Let there be no confusion, says a Republican source: Gov. Mike Huckabee is “very actively campaigning” for the Republican ticket.

House Speaker Bobby Hogue, a Democrat, complained to the governor recently about campaigning against Democratic legislative candidates–not good for gubernatorial-legislative relations, you understand. Hogue and Huckabee met after reports that Huckabee had spoken warmly of Democrat Rep. David Choate’s Republican challenger, Randy Minton of Cabot.

Advertisement

A Huckabee spokesman insisted the governor was not campaigning on behalf of Republican candidates, only responding to some partisan remarks by Choate.

Well, how about this? Huckabee was the headliner at a $250-a-head fund-raiser for Republican Scott Wallace, who opposes Democratic Rep. Jim Argue for a western Little Rock Senate seat.

Advertisement

“Huckabee is not directly campaigning against incumbent legislators,” a Republican source explains. “Argue is a challenger seeking an open Senate seat, he is not an incumbent.” Argue presumably won’t be placated by the subtle distinction. Huckabee also is speaking at a number of fund-raisers for the party itself. The party, in turn, will spend money to attempt to beat the brains out of Democratic incumbents.

Print headline: “Cash cow.” September 27, 1996.

Advertisement

Be a Part of the Fight

Step up and make a difference by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, the progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock that's been fighting for truth for 50 years. Our tough, determined, and feisty journalism has earned us over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, all of whom value our commitment to holding the powerful accountable. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Join us in the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Arkansas angle in tabloid trash Next article Fame and Damien Echols