Sen. Michael Lamoureux will be Asa Hutchinson’s chief of staff when he takes  office as governor. He’ll be a popular choice among people in both parties.

Lamoureux, a lawyer, was a central figure in passage of the private option expansion of Medicaid. Can a special election to replace him produce a similarly inclined senator? Or might one of the Tea Party group find a Scott Flippo type to switch the seat for Obamacare purposes?

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The Hutchinson announcement:

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Governor-Elect Asa Hutchinson has announced State Senator Michael Lamoureux, of Russellville, as his Chief-of-Staff and Director of Transition. Sen. Lamoureux served as a member of the State House in 2003, 2005, and as House Minority Leader in 2007. He currently serves as Pro Tem of the State Senate, a position he has held since 2013. He was first elected to the Senate in 2009.

Governor-Elect Hutchinson issued the following statement:

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“Michael is a trusted friend and is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable leaders on the operation of state government. I am grateful for his willingness to be part of my future administration. This is why I am pleased to announce he will serve as my chief-of-staff in the governor’s office and director of my transition team. Not only does Michael bring an ample amount of institutional knowledge of the state’s legislature, having served in both chambers in leadership positions, but he is well respected by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

“My six-point plan to grow our economy and create jobs in our state starts by lowering taxes for Arkansas’ middle class, and I believe Michael has the qualities and experience to help accomplish my goals as Governor.”

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State Senator Lamoureux issued the following statement:

“I am honored by this opportunity and look forward to working in the Hutchinson Administration. I believe my time in the state legislature and my knowledge of both bodies have provided me with the tools and experience to help accomplish Asa’s plan as the next Governor of Arkansas.”

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