Hutchinson, Ross: Round Two In Jonesboro

The two major party candidates for Arkansas governor were back on the campaign trail Saturday just hours after their first major televised debate, but observers may have thought the debate was still continuing.

Republican Asa Hutchinson and Democrat Mike Ross attended the Arkansas State University tailgate party Saturday afternoon.

The pair debated one-on-one Friday night during a televised debate on KARK-TV in Little Rock.

On Saturday, each candidate individually said his side met expectations for the debate.

“I think we accomplished our objective of enthusing our supporters and protecting our message,” said Hutchinson, who also made visits to Caraway, Maynard and Walnut Ridge Saturday before heading to Jonesboro.

“I thought the debate could not have gone better,” said Ross, who walked Tailgate City with Gov. Mike Beebe. “It was an opportunity to share our positive view for our state. And by every account, people have said we were the clear winner.”

Hutchinson said Ross did not provide any specifics on several issues, including economic development and taxes.

“He said he wanted a $565 million tax cut. It is remarkable because I have pushed for one year and he has provided no specifics,” Hutchinson said, calling the amount “very unrealistic.” “My tax cuts are targeted. There were a number of times where the moderators and I pushed him on specifics and he sat there with this glazed look on his face.”

Ross said he would follow many of the same policies enacted by Beebe, who is term-limited and cannot seek another term in office.

“I would follow the Beebe model, which is to have a balanced budget and cut taxes as we can afford it while meeting state services,” Ross said. “My (tax) plan would average $665 a person. My opponent believes in the Kansas model of cutting taxes, risking state services and risking our credit rating. His policies are wrong for Arkansas, with his work as a high-powered D.C. lobbyist.”

Hutchinson said during the debate that his tax plan would be geared toward middle-class families and individuals. On Saturday, he reiterated that statement.

“The economy in Northeast Arkansas is strong. But there is a chance to really boom the economy,” Hutchinson said. “We have to make sure the workforce is ready as well as meeting the demands of existing industries.”

MOMENTUM
Ross said the next 44 days will provide a stark contrast between himself and Hutchinson.

“There is a huge difference between me and Congressman Hutchinson. The momentum and energy is on our side and other than a few Hutchinson staff members, everyone understands it,” Ross said.

Hutchinson spokesman J.R. Davis fired back.

“Someone who says this is truly desperate after trailing in the polls and a weak debate performance. We are pleased with the outpouring of support we have about Asa’s plan for the future – a plan of job creation and lower taxes,” Davis said Saturday night.

For his part, Hutchinson said the next 44 days will definitely provide an opportunity for him.

“It is about reinforcing the message you have, about get out the vote and energizing your supporters,” Hutchinson said.

Libertarian Frank Gilbert and Green Party nominee Joshua Drake are also vying for Governor, but neither participated in the KARK debate Friday night.

On Sunday morning’s Talk Business & Politics TV show, Democratic strategist and blogger Michael Cook and GOP strategist Clint Reed with Impact Management Group offered analysis and reaction to the Governor’s debate Friday night. The show airs Sundays 9 a.m. on KATV Ch. 7, but you can catch their roundtable discussion with KATV’s Janelle Lilley and TB&P host Roby Brock below.