Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

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.

Appeals Judge Jo Hart To Run For Supreme Court

Court of Appeals Judge Jo Hart announced Monday that she will seek election to the Arkansas Supreme Court.

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.