Reassessing the assessment process

Today's Benton County Daily Record calls on the Legislature to revise the reappraisal process. Like Benton County, Miller County reappraised property this year (it's required on a three-year cycle). I've heard from many constituents who call about an unusually high increase in the appraised value of their residence or business, even though the value actually fell in a tough housing market. They don't mind an increase, they tell me, so long as the appraised value is accurate and not just some arbitrary number that does not take changing real estate market conditions into account.

Also today, Stephens Media resports on an AG's opinion published yesterday about the definition of "similarly situated" properties. McDaniel says the Legislature must determine the definition. The statute in question is Ark. Code Ann. §26-27-315, which states in part that the county board of equalization shall not raise or lower the value of any property without reviewing values of similarly situated properties.

It also states in part that the reasons for lowering or raising the valuation of property shall be limited to [situations where] the assessment is unfair compared with other properties of the same kind similarly situated, evidenced by the fact that the property is assessed higher than neighborhood properties of the same use, size, materials, and condition. Looks like a sufficient definition to me, but recisions do need to be made so that property owners can be assured that all economic factors are taken into account when an appraised value is made to their home or business.

Arkansas editorials on yesterday's events

Texarkana Gazette:

In the end, lawmakers decided it was better to stand up to the administration and their own leadership than to face angry voters with elections looming just a few weeks away...The fearmongering didn't work.

Things could well get tough for a while on Wall Street. We will likely feel some of the effects on Main Street. But even if there is no taxpayer bailout, we are confident the economy will eventually get back to normal. Don’t bet against the U.S.A.

NWA Morning News:

Politics got the better of too many members of Congress Monday. Arkansas's delegation, however, showed leadership.

DFA economist on the Arkansas economy

John Shelnutt, Arkansas's chief economist, said yesterday that even though our economy has outperformed many other states recently, it won't take much to tip us. Job growth here is barely positive, and lending may become a problem once credit conditions move from the big banks down to regional and small ones. Here's more from the Arkansas News Bureau, which also looks at the impact of yesterday's market pluynge to 401(k) plans and the state teacher's retirement system.

Bailout fails in House vote, Dow plunges 777 points

I'm rounding up the Arkansas votes now:
Update:
Marion Berry: Yes
John Boozman: Yes
Mike Ross: Yes
Vic Snyder: Yes

Here's a link to the bill.

Update II: There's been one switch on the board. 10 more need to change their mind or it fails. Update III: Times runs out, and the motion for reconsideration is tabled -- it's over, and it doesn't sound like there's a Plan B. The House is expected to adjourn. A new vote is planned according to the leadership.

Update IV -- Let the finger-pointing begin: Although the split was hardly along partisan lines, fingers are being pointed in partisan directions. Republicans blame an inflammatory pre-vote speech by Speaker Pelosi on the bill's failure. Her office fires back: "You don't vote on a speech, you vote on a bill." Seems a vote of this magnitude wouldn't be called for a vote without confidence that it would pass. It put American markets (and others that are currently open) in a freefall.

Update V: The Political Fallout: Many are calling this a failure of DC, but Joe Scarborough weighs in on how it affects the presidential race. There's no doubt that it hurts McCain in that (1) he suspended his campaign to work on this legislation, (2) took credit for the bill, and (3) pledged to deliver Republican votes, which didn't materialize. Now, Obama calls on Congress to stay in Washington and get it done. The closing bell provides a merciful end to the day with the Dow down over 777 points -- the largest single-day point drop since September, 2001 ever.

State House ads

Political television ads at the State House level have yet to surface for the most part, largely because of the cost associated with running ads on cable (and especially broadcast tv). Most candidates who have the money will wait until three weeks from election day to begin running tv ads on the air, and we're still five weeks out.

The only new House ad this week comes from Thomas Akin (D-Russellville), who's locked in a tight race with Republican Andrea Lea to replace term-limited Rep. Michael Lamoureux (R-Russellville) in House District 68:

Alamo case serves as test for DHS

DHS has been under fire recently over the deaths of four foster children and the conviction of one man who admitted having sexual contact with boys placed in his care by the state. Andrew DeMillo writes that the agency has a chance at redemption over its handling of the high profile Tony Alamo case originating from my back yard down here.

