If you can’t beat them, go around them?

Elections, State government

By Steve Brawner, © 2024 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

It’s hard for many groups to get much done via representative democracy in Arkansas these days, so this election season – and maybe in future ones – they are trying the direct democracy route.

As you may have noticed, there are more proposed ballot initiatives this year than voters can shake a stick at. 

Meanwhile, there are few competitive candidate races. The presidential race is a foreground conclusion at this point. The only statewide race will be a special election for state treasurer, which Republican Secretary of State John Thurston almost certainly will win. Republicans will likely maintain their control of more than 80% of the Legislature. Continue reading If you can’t beat them, go around them? →

Maybe blame Hogs’ struggles on the billionaires?

Sports

By Steve Brawner, © 2024 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

The NCAA men’s basketball tournament just completed its second weekend, and for the first time in four years, the Arkansas Razorbacks didn’t play in it.

The Razorbacks advanced to the Elite Eight two straight years under Coach Eric Musselman and then made the Sweet 16 last year, but this year’s squad finished with a losing record at 16-17. The women’s team also did not make the tournament. Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock both fell just short of making the men’s tournament and giving Arkansans something to root for. 

This year’s March “sadness” follows a disappointing football season for the Razorbacks, after which Head Coach Sam Pittman found himself on the hot seat. In baseball, on the other hand, the Razorbacks are ranked number one. 

That bright spot aside, it’s been a frustrating seven months for Razorbacks fans. It’s not the first time that has happened, but what’s new is, it’s harder to know who to blame. 

That’s because two changes have transformed college sports.  Continue reading Maybe blame Hogs’ struggles on the billionaires? →

Arkansas Democrats hope this election is ‘inflection point’

Elections, Politics

By Steve Brawner, © 2024 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

Could this be the election where Arkansas Democrats reverse a decade-and-a-half slide that has left them at times nearly powerless in deciding which laws get passed?

The party’s strategy director, Will Watson, thinks so.

Watson and other Democrats are encouraged by a new poll the party commissioned that described at least 17 competitive “battleground” state legislative districts. Republicans represent 14 while Democrats represent three. Continue reading Arkansas Democrats hope this election is ‘inflection point’ →

Maybe Asa would run with No Labels after all

Politics

By Steve Brawner, © 2024 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

Could former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson be considering a third party presidential bid after all? He’s not shutting the door.

I texted the governor Wednesday evening after hearing through the grapevine that No Labels may be considering him as a potential candidate. That’s the group that’s been trying to put together an independent “Unity” ticket composed of a Republican and a Democrat.

The text conversation occurred a week-and-a-half after one March 11 when he said he was not the right candidate, and the group would need someone with a bigger profile and more money than he. He said he was considering other options in the private sector.

Asked in that second text conversation Wednesday if he was still not interested, he wrote, “No one offers the experience I have. If they can show a path to win and the money needed then I will listen to them.”  Continue reading Maybe Asa would run with No Labels after all →