Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Talk Politics With Gov. Mike Beebe

This morning, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m., Talk Business & Politics will launch its latest installment of “Talk Politics,” our Q&A session with Gov. Mike Beebe (D).

Mark Martin Hires Outside Counsel In Redistricting Lawsuit

Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Martin (R) hired former Congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Asa Hutchinson’s law firm to defend his office in a lawsuit challenging black majority legislative boundaries.

Lottery Chief To Make Less, Finalists Named

The Arkansas Lottery Commission culled its list of finalists for its top executive post and reduced the director’s high-paying salary by nearly one-half.

Stonewall Democrats Plan Same-Sex Marriage Debate

The Stonewall Democrats of Arkansas are leading an upcoming debate on the legal arguments surrounding same-sex marriage.

New Fiscal Woes Emerge, Budget Leaders Weigh In

Two new budget problems have emerged ahead of the Feb. 13 start to the fiscal session.

Democratic Party Rips House Minority Leader On Medicaid Comment

The Democratic Party of Arkansas accused Republicans of not caring about Medicaid recipients based on a Twitter post from House Minority Leader Rep. John Burris (R-Harrison). Burris says the accusation is “pandering and playing divisive politics and class warfare.”

GOP Calls On Ethics Commissioner To Distance Himself From Tyler Campaign

GOP officials called on a newly appointed Arkansas Ethics Commissioner to distance himself from Rep. Linda Tyler’s (D-Conway) campaign.

Non-Appropriations Resolutions In The Works

With the fiscal session less than two weeks away and lawmakers hesitant to open it up for non-budget measures, that’s not stopping some legislators from trying.

Legislative Shale Caucus Endorses Resolutions For Keystone, Against Tax Hike

Members of the Fayetteville Shale Caucus, a group of 17 Arkansas lawmakers, endorsed two resolutions today related to a state and a national political issue.

Beebe Submits Plans For Spending Budget Surplus

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) released his supplemental appropriations requests for the Arkansas General Assembly to consider in the upcoming fiscal session, which starts Feb. 13. The requests are Beebe’s blueprint…

Top 10 Legislators To Watch in 2012

Which lieutenants are likely to surface as leaders in the 2012 fiscal session? Talk Business Quarterly shares our Top 10 Legislators To Watch.

Economic Development Groups Oppose Natural Gas Tax Hike

While a group representing city leaders statewide remains committed to raising the natural gas severance tax, local chamber groups within the heart of the Fayetteville Shale region are opposed.

Beth Anne Rankin Raises $66,879 In Fourth Quarter

Fourth District Congressional candidate Beth Anne Rankin reported $66,879 in contributions raised during the fourth quarter of 2011.

Democrats “Set Tone” For Fiscal Session

Democratic leaders in the state House and Senate said they were “setting the tone” for the upcoming fiscal session, which begins Feb. 13.

Hyde Settles Ethics Charges With Commission

Rep. Barry Hyde (D-North Little Rock) settled three violations with the Arkansas Ethics Commission after the state Republican Party accused him of improper disclosure and spending actions.

House, Senate Races Shaping Up With Filing Deadline Looming

With filing season less than a month away, candidates for the Arkansas House and Senate are starting to come into clearer picture.

Rep. Womack Touts Mayoral Roots In Support Of Main Street Fairness Bill

Rep. Steve Womack (R-Rogers) said his experience as mayor of Rogers was the driving motivation for his support and sponsorship of a bill that aims to make online retailers pay the same state sales taxes as “brick-and-mortar” businesses.

Beebe Unsure About Severance Tax Support

Gov. Mike Beebe said Wednesday (Jan. 25) he is “re-evaluating” his support for a proposed ballot initiative that would raise Arkansas’ severance tax.

Arkansas Officials React To Obama State Of The Union Speech

Arkansas federal delegation reacted to President Obama’s fourth State of the Union speech.

Beebe Perplexed On Rash Of Domestic Violence

Those who have closely watched the administration of Gov. Mike Beebe (D) know that the Governor is rarely stumped. But he says he’s perplexed as to how or if state officials should respond to a recent rash of domestic violence.