A former lawmaker who is challenging his loss in a 2006 primary runoff for the Arkansas Senate told a legislative panel Tuesday that the election was "un-American" and marred by fraud and manipulation.

The Senate opened a hearing in which it is being asked for the first time in its history to resolve a disputed election and
consider whether to oust a sitting senator over claims of voting irregularities.

The Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee will recommend to the full Senate whether Sen. Jack Crumbly, a Widener Democrat, can remain in his east Arkansas post despite the allegations from former Representative Arnell Willis of Helena-West Helena.

Senate District 16 serves parts of Crittenden, Lee, Phillips and St. Francis counties.

Crumbly was declared the winner in the 2006 Democratic primary runoff through a recount after initial results showed Willis the victor.

Willis says there was voter fraud and ballot manipulation.

Robin Carroll, Crumbly's attorney, says Willis had plenty of allegations but few facts to back up his claims. Carroll says
Easley was relying on "overcooked" claims of voter fraud to make his case. All of the witnesses Willis' attorneys planned on calling were either on the payroll of the Willis campaign or Easley's, Carroll said.

Carroll says Crumbly won the race fair and square and deserves to remain in office.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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