Bailout deal struck, awaits vote in U.S. House -- UPDATE

McCain, Obama tentatively support rescue plan

The $700 bailout package is now in legislative form, and the president claims it addresses the root cause of the financial crisis and will help it from spreading throughout the economy. Congressional leaders say that the legislation should be ready for floor action in the House later today. Meanwhile on Wall Street, declines of stock index futures suggest that major equity indexes will see declines of at least 2% or more at this morning's open. Wachovia's down 81% and is expected to be acquired by Citigroup today.

Here's a synopsis of the 116-page bailout bill:
• Cost: $700 billion over three installments ($250 billion immediately);
• Who's in charge?: Sec. of the Treasury, but in consultation with others
• Equity stake in participants: Participants must give gov't warrants for stock
• Debt insurance: Participants can pay premiums that guarantee troubled assets
• Oversight: A congressional panel, inspector gen., regular audits and disclosure
• Mortgages: Gov't must approve reasonable adjustments on mortgages it acquires
• Foreign banks: Can participate w/ compulsory stake acquisition by the US gov't
• Executive compensation restrictions: Participants with CEOs with $500K salaries face steep tax consequences

Update (12:35 CDT): The vote is taking place now in the House. Going to be close.

Cystic Fibrosis Milestone Award

I was surprised and honored to receive the Milestone Award for contribution to the CF mission at last night's Breath of Life Gala in Little Rock. Here's a picture of Joshua Lewis of Texarkana, who was the inspiration for Joshua's Law (Act 1931 of 2005, and subsequently Act 1161 of 2007), which has helped to put Arkansas on par with the nation's leaders in newborn screening. Joshua and his family attended the event with me. Experts are hopeful that early diagnosis will lead to better treatment therapies and will eventually help lead to a cure.

The foundation raised thousands of dollars at last night's event, which will be applied directly to researching a cure for this condition.

Arkansas Marathon

Good day for a marathon. This one had good support out on the course with water stations every two miles. Not much will make you swell with pride more than seeing a disabled marathoner complete one of these things in a wheelchair, especially watching them grimace as they put everything they have in trying get up one of the many steep hills in this race.

I'm getting ready to watch the Hogs and Horns on tv here in Little Rock, then I'll check in after tonight's Breath of Life Cystic Fibrosis Gala at the LR Doubletree.

Debate viewer's guide

Here's a guide provided by today's Dallas Morning News on tonight's debate:

Obama	McCain
The Task: Appear presidential; must provide assurance that he's ready.	The Task: Keep hawkish impulses in check; must show he's mentally sharp and physically vigorous
Prep: Spent a few days holed up in Florida.	Prep: Prepped briefly in NY. Reported that MD Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, a prominent black Republican, stood in for Obama.
Debate Experience: 25 debates during primary. Has been described as too long winded but learned to land some punches.	Debate Experience: 30 debates during the '00 and '08 primaries. Has been described as too aggressive and sometimes wooden.
Strengths: Confident, cool-headed, offers well-reasoned but lawyerly answers; his change mantra resonates. Weaknesses: Can come off as detached. A stiff delivery can backfire ("you're likable enough").	Strengths: Comic timing, quick wit, and down-to-earth lingo. Most as ease discussing foreign policy, but can mangle facts (confusing shiite and sunni). Weaknesses: Fiery temper. Any hint of faulty memory tonight would be devastating. More likely to project condescension than respect for an opponent.

Run-up to the debate

McCain wins! So says this ad that's already running on various sites on the 'net hours before the start of the debate. Another ad already running features a quote from McCain campaign manager Rick Davis proclaiming: "McCain won the debate-- hands down."

Vegas odds: If you can believe it, Vegas is laying odds on all sorts of events at tonight's debate: How many times will Obama say change? Who will request the first topic extension? Who will draw the first laughter from the crowd?

Huckabee, other conservatives criticize McCain for proposing to delay debate: McCain is taking shots from some conservatives, including Mike Huckabee about his proposal to delay the debates, and some are claiming that the whole episode left the McCain campaign looking erratic and a bit foolish with no apparent direction or guiding principle. "It just proves his campaign is governed by tactics and not ideology," said Republican consultant Craig Shirley, who advised McCain earlier in this cycle. "In the end, he blinked and Obama did not. The 'steady hand in a storm' argument looks now to more favor Obama, not McCain."

