Darr Picks Dugger To Head Up PAC

Lieutenant Governor Mark Darr announced today that he has named Chase Dugger as the director of his Political Action Committee (PAC), Strong Arkansas.

“Chase’s extensive experience in Arkansas politics coupled with his strong work ethic will be invaluable as Strong Arkansas works to elect the first conservative majority in the state of Arkansas. I am more than confident in Chase’s ability to effectively lead my new PAC into the forefront of Arkansas politics,” said Darr.

The press release making the announcement says that the PAC's purpose is to promote the principles of transparent, smaller and efficient government by electing conservative Republicans at all levels of state government.

My understanding is the short-term goal of the PAC will be to focus on some key state legislative races this year as Republicans seek to take a majority in both chambers for the first time in modern history. This role will be well-suited for Dugger, who previously worked for the state Republican Party as the legislative caucus coordinator and later as its executive director.  Dugger currently works as a political consultant for Southern Me

ridian.

The PAC has already started raising money and hopes to ramp up efforts with fundraisers coming later this summer.

It also could be a sign that Darr has his sights set on higher office in the future.  A PAC is a good way for an elected official to build up goodwill within the party for a future campaign.  Attorney General Dustin McDaniel – who announced yesterday the formation of a organization to lay the groundwork for a governor's campaign – also has a leadership PAC, which has been very active in state races.

The statement of organization for the PAC was filed with the Secretary of State earlier this month.  In addition to Darr and Dugger, the filing also lists Darr's chief of staff Bruce Campbell and Arkansas Federation of College Republicans Chairman Skot Covert as officers.