Democratic Party Chair To Change

Democratic Party of Arkansas Chairman Todd Turner will step down from his post in February.

Gov. Mike Beebe, the titular head of the Democratic Party in Arkansas, said he has asked former Jacksonville State Rep. Will Bond, now a Little Rock lawyer, to serve as chairman.

“Will Bond is a friend and colleague,” Beebe said.  “I believe he will be an excellent leader as the next chairman of the Democratic Party of Arkansas.  Will has the energy and vision to lead the next steps in the road ahead.  It won’t be easy, but I know Will is up to the job.”

When asked by reporters if Beebe wanted Bond to be more visible and vocal in the press like his GOP counterpart, Republican Party Chairman Doyle Webb, Beebe said, “I don’t want Will Bond to be like Doyle Webb.”

Bond said if elected chairman he will focus on building the party at the state and local levels.

“There is much work to be done, and thankfully many people ready to help with it,” Bond said in a press release.  “As chairman, I will work with Governor Beebe and other elected officials as well as Democrats across the state and Arkansans of all backgrounds to build on our strengths and assess new ways we can grow the party. Working together, we can help address the critical issues before our state – job growth, cutting the grocery tax, balancing the budget and continuing to improve our schools.”

Elections for DPA officers will be held in Hot Springs on Saturday, February 12, 2011, at the first state committee meeting of the year.