Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Lawmakers Delay Vote On Contract To Explore Hospital Merger

A potential joint venture between UAMS and St. Vincent’s Health System received extra scrutiny from a legislative panel on Friday.

Weekend Digest: An Electoral Tie And Romney & Obama Go Motown

For our weekend political readers: COULD THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE BE A TIE? With the tightening of the Presidential race, some have started to speculate that the Electoral College could end…

State Drug Czar Opposing Medical Marijuana Initiative

Arkansas’ State Drug Director, Fran Flener, will hold a press conference on Friday morning to discuss her opposition to the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act.

School Districts Prepare For Funding Cuts

Arkansas school districts are being encouraged to set back 10-12 percent of federal funds in preparation for automatic spending cuts that might occur as a result of sequestration – the…

Montel Williams Calls Anti-Medical Marijuana Ad Racist

Talk show host Montel Williams, a supporter of medicinal marijuana, was in Little Rock on Thursday and he accused opponents of the measure of creating an ad he claims is “racist.”

AG Dustin McDaniel Raises More Than $1 Million In Governor’s Bid

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, an already declared candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor, raised more than $1 million for his 2014 bid during his first three months of fundraising.

Arkansas Pharmacists Oppose Medical Marijuana Act, But Leave Door Open

The Arkansas Pharmacists Association (APA) said it will oppose the “Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act” because the proposal does not incorporate pharmacists and due to conflicts with federal law. The group left the door open to potential future support for a medical marijuana measure under a different scenario.

Delta Grassroots Caucus Calls For GOP’s Hubbard To Resign

The Delta Grassroots Caucus, a powerful and influential group of political leaders across the 8-state Mississippi Delta, has leveled harsh criticism regarding comments made by three Arkansas Republicans.

Sen. Mark Pryor And Wife Divorcing

U.S. Senator Mark Pryor (D) and his wife, Jill, are divorcing after 20 years of marriage. Pryor, 49, who will stand for re-election in 2014, has been a U.S. Senator…

Weekend Digest: How Do ‘Town Hall’ Voters Get Picked?

For our weekend political readers: RACE MATTERS That’s according to the New York Times’ Nate Silver with fivethirtyeight, especially for the Republican party. One recurring theme in the states we…

Supporters, Opponents Of Medical Marijuana Ramp Up Campaigns

Ballot Issue No. 5, the medicinal marijuana proposal, will face opposition from a coalition of conservative action groups and law enforcement officials and supporters plan to bring a daytime TV star to the state to support their cause.

Jonesboro Sun: Letter From Rep. Hubbard Accuses Democrats Of Nazi Tactics (UPDATED)

It would appear that Rep. Jon Hubbard (R-Jonesboro) has written a new letter to the editor to the Jonesboro Sun. Hubbard, whose writings on slavery, education and immigration have been…

The Pros And Cons Of Issue No. 1 – The Highway Tax

In our latest magazine edition of Talk Business Quarterly, we asked supporters and opponents of the temporary half-cent sales tax to provide their arguments for and against the road tax program.

Crawford Takes To Airwaves In District 1 Re-election Bid

First District Congressman Rick Crawford (R) launched his first television ad of the 2012 campaign.

Lt. Gov. Mark Darr Supporting Highway Tax Proposal

Lt. Gov. Mark Darr became the second high-ranking Republican elected official to throw his support for a half-cent sales tax increase for Arkansas highways.

Democrats, Beebe Launch Web Site, TV Ad To Respond To Critics

The Democratic Party of Arkansas launched a web site and TV ad this week to respond to recent criticism about the state.

More Controversy From GOP Candidate Writings Emerges

Three Republican legislative candidates have had more of their controversial writings exposed. The Arkansas GOP says it will no longer contribute to their campaigns, but has stopped short of asking them to withdraw from their races.

The 2012 Presidential Campaign: Who’s Winning Online?

It’s only one month until the Presidential election and the debates are finally starting. So, forgetting all the polls for a moment, let’s look at some numbers that are available…

GOP Leaders Comment On Controversial Candidate Statements (UPDATED)

A day after reports of two Republican state lawmakers’ controversial comments on slavery and Muslims, Arkansas GOP leaders commented on the statements.

Weekend Digest: Debating The Debate

For our weekend political readers: THE PRESIDENT NOW MUST SHIFT TACTICS After a disappointing performance in this past Wednesday’s debate, President Obama is shifting tactics to guard his narrow lead…