Dozens of elected officials from the local and state levels gathered on the front steps of the State Capitol today to officially endorse Robbie Wills (D- Conway) in his race for the U.S. House of Representatives seat for the second congressional district. Wills currently serves as Speaker of the House of the Arkansas General Assembly.
“I’m proud to have all of these people here with me today, and I am humbled by their support and efforts on my behalf,” said Wills. “Together, we will work to keep this seat Democratic in November, take Arkansas values to Washington, DC and work to rebuild our economy.”

The list of endorsers includes notable figures including North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Henry Hays, Speaker of the House designee Robert Moore, Mayor Tab Townsell of Conway, former Little Rock Mayor Jim Dailey, and former State Treasurer Jimmie Lou Fisher. Fisher co-chairs Wills’ congressional steering committee. More than 100 endorsers hale from all eight counties in the district and include County Judges from five counties. Speakers at the press conference told of Wills’ experience and abilities to lead.

“We stand with Robbie today because we know that Robbie will stand for Arkansas in Washington, DC working to create new jobs and career opportunities for all Arkansans. He will work to get our economy back on track,” said community leader Valerie Pruitt. Pruitt also co-chair’s Wills’ steering committee. Pruitt went on to say, “[a]nd, he is the only one that can keep this seat Democratic in November!”
Other speakers at the press conference were Rep. Linda Tyler, Rep. Nathan George, and Mayor Townsell.

“We need someone in Congress serving the 2nd District who knows rural Arkansas as well as urban Arkansas. Robbie Wills has dealt with issues affecting both,” said Rep. George. “I’ve served with Robbie Wills in the House through three sessions. We had some tough challenges to meet in both sessions passing legislation that was not supported by everyone at the beginning. Because of Speaker Wills’ leadership, the people of Arkansas have a new trauma system, thousands of college scholarships for our children, and of particular importance to rural Arkansas, funding to keep our community health centers open. He was vital in passing laws that will positively affect Arkansas families for decades to come. That’s exactly the kind of leadership we need representing us in Congress.”

“Robbie Wills has overseen a budget process and knows how having a balanced budget sets us up for success, not skyrocketing deficits,” said Rep. Tyler. “He’s also worked with a state Medicaid and Medicare budget that has been challenged over and over again to stay soluble – and I know he’ll protect our state dollars and federal allocations by fighting for our children and seniors every day. Those are important issues that need serious leadership – and that’s exactly what Robbie Wills has to offer all of us.”
“When Robbie Wills was elected Speaker of the House of the Arkansas General Assembly, it was a very proud day for Conway,” said Mayor Townsell. “He’s shown us all that hard work, compromise and dedication is best for his constituents, results in a better quality of life for our families. I look forward to the day he is elected U.S. Representative from Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District because I know he’ll take that same attitude to Washington and we will all benefit.”

Early voting for the Primary Election begins on May 3, 2010 and Election Day is May 18.

Endorsers

Speaker Robbie Wills Backed By Teachers

Endorsement cites “Rep. Wills has been a tireless advocate for public education…”

Little Rock, April 28th, 2010 –Speaker Robbie Wills is the teacher’s choice in Arkansas’s 2^nd Congressional District.  The Arkansas Education Association has officially endorsed Speaker Robbie Wills in the May 18^th 2^nd District Congressional Democratic primary. “Rep. Wills has been a tireless advocate for public education throughout his legislative career.  We especially appreciate Rep. Wills’ service to public school employees.  He worked hard to secure funding for public schools health insurance, and he is always willing to listen to public school employees,” said Donna Morey, AEA President .

“I am honored to receive this endorsement. My parents are both retired teachers.  Taking care of Arkansas’ public schools is an issue that lives deep in my heart.  I promise the AEA that I will be a careful steward of their trust.  Arkansas’ economy and quality of life are only as good as the opportunities for education we offer all Arkansans.  I will always be committed to improving education here in Arkansas,” said Speaker Robbie Wills.

The Arkansas Education Association represents over 4,000 educators in Central Arkansas.

“This is a powerful endorsement of Speaker Wills’ campaign.  No one in this race has accomplished more for teachers than Speaker Wills. He is committed to increasing support for public education and providing a better quality of life for all Arkansans. Having teachers support in our campaign is invaluable resource,” said Wills for Congress Campaign Manager Kyle Gott.