Q. Byrum Hurst
LITTLE ROCK (KTHV) - Those May primary elections resulting in runoffs return to the polls Tuesday.
Runoff elections will dominate the ballots Tuesday, including a congressional match-up for a seat that now represents almost half of the state. We're talking about the 4th District Congressional race and the two Democrats vying for the nomination Tuesday.
There's Q. Byrum Hurst from Hot Springs and State Senator Gene Jeffress from the Camden area. Both using this last day for some final get-out-the-vote campaigning on the phone and in person.
A table of volunteers make election calls Monday for Q. Byrum Hurst.
"We're real excited, most of the phone calls that we've made, we remind people to go out and vote," Q. Byrum Hurst says at his campaign headquarters.
We found his opponent State Senator Gene Jeffress working in some face time at this Sheridan restaurant.
"Here with some great friends, we're at Henry's Barbeque, we stop in here often," Jeffress said.
The two men are fighting to be the Democrat to race Republican Tom Cotton this fall for the open seat in the 4th Congressional District.
"I think you have to look at who can defeat the Republican," Hurst said. "I think I'm in the best position to defeat Tom Cotton."
Hurst argues that's largely because of his wide-spread media presence, something he says Jeffress lacks.
"I've proven that my supporters will support me financially, we've had a good media campaign and that's what it takes," Hurst said.
"People want to see in Arkansas politics I believe, someone out putting up signs, out working, visiting, shaking hands, looking people in the eye," Jeffress said.
It's a more personal strategy largely defining Jeffress's campaign so far.
"Man they want somebody that will work for them, somebody with Arkansas values," Jeffress said.
Hurst says he's got those Arkansas values too along with grass-roots campaigning. But it's just not enough, he says, for a Democratic success comes November.
"We have 33 counties, we have 750,000 residents in those 33 counties," Hurst said.
It's lots to cover with one more round to come for one of these two men.
Hurst also says his 38 years as an attorney gives him the skills to negotiate, represent people and get things done. Jeffress touts his nearly 30-year tenure as an educator in the Camden Fairview School District and about 12 years experience in Arkansas legislature.
Both men are running for a congressional seat long held by Democrat. Congressman Mike Ross decided he wouldn't again this year.