http://www.talkbusiness.neten-USBreaking political news from around Arkansas60http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=44521c6f-6eca-4ae9-bb4c-37975fe59bb5&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ Democratic Senate candidate has... [...]]]>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:36:39 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Will protesters show up?? Who knows in this current election cycle?<br /> <br /> Democratic Senate candidate <strong>Lt. Gov. Bill Halter </strong>has scheduled a town hall meeting on Thursday, March 11th at 6 pm in Pine Bluff at the <strong>UAPB</strong> business incubator campus.<br /> <br /> <strong>Halter?s</strong> press release says that he will take questions from the audience in an open discussion.<br /> <br /> Yesterday, <strong>Halter</strong> said that he would conduct town hall meetings in all 75 counties annually if he was elected to the Senate in order to be more accountable to voters.<br /> <br /> My observation is there are a few strategic moves in selecting Pine Bluff for a first town hall forum for <strong>Halter</strong>.? Jefferson County is a high performance Democratic primary county.? Usually, it ranks in the top 5 counties for sheer numbers of Democratic primary voters.<br /> <br /> It also has a strong African-American population, a Democratic primary base that <strong>Halter</strong> wants to persuade to his camp.? One of the high-profile races in Jefferson County this year includes a State Senate primary between two prominent African-American office holders, <strong>State Rep. Stephanie Flowers </strong>and<strong> State Rep. David Rainey.</strong> <br /> <br /> Another strategic point: Pine Bluff is close enough to Little Rock that the TV stations will likely dedicate resources to covering it.<br /> <br /> <strong>Halter</strong> is challenging incumbent <strong>Sen. Blanche Lincoln</strong> in the May 18th primary. Democrat <strong>D.C. Morrison</strong> has also filed for the primary nomination. </font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=b17ac94b-03f5-4682-9496-db7e4e5a0d00&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ <br... [...]]]>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:45:59 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong>Stephens Media columnist Steve Brawner</strong> continues his crusade to make the Lt. Governor?s office more meaningful.<br /> <br /> <strong>Brawner</strong>, who served in the office when <strong>Win Rockefeller</strong> held the post, argues for three options that would increase the relevancy of the Lt. Governor.<br /> <br /> His suggestions:<br /> </font> <ul> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Make it a full-time job with agency responsibilities</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Have the Governor and Lt. Governor run as a team so that the Lt. Governor could handle assignments from the Governor much like the President and Vice-president work</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Allow the Lt. Governor to make State Senate committee appointments versus Senate leadership</font></li> </ul> <blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">There are cons to each of these ideas, of course, so the path of least resistance would be maintaining the status quo. Granted, there are worse things than a politician having nothing to do, but that means that Arkansas? taxpayers will continue funding an office that was created in the first part of the 20th century and hasn?t evolved with the times.</font><br /> </blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Which leads <strong>Brawner</strong> to a fourth option: <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://arkansasnews.com/2010/03/10/the-lieutenant-governor-make-it-a-real-job/">click here</a></font></strong> to read about that suggestion and more.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=32033fbc-89a6-441c-ada0-1d8634481601&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ The total number of... [...]]]>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:15:41 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">A day after the official filing period closed for 2010 we?ve taken a few notes that you may find interesting.<br /> <br /> The total number of candidates filing for office this year is not a record.? In 2010, there were 338 candidates running for office - 196 were Democrats, 108 were Republicans, and 34 were non-partisan.<br /> <br /> 1998 was the record year for filings in modern times, according to the <strong>Secretary of State?s</strong> office which has researched filings back to 1988.? In 1998, there were 429 candidates that filed.? That was a record year for Republican filings with 114 office-seekers.? For Democrats, the record year for filings was 338 in 1990.<br /> <br /> Remember, before this decade Arkansas had partisan judicial elections. That led to more Democrats and Republicans filing for office versus today?s non-partisan judicial candidates.<br /> <br /> *****<br /> <br /> The State Representative seat currently held by <strong>House Majority Leader Steve Harrelson (D-Texarkana)</strong> will apparently fall into Republican hands this year.? The only candidate who filed for the post is <strong>Republican Prissy Hickerson</strong>, former <strong>Gov. Mike Huckabee?s</strong> first Highway Commission appointee.<br /> <br /> *****<br /> <br /> Remember that supermajority vote for a tobacco tax increase in the last legislative session?? It passed with no votes to spare in the House ? right at the 75-vote margin needed for approval.<br /> <br /> At the time, Republicans, conservatives and anti-tax crusaders cried loudly that they would find challengers to several of those swing votes because of that tax hike vote.? You may recall that two candidates in particular were singled out: <strong>Rep. Garry Smith (D-Camden) </strong>and<strong> Rep. Tim Summers (R-Bentonville)</strong>.<br /> <br /> Both men escaped without a Democratic or Republican challenger.<br /> <br /> *****<br /> Two prosecutor seats went without Democratic or Republican filers.? District 11-East (Arkansas County) and District 18-West (Polk &amp; Montgomery counties) will have to fill their positions through independent or write-in candidates.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=2c473045-2b23-4531-ae71-666ae36d9e25&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ <br... [...]]]>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:46:19 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">First District Democratic candidate <strong>Chad Causey</strong> called for a series of three debates in the 26-county Congressional District.<br /> <br /> <strong> Causey </strong>did not indicate great details on the structure of the potential debates other than to say that topics should include the economy, agriculture and health care.<br /> <br /> ?Now that the field is set, we need to have an open and honest discussion about the important issues facing Arkansans,? <strong>Causey</strong> said in a statement.? ?I am campaigning for this office the same way I will work in it: as someone willing to sit down at the table, listen and engage in debate, so that we can find common-sense solutions to the problems facing the First District.?<br /> <br /> ?As I have traveled throughout the 26 counties in this district, folks keep telling me they are tired of the bickering in Washington.? They don?t want gridlock, they want common-sense leadership that puts the First District first,? said <strong>Causey</strong>. ?I hope my fellow candidates will join me in a public debate to discuss the serious issues facing Arkansans."<br /> <br /> <strong> UPDATE: Former State Senator Tim Wooldridge, </strong>who is vying for the nomination, says he?ll show up.<br /> <br /> ?I?d be absolutely delighted to visit and debate and discuss issues. I think it?s important to voters to look at each of us,?<strong> Wooldridge </strong>said. ?Anytime we can all talk about what we have to offer and our vision for moving the district and state forward, I relish the opportunity.?<strong><br /> <br /> State Senator Steve Bryles </strong>replied by email and took a dig at<strong> Causey?s </strong>ties to D.C.<strong><br /> </strong><br /> ?I look forward to debating the issues with the other candidates for Congress,? said<strong> Bryles.<br /> </strong><br /> ?I sense that Chad Causey believes he has an advantage in debating the issues because he?s a Washington insider.? The warmed over approaches that Beltway types keep recycling are obviously not working; the country is in the middle of an economic crisis, health care is broken and the Washington politicians have mortgaged our children?s future,? he said.<br /> <br /> ?I look forward to offering new ideas and a fresh perspective against the same old conventional wisdom,?<strong> Bryles </strong>added.<strong> </strong></font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=fe2c6436-04d1-41fe-8ccd-61ab69d50fe0&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[, who is challenging Sen. Blanche Lincoln in the Democratic primary, outlined four provisions today that he claims... [...]]]>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:42:41 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong>Lt. Gov. Bill Halter</strong>, who is challenging Sen. Blanche Lincoln in the Democratic primary, outlined four provisions today that he claims will make him more accountable to constituents if he?s elected to the U.S. Senate.<br /> <br /> <strong>Halter?s</strong> ?accountability agenda? includes:<br /> </font> <ul> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Opposing automatic Congressional pay raises</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Holding town hall meetings in all 75 counties every year</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Refusing to become a lobbyist</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Making his office schedule available to the public</font></li> </ul> <font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">?To improve accountability and bolster public confidence, I?ll make my schedule publicly available online so any Arkansan can know who I?m meeting with when legislation affecting middle class Arkansas families is being developed,? <strong>Halter</strong> said in a statement.