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DEMOCRATIC LEADERS
Spotlight: Representative Steve Harrelson

When hearing Rep. Steve Harrelson talk about Arkansas politics, the first word that springs to mind is “enthusiasm.” Harrelson is passionate about all things political. Whether his day involves campaigning, serving, or learning, Harrelson is enamored with all aspects of the process. But, his favorite part is when it all comes together during a session of the General Assembly.

“I love the debate on the floor of the House,” Harrelson said. “I love making public policy, and doing things that improve people’s lives. The best part of this process is the floor debate. It’s exciting and invigorating.”

The 86th Arkansas General Assembly has been full of challenges and successes for its members.

“The biggest challenge we faced this session was the $919 million surplus,” Harrelson said. “We gave some substantial tax cuts, and I think we handled it well. It was a great way to usher in the Beebe era.”

Harrelson’s philosophy for political success is to start small and specialize. This attitude is evident when he talks about the achievements of the Arkansas Legislature since his election in 2004.

“We’ve done lots of good things for Arkansas, but one of our greatest accomplishments was ending the Lake View case, which is something the state has been mired in for a long time,” Harrelson said. “In the last eight to ten years, this is one of the things we can be most proud of as Democrats.”

Harrelson was pleased with the 2007 session, but he still has plenty of goals to keep him busy.

“As we get into future sessions, our number one goal is going to be to put as many Democrats in the State House as possible,” he said. “I’d like to get back to the days when we had a legislature where 85% or more of the House was Democratic. It’s going to take a few terms to get it done, but I think we’ll make it happen.”

If it is not clear when you first meet Harrelson, keep talking with him and you will find out that not only is he committed public servant, but he is also a loyal Democrat. He currently serves as the majority leader in the Arkansas House of Representatives as well as the Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.

“One of our many goals as a caucus is to strengthen the relationship between the House Democratic Caucus and the Democratic Party,” Harrelson said. “I’m looking forward to that.”

Harrelson got into public life by following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Boyd Tackett. Tackett served as Arkansas’s U.S. Representative for the 4th Congressional District from 1949 to 1953. In 1952 he was a candidate for governor. Tackett’s political career ended before the birth of his grandson, but the public service bug was handed down nonetheless.

“I admire all of Arkansas’s political leaders of this area,” Harrelson said. “Dale Bumpers, David Pryor, and Bill Clinton all made an impact on me, but my grandfather is the one who really got me into public service.”

When Harrelson isn’t tending to his legislative duties or practicing law, he is spending time with his family or updating his blog. Sometimes he even combines the two. From time to time a story about his wife, Lori, or his daughter, Camille, will appear on his blog “Under the Dome.”

“I’m a political junkie,” Harrelson said. “I love following Arkansas politics.”

To learn more about Harrelson, go to www.steveharrelson.com. To learn more about Harrelson’s musings on the Arkansas General Assembly and Arkansas politics go to www.underthedome.com and check out “Under the Dome.” A quick story about Camille appeared on Monday.