Rep. Baird to seek Treasurer’s office; Dem chair steps down

Duncan Baird and Will Bond ensured that not all the political news on Wednesday (July 31) was about U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton, R-Dardanelle, entering the U.S. Senate race and Arkansas Lt. Gov. Mark Darr (R) all about announcing his intent to run for Arkansas’ 4th Congressional District.

Rep. Duncan Baird, R-Lowell, announced Wednesday he would be a candidate for the Arkansas Treasurer’s office in the 2014 election. Baird is term-limited in his House post.

Martha Shoffner, a Democrat, resigned her elected position as Treasurer in mid-May after being arrested by federal authorities on charges of extortion. Gov. Mike Beebe (D) named Charles Robinson, the former director of the Division of Legislative Audit, to serve out the remainder of Shoffner’s term.

Baird said his campaign will focus on restoring public trust to the Treasurer’s office.

“As elected officials, the power and responsibility that we have comes from the citizens of the state. That public trust has been broken in the Treasurer’s office,” Baird said in a statement. “My primary focus as State Treasurer will be to restore trust to the office. I want the people of Arkansas to be able to look at the Treasurer’s office and have confidence that we’re working on behalf of them to do what’s best for the state.”

Baird serves as House Chairman of the Joint Budget Committee of the Arkansas General Assembly. He worked as a Series 7 licensed securities trader in the brokerage division of Arkansas’ largest bank and holds a degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Arkansas.

“My degree in finance and accounting and my professional experience as a licensed securities trader have helped prepare me for this job,” Baird said, “Experience in the legislature, and the opportunity to be heavily involved in the budget process, will help me lead the office.”

On the Democratic side, Will Bond announced Wednesday he will step down as chairman of the Democratic Party of Arkansas. Gov. Mike Beebe (D) thanked Bond for his service and put his support behind Vincent Insalaco to succeed Bond as party chairman.
 
"I can not thank Will Bond enough for his countless hours of service to our state and believe Vincent Insalaco will demonstrate strong leadership as chair of the DPA just as his predecessors have done,” Beebe said in a statement. “The progress our state has made can only continue by electing responsible leaders, and Vincent Insalaco will work to elect strong leaders who will continue an agenda focused on jobs and education."  
 
Bond was elected party chairman in February 2011.

"After two and a half years serving as Chair in a volunteer capacity, it is time for new leadership and time for me to consider other opportunities to serve Arkansas,” Bond said in the statement. “I am excited to join with Governor Beebe in supporting Vincent Insalaco as the next chair of the Democratic Party of Arkansas.”
 
North Little Rock native Insalaco served as the president for Young Democrats of Arkansas in the early 80’s, and has worked on campaigns for local, state, and national office. He received the Ed Fry Democrat of the Year award this year for his many years of service to improve communities, mentor young Democrats, and elect strong leaders to office.
 
"I have always believed in the principles of the Democratic Party of Arkansas like fighting for hard-working Arkansas families,” Insalaco said. “I've worked to elect Arkansas Democrats – like Bill and Hillary Clinton, Mike Beebe, Mark Pryor, and Mike Ross – who have always put women, children, and seniors first.”
 
The next state committee meeting of The Democratic Party of Arkansas will be held Sept. 14, at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Springdale.