5 Democrats and Republicans ‘driving the debate’

As part of a revamped website, Talk Business now includes commentary from Democratic blogger Michael Cook and conservative blogger Jason Tolbert. (Talk Business is a content partner with The City Wire.)

One of their first contributions was to select five Democrats and five Republicans “driving the debate” in Little Rock.

• COOK’S OUTLOOK with Michael Cook
What good is a new blog without a list ranking elected officials?

Therefore, I have the distinct pleasure of presenting the State Legislators who made the list of “Top 5 Debate Drivers” for the Democrats.  These legislators drove much of the public debate in the last legislative session and will continue to be key players in next year’s budget session.

My Top 5 are listed alphabetically:

Rep. Robert Moore, D-Arkansas City
Having the Speaker of the House as one of the Top 5 may seem like a “gimmie”, but that hasn’t always been the case in the past 15 years or so.  Moore pushed through some big legislation last session and still impressed people with his unpretentious and easy-going style.  It’ll be interesting to see what his political future holds after his terms ends in 2013.

Sen. Larry Teague, D-Nashville
As incoming Senate President Pro Tem and current chair of the Revenue and Taxation Committee, Teague wields considerable influence. In the last legislative session, he was heavily involved in the negotiations that lead to a $35 million tax cut package. Arkansas’s $94 million budget surplus and how it gets used is on next year’s budget session agenda and Teague has a seat at that table. Moreover, next year’s legislative session on budget and finance means major issues must go through Teague’s committee thus allowing him to drive the debate on financial matters.

Sen. Robert Thompson, D-Paragould
Thompson is the Democratic Majority Leader in the Senate and is credited with helping run a smooth session that avoided much of the divisiveness that bogged the State House side at times. Thompson worked behind the scenes on various issues such as redistricting and various budget matters and also co-sponsored ethics legislation.  Look for the young and impressive Thompson to be a candidate for higher office in the near future.

Rep. Kathy Webb, D-Little Rock
As Co-Chair of the Joint Budget Committee, Webb leads one of the Legislature’s most powerful and important committees. Ironically, on paper she wasn’t supposed to be a power-player: a female State Rep from one of Arkansas’s most liberal districts and just happens to be the only openly gay member of General Assembly. But through her political skills, knowledge of state budgeting and business acumen she continues to drive the debate on financial matters in the General Assembly. Look for Webb to wield considerable influence in next year’s budget session.

Rep. Darrin Williams, D-Little Rock
In his second-term, Darrin Williams was a major driving force behind Governor Beebe’s prison reform bill over in the House side of the Legislature. Williams is a respected leader in the African-American community and a potential contender for Speaker for the next legislative session.  Williams name gets mentioned by some as a potential candidate for Attorney General in 2014. Whichever office he runs for the future, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with – and that’s a good thing.

Honorable Mention: Sen. David Johnson, D-Little Rock, Sen. Jim Luker, D-Wynne, Rep. Johnnie Roebuck, D-Arkadelphia, and Rep. Linda Tyler, D-Conway.

• TOLBERT REPORT with Jason Tolbert
In the Arkansas General Assembly, there are high-profile legislators, lawmakers with strengths in key areas, and some who are more effective working behind the scenes. With that in mind, here are my picks for the 5 most influential Republican state legislators who are "driving the debate" at the state capitol.

Sen. Gilbert Baker, R-Conway
Baker’s position as a 10-year veteran in the Senate and his reputation for working in a bipartisan manner secured him the influential position of Senate Co-Chair of the Joint Budget Committee. As the committee responsible for budget appropriation, it is perhaps the most important body within the state legislature. In addition, Baker was an insider in Senate leadership where many times the real debate takes place behind the scenes. His proposed tax cut on used cars was one of only a handful that managed to make its way into the final tax cut package. Although Baker did experience one high profile disagreement with House Republicans over which tax cuts to pass, he ultimately used his legislative skills and experience to his advantage.

Rep. Jonathan Barnett, R-Siloam Springs
Rep. Barnett drew criticism from many conservatives for his support of several tax increases, but this list is the most influential Republicans not the most conservative so in this respect he makes my list. As a former Highway Commissioner appointed by Gov. Mike Huckabee, Barnett made no secret or apology for his goal of finding a revenue stream to fund new highway construction and maintenance. As the chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Barnett became the key ally of Speaker Robert Moore in passing two separate highway bond proposals coupled with tax increases that will be referred to voters for their approval. He also used his influence to bring enough Republicans on board to have the measure pass the House with broad bipartisan support.

Rep. John Burris, R-Harrison
As the leader of a record number of House Republicans, Burris was thrust in a position of influence that required careful diplomacy. The new robust Republican minority with 45 members was made up of many points of view. Burris managed to unite the new Tea Party members with more establishment and moderate Republicans, while at the same time reaching out to a handful of conservative Democrats needed for passage of bills. This skill was critical in the final days of the session when debate heated up on implementation of the new health care exchanges and Congressional redistricting.

Rep. Davy Carter,R-Cabot
Selected as Chairman of the House Committee on Revenue and Taxation, Rep. Carter achieved what many would have said was impossible only a year ago for a Republican. This position proved to be key in the passage of around $35 million in tax cuts. By carefully controlling the timing of the many tax cuts proposals that came through his committee, Carter allowed the House to be in on the tax cut negotiations that had previously been primarily between the Senate and Governor. Although Carter did not manage to pass every tax cut measure supported by Republicans, his influence led to more cuts than the majority party wanted to allow. In addition, Carter’s influence among his colleagues is evident. Although he has indicated he will not seek the Speaker’s chair, many believe he would be a favorite if he did. As it is, he is likely next in line to be the House Co-chair of the Joint Budget Committee. His strong influence is exercised judiciously and his future seems to be as bright as any state legislator.

Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy
Perhaps Dismang’s most high profile legislative achievement was successfully carrying Lt. Gov. Mark Darr’s "Open Checkbook" measure through both chambers. After the measure was rejected in the previous legislative session, Dismang managed to shepherd the bill with little opposition this time around. But his real behind-the-scenes achievement may have been missed by many observers. As a former House member with many close allies still in that chamber, Dismang served as a bridge between some of the fierce negotiations between the House and Senate. He may be one of the key unsung heroes in working out a deal on the tax cut package that was finally passed.

Honorable Mention: Rep. Terry Rice, R-Waldron, Rep. Duncan Baird, R-Bentonville, Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson, R-Little Rock, Sen. Johnny Key, R-Mountain Home, and Sen. Michael Lamoureux, R-Russellville.