2002 Arkansas gubernatorial election

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Jimmie Lou Fisher, Arkansas State Treasurer
• Joe Holmes, former prosecutor
• Jim Billie

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

• Mike Huckabee, incumbent governor of Arkansas
• Doyle Cannady, retired banker

Results

General election

Campaign

At the start of the election campaign Huckabee was expected to win the election easily with a poll in July showing him 16% ahead. Fisher began the campaign by unveiling plans on issues such as prescription drugs, education and domestic violence.

Huckabee's record as governor became an issue in the election with Fisher's campaign attacking Huckabee for granting clemency to violent criminals, including a rapist. Huckabee called on voters to support him due to the progress in education, health care and the economy during his period as governor. Huckabee also criticised Fisher for receiving help from former governor Bill Clinton, describing him as having had his turn.

Huckabee's lead in the polls declined as the election neared, with a poll in September showing him with a 12% lead and one in mid-October showing him 10% ahead.

Predictions

Results

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

• Craighead (Largest city: Jonesboro)
• Greene (Largest city: Paragould)
• Hot Spring (Largest city: Malvern)
• Izard (Largest city: Horseshoe Bend)
• Arkansas (Largest city: Stuttgart)
• Fulton (Largest city: Salem)
• Poinsett (largest city: Harrisburg)
• Lafayette (Largest city: Stamps)
• Little River (largest city: Ashdown)
• Bradley (largest city: Warren)
• Clark (largest city: Arkadelphia)
• Nevada (Largest city: Prescott)
• Ouachita (Largest city: Camden)
• Dallas (Largest city: Fordyce)
• Monroe (largest city: Clarendon)
• Mississippi (largest city: Osceola)
• Desha (largest city: Dumas)
• Lincoln (largest city: Star City)
• Ashley (Largest city: Crossett)
• Crittenden (Largest city: West Memphis)
• Conway (Largest city: Morrilton)
• Sevier (Largest city: De Queen)
• Hempstead (largest city: Hope)
• Phillips (largest city: Helena-West Helena)
• Jefferson (largest city: Pine Bluff)
• Pulaski (largest city: Little Rock)

References

References

1. "August 3, 2006, Democratic Primary: Governor". Tennessee Secretary of State.
2. (2002-11-06). "Huckabee Goes Back to Work for 4 More Years". [[KAIT]].
3. (2002-09-24). "Fisher Unveils Domestic Abuse Plan". [[KAIT]].
4. (2002-10-01). "Fisher Calls Huckabee a ''Dictator''". [[KAIT]].
5. Halbfinger, David M.. (2002-10-31). "THE 2002 CAMPAIGN: THE STATES; Wedding Ring Is a Millstone in 2 Arkansas Races". [[The New York Times]].
6. (2002-10-08). "Fisher Launches Into Huckabee Over Commutation". [[KAIT]].
7. (2002-10-14). "Polling Shows Huckabee Ahead". [[KAIT]].
8. (2002-10-25). "Clinton's campaign role: Raise money, avoid the spotlight". [[USA Today]].
9. (October 31, 2002). "Governor Updated October 31, 2002 {{!}} The Cook Political Report".
10. (November 4, 2002). "Governors Races".
11. "2002 General: November 5, 2002". Arkansas Secretary of State.