Friday, November 20, 2009 - 15:47:49
North Little Rock Alderman Cary Gaines, who represents Ward 3, has resigned from the City Council. He confirmed to me last week that he faced federal investigation related to the indictment of an accused Cabot bookmaker and drug dealer who was also accused of trying to influence Gaines to steer city business to an unnamed contractor to generate kickbacks to repay debts owed the Cabot man by Gaines and the contractor.
Here's Gaines brief resignation letter. He had called me to say it would be coming and that he would have no further comment, on advice of his attorney, Chuck Banks.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 15:14:03
Columnist Joe Conason, in Little Rock this week to follow Bill Clinton for a coming book, dipped into senatorial politics and found an incumbent U.S. Senator, Blanche Lincoln, looking weak rather than thoughtful. He found pressure from Lt. Gov. Bill Halter and a free health clinic and a not-thinly-veiled bit of advice from Clinton, whose political sense is pretty good.
On the very same day that Blanche Lambert Lincoln will finally vote on whether to allow healthcare reform to reach the Senate floor, thousands of the dithering Arkansas Democrat's uninsured constituents will be lining up to see doctors at a free medical clinic in Little Rock. Anticipating this remarkable coincidence, Lincoln may even realize that conservative ideologues and insurance lobbyists are not the only voices that should command her attention during this debate.
Then, recalling Clinton's speech:
Clinton asked his audience, which included hundreds of Democratic donors and activists, to imagine a scenario in which he could somehow run for a third term as president (which drew enthusiastic applause). Then he asked them to consider what would happen if he offered the following campaign promise:
"If you elect me again, the first thing I'm going to do is put a $900 billion tax on you ... I'm going to have the government print the money, and put it on elevated flatbeds, and display it along the national mall. And we're going to broadcast this ceremony on national television. And then I'm going to motor myself from one end of that $900 billion to the other, sprinkling Kerosene on it, and then I'm going to set it afire and watch it burn.
"How many people do you think would vote for me?" he demanded. "If you don't want to reform healthcare, that is your position. That is what you are advocating."
Lincoln wasn't there, but she could have heard the roaring laughter all the way back in Washington.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 12:43:39
Rock Candy, our entertainment blog, has details on cancellation of Billy Joel/Elton John concert at Verizon Arena.
Says here that FBI is taking a look at a cop's Tasering of an Ozark girl, 10, who refused to take a shower.
Jordan Johnson tweets and twitpics that students at the Clinton School of Public Service (above) are getting some words of wisdom from a sure-enough public servant.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 12:02:26
State Supreme Court Justice Annabelle Clinton Imber has retired, leaving a position for Gov. Mike Beebe to fill by appointment for a year until an election in 2010.
How's this for an intriguing candidate for that appointment -- Bill Bowen, retired lawyer, banker, gubernatorial chief of staff, UALR law school namesake? He's a spry 86.
The governor's office isn't saying, of course. But his name is going around.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 11:41:07
Not all doctors are on the Republican bandwagon. One writes to me:
All the anti-reform 'no gub-mint' in health care Docs had ALL of their salary during their residency paid for by the Feds. If they hate the govenment so much, how 'bout they repay all that, with interest?
FYI, for this year, interns, i.e. first year after graduation, is about $45,000.
If it were up to me, I would make med school tuition free and strictly merit based. As it is now, folks graduate w/ $100k in student loan debt, and it is patients who re-pay that plus huge interest. You could cut physician salaries right off the bat.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 11:14:27
Surprise. The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce does not want debate to open on health care legislation in the Senate. It wants it killed dead, now. It is rallying troops to pressure Sens. Pryor and Lincoln to filibuster what is traditionally a routine procedure to open debate.
Pryor has already indicated he'd allow debate. Lincoln has been holding out, but Sen. Ben Nelson provides the template for an aye vote to open debate:
This weekend, I will vote for the motion to proceed to bring that debate onto the Senate floor," Nelson says. "The Senate should start trying to fix a health care system that costs too much and delivers too little for Nebraskans."
"In my first reading," Nelson said, "I support parts of the bill and oppose others I will work to fix. If that's not possible, I will oppose the second cloture motion--needing 60 votes--to end debate, and oppose the final bill."
On the jump is the chamber's e-mail to its people (you can use the same instructions to send a different message to the senators):
Continue Reading »
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 09:59:47
The
unemployment rate in Arkansas rose from 7.1 percent in September to 7.6 percent in October.
