Watch List

We want our elected officials to act right. We'll tell you who does and who doesn't.

Obstructors

Sen. Jason Rapert

  • Berates, bullies and blocks Arkansans on social media

  • Epitomizes partisanship and extremism

  • Will stop at nothing to climb the AR political ladder

Division within our Capitol is running rampant, and one of the biggest proponents of this is Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Conway. From opposing bipartisan legislation, discrediting a global health pandemic, to racking up lawsuits over blocking constituents on social media, he’s about as divisive as it gets. 

Rapert is known for pushing legislation that would harm vulnerable communities– legislation like stand your ground and SB289, which would give healthcare professionals the ability to deny care based on religious beliefs.

Rapert is also being sued for blocking constituents on social media sites. We know that Arkansans expect honesty from their legislators, and blocking people effectively prevents them from participating in the legislative process.

On December 15, 2020, Arkansas Times reported that Federal Judge Kristine Baker refused to dismiss Rapert as an individual defendant in the lawsuit over his blocking commenters on his Facebook and Twitter accounts. This was a huge win for Arkansans and transparency. 

Rapert was also quoted criticizing Governor Asa Hutchinson for his mask mandate in response to the deadly Coronavirus, saying the mandate was “an overreach of executive power,” in a social media post. He went on to say “I believe this mandate was ill timed and not necessary.”

Rapert was later diagnosed with COVID-19 and changed his tone slightly regarding the deadly virus, saying the “virus is serious and can attack anyone regardless of age or general health.”

But above all else, Rapert is a bully. Hemant Mehta, in a video titled “I Got Threatened by Arkansas State Senator Jason Rapert,” cites an incident he had with Rapert around 6 minutes into the video. The interaction happened shortly after Rapert was diagnosed with COVID-19. Mehta references an Arkansas Times article about two women who poured olive oil on the 10 Commandments statue to anoint it. Rapert fought to have the statue installed on the Capitol grounds, so Mehta asked Rapert for comments in a facebook message. 

“Hey there, hope you’re back home and feeling better. If you have any comment about the women who were anointing the monument (is that something you’re okay with?) Please let me know,” Mehta asked. Raptors response was one you’d hope wouldn’t come from an elected official, but considering his history, it wasn’t surprising. 

“You and your little demon buddies were responsible for tons of messages wishing me to die… you little jerk,” Rapert said. “You crossed a line that you will regret.”

This isn’t the first time Rapert has lashed out. In 2016, Rapert was caught on camera berragting state  Rep. Lori Saine, Colorado, a fellow delegate at the Republican National Convention. Rep. Justin Everett, another delegate from Colorado, explained what happened. 

“He got in her face and started preaching to her,” Everett said. “He started getting elevated and started getting louder and louder and louder, until he was literally yelling at her about not being a good Christian and not having values.”

Rapert is the epitome of partisanship and extremism. What’s worse is that he’s running for Lieutenant Governor in 2022. His behavior cannot continue to go unchecked. Elected officials have a duty to listen to their constituents, but Rapert continues to ignore the needs of Arkansans, bullying those who don’t see eye to eye with him, recklessly pushing for legislation that would hurt families, and further dividing the state legislature with no effort for bipartisan leadership. Arkansans deserve much better than Jason Rapert. 

Sen. Bob Ballinger

  • Egregious behavior and misconduct

  • Consistently runs legislation that would harm Arkansans

  • Seeks to inflame, divide and bully on his social media platforms

On January 26th, Representative Aaron Pilkington, R-Clarksville, tweeted about his proposed bill to eliminate sales tax on feminine products in Arkansas. He ended his tweet saying “we shouldn’t be taxing such products.” If passed, Arkansas would be the 21st state to eliminate this tax, and with many Arkansans continuing to struggle due to COVID-19, this bill would help numerous people in our state during this difficult time.

Shortly after Pilkington expressed his eagerness to be sponsoring the bill, Senator Bob Ballinger, R-Berryville, the illustrious author of SB 24, Stand Your Ground, responded in a way that can only be described as egregious and shocking.

“We’re killing this you sissy.”

Ballinger claims this was merely a joke between friends, later tweeting a picture of Pilkington and receding his previous comment, saying “[Pilkington] has many apparent flaws, but he is no ‘Sissy’.”

Regardless of Ballinger’s intentions, his choice of rhetoric was questionable at the best — especially considering he was responding to an issue that affects over half of our state’s population.

This kind of behavior has no place in the State Capitol, and as Arkansans, we expect our representatives to act with decency. There is a very important question we need to ask ourselves here: is this the kind of person we want representing us?

