All Democratic lawmakers call for teacher raises; governor says support still lacking

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

All 29 Arkansas Democratic legislators have signed an open letter addressed to Arkansas teachers and support staff calling for increasing their pay in the upcoming legislative session, but a spokesperson for Gov. Asa Hutchinson said not enough support yet exists for including it in the call.

The letter was signed by all seven Democratic senators and by all 22 Democratic representatives and released publicly Monday (July 18). There are 27 Republicans and one independent in the Senate and 88 Republican House members.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has announced he is calling legislators into special session Aug. 8. The primary reason is accelerating already approved tax cuts and to pass new ones with the state’s budget surplus this year totaling $1.628 billion.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/07/all-democratic-lawmakers-call-for-teacher-raises-governor-says-support-still-lacking/

Conservative talk show host floats GOP gubernatorial challenge to Sarah Huckabee Sanders

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Doc Washburn, a radio personality who until last year hosted a radio show on KARN 102.9, is floating his name as a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor.

On his podcast Feb. 9, Washburn said he would run for governor if he could raise the $15,000 required for the Republican Party’s filing fee by the filing deadline at noon March 1. He said he was a third of the way there after only a few days.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/02/conservative-talk-show-host-floats-gop-gubernatorial-challenge-to-sarah-huckabee-sanders/

Incumbent Asa Hutchinson endorses Sarah Sanders' bid for governor of Arkansas

KUAR | By Remington Miller

Gubernatorial candidate Sarah Huckabee Sanders received endorsements from fellow Arkansas Republicans on Friday, including Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

Hutchinson is prevented from running for reelection due to term limits. He announced his support for Sanders in a statement, saying “I’ve known Sarah Huckabee Sanders most of her life and know firsthand her love for our state and her heart for public service. Sarah has earned the Republican nomination and I’m delighted today to endorse her for Governor. The state of Arkansas will be in good hands with Sarah as Governor, and she has my full support.”

This endorsement comes just three days after Attorney General Leslie Rutledge dropped out of the governor’s race and announced she would be running for lieutenant governor, leaving Sanders as the only candidate in the Republican primary. She has been considered the frontrunner since announcing her candidacy on Jan. 25, largely because of the support President Donald Trump received in the state and her role serving as White House Press Secretary.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2021-11-12/incumbent-asa-hutchinson-endorses-sarah-huckabee-sanders-bid-for-governor-of-arkansas

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

Republican candidate for governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, seen here speaking at a rally in Benton on Sept. 6, has received the endorsements of key party officeholders this week, including Gov. Asa Hutchinson. It comes after her only Republican opponent, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, dropped out of the race Tuesday to run for lieutenant governor.

AG Rutledge on Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Opioid Lawsuit

by Roby Brock

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge says her new lawsuit against Walgreens is part of a continuing mission of accountability for the opioid crisis, and she says her experience as the state’s top legal officer makes her more qualified to be the next governor of Arkansas.

In a mid-week Talk Business & Politics interview, Rutledge claimed Walgreens should have done more to curtail the prescription of opioids. By not doing so, the national pharmacy chain has contributed to the black market for the extremely addictive drugs.

Walgreens has denied the allegations and said it plans to “vigorously defend” itself in the lawsuit.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/03/ag-rutledge-on-sarah-huckabee-sanders-opioid-lawsuit/

Griffin To Exit Arkansas Governor's Race, Will Seek Attorney General Post

By ROBY BROCK / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

The field for Arkansas governor just got smaller. Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin, R-Ark., announced Monday (Feb. 8) he would no longer seek the state’s top executive post and instead will run for Attorney General.

In a Monday morning announcement, Griffin said, “Since announcing my campaign for governor last year, I’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible support I have received from all corners of the state. While I believe Arkansans are ready for my message of bold, conservative leadership, my conversations with friends and supporters have persuaded me that at this time, I can do more for Arkansas in a different capacity. I have prayed about this decision with my family and I have listened.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/griffin-exit-arkansas-governors-race-will-seek-attorney-general-post

CREDIT FOX16.COM

Sarah Huckabee Sanders To Run For Governor Of Arkansas

By SARAH KELLOGG

Former White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders is running to become the 47th Governor of Arkansas.

Sanders, who had the longest tenure as Press Secretary to former President Donald Trump, announced her gubernatorial campaign for the 2022 election Monday through a video announcement.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/sarah-huckabee-sanders-run-governor-arkansas

Sanders announced her candidacy for Governor of Arkansas on Monday morning through a video published on her social media accounts.

CREDIT SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS