I thought state Rep. Duncan Baird’s superior qualifications guaranteed his nomination as the Republican candidate for state treasurer. I was wrong. Dennis “What We Need Is Another 9/11” Milligan won the nomination handily, demonstrating a strong campaign and solid statewide ties.

Political skills are one thing. Thinly veiled political blackmail on top of bad judgment — that’s Milligan’s record — are wholly other things.

Advertisement

So attention turns to the Democratic candidate for state treasurer, Karen Sealy Garcia. She is a strong candidate if she can build an organization to match her resume.

She’s politically adept, a nonpartisan city director in Hot Springs, where politics can be wild.

Advertisement

She holds a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration. She’s been a licensed CPA for 30 years. She worked 26 years for a Fortune 500 company, Weyerhaeuser, in high management positions overseeing multmillion-dollar budgets. She’s known in her hometown for her integrity.

You’ll want to give her a serious look. I think some Republicans — admirers of Baird and not admirers of Milligan’s ethics or his propensity to pop off on social media — might cross over in this race. Or so they were saying last night. But this race is less about political insiders and more about who votes. Who pays much attention to a race for treasurer?

Advertisement

This year, it matters. Heck, it always matters. Remember Martha Shoffner?

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Gallup puts same-sex marriage support at record high Next article Officer identified in fatal shooting during reported robbery