Big Gov Bob Strikes Again

  • Will do whatever it takes for total control

  • Lobbies for anti-worker legislation

  • Willing to put retired Fire and Police at risk for Personal Gain

First responders dedicate their lives to protecting the public. In return, Arkansans–especially our lawmakers– should have their backs. One way to support our state’s fire and police service is to ensure they have a well-funded pension system. Did you know Arkansas ranks 16th overall for pension systems in the U.S.? Arkansas does some things well, and pensions are our strength. 

So why is State Senator Bob Ballinger working so hard to hurt our Fire and Police? 

In Arkansas, we care deeply about supporting our fire and police. Unfortunately, Sen. Ballinger seems to not care in the least. For the past few years, out-of-state special interest groups have tried to influence our lawmakers, coaxing them into passing legislation that would weaken our public pensions. Why? The out of state groups want money, and lawmakers want control. This started back in 2018 with former Rep. Doug House, and continues today with Big Gov Bob. 

This past legislative session, Ballinger proposed SB443, which would have required an audit of the Local Police and Fire Retirement System (LOPFI) salaries. I would also have required legislative oversight of LOPFI. But LOPFI doesn’t need legislative orversite. It’s a state agency, and local municipal contributions fund it. This means it is truly a local entity and operates with local control. LOPFI is a great example of local/state balance of power. But Big Gov Bob is trying to tip the scale in favor of state legislative power (Ballinger also passed SB341, the harmful anti-worker bill that bans collective bargaining). 

Big Gov Bob now carries the anti-worker torch for our legislature. SB443 is another example of our lawmakers seeking a solution to a nonexistent problem. Our current pension system works well. But there is no limit to Ballinger’s quest for FULL legislative power, which he shows time and time again to his constituents. Remember when he said “we can do whatever we want” on the senate floor? Big Gov Bob won’t stop until it rings true.

Sen. Trent Garner

  • Against Gov. Hutchinson’s bipartisan Hate Crimes legislation

  • Consistently runs legislation that would harm Arkansans

  • Seeks to inflame, divide and bully on his social media platforms

Forty-six states currently have hate crime laws in effect, and Arkansas is one of four who has yet to follow suit. In 2001, Sen. Joyce Elliott attempted to pass a similar bill, but unfortunately it was unsuccessful at the time. This year we have an opportunity to change that.

Senator Jim Hendren, R-Gravette, and Representative Nicole Clowney, D-Fayetteville, have proposed bipartisan legislation to implement hate crime laws in our state. This effort is even being supported by our Republican Governor, Asa Hutchinson.

“It’s in the right message by who Arkansas is that we are not a state that tolerates people being targeted because they are different,” said Hutchinson.

With a clear bipartisan effort and support from the Governor, how could anyone speak against such a common sense issue that so many states have already set in motion?

Senator Trent Garner, R-El Dorado, would be that naysayer. He was a “hard no” on the issue, going as far to write an op-ed declaring his opposition.

“The hate crime bill is little more than window dressing,” he wrote, calling it “political theater,” and a “superficial display.” He also took to twitter, calling it “extremist” and claiming it would only add inequality to the justice system.

This behavior is typical of Garner. Just days after we watched our Nation’s Capitol be defiled by rioters and insurrectionists, Garner told his fellow legislators, who had expressed safety concerns, to “buck up and stop cowering” publicly on social media. He went on to say “it’s more dangerous in downtown Little Rock on a random day than it is at the Capitol during this made-up ‘insurgency’.”

The truth is that Garner, like other state senators, has built a reputation since he’s been in the legislature- and not a very good one. Tantrums are not uncommon for him, and it truly is unbecoming. If you scroll through his Facebook or Twitter, you’ll quickly see dangerous rhetoric in post after post.  His behavior should not be, and is not, representative of Arkansans. We must hold him and other legislators accountable for their words and actions.

Garner's Gamble

  • Willing to gamble with lives

  • Shows no remorse or sympathy for Arkansans who are suffering

Now, more than ever, the health and safety of Arkansas children is at risk. It’s elected officials’ duty to write laws that will protect our kids. However, people like Sen. Trent Garner are willing to gamble with the lives of our students. Have you heard of Act 1002? This new law prohibits mask mandates in our state. Many students and parents are concerned about the new surge in Arkansas COVID19 cases, and because of this new law, they are left with little to no defenses. 

Garner sponsored Act 1002 and rallied enough extremists in the legislature to get it passed. But what does he have to gain by putting kids in harm’s way? This bill was one of many arleg bills about complete control and power. Even worse: Garner has shown absolutely no remorse or concern for our kids’ safety and wellbeing. 

