Notes from the Campaign Trail: Rubio picks up a Hutchinson endorsement in Arkansas

Editor’s note: Notes from the Campaign Trail is a compilation of various political insider tidbits and is sponsored by Little Rock-based Capitol Advisors Group.

RUBIO GETS HUTCHINSON ENDORSEMENT: While Gov. Asa Hutchinson remains clearly in the Huckabee Presidential camp, GOP Presidential contender Sen. Marco Rubio will receive another Hutchinson’s endorsement – former Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Hutchinson. Hutchinson provided TB&P with this statement:

“Marco Rubio is the leader our nation needs to reverse the failed liberal policies of the past eight years. A man of faith and vision, Marco is a staunch conservative who knows what it takes to unleash the American spirit. Under Marco’s leadership, working families will be uplifted as he lowers taxes, repeals Obamacare, and rolls back onerous regulations that are standing in the way of growth and opportunity. Marco lived the American dream, and he’ll ensure that each and every one of us has a shot at doing the same. I am proud to offer him my full support and look forward to helping elect him President.”

SENATOR BUMPERS FOR A NEW GENERATION: For those who never experienced a Sen. Dale Bumpers’ speech but have heard about his legendary oratory skills, you should check out this link from C-SPAN. Bumpers was giving a standard recitation of the achievements honoring the U.S. Marines who fought to secure the island of Iwo Jima in WWII, but the Senate chamber was largely out of order and he was interrupted twice by floor noise.

Bumpers finished his prepared remarks then goes into an impromptu speech, chastising those who didn’t pay attention and then with great reverence and some personal thoughts explains the importance of that battle in the history of America. His passion and message stirred several noteworthy Senators out of their offices and onto the floor for their own unrehearsed remarks complete with gratitude for Bumpers’ eloquence and acknowledgement. John Glenn, Orrin Hatch, Howell Heflin, Chuck Robb, John Chaffee, Paul Simon and Joe Biden are a few of the fellow senators who entered the discussion.

SPECIAL SESSION SET-UP: So when might we expect a special session, or sessions, of the Arkansas Legislature in the context of a March 1 primary date and an April 13 fiscal session?

There is conversation that a Medicaid reform special session – aka the Private Option or Arkansas Works – could take place a week or so prior to the fiscal session start. That would allow the primary battles and any runoffs to be completed. It would also allow for a policy debate on Medicaid reforms in the special session, while the potential fiscal debate (how to pay for it) would be decided during the regular fiscal session in the following weeks.

For now, TB&P is hearing that members want highways to be considered separately, maybe after the fiscal session.

PRESIDENTIAL MISTAKE: At least one Republican Presidential candidate isn’t afraid to admit he made a mistake. Though he’s fading lately, GOP candidate Ben Carson floated a mass email over the weekend to buy some of his long-sleeve shirts and hoodies from his campaign store.

The message in the email read “We made a mistake…” That’s followed by this explanation:

“We thought with the winter weather approaching that all Ben Carson supporters would love to have a Long Sleeve T-Shirt or Zippered Hoodie, but little did we know that temperatures would be warmer than normal in many parts of the country. As a result, we ordered too many and need to move them out! The best way I know to do that is to have… an Overstock Sale!

Now, through the month of January, we are offering Ben Carson Long Sleeve T-shirts and Zippered Hoodies at cost!”

Draw your own conclusions on why the merchandise isn’t moving.

U.S. REP. FRENCH HILL ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN TEAM: Congressman French Hill, R-Little Rock, faces two challengers in his general election bid for re-election. Dianne Curry, former Little Rock School Board president, is the Democratic nominee and Chris Hayes is the Libertarian party challenger.

Hill announced his campaign team last week and he’s certain to do pretty well on the fundraising circuit. Stephens Inc. chairman/president/CEO Warren Stephens is Hill’s finance chairman. Judith Goodson, a Senior Sales Associate and former Director of Business Development for W by Worth of New York, is his campaign chair.

Alex St. Amour, a Walton College of Business grad and former policy advisor to Sen. John Boozman, is serving as Campaign Manager. Bob Wickers and Bryan Sanders will serve as General Consultant, Pollster, and Media Consultant. Terry Benham with Impact Management Group will serve as Mail and Social Media Consultant.

STATE OF THE UNION: The President’s annual State of the Union address is scheduled for Tuesday night, Jan. 12. President Obama is expecting a frosty reception from Republicans and some Democrats – in large part due to his end-runs around Congress on a variety of issues, the latest being executive actions on gun background checks. The telepathic trial balloons floated on Sunday talk shows suggest the president is planning on more executive actions during his last year in office. Potential targets: closing the Guantanamo Bay military detention facility; food labeling, and climate change/energy efficiency standards.