The head of the Democratic Party of Garland County formally announced her candidacy Saturday for the 4th District congressional seat held by Hot Springs Republican Bruce Westerman.
Hayden Shamel, an English and Spanish instructor at Lakeside High School, addressed supporters at the Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market pavilion. Her campaign, which is run on promises to better education, stimulate the state's economy and make health care affordable, bears the slogan "It's our tomorrow."
Shamel said Arkansas has "always been on the forefront of American politics," and said she is using her "right and duty" to participate.
Shamel said Washington and Wall Street are robbing the United States population of the ideals promised in her campaign. She said that public schools are "not for sale" and that health care is "a universal human right."
Shamel outlined her campaign promises, stating that she will support the working class, ensure superior education and teacher pay, and push for lower prescription prices for pharmaceuticals.
When asked for specific examples of why each campaign promise needs improvement, Shamel told The Sentinel-Record that education and economic development go hand in hand. She said economic stimulation and the well-being of individuals comes from the ability to receive training, and that "we should utilize our existing education facilities to do that."
She also said she hears that pharmaceutical prices are too high from "everybody that I talk to."
"All too often, there are people who can't pay for their prescription medications out of pocket," she said. "People are hurting, so that's one of the things that I really want to focus on in terms of health care."
Prior to her speech, state Rep. Vivian Flowers, D-District 17, voiced her support for Shamel, saying "women need more representation" in Arkansas, as women make up over half the state's population.
Westerman's campaign spokesman, Jon Gilmore, declined to comment on Shamel's campaign promises immediately after her campaign announcement. He also declined to comment on Shamel's claim that Westerman is a representative who is "entrenched in American politics."
Gilmore referred The Sentinel-Record to a campaign statement submitted to the newspaper Friday afternoon.
"Congressman Westerman is working everyday to represent the views and values of the hardworking Arkansans of the 4th District and his common-sense approach to issues is resonating across our state. Congressman Westerman's work in a small business prepared him to represent the conservative values of his constituents," the statement read. "He is pleased to welcome anyone who wants to get involved in the political process and discuss the issues important to Arkansans."
Scranton Libertarian Tom Canada has also announced his candidacy for the 4th District congressional seat.
Local on 11/05/2017