Political Expert Weighs In On Northwest Arkansas Voting Trends
By: Marissa Stevens
Updated: March 6, 2012
In light of this political season, we decided to find out what issues are most important to folks right here in Northwest Arkansas.
March 6th marks Super Tuesday, which means 11 states across the country are making their pick for the Republican Presidential Candidate.
Arkansans will not be casting their votes until May 22nd, but we met with a political expert and found out what folks in our area consider most when making their decision.
"If there's any one factor that would be influencing people this time, it would relate to the economy," said University of Arkansas Professor Hoyt Purvis.
"There are still serious problems related to the economy, and a lot of concern and apprehension about where we might be headed."
Purvis believes another topic that will have strong political impact is the rising prices at the pump.
"Many people in this area depend very strongly on their vehicles as an important part of their life, so that's the kind of thing that really brings it home."
When it comes to voting trends in our area, Purvis says polls and voting results tend to show one common factor.
"In many respects, this area has been a republican stronghold...That's not to say that there are not strong pockets of democratic support, because clearly there are."
But when asked who Professor Purvis think will win this political battle, he says it may be too early to tell.
"This is a very volatile political time and making predictions about what's going to happen a few months down the road is a pretty chance-y proposition."
Purvis also says if the Republican Race is still undecided by the time we vote in May, he believes Arkansas could play a big role.
March 6th marks Super Tuesday, which means 11 states across the country are making their pick for the Republican Presidential Candidate.
Arkansans will not be casting their votes until May 22nd, but we met with a political expert and found out what folks in our area consider most when making their decision.
"If there's any one factor that would be influencing people this time, it would relate to the economy," said University of Arkansas Professor Hoyt Purvis.
"There are still serious problems related to the economy, and a lot of concern and apprehension about where we might be headed."
Purvis believes another topic that will have strong political impact is the rising prices at the pump.
"Many people in this area depend very strongly on their vehicles as an important part of their life, so that's the kind of thing that really brings it home."
When it comes to voting trends in our area, Purvis says polls and voting results tend to show one common factor.
"In many respects, this area has been a republican stronghold...That's not to say that there are not strong pockets of democratic support, because clearly there are."
But when asked who Professor Purvis think will win this political battle, he says it may be too early to tell.
"This is a very volatile political time and making predictions about what's going to happen a few months down the road is a pretty chance-y proposition."
Purvis also says if the Republican Race is still undecided by the time we vote in May, he believes Arkansas could play a big role.