Debate is on

The debate will go forward as scheduled tonight at Ole Miss. I bet the Grove will be filling up as soon as (or before) class is out. The university has placed big-screen TVs among the oaks and magnolias for a massive watch/tailgate party. Click the picture below for a live view.

Legislators meet over Garvan funding

The Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs met yesterday at the Garvan Woodland Gardens, a 210 acre botanical garden located on a Lake Hamilton peninsula near Hot Springs. Legislators were given a laundry list of reasons why Garvan Woodland Gardens should have permanent space in the state’s budget when we convene in January. Click the graphic for the Hot Springs Sentinel Record article.

Negotiations continue, debate still up in air

Officials will continue negotiations today after yesterday's day of chaos. The president will make a statement on the status of the rescue plan in a few minutes. Meanwhile, McCain has yet to confirm whether he'll attend tonight's debate. Obama vows to be there, as will all the networks and a national audience.

Washington Mutual bought
JPMorgan Chase acquired Washington Mutual in a transaction facilitated by the Office of Thrift Supervision and the FDIC yesterday.

From Wall Street to the Ark-La-Tex
Pilgrim’s Pride warned this week that it would breach some agreements with its lenders, highlighting the bind that many companies find themselves in in this economy. The company, which is headquartered in east Texas about an hour from here, already announced this year that it will lay off all 360 employees of its Clinton, Ark. plant and 600 in its El Dorado plant.

Northwest Arkansas Gridiron

“It’s the Comedy, Stupid,” the 2008 Northwest Arkansas Gridiron Show, is written, directed and performed by the local Society of Professional Journalists. The show spoofs newsmakers of the past year in sketch and song -- no public figure is safe. The show is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Rogers Little Theater. Doors open at 7 p.m. for general seating. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at nwagridiron.com.

Freedom Week at Trice Elementary

The Arkansas Legislature created Act 682 in 2003 to designate Celebrate Freedom Week in public schools the last week of September. Here's a photo with the 3rd and 4th graders at Trice Elementary here in Texarkana (Texarkana Gazette photo)

Debating the debate: The Oxford perspective

Here are some opinion pieces from Ole Miss and the surrounding region on Friday's debate, which is still up in the air (Marshall Ramsey cartoon, Clarion Ledger):

Jackson Clarion Ledger: Debate should go on as scheduled
Wendi Thomas (Memphis Comm. Appeal): McCain commits a crafty faux pas
The Daily Mississippian: Walk your talk, McCain
Northeast Miss. Daily Journal: Let debate go on

Arkansas judicial salaries

Increasing funding for public employees deserving of a raise in salary is a perpetual topic in the legislature, which wants to attract top quality talent while keeping an eye on spending. The judiciary last received a pay raise in 1983. A point was made in a committee formed to study judicial pay yesterday that judges have to lobby for pay raises hat in hand before the Legislature, which makes them feel very uncomfortable. Likewise for me, since I make my living trying cases in front of judges. There's an inherent conflict there, and it's not just between lawyer-legislators and judges -- same thing goes for teacher-legislators considering a pay raise for teachers, and on down the line.

That's why there should be some sort of automatic bump for all public employees tied to a regional average and net available revenue to ensure that their pay is commensurate and competitive. That way, there won't be discussions as to whether there's a lingering grudge from the Lake View ruling (there isn't), and we'll be able to attract quality talent in all public positions.

Thursday's national headlines

Wall Street Journal: Financial Crisis Upends Campaign
New York Times: Bush and Candidates to Meet on Bailout; Debate up in air
Washington Post: President: 'Our Entire Economy Is in Danger'
Los Angeles Times: Bush issues direct appeal for support on bailout
Houston Chronicle: Bush warns bailout delay could trigger 'painful recession'
Chicago Tribune: McCain: Postpone Friday's debate
Reuters:Bailout deal near

The bingo tax and the Ft. Smith legislative delegation

The Joint Performance Review Committee took up the bingo tax, which appears to hurt Fort Smith area groups harder than others around the state. It's never really taken hold here on the Arkansas-side of Texarkana like it has on the Texas-side, where the prizes are higher and the games are allowed to be played more frequently.