<br /> <br /> <strong>UPDATE: Sen. Lincoln?s</strong> campaign issued this response to <strong>Halter?s</strong> press conference earlier today.<br /> </font><blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">?Today Bill Halter held a press conference while Senator Lincoln worked toward Senate passage of an amendment that will hold bailed out Wall Street institutions and their executives more accountable to American taxpayers by taxing excessive bonuses,? Lincoln campaign spokesman Katie Laning Niebaum said.? ?In addition, she has successfully inserted two tax relief amendments in the Senate jobs bill with direct benefits for Arkansas workers, businesses, seniors and the disabled.?</font> </blockquote> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=a5953398-ab33-4374-a552-0098102a0651&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ found her comments on a parliamentary maneuver in the health care debate interpreted widely and apparently wildly on... [...]]]>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:39:12 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong>Sen. Blanche Lincoln</strong> found her comments on a parliamentary maneuver in the health care debate interpreted widely and apparently wildly on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> The <strong>Associated Press</strong> and other media outlets reported <strong>Lincoln</strong> as ?rethinking? her position to vote against a reconciliation bill to move the health care debate forward.<br /> <br /> <strong>Lincoln</strong> has previously said she has concerns about reconciliation, but the <strong>AP</strong> reported that <strong>Lincoln </strong>wanted to see what was in the companion bill ?before deciding.?<br /> <br /> By midday, <strong>Lincoln</strong> responded quite forcefully:<br /> <br /> </font><blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">?Sen. Olympia Snowe and I have proposed a bipartisan way forward on health care and I still hope that my colleagues will consider it,? Lincoln said. ?I have promised my constituents that I will not support income tax increases to pay for health care and I will seek bipartisan solutions.? This takes budget reconciliation as an alternative means to pass health care reform off the table for me.? I have fought for and ensured transparency throughout this process, and I believe we must get over this final hurdle using the regular rules of the Senate.?</font><br /> </blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><br /> <strong>Lincoln</strong> said the <strong>AP</strong> reporter ?mischaracterized? her remarks earlier. The <strong>AP</strong> story did not carry any quotes from <strong>Lincoln</strong> in it.<br /> <br /> <strong>Lincoln?s</strong> main Democratic primary challenger, <strong>Bill Halter</strong>, said that he continues ?to support passing health care reform with a majority vote.? </font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=40cd954a-0323-4fe7-9e2b-e8186c96613f&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[<a... [...]]]>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:06:07 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong>John Brummett </strong>with the<strong> Arkansas News Bureau</strong> <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://arkansasnews.com/2010/03/09/can-blanche-go-home-again/">explores the dilemma</a></font></strong> for <strong>Sen. Blanche Lincoln</strong>, who is straddling the Democratic center in her bid for re-election.<br /> <br /> As <strong>Brummett</strong> notes, <strong>Lincoln</strong> has angered the liberal constituency of the Democratic Party and to some she is not conservative enough.<br /> <br /> </font><blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">That old Arkansas Democratic finesse, by which people named Clinton and Pryor (and Lincoln) finely balance the liberal interests of their national party with the rural conservatism of their constituency, has blown up on Lincoln.</font><br /> </blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><br /> So as we?ve seen in her first TV ad, <strong>Lincoln </strong>is defining herself in this election as an independent voice for Arkansas. Says <strong>Brummett</strong>:<br /> <br /> </font><blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Perhaps most ambitiously of all amid this populist revolt, it presumes to make her the outsider, standing up for reason amid all that childish idiocy in Washington. It closes by calling her ?one tough lady,? since Arkies like spunk and independence.</font><br /> </blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><br /> <strong>Brummett </strong>further describes how underwhelmed a group of left-of-center Democrats have been with her ?run right? strategy.? I?ve also heard from a number of die-hard Democrats also offended by the anti-party disclaimer in her ad, but I question how large that voting bloc is in a Democratic primary that will bring hundreds of thousands of voters to the polls in May. They're influential, however, many independent/swing voters will vote on May 18th. <strong>Lincoln</strong> must be gambling that this bloc, combined with her core Democratic base, is large enough to carry her to victory this spring.<br /> <br /> It's her strongest path to victory and it?s truer to her personal political core: Lincoln is a centrist.? That?s how she won election in previous races and that?s how she?ll win or lose in 2010.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=76d55b4c-1c15-402f-8593-74211a0afbfa&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[While attention is focused on the two heavyweights in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, a third unknown Democratic candidate slipped in the race last... [...]]]>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:41:58 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">While attention is focused on the two heavyweights in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, a third unknown Democratic candidate slipped in the race last week.<br /> <br /> <strong>D.C. Morrison </strong>?<strong> Daniel Cochran Morrison </strong>? describes himself as a conservative Democrat and claims he?s in the Senate race to ?stop two big government liberals in one day? on the May 18th primary.<br /> <br /> Yesterday as filing for office closed, <strong>Morrison</strong> made himself available to a small group of reporters including myself and content partner, <strong>Jason Tolbert</strong>.? Fortunately, <strong>Tolbert</strong> had his handy-dandy flip-cam and recorded the interview.<br /> <br /> <strong>Morrison</strong>, a Little Rock-based farm loan originator, is worried about the national debt and deficit spending.? He doesn?t know <strong>Blanche Lincoln</strong> or <strong>Bill Halter</strong> personally, although he said he knows<strong> Blanche Lincoln's </strong>father.<br /> <br /> While he filed on the Democratic ticket, <strong>Morrison?s</strong> past voting record speaks to his conservative credentials.<br /> <br /> He cited <strong>Ronald Reagan</strong> as his hero.? He voted for <strong>Ron Paul </strong>in the last Presidential election.? And, <strong>Asa Hutchinson</strong> earned his vote for Governor in 2006 although <strong>Morrison </strong>insists that <strong>Mike Beebe</strong> is ?doing an excellent job.?<br /> <br /> You can watch the video of his short interview at <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGL-af2gIvE">this link</a></font></strong>.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=af5698eb-8be4-4347-9513-7a072da97806&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[The 2010 candidate filing period has officially closed.? All told, 338 candidates filed for office.? 196 were Democrats, 108 Republicans, and 34... [...]]]>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:25:51 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">The 2010 candidate filing period has officially closed.? All told, 338 candidates filed for office.? 196 were Democrats, 108 Republicans, and 34 non-partisan candidates filed.<br /> <br /> Several GOP Senate hopefuls filed for office today along with a couple of surprise candidates.<br /> <br /> Surprises: In the first Congressional District, Democratic <strong>State Sen. Steve Bryles</strong> filed for office.? There are 6 Democrats and two Republicans vying for their respective nominations.<br /> <br /> Former state legislator and failed 2006 Lt. Governor candidate <strong>Doug Matayo</strong> of Springdale entered the already-crowded 3rd District race for Congress.? There are 8 Republicans and one Democrat in the field.<br /> <br /> <strong> Mark Darr</strong>, the GOP's only announced candidate for Lt. Governor drew a primary opponent, <strong>Donnie Copeland.? State Sen. Shane Broadway</strong> is unopposed in the Democratic primary.<br /> <br /> The Land Commissioner?s race doubled in size on the final day of filing, too. <strong>John Thurston</strong> filed as a Republican for the constitutional office and <strong>L.J. Bryant</strong> filed for the post on the Democratic side.? <strong>State Rep. Monty Davenport</strong> and <strong>Mike Berg</strong> filed for the position as Democrats last week.<br /> <br /> Sure things: All four Republicans who were still expected to run for the U.S. Senate filed: <strong>Randy Alexander, Conrad Reynolds, State Sen. Gilbert Baker </strong>and<strong> Jim Holt.? </strong>The total number of GOP candidates is eight in the Senate race, while three Democrats have filed.