ARRA Endorsed Candidates

Prior to the 2006 primary, the Arkansas Republican Assemblies (ARRA) endorsed the following candidates all of whom are now also candidates in the general election::
Asa Hutchison for Governor
Jim Holt for Lt Governor
Gunner Delay for Attorney General
Jim Lagrone for Secretary of State
Andy Mayberry for US Congress, 2nd Dist
John Boozman for US Congress, 3rd Dist

The ARRA was chartered August 9, 1997 under the National Federation of Republican Assemblies which has a 70 year history of success as a true grassroots organization. The ARRA is dedicated to working within the Republican Party to promote active participation of our members toward the endorsement, support and election of conservative Republican candidates. Note: ARRA members are also encouraged to work for and to support Republican candidates of their choice for other 2006 offices. For more info: http://ar.gopwing.com/

Willet Struggles Defending His Party Candidates

Jason Willett, AR Dem. Party Chair, struggles to defend gubernatorial candidate Mike Beebe's position on teaching intelligent design alongside evolution in the public schools and lt governor candidate Bill Halter's position on homosexuals being foster parents.

Willett also fielded tough questions during his appearance before the Senior Democrats of Northwest Arkansas, including, "On the issue of intelligent design, is he (Beebe) pandering or just ignorant?" Beebe's campaign released a statement this week saying that he believes in intelligent design, a belief that gives a role to a guiding creator in the development of life. However, Beebe said later that news accounts did not quote his statement fully, leaving out a sentence which said: "As a matter of law, the United States Supreme Court prohibits teaching intelligent design in the public schools at this time." Responding to the question, Willett said Beebe was neither pandering nor ignorant, that his original statement on intelligent design "might have been a gaffe," and that Beebe has since explained his position in detail.

Audience members also questioned Willett on the issue of gay foster parents. While the state Supreme Court ruled recently that the state's regulation against allowing gay foster parents was unconstitutional, leading AR Democrats except for candidate Bill Halter have said they don't approve of allowing homosexuals to serve as foster parents. "I'm the chairman of the state Democratic Party, and I have a problem with the adoption of children by gay parents, and I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman."

Where does Bill Halter stand on homosexual adoption?

The AR Supreme Court ruled (6/9/06) that AR DHS didn't have the authority to stop homosexuals from serving as foster parents. Senator Jim Holt, candidate for Lt. Governor said, "It's odd to me that 75 % of Arkansans voted for a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in 2004 and now in 2006 the court is putting children, who have no say in the matter, in that environment. That's just wrong. Arkansas' motto is 'The People Rule' not the judges rule."

All other statewide Democratic and Republican candidate have said they are opposed to allowing gays to be foster parents - EXCEPT for Bill Halter who said, "I want to look at the ruling in order to get a better understanding of what was on the court's mind, but also dig into some of the basic facts" And, "I would like to have people not try to use this for any sort of political gain."

Holt contends, "The people need to know where Halter stands before they vote. This issue will determine what happens to numerous children who have in most cases already experienced deep pain. My opponent should clearly state his positions on this subject. Halter's position will reflect his philosophy on other important issues related to this topic." [Senator Jim Holt Press Release 8/8/06]

The Bottom Line: Will Bill Halter support and help pass a law preventing homosexuals from adopting or giving foster care to some of our most vulnerable children? Where does Halter stand on civil unions for homosexuals and hate crimes including sexual orientation? While Halter waffles, Senator Jim Holt positions are clear. Holt stand with the majority of Arkansans desiring the protection of children.

Liberal Press - Not Voter's Friend

Beebe Election-Year Flip Flop On Grocery Tax Repeal?

Little Rock - Asa Hutchinson questioned the credibility of Attorney General Mike Beebe's claim in a new television ad launched this week that he would eliminate the sales tax on groceries in Arkansas.

Despite paying lip service to cutting the grocery tax during his 20 years in the state Senate, Beebe never did show the leadership or take the action necessary to get it done. Even more significant, Beebe actually fought efforts to eliminate this very tax just a few years ago. Hutchinson pointed to a 2002 ballot proposal that Attorney General Beebe publicly opposed. [Food Tax Question Pending Before High Court, AP, 10/10/2002}

In July, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette chronicled the tax records of the two candidates, which showed Hutchinson's consistent support for tax reform and relief throughout his time in Congress and Beebe's support for billions of dollars of tax increases as a member of the Arkansas Senate. [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 7/23/2006]

''Over a two decade career in the state Senate, Mike Beebe continuously and repeatedly raised taxes on Arkansans, with the end result that Arkansas has one of the highest tax burdens in the nation," Hutchinson said. "But now that he's running for Governor, he claims to have discovered the virtues of cutting taxes. ... After 20 years of claiming tax increases are necessary, isn't it a bit of a stretch to think he's suddenly come around to a new way of thinking?" [Press Release - Asa for Governor Campaign]

1st District Congressional Race Heats Up

First District Loses More Jobs: Another sign that we need a new congessional representative that will develop an economic plan for the district. Pocahontas loses over 550 jobs. [Jonesboro Sun 10/10/06]

A regional drug task force received less money from a federal grant this year, limiting its ability to help local police with drug investigations. The 14th Judicial District Drug Task Force received about a $50,000 cut in its main source of funding this year. [Baxter Bulletin 10/10/06]

Berry has agreed to debate Mayor Stumbaugh on AETN October 25th. However, Mayor Stumbaugh says one is not enough. On. Wednesday, He officially challenged Marion to 3 more debates. Stubby asked that all be in front of a live audience, and at least one of them to be in a town hall setting. As of 2pm Friday, Berry has still refused to debate.