Arkansas lawmakers speak about the state of GOP politics

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) -The Republican Party is drawing significant attention this week as the National Convention kicked off Monday in Milwaukee.

Arkansas lawmakers shared their thoughts on the state of the party and its future.

Arkansas District 36 Representative Johnny Rye expressed a desire for more civil discourse in politics.

“I hope that this opens the eyes of both parties because there’s been some very, very negative talk on both sides that’s really gone to the core,” Rye said, referring to the recent attack on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. He emphasized the need to return to a more respectful political environment. “I hope that we can get this thing straightened out and go back to normal, with normal politics, and at least have respect for one another.”

District 32 Representative Jack Ladyman echoed Rye’s sentiments about the tone of political discourse.

“I’m okay with talking negatively about a policy, or what another candidate has done. I don’t like attacking people personally. I believe we have to tone that down a lot,” Ladyman said. He noted his approach to campaigning focuses on his goals rather than attacking opponents. “When people ask me about who I’m running against, my answer is always I’m not running against anyone, I’m running for an office, and that’s what I try to focus on.”

Rye also highlighted the potential impact of Donald Trump winning the upcoming election on Arkansas, mentioning Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ close relationship with the former President.

“Our governor actually worked for him for a while, and she’s very close to the President, so you know she’s gonna have a lot of influence on what goes on with us,” Rye said.

Inflation remains a critical issue for the party, according to Rye. “The cost of living is so much higher than what it was four or five years ago. Even though someone may be making 50 or 55 thousand dollars a year, that’s not really an attainable salary for people to live on,” he explained.

Rye believes both parties will need to collaborate to address this economic challenge.

“The inflation that’s gone out in the last 3 to 4 years is absolutely killing the working people. And I think that’s what they’re going to unify on,” he said.

Rye called for bipartisan cooperation post-elections, moving beyond party lines.

“I think we’re doing things, instead of Democrat/Republican so much, I think we’re doing things in a business way,” he said. “There are good people on both sides of this. Just a different way of thinking, that’s all.”

Both representatives hope the events at Trump’s rally will encourage both parties to come together and prevent similar situations in the future.

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