<br /> <br /> <strong> Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, State Treasurer Martha Shoffner</strong> and <strong>Sec. of State Charlie Daniels </strong>(who is running for State Auditor) were all unopposed for statewide office.<br /> <br /> To view the complete candidate list of the statewide and federal races, <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://www.talkbusiness.net/Articles/ArticleViewer.aspx?ArticleID=109ff749-6d6e-403d-9610-d8bc2f54939f">click here</a></font></strong>.<strong><br /> </strong></font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=d51d461d-1082-4045-ab38-b4ec13c97607&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ this week to discuss his primary Senate challenge to incumbent Democrat... [...]]]>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:16:40 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong>Lt. Gov. Bill Halter</strong> appears on <strong>Talk Business</strong> this week to discuss his primary Senate challenge to incumbent Democrat <strong>Sen. Blanche Lincoln.</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Halter</strong> said that he has been surprised by the amount of donations received, in part due to efforts from netroots groups like <strong>MoveOn.org</strong>.<br /> <br /> ?I?ve been extraordinarily surprised and I?m very grateful,? said <strong>Halter</strong>.? ?I want folks to know that the average amount of the contributions coming in has been $30.?<br /> <br /> He also challenged the notion that he should be viewed through a liberal lens.<br /> <br /> ?I find it amazing that folks want to put these one-word labels on people,? <strong>Halter</strong> said with a chuckle.? ?Most of the time in politics, I?ve discovered, that when people are trying to put a one-word label on someone it?s usually with the intention to distract or destroy.?<br /> <br /> He added, ?As we go forward, you?re going to see policy positions from me that some people are going to regard as conservative, people are going to regard as moderate, some people are going to regard as liberal or progressive or whatever label you want to put on it.?<br /> <br /> <strong>Halter</strong> offered more details on what led him to enter the race against <strong>Lincoln</strong>.? And, he spelled out his views on abortion and his role in working to stop Social Security privatization.<br /> <br /> You can access his response to his position on Roe v. Wade at <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://www.talkbusiness.net/playvideo.aspx?document=863">this link</a></font></strong>.? The full interview from our program can be <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/robybrock#p/u/0/Jy7ARUu2SNk">watched here</a></font></strong>.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=86079dd9-825d-4845-9d5c-b493f44555ca&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ rolled out a new TV ad on Friday that touts his blue-collar upbringing and his public service... [...]]]>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:11:13 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">U.S. Senate candidate <strong>Bill Halter</strong> rolled out a new TV ad on Friday that touts his blue-collar upbringing and his public service accomplishments.<br /> <br /> In the TV spot, which <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/groceries?refcode=email">you can view here</a></font></strong>, <strong>Halter</strong> is in a grocery store parking lot discussing how bagging groceries helped him earn a college scholarship.<br /> <br /> The ad repeats familiar themes from his first ad including his efforts to derail ?Wall Street?s privatization schemes.?<br /> <br /> He cites his work on helping pass the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery as a way to help families pay for college without higher taxes.<br /> <br /> <strong> ANALYSIS:</strong>? <strong>Halter?s</strong> two spots launched this week have been pretty effective in terms of messaging.? Both spots highlight his efforts to stop privatization of Social Security, an important message for senior citizens.<br /> <br /> The spots discuss his efforts on the scholarship lottery, a public initiative on which <strong>Halter</strong> led efforts.? The ads also play on the theme of a ?broken Washington, D.C.,? a message that currently resonates well with disgruntled voters.<br /> <br /> There is no mention of <strong>Halter?s</strong> primary opponent, <strong>Sen. Blanche Lincoln</strong>, in either ad. These two spots are a combination of biography and messaging.<br /> <br /> There is no coach in this TV spot either ? a hallmark of many <strong>Halter</strong> commercials.? But this latest ad is folksy like the coach ads.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=5bc14338-8feb-4929-8133-8b7678f2ae75&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ officially... [...]]]>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:27:16 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><img align="right" src="/assets/media/Beebephoto.jpg" style="width: 99px; height: 121px;" />In low-key style, <strong>Gov. Mike Beebe</strong> officially filed his paperwork to run for a second term as Arkansas? chief executive.<br /> <br /> Saying he wants to ?continue to improve the quality of life for our people,? <strong>Beebe</strong> told reporters at the capitol that he would maintain his two-prong approach to governing: improving education and economic development. <br /> <br /> ?Criminal justice issues are easier to solve, health care issues are easier to solve, delivery of state services are easier to solve, all those things are easier to solve if you get those first two things right,? <strong>Beebe</strong> said.<br /> <br /> The Governor listed job creation as an important priority in his second term and he said he wanted to drop more of the food tax in a ?fiscally responsible manner.?<br /> <br /> ?I really do think we need to get the rest of the food tax off,? said <strong>Beebe</strong>.? ?I?m happy that we?ve gotten four cents off.?? He declined to offer a timeline for the food tax's removal.<br /> <br /> <strong>Beebe</strong>, a Democrat, is not expected to draw a primary opponent. Republican <strong>Jim Keet</strong> has filed for the GOP nomination to challenge <strong>Beebe</strong> in the fall.<br /> <br /> <strong>Beebe</strong> cited an old political adage he first heard from former <strong>U.S. Senator David Pryor</strong> as his guiding political philosophy in 2010.<br /> <br /> ?There are only two ways to run: unopposed or scared. You?ve got to run hard in every race you have,? he said.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=6b5c56d6-b1fb-4033-9fcf-b7f8085c4706&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ Two... [...]]]>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:37:26 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">It?s been a busy week in politics with candidate filings and the announcement of several strong challengers to incumbent officeholders.<br /> <br /> Two of the biggest political newsmakers this week were <strong>Lt. Gov. Bill Halter</strong> and GOP gubernatorial candidate <strong>Jim Keet</strong>.<br /> <br /> <strong>Halter </strong>is challenging Democratic incumbent <strong>Senator Blanche Lincoln. Keet </strong>will seek the Republican nomination to oppose <strong>Gov. Mike Beebe</strong>.<br /> <br /> <strong>Halter</strong> and <strong>Keet</strong> will be our guest on <strong>Talk Business</strong> this Sunday and Monday in pre-taped interviews.<br /> <br /> Want to tune in?? <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://www.talkbusiness.net/talkbusiness.aspx">Here?s the link</a></font></strong> to our airtimes.? Of course, we?ll have it all for you on our web site and YouTube channel early next week.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=0ab2f342-3fdb-4f70-aab6-8844dcf7c90a&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[While those of us in the media have been justifiably obsessed this week with the Senate Democratic primary, we admit that all of the Congressional... [...]]]>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:06:55 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">While those of us in the media have been justifiably obsessed this week with the Senate Democratic primary, we admit that all of the Congressional district races intrigue us.<br /> <br /> Especially the open seat races in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd districts.? Heck, now we?ve even got a 4th district GOP primary that will be worth watching.<br /> <br /> The open seat races don?t have any real clear-cut favorites; there is conventional wisdom and speculation, but honestly, it?s anybody?s game if they can put together a winning strategy and the financial support to execute it.<br /> <br /> With <strong>Lincoln</strong> and <strong>Halter</strong> already out of the gate and on TV with advertising, we wonder who might be early to air ads in the Congressional races.? Ask around and sometimes you get an answer.<br /> <br /> 3rd District GOP Congressional hopeful <strong>Steve Womack</strong> will apparently get there first.<br /> <br /> <strong> Talk Business</strong> has learned that <strong>Womack</strong> plans to start a TV and radio campaign this coming week.? His first TV spot is a bio piece complete with a few conservative messaging issues and a picture of <strong>Womack</strong> and f<strong>ormer Vice-president Dick Cheney</strong>. ?<br /> <br /> The ad reads:<br /> <br /> </font><blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">After 9/11, Col Steve Womack led the first Army National Guard unit sent to the Middle East. Now, he?s ready to answer a new call of duty ? standing up for our conservative values in Congress.</font><br /> <br /> <font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">As mayor, Steve Womack led Rogers through unprecedented growth, ended deficit spending without raising taxes.