Fundraising season

While most people would like to see an overhaul of the way political campaigns are funded, as it stands they require lots of donations and/or personal money. Fundraising is just a necessary component of political campaigns in order to get your message to the people, and the amount of money a candidate can raise is generally -- but not always -- a pretty good barometer of how he or she will fare. Several fundraisers are being held across the state this evening ahead of next year's election cycle.

In Russellville, Thomas Akin (D) will kick of his campaign for House District 68 at the historic downtown depot from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In Little Rock, Rep. David Johnson is attending a fundraiser for the Senate seat he is seeking. While not a fundraiser, Sen. Jim Luker (D-Wynne) is holding his 11th annual fish fry. Here in Texarkana (on the Texas-side), a reception is being held tonight for Judge Leon Pesek.

In addition, former Rep. Joyce Elliott will be announcing her intention today to run against incumbent Senator Irma Hunter Brown (D-Little Rock). The announcement will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Capitol. Here's more on that race.