference call.

Burkhalter said he considered running for governor, but he and his wife decided that lieutenant governor was the right choice for now.

“For months, I’ve debated what I was going to do,” he said. “My wife and I finally decided this was the best place for me to serve my state at this time.”

If elected, he said, his focus would be on spurring economic development in the state by supporting existing businesses, encouraging industries to come to Arkansas and helping spawn new businesses.

He said he would not step down as highway commissioner while he campaigns.

“I plan to continue to keep doing a good job for my state,” Burkhalter said.

Republican Mark Darr is serving his first term as lieutenant governor. He hasn't said if he will seek reelection or run for a different office.

Read Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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