Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Beebe’s First China Interview Hits News Wire

Gov. Mike Beebe’s first Chinese interview hit the news wire this morning.

For Democrats, A Fight In The First

While there will be plenty of action in the Fourth District between both parties’ primaries, the First District also received an unexpected twist that will have political pundits second-guessing the outcome in advance.

Rick Crawford Reconsiders ‘No Pork’ Pledge

First District freshman Cong. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, is reportedly reconsidering his pledge to not seek earmarks.

Hurst Campaign Adding Staff, Tops $105,000 In First Month Fundraising

Fourth District Congressional Democratic candidate Q. (Quincy) Byrum Hurst may have been late to the game, but he’s putting a campaign team together that might explain why national Republicans have singled him out in recent attacks.

Nelson Says Beebe Opposition To Severance Tax Is Misinformed

Sheffield Nelson, the retired natural gas company executive and supporter of raising Arkansas’ severance tax, told a Sherwood Chamber of Commerce audience that Gov. Mike Beebe (D) was misinformed in his recent reversal of position.

State Legislators Reject Spending Fed Funds On Health Insurance Exchange

A legislative panel today failed to endorse state spending from a multimillion-dollar federal grant to implement a key component of the national health care reform law.

Attorney General Approves Campaign And Ethics Proposal

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel (D) approved a proposed ballot initiative that would change campaign and ethics laws in Arkansas.

New Lines, Multiple Candidates Shape Fourth District Congressional Race

Arkansas’ Fourth Congressional District picked up all or part of 8 counties in the western part of the state under new redistricting boundaries and the analogy of frontier territory couldn’t be more appropriate.

Settlement Approved In Lawmaker Reimbursement Case

A lawsuit has been settled in a case involving expense reimbursements for Arkansas legislators.

Beebe Hopes China Trade Trip Produces “Immediate” Results

Gov. Mike Beebe’s upcoming trade mission to China may be a long-term investment for jobs in Arkansas, but the Governor said he hopes for near-term results.

Senator Mark Pryor Honored With Bumpers Leadership Award

U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor was awarded the Dale Bumpers AHEC (Area Health Education Center) Leadership Award for his efforts to sustain federal funding for UAMS.

Appeals Judge Candidate Rhonda Wood First To TV

Arkansas Court of Appeals judicial candidate Judge Rhonda Wood of Conway released her first television ad today.

Differing Results For Three Major Ballot Issues

Three definite or potential ballot issues are resonating with Arkansas voters in very different ways, according to the latest Talk Business-Hendrix College Poll.

Former Supreme Court Justice Tom Glaze Dies At 74

Former Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Tom Glaze, who had a distinguished legal and judicial career, has died at the age of 74.

Beebe Job Approval Still Strong, Legislature Is A Mixed Bag

Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe still enjoys immense support from Arkansas voters despite a recent confrontational budget battle with Republicans and an increasingly partisan tone at the state capitol. Can he translate his popularity into votes?

Brawner: Obamacare Decision Won’t End Health Care Debate

Arkansas News Bureau columnist Steve Brawner examines the trajectory of the nation’s health care system through the lens of the U.S. Supreme Court challenge of the new federal health care law.

Opinion: Bill And Hillary’s Airport

Scott Shackelford, a former editorial page editor from northwest Arkansas, pens an essay in The City Wire.com on the subject of the newly renamed Little Rock National Airport — now known as the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport.

Tilley: Godvernment

One might think even with a superficial knowledge of history and religion one would see the advantage of avoiding God-based government or government-based God. But the level of support for Theocrat Rick Santorum suggests otherwise.

Obama Holding Democrats, But Failing With Independent Voters

Barack Obama’s Presidential approval rating in Arkansas has barely budged since last fall, according to our latest Talk Business-Hendrix College Poll.

Attorney General Makes New Push To End Desegregation Payments

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel (D) made a new push to end desegregation payments from the state to three Pulaski County school districts, part of the continuing legal saga that has been mired in court proceedings for decades.