Page 42 - ATR 2 2020 digital

individuals. Created during Gov. Mike to Rep. Jon Eubanks, R-Paris, who won The ATA supported both. Della
Beebe’s administration, it was embraced with 63.3% against two challengers. Rosa finished first in the three-person
by Hutchinson, but some Republicans Eubanks voted for the fuel tax and to race with 43.5% of the vote, while
see it as an unacceptable expansion of refer Issue 1 to voters. Underwood was second with 35.6%.
government health care. Sullivan has Underwood eventually defeated Della
consistently voted against it. WHY ATA SUPPORTS Rosa in the Mar. 31 runoff.
Only three senators up for re- CANDIDATES A candidate might seem the best
election faced a primary opponent. In How does the ATA decide whom choice from a policy perspective but
one of those, the ATA donated $1,000 to support? The Governmental Affairs might not be the best campaigner or
to Sen. Alan Clark, R-Lonsdale, who Committee determines how much be in a position to win. Newton said
defeated his opponent with 67.9% of ATA PAC will allocate to candidates in a candidate forum organized by the
the vote. Clark voted with the ATA on an election cycle overall. Newton and Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
seven of the eight issues it scored, the the ATA’s contract lobbyists determine with short presentations and a ques-
exception being Act 416, the increase which candidates will receive financial tion-and-answer session was helpful.
in fuel taxes. Among the seven were a support. Some candidates are more available to
vote for the governor’s tax cut and a It’s not an easy process. As Newton talk to associations like the ATA, which
vote for a bill that allows companies to explained, a race might attract two makes it easier to support them. The
deploy safety technologies for contract candidates who support and oppose the ATA looks at endorsements, the cam-
employees, without it undermining the ATA’s position in differing areas. In the paign staff, and local connections and
independent status of those employees. state House District 91 race, Rep. Jana then makes the best judgment it can.
The bill passed. Della Rosa, R-Rogers, and one of her “You kind of have to balance oppor-
Meanwhile, six state representa- two challengers, Kendon Underwood, tunity and those skills that you would like
tives faced a primary challenger. Five each brought different strengths to the to see in a legislator who is like-minded
were re-elected outright, while the table. Underwood is a J.B. Hunt employ- on your issue but then also balance that
sixth led a three-person runoff and is ee, while Della Rosa voted yes on both with can they win, do they have the sup-
in a runoff. The ATA donated $1,000 the highway funding measures. port at home?” Newton said.

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42 Issue 2 2020 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT