brian chilson
steady lead: Rep. John Boozman has it over incumbent Sen. Blanche Lincoln.
RUNNING
SCARED Conventional wisdom says Republicans will prevail — but is it that simple?
A
political advertisement streams into homes all across the fourth district. The typical tropes and worn-out images we’ve come to expect from the minds
of political consultants and handlers are all there. We see a candidate talking to veterans, standing in a factory surrounded by blue-collar workers and posing with the kids on the front porch. A camera shot pans a pastoral stretch of a small Arkansas town. The candidate in question, we’re told, has never voted to increase his pay, is endorsed by the NRA, will stand up for “Arkansas values” and
B Y G E R A R D M AT T H E W S
voted against “Pelosi’s health care overhaul.” As if saying it wasn’t enough, that last phrase is emblazoned across the bottom of the screen for added effect.
10 october 21, 2010 • ARKANSAS TIMES