Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Democrat L.J. Bryant To Contest House District 52 Election

The closely-contested race for House District 52, which could determine control of the Arkansas House, is headed for a recount. L.J. Bryant, the Democratic nominee who trails by 44 votes…

Gov. Beebe Expects Bipartisanship In GOP Legislature

One day after Republicans made historic gains and appear in control of both chambers of the General Assembly, Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe said he expects bipartisanship to be the order of the day in both chambers.

Voters Approve Road Tax, Defeat Marijuana, Financing Measures

Arkansas voters approved a temporary half-cent sales tax for highways, while rejecting proposals to allow for medical marijuana and to give cities and counties more financing tools. Issue No. 1…

Romney Cruises, Republicans Sweep All 4 Congressional Seats

Arkansas Republicans made history on election night with historic victories in all four of the state’s Congressional districts. Reps. Rick Crawford, Tim Griffin and Steve Womack coasted to victories in…

GOP Picks Up State Senate, But House Control Remains In Question

Republicans firmly won the Arkansas State Senate for the first time since Reconstruction, but control of the Arkansas House is still an undecided matter. A popular Democratic Governor also suggests that state government could function with a new level of division.

Arkansas Election Night Legislative Scoreboard

Which party will control the Arkansas House and Senate? Talk Business will keep you updated with our running tabulation of the night’s election outcomes.

Political Consultants Explain Their Strategies

Republicans are poised to gain control of the Arkansas House and Senate for the first time since Reconstruction. Democrats have pulled out all the stops to prevent it from happening.

Tolbert: A Prediction That Republicans Will Prevail

Talk Business blogger Jason Tolbert uses his weekly Stephens Media column to hand out his predictions on election day tallies for Republicans and Democrats in the state legislature. From his…

Ockert: A Former Editor’s General Election Ballot

Editor’s note: Roy Ockert is former editor of The Jonesboro Sun, The Courier at Russellville and the Bateville Daily Guard. He is an independent columnist for the Arkansas News Bureau…

Arkansas Family Council Sued By Marijuana Vending Machine Firm

The Arkansas Family Council was sued Friday by a company that makes “Medbox” machines, which dispense medical marijuana in other states. A replica of a machine was used in a…

Weekend Digest: How A Hurricane Hinders A National Election

For our weekend political readers: HURRICANE SCRAMBLES VOTING ON THE EAST COAST The toll from Sandy is unprecedented, and now to make the headaches even worse the storm’s devastation has…

Brawner: Peering Over The Fiscal Cliff

Steve Brawner, columnist for Stephens Media and a frequent Talk Business contributor, deploys his usual clarity on a major issue that won’t get much real discussion until after the elections.

Payroll Timing Issue Blamed For Lower October Revenues

Arkansas October revenues were thrown off by a payroll timing issue and lower consumer spending, according to state revenue officials.

Massive Conversions In Active Niche

In about two weeks, Gov. Mike Beebe (D) will present his balanced budget to the Arkansas General Assembly, but balancing a potential $400 million Medicaid shortfall will be a tough act.

ONE Campaign Rooted In Arkansas Connections

Michael Elliott, CEO for the ONE Campaign – a nonprofit working to eradicate poverty and disease and co-founded by rock star Bono – was in Arkansas last week. Talk Business executive editor Roby Brock sat down with Elliott for an exclusive one-on-one interview.