Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Cong. Cotton On Possible Senate Run: ‘Never A Good Idea To Say Never’

Fourth District Congressman Tom Cotton (R), who is heavily rumored to be a GOP challenger to Democratic incumbent U.S. Senator Mark Pryor, tells Talk Business Arkansas that while it is too early to decide if he’ll run, he’s not closed the door on the possibility.

Erika Gee To Replace Rutherford As AG Chief Of Staff

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced today that he has named Assistant Attorney General Erika Gee to be his new chief of staff. Gee will replace Blake Rutherford, who will leave…

Income Taxes Higher, Sales Taxes Lag In April Revenue Report

Arkansas’ April revenue report showed strong individual income tax collections, but sales taxes – a sign of consumer spending – lagged despite an overall positive month. For the month, net…

DHS Answering Insurance Inquiries, Sending Private Option Waiver To Feds

On the heels of last week’s legislative session where state lawmakers approved the “private option” health insurance plan, Arkansas Medicaid leaders are already working to move the proposal forward. The…

Blake Rutherford Leaving AG Chief Of Staff To Join McLarty Companies

The McLarty Companies today announced Blake Rutherford will be joining the organization as a vice president effective later this month. Rutherford currently serves as chief of staff to Arkansas Attorney General…

DF&A Upgrades Forecast, Surplus On Improving Economic Outlook

In a letter to the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Economic and Tax Policy, Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration director Richard Weiss revealed that the official general revenue forecast for the state is being revised upward.

Cong. Cotton Defends The Bush Doctrine

Cong. Tom Cotton (R) continues to make headlines in Washington as a freshman Congressman. This week attention has centered on his defense of the Bush administration’s foreign policy, particularly the “war…

State Legislature’s Political Shift Evident, Advocates Say

Arkansas” first Republican-controlled General Assembly was different for a variety of constituencies. Rob Moritz with our content partner, the Arkansas News Bureau, checks in with several advocacy groups. Writes Moritz:…

Rex Nelson On The GOP’s Session & The 2014 Election Cycle

Political Animals Club president Rex Nelson, former communications director for Gov. Mike Huckabee, says he’s unsure if Republicans helped or hurt their chances for holding on to majorities in the…

Party Chairs Debate State Legislature, Pryor Prospects

The chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas says that the 2014 elections will be a referendum on conservative government, while his Democratic counterpart said his party will retake control of the state House of Representatives.

Brawner: Reject The Spirit Of Contempt

Talk Business contributor Steve Brawner uses his most recent opinion column in the Arkansas News Bureau to discuss the recent Rep. Nate Bell (R-Mena) and Benton County GOP episodes of…

Asa Hutchinson Offers Praise For The ‘Private Option’

Republican gubernatorial candidate Asa Hutchinson offers his most candid thoughts to date on Arkansas’ new health care plan.

Weekend Digest: The Less Risky Start-Up

For our weekend business and political readers: LESS RISKY FORMULA FOR START-UPS According to Harvard Business Review, start-ups that have always used the tried-and-and true method of starting a company…

Sen. Pryor Defends Gun Background Check Votes

U.S. Senator Mark Pryor (D) defends his recent vote against a measure expanding background check in this KUAR report from Karen Tricot Steward. Pryor, who voted against the Mancin-Toomey proposal…

House Minority Leader Says Session Success Key To Majority Return

House Minority Leader Rep. Greg Leding (D-Fayetteville) says a bipartisan session, key issue victories, and razor-thin margins give Democrats a good chance to take back the Arkansas House of Representatives.

North Little Rock Schools Fall Far Short In State Grant Request

The North Little Rock School District was awarded $5.1 million in state Partnership Program grants and is first in line to receive another $19.5 million that is expected to be…

Sen. Dismang Says Conservatives Should Be Proud Of Session

Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R-Beebe), the incoming Senate President in the 2015 regular session, said that Republicans proved they could govern in the 89th General Assembly – the first time the GOP held control of both legislative chambers since Reconstruction.