</font><br /> <br /> <font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">In Congress, he?ll fight for conservative values, like balanced budgets, traditional marriage, and the right to life.</font><br /> <br /> <font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Soldier, statesman ? Steve Womack for Congress.</font><br /> </blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">You can view the spot at <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://www.womackforcongress.com/">this link</a></font></strong>.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=ad02bb0d-6bb1-4a43-840a-4afe69b3de99&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ provided a precursor of how fiery her primary battle with... [...]]]>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:09:33 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Thursday?s launch of television advertising from <strong>Sen. Blanche Lincoln</strong> provided a precursor of how fiery her primary battle with <strong>Lt. Gov. Bill Halter</strong> will be.<br /> <br /> <strong>Lincoln?s</strong> ad, which begins airing Friday, touts her independence from the Democratic Party and Washington D.C. insiders.? <strong>Lincoln</strong> also notes her opposition to several controversial issues, all in the context of a group of school children tossing money around a classroom.? The setting, according to <strong>Lincoln</strong>, is representative of what the nation?s capital has become.<br /> <br /> ?The kids are cute. It?s a shame she?s using them to hide her record,? zinged <strong>Halter spokesman Bud Jackson</strong>. ?The good news is, if those kids are actually from Arkansas they can now qualify for a $5,000 scholarship because of Lt. Gov. Halter?s work with the legislature to pass the scholarship lottery.?<br /> <br /> <strong>Jackson</strong> disputed <strong>Lincoln?s</strong> claim that she ?voted against giving money to Wall Street.?<br /> <br /> That assertion sent the <strong>Lincoln</strong> camp on a counter-offensive.? By day?s end, <strong>Lincoln</strong> had called on <strong>Halter</strong> to ?get his facts straight.?<br /> <br /> In truth, both sides are technically accurate. <strong>Lincoln </strong>voted in Oct. 2008 for one bill that helped stabilize the nation?s at-risk financial system, a measure known as <strong>T.A.R.P. </strong>When an extension of that program came up for a Senate vote in mid-2009, <strong>Lincoln</strong> voted against it.<br /> <br /> The skirmish also sent <strong>Lincoln?s</strong> camp into another theme that will be central in this primary campaign: Who is the biggest Washington outsider?<br /> <br /> "Bill's campaign is almost entirely funded by out-of-state groups so it's no surprise that his Virginia-based consultant with a Massachusetts phone number sends out a misleading press release about Senator Lincoln," said <strong>Steve Patterson, Lincoln?s campaign manager</strong>.<br /> <br /> ?If we want to talk about misleading advertising, we might look at Bill's first ad,? <strong>Patterson</strong> added.? ?It puts a football in his hands and highlights his humble roots when in fact, he's a multimillionaire who somehow talked labor unions into paying off a half million dollar campaign debt to himself with the union dues of their members so he can run for higher office."<br /> <br /> Both <strong>Lincoln</strong> and <strong>Halter</strong> will have a tough time running from their D.C. connections. ?<br /> <br /> <strong>Lincoln</strong> is a two-term incumbent Senator (and former Congressman) with plenty of Washington, D.C. cache and fundraising connections.? This week, the <strong>White House</strong> and <strong>former President Bill Clinton</strong> endorsed her re-election bid.<br /> <br /> <strong>Halter</strong>, a former Clinton administration official, owes his fundraising strength to powerful labor unions and the progressive-liberal blog-o-sphere, which are rooted in Washington, D.C. influence.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=23696161-5ba5-46c3-98d6-759701c5c20d&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[The Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate just got a little... [...]]]>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:37:05 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><img align="right" src="/assets/media/DCMorrison.jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 203px;" />The Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate just got a little more crowded, and it could give <strong>Sen. Blanche Lincoln</strong> and <strong>Lt. Gov. Bill Halter</strong> a new reason to ?run against D.C.?<br /> <br /> <strong> D.C. Morrison</strong>, a first-time candidate for political office, filed for the seat.? He?s the third Democrat in the field along with<strong> Lincoln</strong> and <strong>Halter</strong>.<br /> <br /> <strong> Morrison?s</strong> paperwork lists him as a 60-year old Little Rock resident.? He is married with two children and is a graduate of <strong>Arkansas State University</strong>.? His occupation was listed as ?Agricultural Loans.?<br /> <br /> <strong> Talk Business</strong> is working on an interview with <strong>Morrison</strong>. We?ll update this story later today.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=d7457fa9-99c2-4d7e-ac01-6fef60dcc1d6&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ ?... [...]]]>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:43:51 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Two 3rd District Republican Congressional candidates ? <strong>Rogers Mayor Steve Womack</strong> and <strong>former State Sen. Gunner DeLay</strong> ? are already ?gettin? after it,? as they say down on the farm.<br /> <br /> Yesterday, <strong>Womack</strong> issued a press release calling on <strong>President Obama</strong> to abandon his current health care plan and ?restart the process with meaningful input from Republican leaders.?<br /> <br /> <strong>Womack?s </strong>press release said that he favors more market-driven solutions, including allowing people to buy health insurance across state lines, medical liability reforms, and easing burdens on physicians.<br /> <br /> <strong>Womack</strong> singled out the Adult Wellness Center in Rogers as an example of a community solution to help with health care.<br /> <br /> </font><blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Mayor Womack said his belief that every American should have access to healthy lifestyle choices, recreational opportunities and affordable care is exemplified by the Adult Wellness Center in Rogers. A nationally renowned senior wellness center, the Adult Wellness Center reflects Mayor Womack?s vision for the appropriate role government investment can play in the physical and social well being of a community and its population groups.</font><br /> <br /> <font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">In Congress, Mayor Womack pledged to work to establish a national program to partner with local communities for the construction of regional wellness centers, like the one in Rogers, so that more Arkansans can enjoy the life changing benefits of Adult Wellness Centers.</font><br /> </blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><br /> Republican challenger <strong>Gunner DeLay</strong> fired back this morning calling <strong>Womack?s</strong> plan a ?billion dollar boondoggle.?<br /> <br /> </font><blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">DeLay said ?if Womack followed through on his proposal it would cost taxpayers billions of dollars.? If he is seriously believes that every American should have access to these kinds of regional work-out facilities he will have to substantially increase spending by both federal and local governments.?</font><br /> <br /> <font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">He added, ?Everyone I have talked to is concerned with out of control spending in Washington and this is just more of the same.? This plan is right out of the Obama, Reid, and Pelosi playbook.? </font><br /> </blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><br /> But <strong>DeLay</strong> didn?t stop there. He proposed a solution to <strong>Womack's</strong> solution.<br /> <br /> </font><blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">DeLay further commented, ?that every American already has access to recreational opportunities by virtue of state and local parks, malls, and the open road.?? He further pointed out that most communities have access to high school tracks, which completely negates the need for this kind of wasteful government spending.</font><br /> </blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><br /> <strong>UPDATE:</strong> And that wasn?t the last of it. Late Thursday, <strong>Womack</strong> responded to<strong> DeLay?s</strong> ?boondoggle? charge.<br /> <br /> ?It?s a bit early in the game still, but today?s false attacks were, unfortunately, not unexpected,? said <strong>Womack</strong> in response.<br /> <br /> He defended the Rogers Wellness Center, asserting that it was paid for through a balanced budget without a tax increase.? ?Mr. DeLay can talk about his fiscal conservatism; I have a record to prove mine,? <strong>Womack</strong> said.<br /> <br /> ?It?s concerning that someone running for the 3rd District appears to have such a fundamental lack of understanding of a great area success story like the Wellness Center.? I think it?s safe to say Mr. DeLay has never visited the center, so I would like to invite him for a personal tour."<br /> <br /> <strong>DeLay</strong> accepted <strong>Womack?s</strong> invitation to tour the wellness center and encouraged him to have all the candidates join them.<br /> <br /> ?Although you have extended this invitation to our campaign exclusively, I think it is only fair to invite all candidates that have filed for the 3rd District Congressional seat, as well as the media, to open a discussion about the proper use of taxpayer dollars,? <strong>DeLay</strong> wrote in response to <strong>Womack?s</strong> request.