Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Arkansas Supreme Court Strikes Down Execution Law

The Arkansas Supreme Court sided with death row inmates in a ruling that strikes down the state’s execution law. The Governor, legislature and prosecutors react.

Beebe Headed To France For Trade Mission

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) said on his return trip from China that he may travel to France this summer for an agricultural-related economic development trip. Apparently, he will.

Farm Bureau, Senators Say Farm Bill Bad For Arkansas

A Senate-passed farm bill doesn’t come close to protecting Arkansas farmers, says the state’s leading agri lobbying group and two U.S. Senators.

New Study Suggests Severance Tax Hike Detrimental To Arkansas

Opponents of an increase in the state’s natural gas severance tax say a new study shows that raising the tax would be detrimental to the gas industry in Arkansas.

Barth Predicts A Gentle GOP Breeze In 2012

Dr. Jay Barth, our polling partner with Hendrix College, uses his Arkansas Times column this week to assess the prevailing political winds across the state.

Re-worked Contract, Jump In Scholarships Improve Lottery Outlook

Lawmakers learned Tuesday (June 19) that a re-worked lottery contract and expected higher sales will lead to a bigger budget this year and next.

Illegal Cross-over Votes Caught In Jefferson County

It may not go any further, but it will be added as a chapter in the book of election fraud suspicion.

Judicial Election Reforms Could Begin In 2014

Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Robert Brown appeared on Talk Business Sunday night on Fox 16 to discuss a series of election reforms being considered in judicial races.

Weekend Digest: Romney Smelling Like A Rose, While Obama Ponders Data Overload

Here's our round-up of weekend reading for our political audience: IS TOO MUCH DATA BAD FOR OBAMA? Actually, it's called “Big Data,” says Fortune and it gathers a lot of…

Gov. Beebe Attending Pennartz For Senate Fundraiser

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) understands the stakes of a Republican-controlled House and Senate, and he’s using his political influence to help Democratic candidates in key legislative races.

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.