The legislature enacted a tax to fund enforcement, licensing and regulation of the newly-passed bingo and charitable raffle amendment, and the tax has generated more than anticipated. Many are for a reduction in the tax, and many are for repealing it altogether. We'll be debating changes in the coming session, and the Fort Smith delegation is likely to take the lead in drafting legislation. The governor says administrative costs should come from bingo operations rather than the taxpayers. A couple of the points made in committee:

Rep. Betty Pickett (D-Conway) questioned why lawmakers were discussing the tax when nearly 70% of all money the nonprofits make on bingo goes to the prizes, while 6% ends up in the hands of charities. "My understanding of charitable bingo was that it was for charity," Pickett said. People in the audience hollered out: "No ! No ! No ! No one would play” if the prizes were reduced.

Sen. Dave Bisbee (R-Rogers) said it was interesting that groups were making more money from bingo before it was legalized. "I have found it’s almost always more profitable to be illegal than legal," Bisbee said.

Here's more: Ark. Democrat-Gazette; Ark. News Bureau

State governments and the fixed income market

It's not just pensions that state governments are watching in the current market turmoil. State and local governments are facing costs as high as 9% on variable-rate demand notes as outflows from money-market mutual funds continue. Current conditions have led Regional Bond Dealers Association head Mike Nicholas to call this the "most stressed fixed income market in our lifetimes." Muni bonds are at a six-year high, and some local governments are having to decide whether to try and ride out the storm or pull their general obligation bonds off the market to pay off short term debt. Here's more from Bloomberg.

Katie Couric's Palin interview

Topics: Rick Davis, the bailout, and McCain's leadership:



After watching that, I, for one, am going to be looking very closely at the back of Palin's coat during the VP debate.

McCain calls for Friday's debate at Ole Miss to be delayed

John McCain says he's directing his staff to work with Barack Obama's campaign and the debate commission to delay Friday's debate because of the economic crisis. In a statement, McCain says he will stop campaigning after addressing former President Bill Clinton's Global Initiative session on Thursday and return to Washington to focus on the nation's financial problems.

Update: Ole Miss says the show will go on.

Update II: Obama is speaking live from Florida on the debate now. Obama says this is exactly the time when the American people need to hear from the two who are hoping to become President. You should be able to deal with different things at once, he said. He's prepared to be anywhere at anytime and says he's in touch with congressional and administration officials daily. He believes the debate should go forward.

Update III: The debate commission says the debate will go forward.

Update IV: The suspension of his campaign included a cancellation on David Letterman, who finds out McCain is down the street being interviewed by Katie Couric. He cuts over to the live feed of the interview while taping the Late Show. Here's the video.

Board of Election Commissioners to require training

Poll workers in St. Francis County will be required to undergo training prior to the November election, says the Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners. The requirement stems from the well-known 2006 primary dispute in that county. Here's more from the Democrat-Gazette.

Fair and balanced: Producer dropped over screen moniker

Slow day, so here's some filler from Politico. Fox News has fired Jessica Herzberg, the producer responsible for a chyron that read "Outraged Liberals: Stop Picking On Obama's Baby Mama," while airing a story on Michelle Obama on the news program "America's Election HQ."

Dram shop liability to social hosts in Arkansas?

That's one proposal being recommended to the legislature by the Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention. In other words, if you're having friends over at your home, and someone leaves your house and causes injury to someone else because they were "clearly intoxicated," you could be held liable for the victim's injuries if this proposal becomes law.

It's a doctrine that is currently extended to alcoholic beverage retailers (Ark. Code Ann. §16-126-104), but immunity from civil liability is currently given to social hosts in a 1999 law (16-126-106). Such a proposal could energize both trial lawyers and MADD in support of it. Most social hosts may have liability coverage under their homeowners policy as long as liquor is not sold, so insurers could oppose such a proposal. Todays' Democrat-Gazette covers the task force's first annual report.

Edit: Link fixed.

What prohibits casino gambling in Arkansas?

Is it the Constitution (Article 19, § 14), or is casino gambling only prohibited by statute (Ark. Code Ann. § 5-66-101 to - 119)? Although the Supreme Court hasn't been directly asked to rule on that question, it's now one of the issues to be debated -- at least by the public -- in the Family Council's attempt to have the lottery proposal thrown off the ballot. John Lyon writes about it today.