<br /> <br /> Perhaps all of the 3rd District Congressional candidates should schedule a full-fledged debate at the forum. The center should be big enough and I?d be willing to moderate.<br /> </font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=5c86f118-df0b-4476-95a1-1e8ed1265665&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[and... [...]]]>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:11:14 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">The <strong>Arkansas General Assembly</strong> concluded its first-ever fiscal session with words from its <strong>House Speaker Robbie Wills </strong>and a pending vote for a new leader.<br /> <br /> <strong>Rep. Robert Moore </strong>(D-Arkansas City) and <strong>Rep. Johnnie Roebuck </strong>(D-Arkadelphia) will square off in a vote in about 15 minutes.<br /> <br /> <strong>UPDATE: Rep. Moore </strong>won the election with 63 votes.? He will serve as Speaker of the House in the 2011 General Assembly.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=a82c6c8a-b69c-4d0c-af43-00b610f7ae73&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ revealed... [...]]]>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:18:50 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Just days after Democratic primary challenger <strong>Bill Halter </strong>began airing TV ads, incumbent <strong>Sen. Blanche Lincoln</strong> revealed her first commercial of the 2010 election.<br /> <br /> <strong>Lincoln?s</strong> ad emphasizes her commitment to Arkansas, not Democratic political leadership ? a theme she?s underscored while being criticized for not voting along party lines.<br /> <br /> Amidst a group of kindergarten-age school kids throwing money around a classroom, <strong>Lincoln</strong> says that ?this is what Washington is like these days.?<br /> <br /> The ad states her opposition to Wall Street bailouts, auto industry bailouts, cap-and-trade, and a health care public option.? She says she voted against those measures because they were ?wrong for Arkansas.?<br /> <br /> ?Some in my party didn?t like it very much,?<strong> Lincoln </strong>asserts. ?But I approved this message because I don?t answer to my party. I answer to Arkansas.?<br /> <br /> The TV ad, which you can view at <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://blancheforsenate.com/what-its-like/index.html ">this link</a></font></strong>, begins airing Friday.<br /> <br /> <strong>ANALYSIS:</strong> The spot is interesting in that it plays up <strong>Lincoln's </strong>anti-Democratic party stances although she's running in the Democratic primary.? The ad also clearly states what <strong>Lincoln</strong> has fought against, not for, although one can argue that by fighting against certain measures you are fighting for better public policy.<br /> <br /> It is accurate for <strong>Lincoln</strong> to say she voted against a Wall Street bailout measure, but she did vote for the first round of T.A.R.P. funds.? <strong>Lincoln</strong> voted against the second request <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://lincoln.senate.gov/newsroom/2009-01-15-1.cfm">citing the need</a></font></strong> for more accountability and transparency.? She also argued for more money to filter to Arkansas financial institutions, not Wall Street banks.<br /> <br /> Another interesting message in this ad is that <strong>Lincoln</strong> is adopting a "Washington is broken" attitude.? Her critics and opponents will be quick to point out that she's spent the last 12 years in Washington.<br /> <br /> In short, this ad is <strong>Lincoln</strong> positioning herself as a tough, independent fighter. It also highlights her opposition to several national Democratic issues that aren't playing well with majority constituencies in Arkansas. The humor with the school kids will play well with voters who make their decisions based solely on likability.<br /> </font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=eeb482fe-01b8-4772-8c2a-fb12807fc54f&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[opines on the national implications of the 2010 Democratic Senate primary, which will pit incumbent... [...]]]>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:18:26 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Political columnist <strong>John Brummett </strong>opines on the national implications of the 2010 Democratic Senate primary, which will pit incumbent <strong>Sen. Blanche Lincoln</strong> against <strong>Lt. Gov. Bill Halter</strong>.<br /> <br /> Says <strong>Brummett</strong>:<br /> <br /> </font><blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">This will be the most nationalized political race in Arkansas political history. That means it will be about national issues and national constituencies and that our little state will only so happen, owing to circumstances, to be the battleground.</font><br /> </blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><br /> <strong>Brummett </strong>lays out some factors that have nationalized this race, such as progressive/liberal interest groups rallying to <strong>Halter?s</strong> cause (<strong>Lincoln</strong> has already been tapping D.C. interest groups).<br /> <br /> He also notes another major factor for the focus on Arkansas: broadcast media is cheap compared to other states.? $5 million is easy to raise in Washington D.C. and it buys a ton of TV and radio in Arkansas. <br /> <br /> In other states, you would need triple the money or more to make a dent in the public consciousness.? If you think you?ve been burned out on political commercials before, you ain?t seen nothing yet.<br /> <br /> This will clearly be Arkansas? version of the <strong>Scott Brown</strong> Massachusetts Senate race in many respects as Arkansas becomes the central playing field for political factions determined to shape the national Congressional agenda.? Read more from <strong>Brummett</strong> at <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://arkansasnews.com/2010/03/04/a-national-race-in-our-little-place/">this link</a></font></strong>.<br /> <br /> <strong>RECOMMENDED READING:</strong><br /> <strong>Alex Isenstadt</strong> from <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0310/33880.html">Politico</a></font></strong> on Lincoln?s left-wing challenge</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=dc2da4a0-d455-4efb-a3e9-be3fabb082b8&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[is a reliable, consistent thoughtful writer on Arkansas politics.? His columns... [...]]]>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:47:51 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">I?m finding that <strong>Stephens Media columnist Steve Brawner </strong>is a reliable, consistent thoughtful writer on Arkansas politics.? His columns appear weekly in a variety of <strong>Stephens Media</strong> newspapers, but you can also read them online at <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://arkansasnews.com/category/columns/steve-brawner/">this link</a></font></strong>.<br /> <br /> This week,<strong> Brawner</strong> examines the brouhaha over <strong>Lt. Gov. Bill Halter?s</strong> office budget, which was the source of political controversy during the last week of the session. <strong>Rep. Keith Ingram</strong> of West Memphis led a surprise effort to cut the budget's staff. It?s easy to assume there was political motivation behind the stir-up - <strong>Ingram</strong> is a <strong>Blanche Lincoln</strong> ally - but <strong>Brawner</strong> decides to take a more contemplative look at the office, a place about which he knows something.<br /> <br /> </font><blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">State Rep. Keith Ingram?s recent bill to reduce the lieutenant governor?s staff from four employees to one never had a chance of passing a Legislature with lots of members who might like to be lieutenant governor someday.</font><br /> <br /> <font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">But Ingram has a point when he says that a traditionally part-time position doesn?t need a staff that size. And I write that after working three years in one of the jobs that would have been eliminated under Ingram?s proposal.</font><br /> <br /> <font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">As communications director for Lt. Governor Win Rockefeller from 2003-06, I was one of three full-time staff members ? one less than the number working for current officeholder Bill Halter. Although we stayed sort of busy most of the time, there was nothing we were doing that couldn?t have been accomplished with fewer people.</font><br /> </blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><br /> In short, <strong>Brawner</strong> argues that the office is what the Lt. Governor makes it, or as his column title suggests: its "an office in search of a purpose." You can read his full commentary at <font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://arkansasnews.com/2010/03/03/an-office-in-search-of-a-purpose/"><strong>this link</strong></a></font>.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=3e73e0e4-bd8e-4e80-bbc9-b5d4caacbeae&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ (D) for U.S.... [...]]]>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:01:08 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">The <strong>Arkansas AFL-CIO </strong>released a statement this morning announcing its endorsement of <strong>Lt. Gov. Bill Halter</strong> (D) for U.S. Senate and <strong>State Sen. Joyce Elliott</strong> (D) for U.S. Congress, Dist. 2.<br /> <br /> </font><blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">After, a lengthy discussion about Senator Lincoln?s position on Healthcare, the appointment of Greg Becker to the National Labor Relations Board, the Employee Free Choice Act, and trade issues, the Arkansas AFL-CIO Executive Board voted to support Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter for his candidacy in the Democratic Primary for the United States Senate.? We believe that Bill Halter will listen to Arkansas? working families and support their issues in Washington as he has done as Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas.