The two Republican challengers in the 2nd District, Rod Martin and Bob Thomas, both of Little Rock. As the Baby Boomers retire, the number of senior citizens on Social Security and using Medicare will increase substantially. Additionally, Congress should authorize improved and expanded health care for military retirees. Likewise, as a doctor, I firmly support expanding the amount of health research funding. Keeping the federal government about the same size it is was the choice of former state Rep. Judy Smith of Camden, who also seeks the Democratic nomination in the 4th.
Federal politicians are distant from their voters and less affected by federal decisions.
That is the lesson of the last 35 years. Increased funding is needed in several areas, such as education, transportation and agriculture. There is also a need for the government to deal with the outrageously high prices of prescription drugs. The Founding Fathers believed it was much easier for regular folks to complain to a state representative or justice of the peace who lived down the street than to a congressman in Washington, and they divided power accordingly. They were right.