The Constitution's only mention of gambling, besides bingo and raffles, comes from Article 19 ("No lottery shall be authorized by this State, nor shall the sale of lottery tickets be allowed"). The Supreme Court has taken up that section of the Constitution several times, the first being in 1909, when it ruled in Burks v. Harris that lottery is defined as a "species of gaming, which may be defined as a scheme for the distribution of prizes by chance among persons who have paid, or agreed to pay, a valuable consideration for the chance to win a prize." It later ruled in 1949 that parimutuel betting does not violate the Constitution since the outcome is not governed entirely by chance. The interpretation that forms of gambling that are governed entirely by chance are prohibited by the Constitution would seem to apply to casino gambling, but the court has never addressed that question directly.

One interesting twist. In 2000, an AG's opinion was published that states as follows:

The legislature is free, however, if it chooses, to authorize various forms of "gambling." The legislature may not, however, authorize a "lottery," which is prohibited by the Arkansas Constitution.

That was written by none other than Assistant AG Elana Wills, who is now sitting on the Arkansas Supreme Court.

The No Talk Express

Sarah Palin banned reporters from her first meeting with world leaders today, allowing access only to photographers and a television crew. Since she was named to the ticket on August 29, she's yet to hold a press conference and has given two interviews to Joe Biden's 84. Here's more from the Associated Press.

Absence of political advertising in Arkansas

The lack of high-profile elections in the state is being felt at local television stations and marketing firms. From the Outtakes section of this week's Arkansas Business:

"In a year with competitive statewide elections for governor, senate and president, the Natural State can expect between $20 million and $25 million in political advertising -- this year, I'd be surprised if we see $2 million or $3 million," said Bill Paschall, head of Paschall Strategic Communications in Little Rock.

How elections in nine school districts may affect funding

Nine school districts whose residents rejected millage increases earlier this month will soon be in discussions with Arkansas education officials about funding for school facility improvements. If the failed votes affect the districts' master plans, a determination will have to be made as to whether any safety, health or adequacy issues are impacted. The nine districts identified by Eaton are Blytheville, Caddo Hills, Clarksville, Clarendon, Genoa Central, Greenwood, Harmony Grove (the Saline Co. school, not Ouachita Co.), Helena-West Helena and Westside Consolidated. Here's more from the Associated Press.

Six weeks out

We're 42 days away from election day, and the sign crews and foot soldiers are out in every county knocking on doors and putting up signs. The candidates in the sole state senate race are beginning to unload their gigantic warchests in Faulkner County. Here are the first ads:

Joe White (D)


Sen. Gil Baker (R)

Local taxes and the grocery tax

The Washington County Legislative Affairs Committee took up an issue we've been discussing here in Miller County as well -- giving local governments the option of removing the sales tax on groceries. As it stands, local governments can't vote to remove local sales tax on certain items, making it difficult to compete with bordering states (like Texas) who don't levy a sales tax on groceries. Even if the entire grocery tax were repealed, the 1/8 cent conservation tax will still mean that groceries would include municipal and county taxes unless the legislature takes action.

Teachers' health insurance, school transportation and Lake View

Both active and retired teachers are spending quite a bit on their health insurance premiums. AEA Teachers Union Pres. Dan Marzoni cites a study that shows that Arkansas teachers, on average, pay more for insurance than teachers in any other state. It's an issue several legislators have taken up, including me. There are a few factors working against an increase: gas prices have caused school transportation costs to soar (likely competing for the same dollars), the legislature hasn't historically been given "Lake View" credit for increasing insurance benefits, and the current priorities are geared towards cutting the grocery tax after the adequacy standard has been met.

Here's a recap of yesterday's committee meeting from both the Democrat-Gazette and the Arkansas News Bureau.

About those hefty campaign promises

The $700 billion question

The bailouts' effect on the federal budget was the main topic in Washington today, as insiders await the estimate from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which is responsible for "scoring" the impact on the Treasury of every bill that comes out of Congress. Even proponents of the plan say the hundreds of billions of dollars the Treasury will have to borrow to pay for the bailouts will be committing so much government money that the next administration will have to entirely recast its domestic policy agenda.

