Arkansas gubernatorial election, 1978

The Arkansas gubernatorial election of 1978, held on November 7, was the first time that future President of the United States Bill Clinton was elected Governor of Arkansas.

Democratic nomination

At this time, one gubernatorial term was two years. Incumbent two-term Democratic Governor David Pryor decided to not seek re-election in order to run for the United States Senate, as his predecessor and future Senate colleague Dale Bumpers did. [ [http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=28245 Our Campaigns - AR. Governor - D Primary Race - May 30, 1978 ] ]

Candidates:
* Attorney General Bill Clinton
* Candidate for the 1976 nomination Frank Lady II
* Bob Mathis
* State Representative Monroe Schwarzlose
* Joe Woodward

Clinton, a former assistant to Senator J. William Fulbright and since 1977 state Attorney General won nomination easily.

* Clinton - 341,118 (59.55%)
* Woodward - 123,674 (21.59%)
* Lady - 76,026 (13.27%)
* Mathis - 26,096 (4.56%)
* Schwarzlose - 5,898 (1.03%)
* Nabozny - 632 (.009%)

Incumbent Lieutenant Governor Joe Purcell was renominated for the second spot.

Republican nomination

Former State Republican Party Chairman and nominee for Arkansas's 4th congressional district Lynn Lowe won the Republican Party nomination unopposed.

Election result

Clinton won easily. [ [http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=28238 Our Campaigns - AR Governor Race - Nov 07, 1978 ] ]

* Bill Clinton (D) - 335,101 (63.36%)
* Lynn Lowe (R) - 193,746 (36.64%)

Clinton also led in fundraising. His campaign budget combined $709,234.00 while Lynn's was $193,746 (36.64%). [ [http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=28238 Our Campaigns - AR Governor Race - Nov 07, 1978 ] ]

Clinton, at age of 32, became the youngest Arkansas Governor, one of the youngest in history of the United States and the youngest in nation at this time. In 1992 he was elected third-youngest U.S. President.

References