You know, when you follow politics like we do, you just can’t help but be cynical — even resentful — about the process from time to time, especially in a state where good ol’ boy networks are still alive and well, no matter your political affiliation. A big part of the reason that BHR was created was to do our part in challenging this system of officials who were either conflicted about which party they actually belonged to, or who were well past their prime in public service, yet were still able to simply “switch seats at the kitchen table” as they move from office to office, often without much (if any) real challenge.
Well, this primary cycle highlighted an perfect example of this phenomenon in Arkansas politics — the race to be the next state land commissioner — and our readers saw us be the first media outlet to get behind the candidacy of the young, talented, and forward-thinking L.J. Bryant, as he squared off against the anti-technology and anti-work (yet very well-known and well-connected) Monty Davenport.
We documented the telling differences between these two candidates, which went well beyond the drastic difference in age. Simply put, Bryant has brought specific ideas about everything from government ethics reform to how he wants Arkansas to be a national leader on issues of technology with regard to the Land Commissioners office. All we got from Mr. Davenport were now infamous statements like this:
“I would rather not be on the cutting edge of technology but on the trailing edge of computerized property data.” [Davenport further suggested the old stand-by approach of] “seeing what works best in other states prior to moving forward in Arkansas.”
Well, folks, last night even the skeptical among us were proven wrong; issues do still matter, as Bryant’s amazing campaign was able to prove by forcing a run-off against Davenport. Blake over at the Think Tank had this to say about LJB as one of last night’s big winners:
“Give it up for the 23-year-old from Newport. He came from nowhere to win a plurality in the race for Land Commissioner. Monty Davenport, the ultimate insider and the establishment candidate, should have cruised to victory. But a campaign devoid of ideas generally loses out to one with good ones, and Mr. Bryant has those in spades. Bravo.”
Bravo, indeed. Bryant had this to say following last night’s terrific performance:
“My special thanks goes out to the voters of Arkansas who supported our Campaign. Tonight, Arkansas took a step closer to putting itself on the cutting edge of technology in the important office of Land Commissioner. I am so proud of the attention that we brought to this constitutional office. We’ve sent a message that we have fresh ideas and a new vision for Arkansas’ future. In visiting all 75 counties, Arkansans have told me that they are tired of being on the ‘trailing edge’ in so many categories. We ran a campaign focused on transparency, technology, and ideas that are just common sense. We’ll continue that message until the runoff and all the way to the November election. And I offer my congratulations to my two opponents, both of whom also worked hard in this contest.”
Rest assured, BHR will be keeping a very close eye on this race and will keep you posted on all its developments.
The Woodmansee Project© 
Well said and well done young man…young, young, young, young man.
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