Ark. GOP heads into convention weaker than '04, AR

Ark. GOP heads into convention weaker than '04

By ANDREW DeMILLO

Published August 30, 2008 at 3:14 p.m.
Updated August 30, 2008 at 4:33 p.m.

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Arkansas delegates arrived at the Republican National Convention in a much different position than four years ago, when a GOP governor and lieutenant governor rallied them around the re-election of President Bush.

Bruised by a Democratic sweep of statewide offices in 2006 and unable to muster any opposition to the state's three Democratic congressmen or incumbent Sen. Mark Pryor this year, the party is still trying to rebuild its ranks, delegates acknowledge as they ready for the start of the convention Monday.

"I think anybody who's honest about it knows that we're weaker than we were at the last convention," said Doug Matayo, a delegate and former state representative. "In '04, our prospects were a whole lot different. We're a little bit on the downside."

The exit of Mike Huckabee from the governor's office because of term limits and the death of Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller in 2006 left the party with few at the helm. And after Democrats regained control of the governor's and lieutenant governor's offices, Republican leaders said they were trying to repair the party's status.

But many of the state's 34 delegates say they're confident John McCain's candidacy can help in that respect.

Rep. John Boozman, the sole Republican in Arkansas' congressional delegation, said the state GOP is already in a better position than it was two years ago. The enthusiasm surrounding this week's convention will help it even further, he said.

"This is how you strengthen the party. These are really the movers and the shakers who are involved in the party," Boozman said. "Many of the key people in Republican politics will be there, and this will be a week for them to get to know each other, and this is a week to really come together. They'll be able to come together and talk about how to rebuild the party."

J. French Hill, a delegate who is the finance co-chairman for McCain's campaign in Arkansas, said the enthusiasm for McCain's campaign will likely help the party in its rebuilding and boost interest in lower-ticket races.

"It does galvanize your grass roots operation, and they're out canvassing and turning out the vote for the top of the ticket," Hill said. "That can't help but help bring in volunteers, donations, contributions and support for the local and legislative races."

Unlike four years ago, when an amendment banning gay marriage seemed to help turn out conservative votes in Arkansas and other states, social issues don't seem to dominate the concerns among the delegates. National security and combatting terrorism topped the list among the state's delegates when asked in interviews and surveys with The Associated Press what the next president's top goals should be. The economy, lowering taxes and cutting government spending were other chief concerns among the delegates.

With two visits to the state since claiming the nomination, McCain has already offered hope to Republicans who believe he's got the advantage over Democratic nominee Barack Obama. During a visit to northwest Arkansas, McCain said he viewed Arkansas as a swing state.

To win that state, he'll have the support of one of his former rivals, Huckabee. The former Arkansas governor dropped out of the presidential race in March after McCain won enough delegates to claim the nomination. Huckabee has said he'll work hard to help the Arizona senator win the state.

Huckabee has enjoyed a higher profile because of his candidacy, and has joined Fox News Channel as a political commentator. He also is forming a think tank to help promote and study some of the issues he campaigned on and has a book coming out this fall about his presidential campaign.

"When we started the campaign, we'd go to places and I'd say 'I'm running for president' and they'd say 'president of what?'" Huckabee said earlier this summer. "Now I walk through any airport in America and people come up to me and want to visit with me and most of the time they tell me they voted for me. Of course, honestly, if they all voted for me who said they did, I'd be the nominee by now."

With the higher profile comes a greater role in the national party, including a prime-time speaking slot at the convention Tuesday night. The Southern Baptist preacher's appearances this week also include an address to Arkansas' delegates on Monday morning.

Delegates said they are disappointed they won't get the chance to see Huckabee as their nominee, but said they are hopeful he hasn't shut the door on a run again in the future.

"I think that he really did well and surprised everyone in the nation by how well he did," said Prissy Hickerson, a delegate from Texarkana and longtime Huckabee supporter. "I do hope he runs again in the future."

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Ark. GOP heads into convention weaker than '04, AR