As he does, Garner took to Twitter to feed his own ego and boast about his harmful legislation. He called the mask ban “one of the most important laws we passed last session,” completely ignoring that it will harm numerous Arkansans, even potentially killing some. 

Moreover, Garner advocated for some of the most dangerous bills this past session. He focused on his own personal agenda rather than working on meaningful legislation that would protect our kids. Arkansas students deserve better than Senator Garner. If you think so too, let’s work together to end this extreme behavior in our state government. Let’s protect AR kids.

Read Garner’s Gamble: Is Anyone Safe? for more info.

Rep. Mark Lowery

  • Repeatedly violates Arkansas’ ethics code

  • Consistently runs legislation that would harm Arkansans

  • Uses smoke screens to try and pass harmful legislation

Denying the right of students to learn Black History is denying the right to learn Arkansas History, and Representative Mark Lowery, R-Maumelle, is proposing legislation that does just that. HB1231 would ban the teaching of the 1619 project, an effort to examine the systematic effects and consequences of slavery.

Lowery, in a meeting with the Legislative Black Caucus, called the project a “narrative,” denying it as history, going as far to say that it’s “almost child abuse,” because some white students might feel uncomfortable learning the harsh reality of slavery. That’s right, he used the term “child abuse” to justify banning Black History in Arkansas.

Representative Vivian Flowers, D-Pine Bluff, pointed to her experiences as a black student, saying “throughout my entire education, I was uncomfortable reading texts and talking about different issues that rarely included me.” This is the case for so many students in Arkansas, and the proposed legislation would further diminish these students’ experiences and history.

This isn’t the first time Lowery has pushed for legislation that would effectively harm the rights of Arkansans, either. Earlier in the session he filed a harmful voter ID bill that would remove the option for signature matching, forcing all voters to present a photo ID when voting, even absentee voters. Yet again, this would disproportionately affect our vulnerable communities. Why is Lowery so focused on harming the people of Arkansas?

Let’s not forget that this lawmaker has trouble following the law himself, racking up ethics violation after ethics violation. In 2013, 2016, and again in 2020, Lowery paid his slap-on-the-wrist fines to wipe the slate clean, but where’s the accountability? He neglected this responsibility as a candidate, blaming poor eyesight on the 2020 violation, and an “administrative error” in 2016.

How can the people of Arkansas trust Lowery with writing legislation if he can’t follow the law himself?

Having a seat at the Capitol does not exempt you from legal action, nor should it. The good people of Arkansas deserve better.

Rep. John Payton

  • Obstructs good legislation to score political points with his party

  • Refers to Springdale’s Marshallese as “outsiders”

The House State Agencies Committee heard HB 1334, the Marshallese Law Enforcement Act, on February 8th, and it failed via roll call vote. This bill would allow Marshallese community members to work as Law Enforcement members. 

HB 1334 had overwhelming support from law enforcement, Marshallese leaders, bipartisan legislators, and the governor. So why did it fail?

Representative John Payton, R-Bebe, spoke against this bipartisan bill, saying “I can’t get comfortable with it.” 

What could possibly be uncomfortable about this? Representative Godfrey, D-Springdale, sponsor of the bill, mentioned the fact that non citizens can serve in the United States military, and this bill would simply allow members of the community to feel more comfortable, citing language barriers and more. If someone can give their life for the county, why shouldn’t they be able to do the same for the place they call home?

Payton went on to imply that Marshallese people are outsiders in our state, saying “we all love [the Marshallese] community, we appreciate them, but letting non citizens serve as state police and auxiliary… I can’t get comfortable with it.” 

And there’s that word again, comfortable. Payton’s comments highlight an underlying systemic issue that we cannot let continue in Arkansas. A number of people call our state home, including non citizens, and it is the job of the Legislature to ensure the safety and prosperity of all who live here, no matter how uncomfortable that might make them. Perhaps Payton should consider a new line of work since he’s so squeamish in the face of good legislation. 

Rep. Mary Bentley

  • Uses power to attack marginalized communities

  • Lacks empathy and professionalism

  • Weaponizes the Bible to pass hate-filled legislation

Trans Arkansans were under attack during the 2021 General Session.  One legislature took it to another level when she called all Trans people abominations from the well.

While speaking for HB1570, which bans gender-affirming treatment for Trans youth, Rep. Mary Bently used scripture to justify denying healthcare and undermining parents– calling Trans kids “abominations,” suggesting that they’d be better off if left alone. 

Soon after she filed HB1749, which would require teachers to call students by the name on their birth certificates. Bently claimed this wasn’t an attack on Trans kids, but else would it be? HB1749 failed, but four other anti-trans bills passed and have been signed into law. 