National details here.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 09:22:08
Law enforcement sources say two suspects are in custody following the shootout Thursday night that left a Garland County sheriff's officer wounded and a suspect dead in a raid aimed at suspects in five slayings in Garland County Nov. 12.
The basics as told to me: Information was developed that led to issuance of a search warrant related to a weapon taken from one of the two nearby homes in which five people were found slain in rural Pearcy on Nov. 12.
Shooting broke out at a Hot Springs motel when officers tried to enter Thursday night. An officer suffered wounds to the head and is in stable condition today at UAMS. One suspect was killed. Two suspects fled. Authorities later arrested them without violent incident in traffic stops early this morning in Hot Springs.
Drugs will be involved in the unraveling of this tale, my source says, though Hot Springs authorities have been tight with details so far.
The sheriff's office has identified Marvin Stringer, 22, as the suspect killed by officers Thursday night. In custody are Samuel Conway and Jeremy Tickney, both 23.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 09:11:01
Copy to Sen. Lincoln:
Survey says an overwhelming majority of Arkansas voters -- regardless of feelings on the legislation itself -- want debate in the Senate on the health reform bill. AND an up or down vote on the bill.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 06:29:09
From KARK Facebook page:
A 68-year-old woman was accidentally shot in the thigh by her husband while hunting in Grant County. He thought he was shooting at a deer. She's expected to make it.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 06:23:03
There are many lies from which to choose. Joan Walsh points out one Republican lie about "breast panels."
Republicans claim bureaucrats will deny mammograms to women under 50 thanks to Obama's push for reform.
It's an enormous lie. Various government advisory panels have been trying to ratchet up the age for women to begin routine mammograms (from 40 to 50) going back to the Clinton administration through the George W. Bush administration and now, again, in the Obama administration. I'm not sure which side is right; I know doctors and breast cancer advocates on both sides of the issue. All I know is the recent recommendations have nothing to do with so-called Obamacare.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 06:19:16
Will Phillips makes the Daily Show. And wrestler Mick Foley promises to bring a world of pain to anybody who messes with him.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 17:07:07
I'm moving to the Hillcrest bureau.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 15:49:14
St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center is opening a neuroscience institute with a team of three
neurosurgeons, including two big name doctors who recently departed UAMS --
Dr. Ali Krisht and
Dr. Osama Al Mefty.
Continue Reading »
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 15:28:48
Despite a change in federal recommendations,
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its related
Health Advantage will continue to cover
mammograms for women 40 and over who have "wellness" coverage.
Release here.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 14:26:40
Huffington Post takes note of a lightly covered speech by Mike Huckabee in which he termed "deplorable" and "shameful" the actions by Republicans who criticize every act by President Obama. He mentioned those who accused Obama of setting up a photo op by meeting the returning bodies of dead service members at a Delaware base and who criticized Michelle Obama for welcoming trick-or-treaters at the White House.
The underlying point, Huckabee concluded, was that knee-jerk criticism to the president was counter-productive to civil debate. "I hated it when people did that to George Bush," he said. "They couldn't even laugh at the man's jokes they found something wrong with everything and if we do that to Barack Obama, then shame on us, shame on us. No wonder our country is so divided when that happens."
Good for Huck.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 13:34:20
The Billionaire Koch Family's snake oil show, Toe-sucking Bro. Dick Morris lead pitchman, apparently has arrived in town to peddle its anti-healthcare sermon. A note from Capitol observer:
The "we hate poor people" bus is here. Looks like about 200-250 people, age range 40-70 (plus a few kids who should be in school), and I've only counted two non-white people in the crowd. Lots of yelling and booing, though.
If you must have some straight coverage ...
ALSO: The Democratic Party backgrounds these bozos. Its news release:
Continue Reading »
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 13:26:17
Might this statement mean Sen. Lincoln might actually allow debate on a health care bill?
Key sentence:
Importantly, even if the Senate decides to open debate on this measure, there will be many days and weeks of efforts to improve it and I will look forward to your comments and observations.
Maybe she hears Bill Halter's footsteps. National writers are prowling all over Arkansas today. They saw Olbermann last night. They noticed a simple two-letter word -- no -- was missing when he was asked if he was considering a run for U.S. Senate in the 2010 Democratic primary. He essentially declined to answer the question.
Here's an article out on the pressure Halter is putting on Lincoln from the Democratic side. There's a minor jumble on something attributed to me regarding the Progressive Change Policy Committee. I know nothing about them. I had made a remark about some differences on polling methodology by someone else. Also, just to be clear, I didn't describe Halter as an outspoken supporter of gay rights. I mentioned only that he'd declared his opposition to initiated Act 1, meant to ban adoption by gay couples. That's enough to get the more sweeping brand with some, of course.
