It was a good week for …
FUNDRAISING. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike Ross raised $1.2 million in the latest quarter, which puts him over $3 million since he announced in April. Sen. Mark Pryor and his opponent, U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton, announced similarly large hauls — $1.035 million for Pryor and $1.065 for Cotton. Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor John Burkhalter raised $530,00 in the quarter, more than incumbent Lt. Gov. Mark Darr spent in two years of campaigning. Republican gubernatorial challenger Asa Hutchinson’s fundraising numbers weren’t available at press time.
FOURTH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS. Former FEMA director James Lee Witt said he’s 80 percent sure he’ll make a run for Congress. He’s been urged to run by former President Bill Clinton, Mike Ross, Vice President Joe Biden and others.
IDIOCY. Johnny Howard, owner of Smokin’ Joe’s restaurant in Rogers, posted on his restaurant a sign reading, “OBAMACARE AMERICA’S PUNISHMENT FOR SLAVERY YEARS.” He took the sign down after complaints, but defended putting it up by saying, “History’s told us when we sit idly by, and don’t do anything, bad things happen to good people. To me I was comparing that to the people that are just not speaking up enough about this Affordable Care Act.”
It was a bad week for …
ARKANSANS’ ABILITY TO DECIPHER CURRENT EVENTS. A new Talk Business-Hendrix College poll found that a plurality of Arkansans, 40 percent, blame President Obama and the Democrats for the government shutdown. Thirty-five percent blame Republicans and 24 percent say the parties are equally to blame, the poll found.
THE LITTLE ROCK TECHNOLOGY PARK. The Tech Park Authority Board once again punted on selecting a site for the Tech Park, though it promised to take a vote Oct. 23. Meanwhile, Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola has called for more delay. His opinion should matter, considering Little Rock is expected to invest $22 million into the park.
THE ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS. South Carolina trounced the Hogs 52-7 at homecoming in Fayetteville. Arkansas is 0-3 in the SEC for the first time since 2007. Next up? At Alabama.