Arkansas Democrats

Arkansas Dem Chair: Two to Watch

Over at the Think Tank blog, my counterpart Blake Rutherford references our discussion last night on “Talk Business with Roby Brock” about the upcoming party chair race for the state Republicans. In keeping with the insular, circular and incestuous nature of the Arkansas blogosphere, I’ll return the favor and highlight HIS remarks from last night’s show on candidates to lead the state Democratic Party in the next election cycle.

Vince Insalaco, left, and since I couldn't find a photo of Steve Ronnel, '60s girl group sensation The Ronettes.
Vince Insalaco, left, and since I couldn't find a photo of Steve Ronnel, here's '60s girl group sensation The Ronettes.

Rutherford floated two names in last night’s show: Vince Insalaco and Steve Ronnel, both Little Rock-based and both with long histories with the state Democratic Party.

On the Dem side, there’s less of a “race” than on the GOP side, since the decision rests with Gov. Mike Beebe—but these appear to be the two leading candidates right now. (Yes, both Insalaco and Ronnel were included on the longer list I floated a couple of weeks ago when we were “rumor-mongering” this item.)

Rutherford suggested that the incoming chair needs to be prepared to serve as an agent for advancing Beebe’s agenda and rallying the party grassroots to maintain enthusiasm and momentum.

For more on the GOP race, now down to former state Sen. Doyle Webb and Fayetteville businessman Joseph Wood, click here. At this point, it’s widely believed that Webb holds the inside track here, with the state party to vote on Saturday, December 13.

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3 thoughts on “Arkansas Dem Chair: Two to Watch

  • Bro the Plumber

    These two are both on “Pryor’s Team”. Don’t you think Beebe wants somebody from his team as Dem Chair instead? Bill Gwatney (rest his soul) was such a person.

    Reply
  • David Kinkade

    Well, he did appoint someone on “Pryor’s Team” to succeed Gwatney for the remainder of the ’08 cycle….
    D.

    Reply
  • Bro the Plumber

    As a placeholder. Probably done more out of respect. The Party ED ran the election strategy, not David Pryor. There’s a reason he wasn’t a permanent appointment.

    Reply

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