Both Sides Predicting Victory in Arkansas Bond Vote Tuesday

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oth sides are predicting victory in Arkansas’ vote Tuesday on a $575 million highway bond proposal, with proponents calling it the best way for Arkansans to keep their roads in good repair while opponents described it as a "potential catastrophe," the Associated Press reported.

Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) is in favor of the measure and has been traveling around the state lobbying for it, while the Arkansas Trucking Association has opposed the measure because it could obligate the state to a $1 billion debt, AP reported.

The state trucking group reiterated its opposition to the measure on its Web site and a referring link on another Web site, www.citizensagainst1.com, which listed reasons it was against the measure, led by a potential increase in state debt.

Huckabee on Monday said the highway plan does not call for any tax increase and described it as the best method of financing interstate highway improvements, AP reported.

Under the proposal, the state could issue bonds up to $575 million without getting voter approval after the old bond issue is paid off, AP said.

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