</font><br /> <br /> <font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Also, a recommendation for endorsement has been made for Senator Joyce Elliott for United States Congress District 2.? The board believes she will be a candidate that will listen to Arkansas working families and their needs as she has in the State House and State Senate.</font><br /> </blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><br /> The moves shouldn?t come as a huge surprise.? <strong>Halter</strong> clearly benefited from labor?s dissatisfaction with <strong>Sen. Blanche Lincoln.? Elliott</strong>, a one-time teacher?s union member, has long been a supporter of labor issues in Arkansas.<br /> <br /> <strong>UPDATE:</strong> Add <strong>Sierra Club</strong> to the <strong>Halter</strong> fan club.? The national environmentalist group announced their support for <strong>Halter?s </strong>Senate candidacy today.<br /> </font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=badafa8c-fea0-4f98-bc9c-60dd15a042df&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ Sen. Blanche... [...]]]>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:57:53 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Oh, this Democratic Senate primary may make the Republican challengers? efforts look like a game of patty-cake.<br /> <br /> <strong>Sen. Blanche Lincoln</strong> wasted little time responding to <strong>Lt. Gov. Bill Halter?s</strong> first media avails since his announcement on Monday that he?d challenge her.<br /> <br /> Of course, it was small potatoes in terms of payback for the rain <strong>Halter </strong>let loose on <strong>Lincoln?s</strong> filing day parade.<br /> <br /> While <strong>Halter</strong> did his best to control media access throughout the day on Tuesday, <strong>Lincoln?s</strong> campaign was watching? and waiting.<br /> <br /> <strong>Halter</strong> appeared on all the local morning show programs to discuss his candidacy. Predictably, the questions were easily fielded. ?<br /> <br /> <strong>Halter</strong> faced questions from a much tougher capitol press corps mid-day when he filed his paperwork for the U.S. Senate.? Though he cut the press conference short, he did provide some insight into his positions on card check, health care reform, fundraising sources and more.<br /> <br /> By day?s end, he made at least one national media appearance on left-of-center <strong>MSNBC?s The Ed Schultz Show</strong>.? Some would question why <strong>Halter</strong> would make this appearance versus more local television.<br /> <br /> Easy answer: He wasn?t trying to reach a few thousand <strong>MSNBC</strong> viewers in Arkansas. <br /> <br /> The nearly $1 million he?s raised in less than two days as a candidate has been fueled by out-of-state supporters for a more liberal, or less conservative, U.S. Senate.? They?re tuned into <strong>MSNBC </strong>at night.? This move was purely to keep that fundraising machine hitting on all cylinders.<br /> <br /> They talked fundraising, card check, and health care reform in their <font color="#0000ff"><strong><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/tv/w/002594/">6-minute conversation</a></strong></font>. When asked about the controversial public option, a divisive issue in the health care debate, <strong>Halter</strong> and <strong>Schultz</strong> had this exchange:<br /> <br /> </font><blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Bill Halter: ?I support the public having the ability to voluntarily buy into a program like Medicare.?</font><font color="#000000"><br /> <br /> </font><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Ed Schultz: Government-run?</font><font color="#000000"><br /> <br /> </font><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Halter: Yeah, it can be government-administered. Absolutely.</font><font color="#000000"><br /> <br /> </font><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Ed: So you believe in a mechanism put in place that people can choose that would be in direct competition with the private sector?</font><font color="#000000"><br /> <br /> </font><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Halter: Yes?</font><font color="#000000"><br /> </font></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong>Lincoln?s</strong> campaign released a statement late Tuesday afternoon titled, ?The Six Different Sides of Bill Halter.? It focused on <strong>Halter?s</strong> multiple statements regarding a health care public option.<br /> <br /> "Who does he think he's fooling?" asked <strong>Lincoln's campaign manager Steve Patterson</strong> in a press release.? "Bill is going to find he can't have it both ways.? Either he is with the majority of Arkansans and opposed to the public option, like Senator Lincoln, or he is with the national liberal establishment that is angry with her right now."<br /> <br /> This race hasn?t even begun to heat up. This debate regarding money, health care and allegiances to interest groups is just beginning.? We?ll tire of it ultimately and then move on to other hot-button issues like the Employee Free Choice Act and climate change legislation or something more timely.<br /> <br /> Can you see how much fun this race will be to cover?<br /> <br /> <strong>RECOMMENDED READING:</strong><br /> </font> <ul> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://arkansasnews.com/2010/03/02/halters-filing-and-q-and-a/">John Brummett</a></font></strong> with Arkansas News Bureau: Lincoln-Halter analysis</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://tolbertreport.com/2010/03/02/video-bill-halter-filing-for-u-s-senate/">Jason Tolbert</a></font></strong> with The Tolbert Report on Halter press conference</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://dailycaller.com/2010/03/02/lincoln-torn-between-liberal-and-conservative-positions-as-halter-enters-arkansas-democratic-primary/">Suzi Parker</a></font></strong> from The Daily Caller on the Lincoln-Halter match-up</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0310/33727.html">Alex Isenstadt</a></font></strong> from Politico on Halter's outsider campaign</font></li> </ul> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=8c99852d-7ff4-4c3a-a5e7-6228379cde84&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ officially filed for his party?s nomination for Arkansas Governor speaking to a crowd of around 150 friends,... [...]]]>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:06:40 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Today, Republican<strong> Jim Keet</strong> officially filed for his party?s nomination for Arkansas Governor speaking to a crowd of around 150 friends, family members and supporters in the Old Supreme Court Room at the state capitol.<br /> <br /> ?I?m not in this race to get 40 percent,? <strong>Keet</strong> told the partisan audience. ?I?m in this race to win.?<br /> <br /> <strong>Keet </strong>rattled off a litany of issues he wants to address in the campaign, but stopped short of offering specifics on certain proposals.? He said that more details would be released in the coming weeks.<br /> <br /> He singled out problems with the state?s tax structure, such as a high capital gains tax rate - which he claims deters business investment - a lack of exemptions for military personnel and veterans, and burdensome personal income taxes.<br /> <br /> ?The personal rate sucks the blood out of our families? budgets who fork over their disposable income to the state rather than investing in their own families,? <strong>Keet</strong> said.<br /> <br /> He advocated raising the threshold for those in the state?s top income tax bracket of 7% over the next three years, but stopped short of further specifics.<br /> <br /> <strong>Keet</strong> said he?s concerned about other problems too, including:<br /> </font> <ul> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">The state?s Medicaid budget</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Growing unfunded mandates</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Growth in state government</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">High levels of illiteracy</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">And workforce education</font></li> </ul> <font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">The Republican gubernatorial nominee also discussed his record as a businessman creating jobs.<br /> <br /> ?I?ve helped create through various enterprises well over 3,500 jobs, each of which started with one single employee, so I know a little bit about running businesses both small and large,? said the restaurant and real estate entrepreneur.<br /> <br /> At times, <strong>Keet</strong> ? a former state legislator and 1990 Congressional nominee - sounded like he was a candidate for federal office.<br /> <br /> He cited national debates on card check, the deficit and health care reform for drawing his focus back to the political arena.? He?s been out of political office since the late 1990?s.<br /> <br /> ?I absolutely think that we, as a minority party, need to offer constructive ideas which address the challenges we face rather than participate in the usual political games and divisiveness we find in Washington, D.C.,? <strong>Keet</strong> said in his prepared remarks.<br /> <br /> ?We don?t have political discourse in this state and that?s one of the things that has to change,? he added.<br /> <br /> <strong>Keet</strong> was introduced today by <strong>former Republican 2nd District Congressman Ed Bethune</strong>.? <strong>Bethune</strong> said that he was concerned with the growing reliance on the public sector to grow jobs versus the private sector.