3 Republicans look to unseat Allen

By Amanda Finnegan (contact)

Friday, Aug. 8, 2008 | 7:21 p.m.

Francis Allen

Andrew Brownson

Flo Jones

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Two-term Assemblywoman Francis Allen is being challenged by three candidates for the District 4 seat (see map) in this August’s Republican primary.

Andrew Brownson, Flo Jones and Richard McArthur are all vying for Allen’s seat.

Allen, 30, was arrested on felony domestic violence charges for stabbing her husband during a dispute on May 17. The charges were dismissed on July 17.

Although Allen is not a favorite of Republican Party leaders, she is still being backed by the state caucus.

McArthur, a 65-year-old retired FBI agent, lost to Allen in the 2004 primary but hopes for a better outcome this time around. McArthur wants lower taxes, has backed legislation to make English the official language of state business and supports tougher immigration laws.

Brownson, 35, said the county needs lower taxes to attract more businesses. He is a waiter at MGM Grand.

Jones, a 69-year-old retired teacher, said if cuts are needed in education to lower taxes, school administrator layoffs should be looked at first. She also hopes to introduce a bill that would allow people in jail to pay for DNA testing to prove their innocence.

The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Craig Ballew, Libertarian Wayne Rudolph and Independent Brad Barnhill in November’s general election.