Noted: White House heaping praise on Lincoln for her constructive work to make a better health care bill. But wait: Is a recommendation from Hussein Obama really what a candidate for office in darkest Arkansas wants these days?
ALSO: Zogby polling shows Lincoln in a little better shape against Republican opponents than some other polls, but still indicates health care a death vote. I still say health care is a negative in a vacuum, but not necessarily if Congress actually extends health care to millions more Americans, ends arbitrary insurance company rules, etc.
Continue Reading »
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 11:32:06
Looks like Entergy Arkansas is going to be able to get out of its system agreement with Entergy operating companies in other states. The deal allowed for rate equalization among the states, generally a bad deal for Arkansas.
Here's the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission news release.
FERC chairman notes there will be a new system agreement, so vigilance will be required.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 09:30:07
From this week's Insider: Two weeks ago we reported on the efforts of the Arkansas Society of Freethinkers to put up a winter solstice display on the grounds of the state Capitol. Their application was denied last year because the secretary of state's office said it was not clear on the type of display to be erected. This year, the group submitted a detailed description along with a website, complete with pictures, showing exactly what they had in mind. Their request was, once again, denied.
The reason? Tod Billings, founding member and president of ASF, isn't so sure. The letter the organization received from Charlie Daniels' office simply said their request had been denied and offered no further explanation.
“It's totally a joke,” Billings says. “That letter does not explain what is going on. If there was something offensive in it, they could have pointed that out. But we didn't attack anybody. What other conclusion could be reached other than they are just summarily saying no and free speech is just a sham? That's all there is to it.”
A spokesperson for the secretary of state said the display was not "consistent with the holiday tone" they are trying to create on the Capitol grounds.
Continue Reading »
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 09:29:44
Through Wednesday afternoon, more than 900 people had signed up for appointments for free medical checks at the mass free clinic to be held from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Statehouse Convention Center. A spokesman said on the radio this morning that the doctors and nurses will also try to accommodate walk-ins, but ulimately time will limit how many can be seen.
The Obama organization is organizing volunteers to staff the event to encourage participants to call their congressmen in support of health reform legislation. (PS: these workers won't be inside at the clinic itself, which is non-partisan. But they'll be free to to roam outside, as are teabaggers, etc.)
UPDATE: A spokesman for the national free clinics group said more than 1,000 have signed up for reservations and, with 1,200 medical volunteers ready to work, the clinic should be able to accommodate up to 1,500 patients. (In case you wondered, volunteers have to provide licenses and those licenses are double-checked with licensing agencies for validity before the volunteers can work.) Little Rock turned out more volunteers than Houston, Texas did. That's pretty amazing.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 09:24:35
Roby Brock's Talk Business is reporting a round of layoffs at
Verizon Wireless' big Little Rock operation, the former
Alltel workforce. Numbers are not being released. Verizon says they are not substantial, but Roby's reporting hints they are not insignificant either. Laid-off workers will be eligible, a spokesman notes, for call center jobs Verizon is filling.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 08:12:28
Business Week says Springdale is again this year the best city in Arkansas for raising kids. Criteria: School performance, number of schools, household expenditures, crime rates, air quality, job growth, family income, museums, parks, theaters, other amenities, and diversity.
Affordability, safety and school test scores were given the greatest weight.
Runners-up were Fayetteville and Rogers.
SPEAKING OF CHICKENOPOLIS: Tyson Foods has a new CEO, Donnie Smith, who'd been a senior VP.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 06:31:38
More kind words from John Brummett for Will Phillips of West Fork, an international symbol for his decision not to participate in Pledge of Allegiance exercises as a demonstration of support for those denied liberty and justice in these United States.
Comments from readers worldwide number more than 200 on our original story about Will. Readers who've gotten in touch with Will include Sir Ian McKellen, the British actor who played Gandalf in "Lord of the Rings." It happens to be one of the 10-year-old's favorite movies. McKellen has been an activist for gay rights and Will has been quoted as saying his support for equal treatment of gay people was part of the motivation for his decision. McKellen also plugged Will's story on his Facebook page.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 06:24:51
It has come to this. U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor forthrightly says he'll vote for a routine procedural motion to allow debate on health care legislation. U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln can't even decide that.
The senator said he would vote to advance the measure to debate, but he emphasized that the vote would not be tantamount to supporting the initial version of the bill.
