GOP’s Webb: State Needs Economic Growth

The state of Arkansas has remained stagnant economically, while its neighbors have seen the fruits of their labor increase, the chairman of the Arkansas Republican Party said Friday.

Doyle Webb spoke to members of the NEA Political Animals club about the economy, the upcoming 2014 general election and the political shift that has been ongoing in recent years.

As for the economy, Webb, a former state senator and chief of staff of former Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller, quoted a July 18 Associated Press story about job creation around the country.

“This administration, we are near the bottom in job creation the last five years,” Webb said. “Texas was number two. Tennessee was 10, Oklahoma was 17, Louisiana was 33 and Missouri was 41. After five years of Democratic control, we are 47th in job creation. We need to reform our tax code and talk to our friends in other states as to what they are doing.”

Webb fielded a question from the audience on the proposed ballot initiative to increase the state’s minimum wage.

A proposed increase from $6.25 to $8.50 an hour may be on the Nov. 4 general election ballot. The initiative was originally short on signatures, but supporters have until Aug. 18 to get the signatures needed to get it on the ballot.

Webb said he had no problem raising the state’s minimum wage as long as it was done by the state legislature. Webb also said the increase could have an unintended consequence on small businesses and people who live in minority communities.

Another issue that may be at the forefront early next year is the reauthorization of the so-called Private Option.

Webb was pessimistic about the plan’s future.

“If the election were held today, I don’t think it would be reauthorized today,” Webb said, noting wins by State Sen. John Cooper, R-Jonesboro, and State Sen.-Elect Scott Flippo, R-Mountain Home.

“I anticipate an increase of Republicans in the state House. If it is not authorized, however, we will have to find a way to wean ourselves [off it],” he said.

ELECTION SEASON
Webb also fielded questions about the upcoming general election as well as his work with Rockefeller, who served as lieutanant governor under former Gov. Mike Huckabee.

Rockefeller’s father, Winthrop Rockefeller, played a key role in building the state’s GOP and helping to build a two-party system, Webb said.

Many Democrats at the time referred to Rockefeller as a “Bad Bart” type of character that would hurt the state, Webb said.

“Their old tricks remain the same,” Webb said of Democrats today. “Today, they say ‘Bad Bart’ is going to cut off Medicare for seniors or will raise the retirement age for Social Security to 70. Today, Bad Bart might be Tom Cotton, Asa Hutchinson or anyone in the state legislature. Their old ideas [of the Democrats] are tired and worn out.”

As for the region, Webb said he believes Northeast Arkansas will be a battleground this fall.

“We are in the midst of a historical change. Arkansas is in the middle of a realignment,” Webb said noting that his party has increased its number of elected officials from 11 to 25 percent statewide since 2010. “It is a remarkable alignment.”

The club did invite state Democratic party chairman Vincent Insalaco to appear with Webb during the meeting.

However, Insalaco turned down the request to appear, co-chair Andrea Allen said.

Rep. Tom Cotton, R-Dardanelle, who is running for the United States Senate against Democratic incumbent Mark Pryor, will speak at the club’s Aug. 29 meeting.