Jerry Rephan
Jerry Rephan was a 2016 Democratic candidate for District 25 of the Arkansas House of Representatives.
Rephan was the Democratic candidate in the 2011 special election for District 24 of the Arkansas House of Representatives. The special election took place on March 8, 2011. Rephan was running to fill the vacancy created after Keith Crass (R) passed away. He was defeated by Bruce Cozart in the special election.[1]
Biography
Rephan has served as a special judge for Garland County Circuit Court, Garland County Juvenile Court and Garland County Small Claims Court. He has also worked on the Ethics Committees for St. Joseph’s Regional Health Center. Rephan has also served as Advocate for Children & Families in Garland County Juvenile Court for more than ten years. He graduated from Lakeside High School and the University of Arkansas School of Law.
Campaign themes
2011
Rephan's 2011 special election campaign site emphasized several policy positions and campaign themes:
- Jobs and a Strong Economy: "I will fight to bring jobs and training to those who are willing and able to work. I believe investing in education creates jobs and skilled workers. The Hot Springs area has a natural appeal that gives local businesses a natural advantage to grow a strong economy."
- Helping Children and Families Succeed: "Jobs and a stronger economy are the best ways to help children and families, but the government must be there to offer a hand up when times are tough. I am dedicated to making more preventive, early help available. One ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Our government can do more and still save money."
- Protecting Our Seniors: "Hot Springs has a national reputation as a "resort community" and that's why so many people move to our region to enjoy their retirement. By cutting expenses like the grocery tax and being responsible with state taxpayer dollars, we can ensure the fixed incomes our seniors depend on aren't eroded by rising costs and taxes."
Elections
2016
Ballotpedia's analysis revealed that only 42 of the 100 seats up for election in 2016 involved competition between Democrats and Republicans. This made it numerically impossible for Democrats to take control of either Arkansas legislative chamber in 2016.
The reason for the low competition was that candidates were in safe districts for their parties. Between 1972 and 2014, an upward trend in uncontested state legislative elections occurred.
The Democratic Party of Arkansas focused its 2016 efforts on the state’s House of Representatives. Without the numbers to win the state Senate, H.L. Moody, communications director for the Democratic Party of Arkansas, told Ballotpedia that the party’s goal was to “start building back where we can,” beginning with the House.
Ballotpedia spoke to political analyst Richard Winger, who said that the early primary deadline for the 2016 elections was a possible factor as well, making it difficult for Democrats to recruit candidates early.
The primary election was held on March 1, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing period began at noon local time on November 2, 2015, and ended at noon local time on November 9, 2015.[2] Incumbent John T. Vines (D) did not seek re-election.
Les Warren defeated Jerry Rephan in the Arkansas House of Representatives District 25 general election.[3]
| Arkansas House of Representatives, District 25 General Election, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Les Warren |
58.67% | 5,973 | |
| Democratic | Jerry Rephan | 41.33% | 4,208 | |
| Total Votes | 10,181 | |||
| Source: Arkansas Secretary of State | ||||
Jerry Rephan ran unopposed in the Arkansas House of Representatives District 25 Democratic Primary.[4][5]
| Arkansas House of Representatives, District 25 Democratic Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Democratic | Jerry Rephan (unopposed) | |
Les Warren defeated Richard Midkiff in the Arkansas House of Representatives District 25 Republican Primary.[4][5]
| Arkansas House of Representatives, District 25 Republican Primary, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Les Warren |
69.82% | 2,487 | |
| Republican | Richard Midkiff | 30.18% | 1,075 | |
| Total Votes | 3,562 | |||
2011
Rephan was defeated by Bruce Cozart (R) in the March 8, 2011 special election.[1]
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Arkansas Special Election Results, District 24
- ↑ Arkansas Secretary of State, "2016 Election Dates," accessed November 17, 2015
- ↑ Arkansas Secretary of State, "2016 General Election and Nonpartisan Runoff Election," accessed November 23, 2016
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Arkansas Secretary of State, "Candidate Information," accessed July 25, 2016
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Arkansas Secretary of State, "2016 Primary Election Results," accessed April 19, 2016
