Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Charlie Daniels to Auction Unclaimed Property on eBay

Arkansas Auditor of State Charlie Daniels (D) has struck a deal with eBay to auction unclaimed property to begin January 27, 2012.

Challenge of Redrawn State Senate Map Could Lead To Election-year Chaos

A looming federal lawsuit will force a re-examination of newly formed State Senate districts.

Green Party Qualifies For November Ballot In Arkansas

Secretary of State Mark Martin (R) certified the Green Party of Arkansas to form a new political party and to appear on ballots through the November 2012 general election.

Arkansas Moving Forward With Hybrid Federal-State Health Insurance Exchange

When Insurance Commissioner Jay Bradford “quashed” plans for a state-run health insurance exchange, he noted that Arkansas would join a federal program with little local input. Not so fast.

Greg Hale’s Name Surfaces In Fourth District Congressional Race

We’ve been hearing for some time that the Fourth District Democratic field was not quite settled. Talk Business sources confirm a new name in play in the south Arkansas Congressional race: Greg Hale.

Obama’s Keystone Move Disappoints Arkansas Democrats and Republicans

President Barack Obama’s refusal to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline sparked an intense round of political finger-pointing, with Arkansas’ two Democratic members of Congress also expressing disappointment with the President’s decision.

Sheffield Nelson Accuses State Senator Of ‘Conflict of Interest’

Activist Sheffield Nelson said Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R-Beebe) had a “conflict of interest” in his efforts to encourage the Arkansas Municipal League to back off its support of Nelson’s severance tax hike proposal.

Huckabee Endorses Rankin in Fourth District Run

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee announced his endorsement of Beth Anne Rankin in her bid for Congress.

Rep. Kathy Webb: Budget Priorities & Party Lines

State Rep. Kathy Webb, co-chair of the powerful Joint Budget Committee outlines her priorities for the fiscal session.

Sen. Gilbert Baker: An Eye On Higher Ed

State Sen. Gilbert Baker, co-chair of the powerful Joint Budget Committee outlines his priorities for the fiscal session.

No Big Surprises With Beebe Budget, Key Leaders Share Priorities

There were no big surprises in Gov. Mike Beebe’s (D) FY 2013 budget proposal, but key budget leaders expressed ideas for additional spending priorities.

Tom Cotton Says $500,000 Mark Reached, Clark Hall Clears $131,000

Fourth District Republican Congressional challenger Tom Cotton said his campaign has raised more than $540,000 in five months, including close to $200,000 in the fourth quarter.

Brummett: Obama A Drag, But Romney Won’t Inspire

Political columnist John Brummett says this year’s Presidential election poses problems for state Democrats and Republicans.

Dr. Martin Luther King’s Dream Speech Still Strikes A Chord

On the King holiday, we offer a look at this great American’s finest speech. What significance do his words carry today?

Free Trade Stirs Conversation Among Elected Officials

The subject of free trade recently made its way into conversation among the state’s local and federal elected officials.

College Republicans Plan Twitter Debate For Fourth District

The Arkansas Federation of College Republicans (AFCR) announced a Fourth District Congressional GOP debate using Twitter, the popular social media platform.

Thursday Night Poll Pits Griffin Versus Halter

Somebody is gauging a Second Congressional District match-up between Rep. Tim Griffin (R) and former Lt. Governor Bill Halter (D).

Speaker Moore Asks Committee Chairs To Keep Session Business on Budget

House Speaker Robert Moore asked his committee chairmen to remain focused on budget matters in the upcoming fiscal session, including a request that no interim study proposals be brought before standing committees.

Lawmakers Debate Tax Changes, Chairman Calls For Broad Policy Definition

Sen. Jason Rapert (R-Bigelow) used Thursday’s interim Revenue and Tax Committee to push for tax incentives for impoverished regions of Arkansas, but the committee chairman challenged the committee to think about broader tax policy issues.