Neither presidential campaign has addressed a potential re-drafting of their ambitious policies and are continuing to discuss expanded healthcare plans and tax cuts. Meanwhile, budget writers may very well be looking at a $500 billion or higher budget deficit and at least $11 trillion in national debt after we choke down these bailouts.

Presidential campaigns continuing to attract record crowds

Little doubt that the electorate is as tuned in as it has been in recent history:

Halter to China via El Dorado

Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter will represent Arkansas at a global economic summit in Tianjin, China beginning Sunday. First, though, he'll be the guest speaker when the El Dorado Lions Club meets at noon tomorrow. Halter has criss-crossed the state advocating his Hope for Arkansas lottery plan, and tomorrow will mark his first public event since a lawsuit was filed on Friday seeking to remove the lottery proposal from the November ballot.

Big Dam Bridge 100 vs. Arkansas Marathon

Both the Big Dam Bridge 100 mile bike race and the Arkansas Marathon are taking place in central Arkansas Saturday morning. My crew has all decided on the bike race, but I'm opting for the Arkansas Marathon, mainly to get this nifty finisher's medal for my office. I understand it's a pretty remote and hilly run (too hilly to be certified, in fact).

Also in central Arkansas on Saturday, I'll be attending the Cystic Fibrosis Breath of Life Gala at the LR Doubletree at 7:00 p.m. If you're interested in attending the CF benefit gala, click here to register. Plenty of seats are still available, and we'll see a video made for Joshua Lewis, the Texarkana youngster who inspired Joshua's Law.

Speaking of long runs, the endurance grandaddy of 'em all takes place on the logging roads in the Ouachitas west of Little Rock on October 4-5. Due to forest fires in California, the Arkansas Traveller 100 mile race replaces the Western States 100 as the final leg of the 2008 Grand Slam. I remember reading one runner's account of this race in the Demozette several years ago -- he'd been having some trouble in the latter miles of the race, and around mile 88, he would crest a hill only to see people at the summit of the next hill, thinking it was the finish line. Once he'd get there, though, the people he thought he saw were just trees. Here's the belt buckle you get for finishing that race, but only if you cross the finish line under 24 hours:

Today at lunch -- UPDATED

We'll open our local Dem campaign headquarters here on the other end of the building today at noon. Here's today's article from the Texarkana Gazette.

Update II (Tues.): Here's Tuesday's article in the Texarkana Gazette (Sharayah Sherrod photo).






Update: Here are a few pictures:

FOR Referred Question No. 1

Arkansas voters have the decision in November on whether to give the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission the authority to issue up to $300 million in bonds for a variety of water, sewer, and waste disposal projects. Its passage will give local governments readily available money without raising taxes to fund projects that accompany every expansion project. Its failure would mean that we would lose roughly $14-$20 million per year in federal matching dollars from the Clean Water and Drinking Water Revolving Loan Funds. Voting for this will give all of us access to safe, clean drinking water. The governor is supportive of the measure and will soon be encouraging Arkansans to support this effort. Click here for the particulars.

Another round of disaster declarations

This time for the damage caused by Ike. The governor has declared Carroll, Clay, Cleburne, Garland, Greene, Hempstead, Howard, Izard, Jackson, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Randolph, Sharp and Van Buren Counties state disaster areas due to damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ike. The declaration makes it easier for local governments to coordinate with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and other state agencies during response and repair efforts. Damage assessments continue, and additional state declarations or requests for federal assistance may follow.

Mills: Pipelines are public use

I posted an article last month about an eminent domain case pending in the courtroom of White County Circuit Judge Bill Mills. At issue was whether a natural gas company attempting to lay pipeline which will eventually connect with a transmission line used to take the gas to market is a "common carrier." If so, the company has the authority to petition for an easement across private property. If not, then the use would be deemed to be for private purpose and therefore in violation of Arkansas law.

Judge Mills ruled that "the gathering of this natural gas for shipment to pipelines carrying gas to other states is a public use." Several other pending cases on the same issue will be heard on Oct. 7. An appeal is expected. Here's more from the Searcy Daily Citizen.

Wall Street Socialism

John Brummett reviews the bailouts of the last few weeks, all paid for by a Chinese line of credit. He concludes that the government that is normally reserved to be a political punching bag is the same entity who tosses out a life preserver in the most grim of times.