Recently in a legislative committee meeting, Bently and other Watchlist members, raked University of Arkansas officials over the coals for Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz’s recommendation to remove to move Fulbrights statute from Old Main. Bently claimed that efforts of inclusion are divisive and lead to exclusion. She cited Christianity, but was unable to pinpoint exactly how Christians had been excluded. 

Bently’s behavior and outright hatred for marginalized communities can no longer be tolerated. Like many other representatives, Bentley operates within her own values and vendettas. Her values? They don’t align with what’s good and fair. Arkansans deserve leaders who will listen to and work for the people.

Collaborators

Sen. Jim Hendren

  • Works across the aisle

  • Prioritizes legislation that helps Arkansans

  • Finds common ground

Arkansans are ready for bipartisan leadership in our state, and one member of the state legislature embodies this principle like no other. We’ve seen the legislature fill with bolstering personalities over the years, but Sen. Jim Hendren, R-Gravette, has emerged as the voice of reason within the Senate Republican Delegation.

During the 93rd General Assembly alone, Sen. Hendren has sponsored and supported legislation that would better our state, like SB3 and HB1020, hate crime bills that create a 20 percent sentencing enhancement for hate crimes. Arkansas is one of four states that has yet to enact such legislation

He’s also taken a stand against the extremism in the Senate, bringing common sense back to the Capitol. SB24 passed the Senate floor by a vote of 27 yeas and 8 nays; Hendren was the lone member of his delegation to vote no and the only one to speak against the bill.

“This is a real concern that people who don’t look like me have,” he said, calling attention to the fact that this bill would hurt Black and Brown communities in our state more than those running the dangerous legislation. 

Real leaders put constituents before themselves, and that’s what Hendren has shown time and time again. Megan Godfrey, D-Springdale, authored HB1342, a bill that would allow Marshallese people to serve as law enforcement officers. Hendren, along with law enforcement agencies and the Governor, all supported the legislation. Unfortunately this bill failed in committee. 

“So the federal government says the Marshallese can serve in the US military but #arleg says they can’t serve in law enforcement. C’mon y’all,” Hendren said in a tweet shortly after the bill failed. 

We all know that the way to better our state and save our democracy is to work together and find common ground. Hendren is willing to take a stand against extremist behavior, and we need more leaders in our state who will do this. 

Rep. Jim Gazaway

  • Works across the aisle

  • Drafts legislation that helps working Arkansans

  • Finds common ground

Bipartisan efforts are crucial for our Democracy to work effectively, and Representative Jim Gazaway, R-Paragould, has worked across the aisle since his first term in 2019.

During his first legislative session in 2019, Gazaways authored HB 1410, which would give renters rights in Arkansas and force landlords to provide habitable standards for their properties. Arkansas is listed as one of the best states for landlords and one of the worst for tenants. The bill was killed in committee, but it’s made it way back  this session via a joint resolution authored by Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville.

In 2019 Gazaway also cosponsored SB 487, authored by Sen. Joyce Elliott, D-Little Rock, which would have required the Legislative Council to conduct an assessment of the culture and climate of the Department of Correction. The purpose of the bill was to ensure fair treatment of our inmates, and to figure out what legislation needed to be passed to do this. SB 487 died on the calendar.

This year Gazaway continues to work on legislation that would benefit Arkansans, like HB 1324, which would give pregnant women priority when it comes to substance abuse treatments and would prevent refusal solely based on pregnancy. 

He also proposed a bipartisan joint resolution, SJR 6, with Sen. Clark Tucker, D-Little Rock, which would eliminate party primaries completely and allow voters to vote in every contest, regardless of political affiliation. 

Arkansans are tired of partisan play from our representatives. We expect our leaders to be able to set aside differences and work together. Representatives like Jim Gazaway, who are willing to put forth legislation for the betterment of Arkansas, are exactly who we need to move us forward. 

Rep. Les Eaves

  • Working to end misinformation

  • Using his place of power for good

  • Stressing the urgency of the pandemic

Our legislature doesn’t always get it right, especially over the last year. Even still, for a few months we had hope that the pandemic was almost over. Case numbers were down, and so were hospitalizations. But things have changed. 

The Delta variant of COVID19, now the predominant strain of the virus in the US, is twice as contagious as the original strain. Breakthrough cases are also occurring, where fully vaccinated individuals contract the virus. Rep. Les Eaves, (R ), announced on August 2 that he and  his wife had both tested positive, despite being fully vaccinated. With vaccine rates low and leaders denying the seriousness of COVID19, the virus has had time to mutate and get stronger. We’ve now reached a critical point in healthcare: we’re out of hospital beds.

