Tate For State, Blog

The Will of the People - 5/18/10

Today, May 18 marks the culmination of 14 months on the campaign trail for me. I will be busy at the court house overseeing the election and assisting voters and my staff at the Fort Smith and Greenwood courthouses.

I encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote.The will of the voters will be heard today and I appreciate every single vote that is cast in my name. Special thanks to all who have supported me in this campaign. Tomorrow we will know if we will continue. I am hopeful the people in the 75 counties of Arkansas will vote for us to do so.

Sincerely,
Doris Tate

Sharp County Clerk Endorsement - 5/17/10

I am honored to share the following endorsement I received from Sharp County & Circuit Clerk, Tommy Estes

May 13, 2010

Dear Doris:

With less than a week to go before the election, I want to tell you once again how proud of you for choosing to run for the OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.

I stated at the beginning that if hard work and being the best qualified candidate will win an election, you will win. If it takes corporate sponsors, you may not.

It occurred to me this morning that two of your major accomplishments, helping implement the requirements of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and later the Motor Voter Act are likely not even recognized by your opponents.

Additionally, neither of your opponents have nor ever log the number of hours that you have, year upon year, lobbying the legislature on matters that directly impact all our elections, recording regulations and other levels of government.

I proudly support your candidacy and am honored to call you my friend.

With best wishes and highest personal regards, I am

Sincerely,

Tommy Estes, County & Circuit Clerk, Sharp County, AR

Early Voting is Open! - 5/3/10

Early voting is open today through May 17. It is very easy to get in and out of the courthouse during the early voting period. Enter the basement level on the north end of the Sebastian County Courthouse (closest to First National Bank), first door on the left.

In the Greenwood courthouse, go to the County Clerk's office to vote.

You may vote electronically or request a paper ballot.

- Doris

Tate Campaign Trail Update - 4/2/10

Last night the Tate for State campaign enjoyed a very successful fundraiser in White County. Even though the evening was labeled a fundraiser, I made it very clear to my supporters that their votes are the most important things they can give to my campaign. Campaigns cost money and it is important that I am able to meet the financial obligations of promoting my candidacy, however votes are what really count. Among those in attendance were former director of the Association of Arkansas Counties, Brenda Pruitt. Watch for photos from the event on our flickr and Facebook pages.

Next week, I'll be meeting with the Arkansas Education Association (AEA). I am so thankful for the teachers who dedicate their time, talent and knowledge to the development of our young people. It is critical to their future as leaders and members of our work force that they receive a quality education.

Have a blessed Easter weekend!

- Doris

Women in AR Legislature - 4/1/10

Yesterday, it was a privilege to hear the names of the 97 women who have served in the AR Legislature since 1922. There are currently 31 female legislators who make an impact on each and every citizen of our great state. It was especially nice to hear Judge Bernice Kizer recognized; she was the first woman from Fort Smith to be elected to the legislature. This is the first time these women have been recognized by the state but I am certain this will establish a tradition.

- Doris

Tate Campaign Trail Update - 3/31/10

TATE CAMPAIGN TRAIL UPDATE

This morning I am headed out to the state capitol in Little Rock to honor our women in legislature. It will be a privilege to be in attendance.

Tomorrow I will also be meeting with the Association of Arkansas Counties personnel committee for the business of hiring a new director. As president of the board, it is part of my ongoing responsibilities.

- Doris

Tate Campaign Trail Update - 3/26/10

CITY TO CITY, COUNTY TO COUNTY

This week I have met with the AFL-CIO to discuss my candidacy for Secretary of State. It was a good meeting. All three Democratic candidates received their endorsement for the primary election.

I have been busy filling out questionnaires about my candidacy and speaking to groups across our great state. My goal is to introduce myself and my public service ethic to as many Arkansans as possible in the coming weeks.

Next week I will have the opportunity to meet with representatives of Farm Bureau. I am looking forward to that opportunity to discuss my qualifications for Secretary of State.

- Doris

Sharp County Democratic Women's Meeting - 3/8/10

I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with the Sharp County Democratic Women on Saturday in Ash Flat. One of the questions I was asked was how had I been able to stay in office for 20 years as a Democrat in a primarily Republican county (Sebastian). The answer is simple: I've been in my office working consistently, seeing that the County Clerk's Office follows and enforces the letter of the law and treats everyone equally. That has been my practice and the standard I have set for all of my staff from my first day in office. People respect that and come to depend on that type of leadership. And that is the type of leadership and fair representation that I will bring to the office of Secretary of State.

- Doris

Ozark Cattlemen's Association - 3/8/10

Heading to Ozark tonight to talk to the Ozark Cattlemen's Association at the Ozark Fairgrounds, 6:30 pm.
Tomorrow night I will be visiting with the folks in Arkadelphia at the Democratic Forum.

- Doris

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Yesterday morning, Monday March 1, 2010, I arrived early at the Arkansas State Capitol building to file my candidacy for Secretary of State. I was one of the first of 163 candidates to file. This is possibly the largest group of candidates ever to file in Arkansas on the first day. It was a very exciting atmosphere.

- Doris