It's the longest of long shot races (the polls have him around 38%), but preacher/rocket scientist Chris Jones is running one hell of a campaign back in my home state of Arkansas. He's out in every county, shaking hands and talking to reporters in sharp contrast to the reclusive Sanders, and getting a surprising amount of national attention.
At this point, the campaign is less about winning and more about opening cracks in the foundation. Historically (at least since the early 70s and the election of Dale Bumpers), the state was fairly bipartisan, alternating control from centrist Democrats to conservative Republicans, but in the past decade, conservatives have managed to make Arkansas the definitive deep red state.
A big part of this is self-fulfilling expectations. Democrats are depressed and largely closeted. Republicans never consider crossing party lines. Churches are a reliable GOP vote. Jones has done a good job undermining that narrative. Check out Jones supporters' reaction to Sanders classifying them as the radical left.
Jones' odds are too low to talk about, but if he's changing the way Arkansans think about state politics, that's worth keeping an eye on.
I was Gov. Huckabee’s personal lawyer and a member of his Cabinet as ASP Director. I was baptized by Rex Horne at the Immanuel Baptist Church. And I’m a registered Republican. But the idea of Sarah being Governor scares me to death.
— Tom Mars (@TomMarsLaw) November 6, 2022
I’m the #RadicalLeft Sarah warned you about. pic.twitter.com/fdgq6YZqVV
42 yo sixth generation Arkansan. Married for 19.5 years. 3 kids. Love Jesus, the Hogs, hunting, & making duck calls. Was a member of the Young Republicans with SHS when we were both at OBU. But I guess she’s telling you I’m the #RadicalLeft now. Vote @JonesForAR pic.twitter.com/puv4R2XU7j
— Matt Bell (@mcbmd) November 5, 2022
I’m a Hog calling, meat smoking, trout catching, duck shooting, 5th generation Arkansan. I want kids in Lafayette County to get the same quality education as kids in Washington County. I’m the #radicalleft SHS says you should be afraid of and I’m proud to vote for Chris Jones! pic.twitter.com/ma33O4bx61
— Lincoln Combs (@lincolncombs) November 5, 2022
Lived in AR my whole life, worked on the farm till I graduated HS. Married right out of HS, been married to the some lady ever since. Loved to hunt and fish, own lots of guns, love football, Voted for @JonesForAR this year. I’m #TheRadicalLeft
— Mark Young (@MMYoung57) November 7, 2022
Born and raised in AR. Married my high school sweetheart who hunts while I cook it. Love the Hogs, Ozark Mtns, lakes, and rivers. Raised by a disabled mom and survived on social security. Broke the chains of poverty with an education. #IamtheRadicalLeft who voted for @JonesForAR
— Ima Greer (@elemliberrylady) November 5, 2022
Baptist. Jesus follower. Self proclaimed redneck. Lifelong AR and Hog fan. Married to my best friend. Helping to raise my bonus son for 15 years. Believe in love modeled on Jesus’s love for me - without judgement. I’m the #radicalleft you’ve been warned about. @JonesForAR pic.twitter.com/923KTGKgu1
— Greg Hale (@GregHale1) November 5, 2022
The momentum is growing across Little River County, and we are still going everywhere to make sure folks get out to vote. We are knocking on every door, going to every corner, and walking #EveryLastStreet through November 8th! #weARone pic.twitter.com/98kPhKNtbf
— Chris Jones (@JonesForAR) November 4, 2022
Yup, I’ve eaten game from the Arctic to Southern tips of Africa & South America.
— Will Cass (@awc1920) November 4, 2022
My NRA marksmen certificate is older than most MAGA.
I love the Lord my God.
Jesus was tbe First Progressive.
I follow Him.
I voted straight DEMOCRAT
Every seat
Every race
4 these United States! pic.twitter.com/u3VfrvLpXF
Arkansas wants to reject chaos and embrace community. I joined @thereidoutlast night to talk about changing the structural dynamic in this Arkansas governor’s race and how it will lead to a win for all Arkansans on Tuesday. https://t.co/mLrMdwUIqt pic.twitter.com/MEJexqpbvz
— Chris Jones (@JonesForAR) November 6, 2022
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