Hutchinson lands Governor’s office after historic win over Ross (Updated)

Former U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinson, R-Fort Smith, is now Gov.-Elect Asa Hutchinson, R-Ark., following a bitter year-long battle for the state's top office.

Hutchinson defeated former U.S. Rep. Mike Ross, D-Prescott, in a race that is history making as Hutchinson will be the first Republican governor to preside over a Republican-controlled General Assembly since Reconstruction. Most media outlets called the race early for Hutchinson, with early box totals giving the Republican a 60%-38% lead over Ross.

ARKANSAS GOVERNOR (71 of 75 counties reporting)
Joshua Drake (Green Party): 1.12%
Frank Gilbert (Libertarian): 1.91%
Asa Hutchinson (R): 55.57%
Mike Ross (D): 41.4%

The Fort Smith native and former 3rd District congressman faced North Little Rock businessman Curtis Coleman in the Republican primary, winning with more than 70% of the vote in May.

On the Democratic side, the race initially featured Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, who dropped out early on following an admission of an extramarital affair. The campaign then featured former Lt. Gov. Bill Halter and Ross, with Halter eventually dropping out before the primary, leaving Ross as the presumptive nominee.

With Hutchinson's win, the Republican party regains the governor's mansion which incumbent Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe has held since successfully running to replace Republican Gov. Mike Huckabee in 2006. Hutchinson was the nominee for governor that year, but only garnered 41% to Beebe's 55.3% in that race.

HUTCHINSON, ROSS REMARKS
In conceding defeat, Ross said there was more that united Arkansans than divided, and said it was time to put the state first.

"I call upon all Arkansans, no matter your political party or philosophy, to set aside our political differences and put Arkansas first. Our democracy is built on compromise, finding common ground and doing what we think is best for our children and grandchildren. Our communities are stronger when we come together, put people before politics. And our future is brighter when we are all working with each other, not against one another."

During his victory speech, Hutchinson said that while his campaign was outraised by Ross, it was not outworked. He also noted how important the victory was to him, but said it is not simply about vanity.

"It obviously means a lot personally. It's a victory, I get the title of governor of Arkansas. But let me tell you, it's a lot more than something to me personally. This election is about a new day in Arkansas. It's about a new day of growing the economy and creating jobs. It's about making sure that we can have a competitive tax rate. It's a is a new day in Arkansas that we can have computer science in every high school. It's a new day in Arkansas that we can reduce the burden of regulations."

But for all the plans Hutchinson has as governor, he said it was incumbent upon he and the Republicans in the General Assembly to govern responsibly, the first time the Republican Party has controlled both the executive and legislative branches since Reconstruction.

"It's also a new responsibility for the Republican Party who's had a great victory tonight. We need to make sure that we earn the respect and support of the people of Arkansas by governing well, by working hard and acting honorably," he said. "We need to earn the respect of the people of Arkansas by reaching out to those that may not have supported us but to say that you're a part of this team and to make sure this is a new day in Arkansas not just for us, but for all Arkansans who want greater opportunity."

Hutchinson also said he had spoken with Beebe, who had pledged his cooperation for a seamless transition between administrations.

OTHER REACTIONS
In a statement Tuesday night (Nov. 4), Republican Party of Arkansas Chairman Doyle Webb congratulated Hutchinson on his win over Ross.

"We applaud Asa Hutchinson on being Arkansas’s next Governor. Asa has the experience to lead our State to create a better business environment and economy for Arkansas," Webb said. "The Asa Plan will improve the quality of education to the level our children deserve. Under Asa’s leadership I am confident that this great state will thrive, he is ready to hit the ground running and never look back!” 

The Republican Governor's Association was also quick to congratulate Hutchinson.

“The promise of a more competitive, prosperous Arkansas under a strong, principled leader is what drove Asa Hutchinson to a much-deserved victory in this race,” said RGA Chairman Chris Christie. “Hutchinson will make an excellent governor and work hard to make Arkansas prosperous. The Republican Governors Association is proud to congratulate Governor-elect Hutchinson on his victory.”

The RGA noted in a press release that it had spend $6.2 million on paid media, mail and an aggressive field program in order to elect Hutchinson to the post.

Polls in the closing days of the election spelled trouble for Democrats, with a Talk Business & Politics and Hendrix College poll showing Ross down 41% to Hutchinson's 49% during the poll's Oct. 15 and Oct. 16 dates. Undecided voters totaled only 5.5%, while Libertarian Frank Gilbert had 2.5% and Green Party candidate Joshua Drake had 2%.

Another poll released Thursday (Oct. 30), the week before the election, had Ross down 11 points to Hutchinson in the closing days of the race.

Even the star power of Arkansas' favorite native son, former President and Gov. Bill Clinton, could not sway voters to consider Ross in the final days of the race, with Clinton making stops in Fort Smith and Texarkana on Sunday (Nov. 2).