Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Barth: Analyzing The Run-off Returns

Dr. Jay Barth, our partner in political polling, has an interesting analysis of the run-off elections from Tuesday night.

USDA Expands Biomass Crop Program, Could Add 750 Agri-Jobs In State

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will expand the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) Area in northeast Arkansas. This project, authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill, sets aside nearly 8,000 acres to grow crops that will be processed into renewable energy and could add several hundreds of agriculture-related jobs in state.

Arkansas Times Examines Life And Legacy Of Sid McMath

The professional, political and military career of former Arkansas Gov. Sid McMath gets a renewed look on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

AG Dustin McDaniel Makes Gubernatorial Bid Official (UPDATED)

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced Wednesday (June 13) he will seek the Governor’s office in 2014.

Nelson Rolls Out Economist On Shale Play, Says Signature Goal In Sight

Former gas company executive Sheffield Nelson said his plan to raise Arkansas’ severance tax to 7% will make the ballot and won’t scare off natural gas drillers.

Ellington, Jeffress Win Democratic Nominations For Congress

ex boyfriend love Rep. Clark Hall (D-Marvell) made it interesting. Jonesboro prosecutor Scott Ellington eeked out a run-off victory in the First District Congressional run-off after a late run of…

GOP Leader Rice Questions Ethics Reform Effort

Former 2010 Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Keet and Democrat Brent Bumpers, visited Fort Smith on Tuesday (June 12) with a common goal, despite their political differences: ethics reform. Their reform pitch was opposed by Rep. Terry Rice, R-Waldron, who could become the next Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives if Republicans take control of the 100-member chamber this November.

New Coalition Forming In Arkansas To Watch Church-State Issues

A new lobbying group is hoping to make in-roads in Arkansas.

Brawner: Pryor 2014 U.S. Senate Race Will Be Epic

Steve Brawner, columnist with Stephens Media and Talk Business contributor, underscores the importance of the 2014 U.S. Senate race in Arkansas.

Municipal League Director Says Severance Tax Petition Still Short On Signatures

Arkansas Municipal League director Don Zimmerman issued an email Monday (June 11) to advocates of a hike in the severance tax on natural gas and warned that the petition campaign is still short of its required signature goal.

Jeffress-Hurst Debate: Sore-headed Cats And The Last Dog Dying

Republican Tom Cotton may have had more to say in his four commercial breaks during the televised Democratic Congressional run-off debate between Sen. Gene Jeffress and Q. Byrum Hurst.

Bipartisan Legislative Support For Certain Ethics Details

Two legislative ethics champions agree that lengthening a waiting period for their peers to lobby and banning gifts to lawmakers are good public policy, but they disagree on changes to political contributions.

Rex Nelson: Charlotte Schexnayder, Salty Old Editor

Rex Nelson chronicles the story of Charlotte Schexnayder, former State Representative and the former editor of the Dumas Clarion.

DeMillo: Bill Halter Steps Back Into Arkansas Politics

The Associated Press’ capitol correspondent Andrew DeMillo analyzes former Lt. Gov. Bill Halter’s re-entry into Arkansas politics last week.

Weekend Digest: Partisanship Reaches A 25-Year High

BRANDY AND WATER FOR A SHOT U.S. PRESIDENT Abraham Lincoln had been shot in his box at Ford's Theater in Washington D.C. and a doctor rushes in. The dramatic medical…

Rare Declaration Of Independence Copy Coming To Crystal Bridges

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville will offer its newest slice of Americana at the end of this month.

Arkansas Farmers Could Be Hurt By Senate Farm Bill

A $969 billion farm bill could have detrimental effects on Arkansas’ agricultural economy, as state leaders warned weeks ago.

Disputed Report Shows Arkansas High School Graduation Rates Unchanged

A new report released Thursday indicates that Arkansas’ high school graduation rate didn’t change, while the national rate increased more than 7%. However, state education officials dispute the claim.

Ethics Proposal Gets Boost From Beebe, Halter And A Rockefeller

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) said he would support a potential ethics reform proposal on the same day that former Lt. Gov. Bill Halter and Lisenne Rockfeller, widow of former Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller, endorsed the effort.

Ellington, Hall Tame In First District Debate

The two Democratic candidates for the First District Congressional nomination staked out their best qualities in a debate held on KARK-TV Channel 4 in Little Rock.