Joseph Wood, the Washington County judge, has joined the Republican field for lieutenant governor, which already includes Surgeon General Gregory Bledsoe, former Republican Party chair Doyle Webb, and state Sen. Jason Rapert.

Advertisement

Wood is distinguished, if that’s the word, by the smelly path by which he landed the county judge’s office, some questionable hiring practices, squelching minority Democrats on the Washington County Quorum Court and his position on the board of governance of Ecclesia College. You might have heard of the college during the federal prosecutions of a couple of former legislators and the former college president in a kickback scheme involving state money funneled to the college (and not repaid). There’s more: his announcement says Donald Trump will go down in history as one of the greatest U.S. presidents.

More Republicans are said to remain interested in the race. Have so many ever wanted a job with so little importance (except as a potential stepping stone)?

Advertisement

The good news is that at least three of those who’ve announced have to lose.

Arkansas Times: Your voice in the fight

Are you tired of watered-down news and biased reporting? The Arkansas Times has been fighting for truth and justice for 50 years. As an alternative newspaper in Little Rock, we are tough, determined, and unafraid to take on powerful forces. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, we are making a difference. But we can't do it without you. Join the 3,400 paid subscribers who support our great journalism and help us hire more writers. Sign up for a subscription today or make a donation of as little as $1 and help keep the Arkansas Times feisty for years to come.

Previous article NCAA declines to punish discriminatory states in tournament sites Next article Little Rock Zoo announces pregnant rhino