Sen. Lamoureux Submits Resignation To Lead Hutchinson Chief Of Staff

State Sen. Michael Lamoureux, R-Russellville, has officially submitted his resignation to Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, which will begin a process for a special election to fill his Senate seat.

Beebe will ask the two major political parties their preferred method for filling the vacancy. They can choose their nominees through a special primary election or through a convention process. Ultimately, a special general election date will have to be set.

Lamoureux, who will also resign his post on the Pope County Public Defender’s Office effective on November 14, is also the Senate President Pro Tempore for the 89th General Assembly. He will serve as Director of Transition and Chief of Staff to Governor-elect Asa Hutchinson, who takes office in January.

With the Senate not in session, Lamoureux’s Senate duties are limited; however, Issue 3, which passed on November 4th, requires the Senate President Pro Tempore to appoint two members within 30 days of passage to a newly-created commission to set and regulate the salaries of legislators and state elected officials.

Senate Chief of Staff Steve Cook tells Talk Business & Politics that when Senators meet on Friday, Nov. 14 for orientation, he expects current Senators to select a replacement Senate President Pro Tempore to serve out the short duration of Lamoureux’s term as president of the 35-member chamber. The replacement will make the appointments to the commission before the 30-day window closes.

Currently, State Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Beebe, is the designated Senate President Pro Tempore for the 90th General Assembly. He could be chosen by his peers to serve out the remainder of Lamoureux’s term as president of the chamber for the final few weeks.

Dismang is being challenged for the Senate President Pro Tempore position for the 90th General Assembly by Sen. Gary Stubblefield, R-Branch. That vote is also expected to take place on Friday, Nov. 14.

Also with Lamoureux’s resignation, Speaker of the House Davy Carter, R-Cabot, is next in line to succeed Gov. Beebe. The House Speaker is normally fourth in the line of succession, but with resignations from Senate President Lamoureux and former Lt. Gov. Mark Darr, Carter is now second in line.