Vic Snyders old seat in the house, up for grabs

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LITTLE ROCK — State Sen. Joyce Elliott, D-Little Rock, said Monday she is “98 percent” sure she will run for the 2nd District congressional seat being vacated by Vic Snyder.

Elliott is the first to state an intention to run for the seat since Snyder, 62, of Little Rock announced Friday he would not seek re-election to a seventh term.

“I have every intention of doing so,” Elliott said, adding that she still needs to work out a few things before making a final decision. “I am 98 percent there. I feel certain I will get there.”

Several other possible candidates, including Lt. Gov. Bill Halter, have indicated they are considering a run for Snyder’s congressional seat but have not reached a decision.

“I am listening and I am now seriously considering all options,” he said.

Some reports have mentioned former presidential candidate Wesley Clark, a Democrat, among those interested in seeking the office. Clark could not be reached for comment today.

State Sen. Shane Broadway, D-Bryant, said he is considering running for the seat, though he said he probably would run for lieutenant governor if Halter announces for Congress.

Sen. Tracy Steele, D-North Little Rock, also said today he is considering a run, but he has yet to make a decision.

“I’m listening to people,” he said.

House Speaker Robbie Wills, D-Conway, didn’t return a telephone call for comment today but said on his blog he is weighing his options.

He said friends are urging him to run, and he is “spending time with my wife and daughters considering what’s best for our family, the district and the state.”

Elliott, who was elected to the state Senate in 2008, is director of state and legislative outreach for The College Board and was a teacher for 31 years. She served three terms in the state House of Representatives and before term limits prevented her from seeking another term.

“Since I was 10 years old I’ve had this bent for public service, just because of the way I saw thing work out and the way I saw public policy make a difference in people’s lives,” she said.

“I feel very good about the record of public service that I have,” she said. “My strong suit will be the way I’ve lived my life and the fact that people know I’ve never been in this for any reason except to make a difference for the broader constituency.”


Stephens Media
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