“Not the same,” Pryor replied when asked if voting to open debate was the same as supporting a public option. “We’re in a process … this bill could change quite a bit as it goes on the floor.”
BY THE WAY: An op-ed in New York Times today by Nate Silver and others compares senators' positions with where their states' voters stand on the notion of increasing government spending on health care to cover the uninsured. Arkansas voters, surveys show, favor more spending on health, but Lincoln and Pryor are, at best, on the fence on the health legislation. They share a characteristic with most who stand in the way of health reform -- residency in a state carried by John McCain over Barack Obama.
For instance, Senator Blanche Lincoln, a Democrat who has been a less-than-strong supporter of the present health care bill, recently told The Times, “I am responsible to the people of Arkansas, and that is where I will take my direction.” But where does she look for her cue? Hers is a poor state whose voters support health care subsidies six percentage points more than the national average. On the other hand, Mr. Obama got just 40 percent of the vote there.
Likewise, in Louisiana, where the Annenberg surveys showed health care reform to be popular but where Mr. Obama is not, the Democrats are not assured of Mary Landrieu’s vote.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 19:29:38
Lt. Gov. Bill Halter talked on MSNBC tonight about Saturday's free medical clinic in Little Rock and the shame that a country of America's wealth leaves a half-million or more Arkansans without health coverage.
Lawrence O'Donnell, filling in for Keith Olbermann, asked if there was anything to calls from the left wing of the Democratic Party for a Halter challenge to U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln in 2010.
Halter said he wanted to talk about the clinic and the needs of sick people, not politics.
Sounds like good politics to me.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 16:54:29
You take it from here.
Social notes: CNN's John King is at Doe's. Columnist Joe Conason, who's working on a book on the post-presidential Bill Clinton, can be spotted there before too long, too. He'll be in the company of a gentleman rancher from Perry County, his "The Hunting of the President" co-author Gene Lyons.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 15:20:24
The following takes my mind momentarily off all the grim words I heard at the Clinton Library luncheon about U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln's re-election campaign. Enthusiasm is lacking, to put it mildly. (Speaking of which, more bad poll numbers for her here.)
For entertainment, I recommend Jason Tolbert's report on Republican Scott Wallace cutting up Republican Tim Griffin, an opponent in the race for the 2nd Congressional District nomination, for his Washington, D.C., fund-raising activities.
"[Wallace's] release said that Griffin was “cashing in favors owed to him from his years of work as a Washington, DC political operative.”
The release goes on to say “Vic Snyder and his liberal friends will party like its 2006 if Republicans nominate a candidate who is a former Bush operative so easily tied to the record spending, record deficits, corporate bailouts and lobbyist scandals that caused us to be stuck with Speaker Pelosi and the Obama administration.”
I don't see eye to eye with Wallace on much, but I think he has that part about the Bush record just about right.
Here's an idea. Maybe Wallace could get into the public conduct of some of Griffin's supporters toward U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder and his wife, new mother of triplets? Family values at work there?
In case you missed it, Ernie Dumas' column this week recounts the infamous Graffiti's Incident, in which a Republican doctor's wife (and hostess for a Griffin fund-raiser) bragged about berating Snyder and his wife during dinner last week for his health care vote. Here's the original blog post on that event, with almost 200 comments.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 15:07:22
The Sierra Club pleaded yesterday that environmental regulators not extend the life of the White Bluff coal-fired generating plant because of environmental damage done by such plants to air and water. (Saving ratepayers $1 billion also would be nice.) That sentiment and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee, but not likely move anyone to think more kindly of pending energy legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gases.
But what if somebody told you the pending energy legislation might be critical for preserving the state's fish and wildlife?
THAT might be a successful lobbying angle. They'll be working that angle at a meeting tomorrow in Stuttgart.
Continue Reading »
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 14:42:13
Lt. Gov. Bill Halter is scheduled for an appearance tonight on Countdown with Keith Olbermann on MSNBC. The segment is expected to air about 7:15 p.m. our time.
Halter will talk about the free medical clinic to be held Saturday in Little Rock, an event promoted by Olbermann that Halter has helped to arrange.
Olbermann's recent report on a mass clinic in New Orleans undoubtedly will have sad parallels in Little Rock -- people carried on gurneys to hospitals, advanced cancer discovered , people who haven't seen a doctor in years because they couldn't afford it, untreated pain, etc.
The point needs no explanation.
There's been some talk Olbermann will be in town Saturday. He missed the New Orleans event to be with his ailing father.