Thirty-somethings In Charge At Capitol

A pair of 30-somethings will be leading the Arkansas legislature this January.

The Arkansas News Bureau profiles incoming Senate President Michael Lamoureux (R-Russellville) and Speaker-elect Rep. Davy Carter (R-Cabot).

Sen. Michael Lamoureux and Rep. Davy Carter say they understand the historical positions they are in as leaders of the first Republican-led state Legislature since the end of the Civil War.

They also say they’re willing to work across the aisle during the upcoming regular session to improve Arkansas’ economy and address a looming Medicaid shortfall.

“We’re in unique times,” Carter, a banker and lawyer from Capot, said last week after being elected House speaker for the 89th General Assembly. “We’ve got national politics and a contentious presidential race, and we have a 51-49 party split in the House. Humbly, I think I can fit that role to have relationships with members in both parties.”

The day after the Nov. 6 general election, Lamoureux, the incoming Senate president pro tem, called Gov. Mike Beebe, a Democrat, to let him know the election was over and it was time to prepare for the session.

“I know everybody I know is sick of campaign commercials and elections and all that, and I wanted to put that to bed as soon as possible and he is eager to do that as well,” Lamoureux said. “Even when we’re disagreeing on policy or something, he has always been personally kind to me and I’ve been down to his office a lot. I was probably in his office last session 50 times last session.”

For more background on the two men and a list of their mentors in the legislative process, read here.