Just don't expect one for me and you.

Pryor and the chairmanship

Andrew DeMillo's column looks at the role of the party chairman and David Pryor's influence/personality.

NWA Morning News: Strong work by Beebe, McDaniel

The Morning News praises both Governor Beebe and Atty Gen Dustin McDaniel on the fast response to consumers frustrated by potential price gouging at the pump. Prices are almost back to the Pre-Ike prices of last week, and the highest logged in Arkansas over the last 10 days was $4.64 in Osceola. McDaniel is noted for deputizing thousands of Arkansans by urging them to snap pictures with cell phones and e-mail them to his office. Here's the link.

Raid in Fouke -- UPDATED

Agents raided Tony Alamo Christian Ministries in Fouke earlier this evening to execute search warrants over allegations of child pornography. Here's more from the Associated Press. The Democrat-Gazette also has coverage.

Update (7:45 p.m.): The Texarkana Gazette just posted its story.

Update (Sunday): Here's today's front page of the Texarkana Gazette:

Neighborhood beat

I was laying in bed last night around 10:00 (yeah, I know, but I had to get up and run 20 miles this morning), when I heard what sounded like fireworks. I got up to look out the front window and saw flames up over the trees on the house across the lake. Total loss, but no one was injured. No word on a cause yet. The fire dept was getting on the scene about the time I got outside.

Dustin McDaniel released a timely consumer alert on Friday about fire related deaths (we rank number 1 in the nation in them). Here are six easy preventable measures from the AG's office:
1. Install smoke alarms.
2. Never leave food unattended on a stove.
3. Devise a family fire escape plan.
4. Never leave lit candles unattended.
5. Keep cooking areas free of flammable objects.
6. If you choose to smoke in the home, make sure you extinguish cigarettes and don’t leave them unattended.

Tide rolls over Hogs 49-14

Tough game. Here's a pre-game tailgating picture e-mailed in from my brother, who says he was back here about mid-way through the third quarter. Next up: at #7 Texas, #4 Florida, at #10 Auburn.

Four States Fair Parade

The theme of this year's parade that took place this morning was "Paint the Fair Pink" to raise breast cancer awareness. Here are the Arkansas High Cheerleaders:

Electing David Pryor -- UPDATE

That's the sole item on the agenda at this afternoon's Dem state committee meeting here in Little Rock. An open house will take place at the party headquarters afterwards to thank those who contributed to the new paint and carpet in the headquarters following last month's shooting. It's a difficult meeting for many here, as Pryor's election is the last official action necessary to replace Bill Gwatney.

Update (Saturday): Here are a few pictures from yesterday's election and last night's open house at the HQ:

Suit filed to keep lottery off November ballot

The Arkansas Family Council filed an action with the Arkansas Supreme Court this morning to remove the lottery from the ballot. The thrust of the argument seems to be the lack of a definition of "lottery" and that the proposal leaves it up to us legislators to work out the details of the lottery and the scholarships it would fund. Here's more from the Associated Press.

18 Arkansas counties eligible for federal assistance

Governor Beebe received word yesterday that 18 Arkansas counties qualify for public assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Gustav. We can probably expect another declaration for Ike. The counties include: Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Clark, Cleveland, Conway, Dallas, Drew, Garland, Grant, Hot Spring, Lincoln, Montgomery, Perry, Prairie, Saline and Van Buren. Under the declaration, state and local agencies will receive federal funds toward the repair of facilities and infrastructure. It does not include assistance for individual storm victims.

"Mini-trucks" on Arkansas roads

Legislation may be filed in the next legislative session that would allow mini-trucks,which are sold as off-road vehicles, to legally be driven on state roads. Farmers have begun using the vehicles because they get good gas mileage. The proposal was brought before yesterday's Transportation Committee meeting by Rep. Scott Sullivan (D-DeQueen). Here's more from the Arkansas News Bureau.

The proposal would prohibit these trucks from being driven on the interstate. These mini-trucks are currently street legal in some form in Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming. They can be purchased for around $5,500, and they get around 40-50 mpg. The proposed Arkansas legislation will be patterned after Oklahoma's law, which is one of three states that does not impose a speed restriction (other than the posted speed limit). Most other state with a mini-truck law impose a speed restriction of 35 mph and restrict use to city streets.

