With U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin, R-Ark., having entered the race for lieutenant governor, Craig Miller, a Republican living in Ponca, said Friday (Feb. 21) he has decided not to run for that office.
“Now that Congressman Tim Griffin is running for lieutenant governor, I will back him rather than enter the race,” Miller told 5NEWS on Friday in a direct message on Facebook. “Congressman Griffin has served our state with distinction in the United States House of Representatives, and I look forward to doing what I can to assist him in winning this race. I know he will continue to work for limited government and economic opportunity for all Arkansans.”
Miller said he will remain active politically by “establishing a PAC and assisting Republican candidates around the state this election year.”
Miller had been set to announce his candidacy for lieutenant governor on Feb. 6 at Neal’s Cafe in Springdale but delayed the announcement because of winter weather on that day. Griffin got into the race on Feb. 13.
Miller would have been the fourth declared Republican in the race. In addition to Griffin, state Reps. Debra Hobbs, R-Rogers, and Andy Mayberry, R-Hensley, also are running.
On the Democratic side, Central Arkansas businessman John Burkhalter is vying for the seat.
State Rep. Charlie Collins, R-Fayetteville, had been a candidate for lieutenant governor but dropped out when Griffin entered the race. Collins, who has endorsed Griffin, is seeking re-election to the state House. Democrat Candy Clark also is running for the House District 84 seat that Collins holds.
The primary election is May 20, with the winners from each party advancing to the Nov. 4 general election.
Former Lt. Gov. Mark Darr, a Republican from Springdale, resigned Feb. 1 after being fined by the state Ethics Commission for spending violations.
