The Republican primary race for 2nd District Congress is about more than posturing on the private option by Rep. Ann Clemmer, who voted for it in 2013 and against it so far this year, and Little Rock banker French Hill, who’s declared his opposition to all things Obama.
Tea Party Republican Conrad Reynolds, also a candidate, interjects some points from Hill’s record that he thinks might resonate to his advantage — Hill’s advocacy for a tax increase, his occasional financial support for Democratic candidates and his wife’s work as a lobbyist for the health care industry.
Reynolds says its disingenuous for Hill to talk about tax increases when he was an outspoken proponent, along with other Chamber of Commerce leaders, for a sales tax increase for the city of Little Rock in 2011.
Reynolds also notes that Hill has given political contributions to Democratic candidates, including former state Treasurer Martha Shoffner, now facing bribery charges. Then he got personal, though there’s a context in the Medicaid expansion debate:
Martha Hill is a special interest lobbyist. She lobbies for healthcare industry clients. She incurred $47,071.80 in expenses lobbying the Arkansas legislature in fiscal year 2013. These facts are a matter of public record easily obtained from the Office of the Secretary of State. It’s relevant because she is actively campaigning, including speaking on behalf of Mr. Hill who claims to have an opinion on the Private-Option/Obamacare to the contrary.
Martha Hill is a lawyer at the Mitchell firm, which has long had many clients in the insurance industry. She is a registered lobbyist and listed these clients in 2013:
American Council Of Life Insurers
America’s Health Insurance Plans
Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
Ash Grove Cement Company
Asurion Insurance Services, Inc.
Dillard’s Inc
EAN Holdings, LLC
Enhanced Capital Partners
Mitchell Williams Law Firm
Senior Care, Inc.
Sisters of Mercy Health System
Southern Arkansas University
State Farm Insurance Group
United Healthcare of Arkansas, Inc.
US Travel Insurance Association
USAble Life
Democratic candidate Patrick Henry Hays is currently unopposed. Lucky for him.