Three of Arkansas’s seven Supreme Court seats are up for election in 2014. Arkansas Supreme Court justices are chosen in nonpartisan elections and serve for eight-year terms. Associate Justice Karen R. Baker ran unopposed for re-election. Justice Cliff Hoofman, appointed by Governor Mike Beebe in 2012, will be stepping down at the end of this year. Court of Appeals Judge Rhonda Wood ran unopposed for Justice Hoofman’s seat. Justice Donald Corbin is also stepping down. His seat was contested by Court of Appeals Judge Robin Wynne and attorney Tim Cullen in the May 20 election. During the campaign, the NRA-linked Law Enforcement Alliance of America ran an attack ad against Cullen claiming he believes child pornography is a “victimless crime.”
Judge Wynne won the May 20 race, garnering 52 percent of the vote.
Estimated Total Spending: $208,770*
- Estimated spending by Judge Robin Wynne: $12,460
- Estimated spending by Tim Cullen: $31,750
- Estimated spending by Law Enforcement Alliance of America: $164,560
*These figures were last updated on September 21, 2014.
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May 10 – Predators
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This ad touts Judge Wynne’s record on crime.
Sponsor: Law Enforcement Alliance of America
Estimated Spending: $1,750
May 9 – Attack Ad
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In this ad, Cullen addresses the attack ad against him.
Sponsor: Tim Cullen
Estimated Spending: $18,380
May 9 – Young Victims
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This ad accuses Cullen of defending child pornography as a “victimless crime.”
Sponsor: Law Enforcement Alliance of America
Estimated Spending: $80,130
May 9 – Tough on Predators
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This ad highlights Judge Wynne’s record on sex offenders.
Sponsor: Law Enforcement Alliance of America
Estimated Spending: $82,680
May 7 – Experience Matters
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In this ad, Judge Wynn highlights his experience.
Sponsor: Robin Wynne
Estimated Spending: $12,460
May 7 – Fairly
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In this ad, Cullen discusses fairness and integrity.
Sponsor: Tim Cullen
Estimated Spending: $1,900
May 7 – Courage
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In this ad, Cullen emphasizes the courage to remain impartial.
Sponsor: Tim Cullen
Estimated Spending: $1,050
May 6 – Devoted 17 Years
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In this ad, Cullen discusses why he is running.
Sponsor: Tim Cullen
Estimated Spending: $10,420
News
John Lyon, Judicial candidate says outside group’s involvement in race disturbing, Arkansas News, May 11, 2014.
Methodology
All data on ad airings and spending on ads are calculated and prepared by Kantar Media/CMAG, which captures satellite data in the nation’s largest media markets. CMAG’s estimates do not reflect ad agency commissions or the costs of producing advertisements, nor do they reflect the cost of ad buys on local cable channels. Cost estimates are revised by Kantar Media/CMAG when it receives updated data, resulting in some fluctuations in the reported ad spending.