Prior to announcing his positive test results, Rep. Eaves tweeted the following in hopes of shining light on how serious the issue really is: 

“Just got a text message from someone telling me the Delta variant is not an emergency and that it is no more dangerous than any other strains. Where are people getting their medical / scientific information? Not from those suffering from Covid in a hospital I assume!”

Even more, Rep. Eaves is now using his platform and place of power to end misinformation about Covid, something any true leader would do.

Rep. Jon Eubanks

  • Working to end misinformation about the COVID vaccine

  • Listening to medical professionals

  • Stressing the urgency of the pandemic

As Arkansans start to feel the full impact of the general session, more and more lawmakers are coming forward to debunk misinformation about COVID19. 

Rep. Jon Eubanks, for example, has become more vocal about the seriousness of the virus. He posted a testimonial in July explaining that he, along with his family, had received their vaccines.

“My wife and I received the vaccine when it became available. I have children and grandchildren who have gotten the vaccine. This Delta variant of COVID is dangerous,” he said. 

Though Eubanks did have conflicting thoughts regarding mask mandates in schools. He expressed that he did not agree with them fully, but he conceded that some parents should not be trusted to do what is right for their children. 

“Unfortunately I have learned too much about the people in my community and the decisions they don’t make for their children. They don’t feed them, they don’t clothe them, they don’t bathe them… I’m not too impressed with the people that are making the argument that the adults are the persons to make the best decisions…” he said. 

Rep. Eubanks is taking the time to listen to doctors and medical professionals, and he’s working hard to provide his constituents with facts. Thank you, Rep. Eubanks.

Rep. Julie Mayberry

  • Working with school districts to give local control back

  • Listening to medical professionals

  • Trying to #saveARkids, despite push back from her party

Just last week (August 3-6) our lawmakers came together for a special session. The main goal was to address Act 1002, which tied the hands of our school districts and prevented them from protecting kids with mask mandates. But even after heartfelt testimony from medical professionals and school districts, our legislature failed our kids– again.  However, one Republican member stood out for her leadership. She focused on doing right by our kids despite taking heat from her own party. 

Rep. Julie Mayberry (R ), filed HB1003, which would have allowed school districts to implement mask mandates under certain circumstances. While presenting the bill, Mayberry made it clear that her goal was to protect our kids, and she was willing to make any compromises to do so. She even chose not to take a vote on the bill and opted to work on amendments to make her colleagues feel more comfortable with HB1003. In fact, she tried to amend HB1003 the following day, but was blocked by the very people who asked for the changes. 

Despite HB1003 not getting out of committee, Rep. Mayberry did everything right. She presented her bill, listened to concerns from colleagues, and tried to make her bill better–not for herself, not for her party, but for Arkansans. True leaders know that doing the right thing is never the wrong thing. Thank you for your efforts, Rep. Mayberry.

Rep. Lee Johnson

  • Working to end misinformation about COVID

  • Using his place of power to share his knowledge as a Doctor

Regardless of one’s political affiliation, it’s time we start listening to doctors. Many Arkansas lawmakers have spread misinformation regarding COVID19. Rep. Lee Johnson, an ER doctor and true leader,  is taking the misinformation head on. Below is Rep. Johnson’s letter to the editor:

“I know there are those reading this letter that will never get a Covid vaccination. Some may even be offended by this letter. I know that there are people that have religious or philosophical reasons for not taking the vaccine. I can respect that position and would never impose on your right to make that choice. But, I also know there are others that are willing to take the vaccine, that just haven’t gotten around to it or just aren’t concerned about the risk of contracting Covid. It is that group I want to address. If you are willing to take the vaccine, now is the time. The Delta variant we are seeing is a different animal than the Covid we were battling a year ago. It is making people sicker and striking people at a younger age. The hospitalized patients we are treating in Arkansas are a full decade younger on average than those patients we were treating a year ago. The same can be said for those that are dying of Covid. 98% of the hospitalized Covid patients in Arkansas are unvaccinated. Please, if you are willing, get vaccinated. If you are on the fence because you have questions about the safety of the vaccine, know that I’m vaccinated as is everyone in my family, including my children. I have spent my entire adulthood studying medicine. I care about everyone in this community. I would not recommend a vaccine I wasn’t confident was safe. I urge you to talk to people you trust.  Many of us have been vaccinated and are willing to answer any questions or address any concerns. The pressure on our healthcare system is greater now than at any point in the past year and it seems to be getting worse. I struggled with the right words to write in this letter. I so desperately want this pandemic to be behind us and the path forward to me is so clear. Please, for your safety and for your loved ones take the vaccine.”