Press Release - Clinton, Beebe Rally Arkansans to Get Out the Vote

Press Release - Clinton, Beebe Rally Arkansans to Get Out the Vote

Experience, Knowledge Make Beebe Best Choice for Governor

President and former Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton joined Attorney General Mike Beebe in Jonesboro today to rally Arkansans to the polls for early voting.

"There is no one I know of more qualified to be governor of Arkansas than my friend Mike Beebe. Not only is he experienced and knowledgeable of the legislative process, he has worked hard all of his life for Arkansas and has never forgotten his humble beginnings," Clinton said. "This election is an opportunity to move Arkansas forward. Mike Beebe believes in Arkansas' people and its promise, and I hope everyone will take advantage of the convenience of early voting to cast their vote for Mike Beebe."

Beebe, the son of a single mother raised on the tips she made as a waitress, has laid out proposals for education, job creation and economic development for the state.

"We have the opportunity to move our state forward in a way never done before. I've laid out specific plans to bring better-paying jobs to our state, expand the businesses we have and advance education from pre-k to college. I've offered mainstream solutions for tax relief: eliminating the grocery tax and cutting property taxes with an increase to the Homestead Tax Credit. I have the leadership to make these things a reality and with your support, we'll make Arkansas the envy of the nation," Beebe told the crowd.

In January, Beebe proposed eliminating the grocery tax with a complete phase out. His opponent has taken six positions regarding elimination of the grocery tax since then. Beebe's opponent first said eliminating the grocery tax was not part of his proposals. Then he said it was. He said he "loved" the idea of a phase out but has since called a phase out an empty promise. Beebe's opponent admitted at the Jonesboro gubernatorial debate he had changed his mind on the grocery tax but later called his reversal a mistake of "phrase-ology."

Beebe has proposed a need-based college scholarship program for Arkansans. His opponent opposes need-based financial aid.

Beebe has proposed expanding pre-k education for all children, starting with covering all children below 200 percent of the poverty level. Hutchinson said he supported expanding access to pre-k, but later said paying for it was not part of his proposals.

Beebe has proposed cutting property taxes by expanding the Homestead Tax Credit and challenged his opponent to support a property tax cut. Hutchinson is yet to answer the challenge.

The event, held at the Fowler Foods Hangar at the Jonesboro Municipal Airport, included remarks by former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Mariana native Rodney Slater. State Treasurer candidate Martha Shoffner, Secretary of State Charlie Daniels, Attorney General candidate Dustin McDaniel and Lieutenant Governor candidate Bill Halter also spoke at the event. Congressmen Mike Ross and Marion Berry joined them in remarks on stage.

http://www.mikebeebe.com/newsroom_details.asp?id=898