Asa says no to 3rd District race

Asa Hutchinson, one of the leading potential GOP contenders in the now open race for the 3rd Congressional District, announced Monday (Feb. 8) he would not enter the race.

Hutchinson served as the 3rd District Congressman between 1996 and 2001, when he left the seat to serve as director of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Arkansas’ 3rd District race opened up when U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, recently announced he would run for the U.S. Senate.

Hutchinson issued this statement:

“Five years ago, I left Washington to return to Arkansas to run my businesses and law practice. I have had no desire to return even though the current problems facing our nation caused me to evaluate whether I should return to public life. I am delighted that there are good people that are willing to run for this seat in Congress, and I concluded that I am not indispensable to the survival of our republic.

“I am very happy with my role as Senior Partner with the AH Law Group in Rogers and my consulting business in Little Rock. I am grateful for many different opportunities to impact the direction of our country from the private sector and through my voluntary work on the Constitution Project.  Susan and I enjoy our life as grandparents, and we know that there will be opportunities for public service in the future in which I could make the case that my election would make all the difference for our State.”

Hutchinson said he would actively support the Republican 3rd District nominee in the general election.

Rogers Mayor Steve Womack and Bernard Skoch have entered the 3rd District race. Other names mentioned as possible candidates include Rep. Rick Green, R-Van Buren, Rep. Jonathan Barnett, R-Siloam Springs and Dave Bisbee, Benton County Judge.