<br /> <br /> ?You are on one side or you are on the other,? <strong>Bethune</strong> said in his opening comments, explaining that <strong>Keet</strong> was on the side of private sector growth.<br /> <br /> <strong>Keet?s</strong> speech certainly fortified his pro-private business attitude, but he softened his stance in a Q&amp;A session with reporters after his announcement.? When asked if he would have rejected federal stimulus money, <strong>Keet </strong>said no.<br /> <br /> ?With the difficulty we had, I probably would have taken it,? <strong>Keet </strong>said. ?But we can?t just keep creating these types of policies.?<br /> <br /> <strong>Keet?s</strong> Little Rock appearance was one of several across the state today.? He had stops planned for Jonesboro, Fort Smith and Bentonville.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=a4284e72-3a5c-4c5c-9f04-e5ad4f87e7a7&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ filed his paperwork for the U.S. Senate today.? He met with reporters at the end of the filing process,... [...]]]>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:26:49 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Democratic <strong>Lt. Gov. Bill Halter</strong> filed his paperwork for the U.S. Senate today.? He met with reporters at the end of the filing process, answering limited questions from the press.<br /> <br /> <strong> Halter</strong> said he?s running for the Senate to ?represent working men and women? from Arkansas.? ?We?re not going to be pejorative,? <strong>Halter</strong> said in reference to potentially attacking incumbent <strong>Sen. Blanche Lincoln</strong>. <br /> <br /> ?We?re going to run our campaign with a positive message.?<br /> <br /> <strong> Halter</strong> fielded several questions from the press before cutting the interview short.<br /> <br /> He avoided taking a stand on controversial ?card check? legislation, which is supported by labor unions who are supporting his campaign, but he said he was intensely monitoring negotiations in Washington on the subject.<br /> <br /> ?My view is we have a history in the U.S. to collectively bargain,? said <strong>Halter</strong>. He outlined key issues that he said were being discussed for a possible compromise, including an accelerated time period for unions to form, removing pressure tactics brought on workers, and providing exceptions for small businesses. He withheld his support on the legislation until he had the ability to review it.<br /> <br /> On health care, <strong>Halter </strong>offered a carefully crafted description of the principles he supports, including a "public option."<br /> <br /> ?Those two words ? if you asked 100 Arkansans, you?d get a different definition,? <strong>Halter</strong> said. ?What I would favor is development of an option for the public to buy into a program voluntarily like Medicare.? <br /> <br /> He also advocated for other changes for health care reform, items that are currently in legislation being considered in Congress.? Those changes include eliminating pre-existing conditions, more emphasis on preventative care, better use of information technology in the health care system, and more utilization of research and development to assist with health care delivery.<br /> <br /> When asked about the quickly-raised contributions being reported to his Senate campaign by liberal advocacy groups, such as <strong>MoveOn.org</strong>, <strong>Halter </strong>said that ?we don?t have an evaluation yet? on whether the money had come largely from out of state.<br /> <br /> He said that of roughly 20,000 contributors in the last 30 hours the average donation was about $23 a person.<br /> <br /> <strong>UPDATE:</strong> He?ll be spending some of that money he?s raising immediately. <strong>Halter</strong> started airing TV ads today, too.? In the ad, which <font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://www.billhalter.com/watchhim"><strong>you can watch here</strong></a></font>, <strong>Halter </strong>and his old football coach discuss Social Security privatization, the scholarship lottery and Washington D.C. special interests. </font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=2f613977-2274-4f9f-ab25-5460290bc58e&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ <img align="right"... [...]]]>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:25:52 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong>Sen. Blanche Lincoln</strong> has had better days throughout her 18-year political career.<br /> <br /> <img align="right" src="/assets/media/Lincoln150.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 190px;" /> The two-term incumbent Democrat awoke to a primary challenge on Monday morning by <strong>Lt. Gov. Bill Halter</strong>, followed by a grueling <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kuar/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1618289/KUAR.Features/2010.political.filng.period.opens">Q&amp;A session with reporters</a></font></strong> at her campaign kick-off, only to be greeted by a rowdy band of TEA Party protesters at the state capitol as she paid her filing fee.? She couldn't even get in and out of the <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://tolbertreport.com/2010/03/01/video-blanche-lincoln-files-among-protesters/">shout-fest</a></font></strong> quickly as a long line of candidates pushed <strong>Lincoln's </strong>tortuous wait to more than 45 minutes.<br /> <br /> Despite the difficult circumstances, <strong>Lincoln</strong> stepped up and made the best of the bad situation.<br /> <br /> "You're seeing democracy at its best here," a tired, but cheery-faced <strong>Lincoln</strong> told a group of students from the <strong>Clinton School for Public Service</strong> at the filing ceremony.<br /> <br /> The hour-long ordeal at the capitol capsulized the rocky waters that <strong>Lincoln</strong> must navigate through this year's primary season and possibly beyond.<br /> <br /> <strong>Lincoln </strong>told the students that she had spoken to some of the protesters - who didn't seem to be in a mood for dialogue - and told them she understood their concerns about the country and the economy.? But her story crystalized the challenge of this election year.<br /> <br /> "I just had a woman complain to me about government-run health care and she's on Medicare," <strong>Lincoln</strong> languished.? "If you're going to stand here screaming and hollering at each other, we're going to get left behind."<br /> <br /> <strong>ENTER BILL HALTER</strong><br /> <strong>Lt. Gov. Bill Halter's</strong> early Monday morning entry into the Democratic Senate primary was unwelcome, but expected, news for <strong>Lincoln's</strong> camp.<br /> <br /> <img align="right" style="width: 150px; height: 182px;" src="/assets/media/Halter150182.jpg" />Hints of a possible primary battle have been brewing for weeks. <strong>Halter's</strong> video press release outlined some of the themes on which he will campaign - a balanced budget, a broken Washington, D.C., and the successful state lottery.<br /> <br /> But <strong>Halter</strong> is largely undefined on many federal issues.? He has not cast votes in the Arkansas State Senate as his post is more ceremonial and procedural.<br /> <br /> When he meets the press on Tuesday, he'll face questions regarding his positions on health care, card check and cap-and-trade legislation - issues that <strong>Lincoln</strong> has been tackling for nearly a year.<br /> <br /> <strong>Halter</strong> will also have to articulate where he falls along the political spectrum for Democratic voters. <strong>Lincoln</strong>, who has been labeled "centrist", "moderate" and "conservative" throughout her career, is well-defined by her supporters and Democratic Party critics. Her right-wing opponents have harsher adjectives to describe her - "wishy-washy" or "liberal" - despite <strong>Lincoln's</strong> support of Republican issues, like tax cuts or the Iraq War.<br /> <br /> The lesser-known <strong>Halter</strong> will be painted by all of his critics - Democrats and Republicans - as "more liberal" through his associations, not necessarily his rhetoric.? Even in his efforts to bring a free health care clinic to Little Rock last November, <strong>Halter</strong> was careful to not take any controversial positions on the health care legislation that resulted in the bruising partisan battle in D.C.<br /> <br /> On Monday, he had already received an endorsement from the <strong>AFL-CIO</strong> labor union, which reportedly will spend $3 million in independent expenditures to help <strong>Halter's</strong> cause.? Liberal activist groups like <strong>MoveOn.org</strong> mobilized their fundraising bases to secure more than $500,000 for <strong>Halter's</strong> race on the first day of his candidacy.<br /> <br /> These money sources will help <strong>Halter</strong> with liberal Democrats disaffected by <strong>Lincoln</strong>, but it may serve as the best ammunition for her crowd in the early days of the primary campaign.? As the race wears on, expect <strong>Lincoln</strong> to look for her footing in addressing <strong>Halter</strong> more directly on policies and positions. ?<br /> <br /> She played up her centrist roots with reporters throughout the day's questioning. <br /> <br /> "I don't associate with the extremes in many instances," <strong>Lincoln</strong> inferred, although she avoided calling <strong>Halter</strong> "extreme".? In the days to come, she'll likely pounce on any missteps or misstatements he makes that can achieve political gain for her.<br /> <br /> As <strong>Lincoln</strong> finished her business at the capitol, she stopped by my work station near the elevator to exit the 2nd floor where filing was taking place.? The protesters had dispersed, the long line of candidates had finished their paperwork, and she was heading back to her campaign headquarters to do more work.<br /> <br /> "Do you need me to buy you a drink?" I asked.<br /> <br /> "It would need to be a stiff one," <strong>Lincoln</strong> joked. <br /> <br /> Perhaps a solid supporter will send a bottle of bourbon over on Tuesday.? She earned it.