Greg Hale’s Name Surfaces In Fourth District Congressional Race
by January 18, 2012 8:54 pm 690 views
We’ve been hearing for some time that the Fourth District Democratic field was not quite settled. Talk Business sources confirm a new name in play in the south Arkansas Congressional race: Greg Hale.
Hale, 36, is a consultant for the Democrat-leaning political consulting/public affairs shop, Little Rock-based The Markham Group.
Hale is a partner in that firm with Robert McLarty, Paul Neaville, and Lucas Hargraves.
He’s a long-time Democratic activist and has worked local, state, national and international campaigns and events. He worked in the Bill Clinton Presidential administration and on the Hillary Clinton Presidential campaign. He also sits on the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission.
Hale works out of a suitcase, so to speak, but he has a farm in Sevier County and is a third-generation cattle farmer. He might also be able to count on some support from Gov. Mike Beebe as Hale’s wife, Mica Strother, handles appointments for the Governor. With all of his experience and connections, he would be well-positioned to raise money — a critical necessity for a major Congressional campaign.
Hale was unavailable for comment this evening, but a source close to him confirms that he has been “encouraged by people throughout the Fourth Congressional District to consider running for Mike Ross’ seat.” That source said he’s undecided at this juncture, but is seriously considering a run.
Two Democrats have said they plan to seek the nomination. They include State Sen. Gene Jeffress (D-Louann) and 2010 U.S. Senate candidate D.C. Morrison.
Four Republicans have declared their intentions to seek the GOP nomination for the Fourth District seat. They are 2010 GOP nominee Beth Anne Rankin, Tom Cotton, Marcus Richmond and John Cowart.