John C. Davis The following is the first of a series of posts on party primaries in Arkansas and recent consideration to closing the GOP primaries in the state. On June 8, the Republican Party of Arkansas voted to “close” the GOP primaries in the state at their bi-annual statewide convention. This rule change would limit access to a Republican … Continue reading The Push for a GOP Closed Primary and Potential Issues
Author: naturalstatepolitics
John C. Davis is a teaching associate professor of political science at the University of Arkansas. He earned his B.A. and M.A. in political science at the University of Arkansas and his Ph.D. in political science at the University of Missouri. His research interests include campaigns and elections, political parties, voting, Southern politics, and Arkansas politics.
The author speaks only for himself, and not for the institution with which he is associated.
From Blue to Red: The Rise of the GOP in Arkansas
By John C. Davis Note: a version of this piece appeared previously in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. If you’re new to the state or just young enough to not recall otherwise, you might assume that Arkansas has a long history of one-party political dominance, and that the GOP has held power for decades—much like many of … Continue reading From Blue to Red: The Rise of the GOP in Arkansas
Ten Takeaways From Election 2020
By John C. Davis The following are ten takeaways from what has been an election cycle with equal parts change and continuity. 1. Arkansas Republicans continued to make gains. Over the last decade, Arkansas has shifted from one of the nation’s most reliably Democratic states to perhaps the most Republican in the country. This trend … Continue reading Ten Takeaways From Election 2020
Voting Absentee? Request Your Ballot Now
By John C. Davis COVID-19 has altered the way we conduct many aspects of our lives. For many, voting will be different this year and will require a bit more planning. For those interested in voting absentee, whether due to the pandemic or another qualified reason, now is the time to request your ballot. You … Continue reading Voting Absentee? Request Your Ballot Now
Public Opinion Polling: A (Very) Brief Introduction For the Casual Observer
By John C. Davis Earlier, I wrote about the results of a recent Talk Business and Politics/Hendrix College poll. Upon completing the piece, it occurred to me that it might be helpful if I shared some basic tips on how to evaluate polling results. While brief, and lacking attention to mathematical elements of scientific polling, … Continue reading Public Opinion Polling: A (Very) Brief Introduction For the Casual Observer
Poll Reveals Early Frustration Among Independents
By John C. Davis As Arkansas continues to struggle through the COVID-19 health crisis and subsequent economic recession, Arkansans’ views on the job performances of some of its most notable leaders are worth reflecting upon. Last week, the results of a poll conducted by Arkansas Talk Business and Politics and Hendrix College were released. The … Continue reading Poll Reveals Early Frustration Among Independents
Six Years Later: Senator Cotton’s Re-election
By John C. Davis What a difference six years can make. In 2014, Tom Cotton, then a Republican U.S. Representative, ran against Democratic Senator Mark Pryor, a two-term incumbent, former Arkansas Attorney General and son to one of Arkansas’s most prominent public officials in the 20th Century—former U.S. House of Representative, Governor, and U.S. Senator … Continue reading Six Years Later: Senator Cotton’s Re-election
Voting in the Age of COVID-19
By John C. Davis In the age of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we must attempt to acclimate our lives around a new, temporary, normality and work together to ensure our civic institutions remain intact in this time of crisis. As a grandson, son, husband, and father, my primary and immediate concern is for the health … Continue reading Voting in the Age of COVID-19
Talk Business/Hendrix Poll Suggests Bloomberg Surge, No Clear Democratic Presidential Favorite in Arkansas
By John C. Davis The Arkansas Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election will be held on March 3rd (with early voting beginning on February 18th). According to the most recently released Talk Business & Politics/Hendrix College Poll, The poll asked 496 likely Arkansas Democratic primary voters who they preferred in the upcoming primary election. … Continue reading Talk Business/Hendrix Poll Suggests Bloomberg Surge, No Clear Democratic Presidential Favorite in Arkansas
Drew County 1-Cent Sales & Use Tax Discussed at The SEARK Political Animals Club
By John C. Davis February 3, 2020 The first meeting of the year for the Southeast Arkansas Political Animals Club was called to order on Monday. The featured speaker was Charlie Searcy, Drew County Treasurer. The topic of discussion was the upcoming special election regarding a reinstatement of a one-cent Drew County sales and use tax … Continue reading Drew County 1-Cent Sales & Use Tax Discussed at The SEARK Political Animals Club