<br /> </font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=cfe01024-92c5-4928-946f-116c66a21d1b&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ Incumbent... [...]]]>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:08:38 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">We'll find out how volatile the political environment is as the temperature heats up in the 4th Congressional District.<br /> <br /> Incumbent Democratic <strong>Congressman Mike Ross</strong> is among the safest incumbents in the country - one would think - with his bucking of Democratic leadership on health care and cap-and-trade legislation.<br /> <br /> Even Republicans talk up their support of <strong>Ross</strong>, who is immensely popular with conservative Democrats, a solid voting bloc in south Arkansas.<br /> <br /> So why are Republicans chomping at the bit to challenge Ross?<br /> <br /> Two Republicans are expected to file for the nomination to challenge<strong> Ross</strong> this fall, according to <strong>Jason Tolbert</strong> with our content partner, <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://tolbertreport.com/2010/03/01/republican-beth-anne-rankin-plans-run-for-congress/">The Tolbert Report</a></font></strong>.<br /> <br /> <strong>Garland Co. Judge Glenn Gallas</strong>, an activist in the TEA Party movement is telling supporters he'll run.? <strong>Former Gov. Mike Huckabee </strong>staffer and one-time Miss Arkansas <strong>Beth Ann Rankin</strong> of Magnolia confirms she's also a candidate for the GOP nomination.<br /> <br /> Though I'd put the seat in <strong>Ross'</strong> corner today, the swirling winds of this anti-incumbent election year could produce a climate that's a challenge for any incumbent.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=fd3970f0-4249-4278-8fbb-915b352a2d55&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ vetoed Senate Bill 130 on Monday.? The bill would have taken $1.6 million from the Central Services Fund to pay for... [...]]]>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:42:01 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong>Gov. Mike Beebe</strong> vetoed Senate Bill 130 on Monday.? The bill would have taken $1.6 million from the Central Services Fund to pay for redistricting costs. ?<br /> <br /> <strong>Beebe</strong> said that he was worried about setting a precedent of taking funding from a tenuous source in order to protect local projects.<br /> <br /> ?As you know, the State Central Services Fund supports the core functions of our government, and if it falls short of funding, the needed money is drawn from the rest of our revenue, essentially creating an automatic budget cut for other state services,? <strong>Beebe</strong> said in a letter to lawmakers.<br /> <br /> The veto leaves funding for the Board of Apportionment, which will shape new political districts for elected officials, without funding.<br /> <br /> ?My office is working with the Secretary of State's office to determine what, if anything, can be done this year regarding the Board of Apportionment,? <strong>Beebe</strong> added.<br /> </font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=a4650053-73cd-432c-ba9f-a5aa8ed2f775&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ There... [...]]]>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:53:56 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong>Arkansas Secretary of State Charlie Daniels</strong> kicked off the official filing period for Arkansas elected officials.<br /> <br /> There are 108 state, federal and district races and 11 nonpartisan judicial seats open for filing.<br /> <br /> ? It may be the ?Year of the Tiger? in China, but it?s looking more and more like the ?Year of the Horse? here in Arkansas,? said<strong> Daniels</strong> in introducing <strong>Oaklawn track announcer Terry Wallace.<br /> <br /> </strong>Little Rock?s<strong> Tim Griffin</strong>, Republican running for 2nd District Congress, was the first to file his paperwork with the state GOP.?<strong> State Rep. Randy Stewart </strong>of Kirby was the first Democrat to file for office.<br /> <br /> You<strong> </strong>can keep up with all the candidate filings for the statewide and federal races at <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://bit.ly/9yFWnk">this link</a></font></strong>.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=58a34dcf-abd6-458a-9b1f-87aae96ac521&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ <br... [...]]]>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:22:38 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong>Bill Halter?s</strong> leap into the U.S. Senate Democratic primary will open up the Lt. Governor?s seat.? So who now enters that race?<br /> <br /> <strong>State Sen. Shane Broadway</strong> is likely the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination.? Although he?s not on the record, <strong>Broadway</strong> has been organizing for a Lt. Governor?s race in the event that <strong>Halter</strong> would vacate. Expect to hear news on <strong>Broadway's</strong> formal intentions today and an announcement mid-week.<br /> <br /> Several Democrats in the state legislature that were thinking about a possible Lt. Governor bid had said privately that they would defer to <strong>Broadway</strong> if the seat opened up.? Other Democratic candidates could surface with the open seat status of the office.<br /> <br /> Republican <strong>Mark Darr</strong> has declared his intentions for the seat, too.? But word has it that other Republicans will now eye an open Lt. Governor?s seat. ?<br /> <br /> <strong>Jason Tolbert</strong> with <strong>The Tolbert Report </strong>says that former State Rep. and former 2nd District Congressional candidate, <strong>Marvin Parks</strong>, is pondering a Republican run. <strong>UPDATE: Parks</strong> now tells me he's unlikely to run.<br /> <br /> Other challengers are likely to emerge.? We?ll update as the tips come in.</font> http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=5dbf65b4-6764-4598-ab82-4d61ce6f186d&WeblogID=cc24fc6b-d9a7-4647-b991-53b1cec2eec4<![CDATA[ ended months of speculation this morning by releasing a video of his intentions to run in the Democratic primary for... [...]]]>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:45:02 GMT<font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000"><strong>Lt. Gov. Bill Halter</strong> ended months of speculation this morning by releasing a video of his intentions to run in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.? You can watch the video at <strong><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://www.billhalter.com/">this link</a></font></strong>.<br /> <br /> <strong>Halter</strong> will file paperwork on Tuesday to formally declare his candidacy.<br /> <br /> Here is a transcript of the video:<br /> <br /> "Today I'm announcing that I will run in the Democratic primary for the United States Senate.? Washington is broken.? It?s working for the special interests, not Arkansas families.? Bailing out Wall Street with no strings attached while leaving middle class Arkansas taxpayers with the bill.? Protecting insurance company profits instead of protecting patients and lowering health costs.? Bickering and engaging in partisan games while unemployment is at a 25-year high.? Enough is enough.? It's past time to put more Arkansas values in Washington.<br /> <br /> This is not a decision I make lightly.? Serving Arkansas as your Lt. Governor for the past three years has been an incredible honor. Shanti and I have carefully considered the implications for our family and we appreciate the encouragement we have received from every corner of the state.? <br /> <br /> In the end I cannot stand by while jobs are shipped overseas, seniors are pushed to the brink and big banks and insurance companies get bailed out while Arkansans are left to pay for a mess we didn?t create.<br /> <br /> We know it is possible to stand up for Arkansas values and Arkansas families and get things done, because we have done it right here in our state.<br /> <br /> Our toughest fight was to establish the scholarship lottery. Most believed it couldn't be done. But I took a principled stand that Arkansas voters should decide this issue for themselves and Arkansans approved the scholarship program by almost two to one.? This year alone we'll help over 20,000 Arkansas families pay for college - without raising taxes. Working in President Clinton?s budget office, I helped balance the federal budget for the first time in 40 years. <br /> <br /> As a leader of Social Security I helped fight off the Republican and Wall Street schemes to privatize it.??? When the legislature moved to increase their pay in these tough economic times, I gave my increase to charity. <br /> <br /> Creating good paying jobs. Providing education and opportunity for all who work hard and play by the rules.? Protecting seniors and families.? Fiscal responsibility.? Standing up to the special interests.? These are my principles I?ve stood up for here in Arkansas ? and these are the principles I'll take to Washington."<br /> <br /> <strong>UPDATE: </strong>Liberal grassroots group, <strong>MoveOn.org</strong> has already mobilized to raise money for <strong>Halter?s</strong> Senate bid.? In an email released this morning, <strong>MoveOn</strong> asked its members for small donations:<br /> </font><blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">So a major coalition of progressive groups has set a goal of raising $500,000 for Bill Halter this week. That'd make headlines, but it'll take 16 donations from Little Rock to meet the goal?can you chip in $5?</font><br /> <br /> <font size="2" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Bill Halter has a progressive record as lieutenant governor and he's willing to take on big corporations when he gets to Washington.</font><br /> </blockquote>