1932 Arkansas gubernatorial election
By February 1933, the situation had devolved so far, the Arkansas House of Representatives adopted a resolution describing the Parnell administration as "the most corrupt since the days of reconstruction and the most extravagant and wasteful in the history of the state".Many Arkansans blamed Parnell for their hardships in the Great Depression, and his unpopularity caused candidates to dodge his endorsement throughout the contest.Priddy strongly opposed Blackwood's continued service on the Highway Commission, making a campaign promise to unseat him if elected.Futrell was a reluctant candidate, saying after winning the Democratic primary, "had no ambition to become governor and would prefer to serve out my time as chancellor among the people who know me best".[27] Futrell emphasized retrenchment and good government reforms, including proposal of a constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget.[34] Following Futrell's win, Parnell removed Howard Reed from his state comptroller's position, allegedly for refusing to withdraw as a gubernatorial candidate.[35] Futrell tried to strike a conciliatory tone, saying "in the discharge of my duties as governor, all bitterness of the controversy will be forgotten, and the earnest co-operation of those who opposed me, and those who supported me, is necessary".Representative of the conservative wing having taken control of the convention, it adopted as first plank of the party platform, "drastic curtailment of government expenditures and other reforms".Turnout was expected to be high, mostly due to five constitutional amendments and three initiated acts listed on the November 1932 ballot, all of which were defeated at the polls.