Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

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.

Six Federal Courthouses In Arkansas Eyed For Closure

The Associated Press reports that six federal courthouse locations in Arkansas could be eyed for possible closure in an effort to cut costs.

First Details Of Beebe Trade Mission To China Revealed

Gov. Mike Beebe’s itinerary for his upcoming trade mission to China is revealed.

State Chamber Supports Health Care Challenge

The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas has joined a legal effort to challenge the controversial federal healthcare reform act, but the move is more about seeking an answer to a “narrow position” rather than a judgment on the need for healthcare reform.

Davy’s Daunting Task: The Push For Tax Reform Faces High Hurdles

Rep. Davy Carter’s interim call to review the entire state tax code should be a highly educational experience, but the chance to overhaul Arkansas’ tax system will face real world hurdles.

Ellington, Holloway Round Out Challengers In First District Congressional Race

Democratic Congressional hopeful Scott Ellington and Green Party candidate Jacob Holloway explain their candidacies in two radio interviews.

GOP Policy Plan Won’t Be A Big Mystery

House Republicans in the state legislature are expected to roll out a policy plan that might serve as the foundation for their candidates hoping to take the House majority this fall. What that agenda might be won’t be much of a mystery based on public comments and interviews on the subject from the Arkansas blog-o-sphere.