Dillard's seeks sales tax holiday in Arkansas

A lobbyist for Little Rock-based retailer Dillard's and the Arkansas Retail Merchants Association told the Revenue & Tax Committee this morning that retailers are seeking a sales tax holiday to coincide with the beginning of the school year. The estimated price tag on a three-day tax exemption is about $5 million a year. Arkansas-side retailers here locally take a hit when Texas holds its annual sales tax holiday in August. Here's more from the Associated Press, and here's a poll we held here on the subject last month.

Big Three asking for billions

The Big Three’s chief executive officers met at the U.S. Capitol yesterday with congressional leaders to ask for $25 billion in government loans for the auto industry. The loans would revamp plants in Michigan and other states so automakers can produce more hybrid cars and other fuel-efficient vehicles.

Don't dare call it a bailout, say the automakers. They note that these loans will be paid back with interest and that they were already authorized, though not funded, by the last energy bill. Further, they say that providing the funding is in America’s national interest since it would help wean the U.S. off foreign sources of oil. I'll venture to say that this request gets a very long look, seeing as the money would be sent to swing electoral districts in Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, and Ohio, but maybe I'm just cynical. Here's more from The Hill.

Chancellor Gearhart: More money needed to compete

UA Chancellor David Gearhart made a swing through Texarkana yesterday to talk to alums and to pitch his "students first" agenda. As part of his speech, he made it clear that the UofA is in dire need of additional funding from the Legislature to the tune of about $40 million annually. Upon questioning, he said the university is going to be neutral on the lottery proposal.

This is probably a call for the trustees rather than the chancellor, but here we have a proposal on the table that will support higher education and take care of the university's needs, and the state's colleges and universities have so far declined to carry the banner to try and get this thing passed. Perhaps they've seen poll numbers that show they don't need to help, or maybe it's viewed as too volatile of an issue, but each Arkansas college/university has a database of Arkansans to contact that would make the most capable of political machines jealous.

If the lottery proposal fails, the Legislature will be lobbied to raise/allocate millions in additional revenue to higher education to (1) help students with tuition and (2) the renovation of buildings, which just happens to coincide with both the top two priorities of our colleges/universities and the Scholarship Lottery Amendment. Meanwhile, people here in Texarkana will continue to educate Texans by purchasing lottery tickets and sending all of our money to Austin. If there's a better idea out there to improve higher education in Arkansas by building an educated and local workforce and creating more competitive colleges and universities without raising your taxes, let's hear it.

Four States Fair

Got a late start at the fair, since UA Chancellor Gearhart's event on the Texas-side didn't end until after 7:00. Last night was kids night, and Camille had been looking forward to it all week. That 5:00 am alarm came early this morning, and my running partner thought it would be cool to reel off a couple of miles at 7:15 pace to get started -- not fun just seven hours after I was woofing down a chocolate-covered funnel cake and a corn dog. It was still worth every bite.

Lottery developments -- UPDATE

The Farm Bureau announced today that it will oppose the lottery. Meanwhile, the Trumann Democrat printed an editorial endorsing the proposal today.

Update (Thursday): John Brummett runs down all the reasons to oppose a lottery, and rejects each of them.

Closing bell

Another 450 point loss on the Dow, putting it at its lowest point since November, 2005. Don't even think about looking at that 401K or your investment portfolio. The Nasdaq and the S&P 500 are also down close to 5% each.

Arkansas stocks had a rough day. Wal-Mart (down 4%), JB Hunt (down 6%), Tyson (down 3%), and Murphy Oil (down 3%) took the worst of the hits of Arkansas's public companies.

Chalk one up for drilling Democrats

Election year ploy or a change in energy policy? However you interpret it, the House voted to open up 400 million acres off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to drilling and expanding the availability of oil by at least 2 billion barrels last night. While moderate Democrats helped, this is largely seen as a fall-back position of House Democrats, many of whom have taken a beating in their districts over domestic and off-shore drilling.

A Republican effort to sidetrack the measure with a procedural tactic failed, and the bill fell largely down party lines, with 221 Democrats and 15 Republicans supporting it, while 176 Republicans and 13 Democrats were opposed to the measure. Republicans faulted it for failing to add incentives for coal and nuclear power and for not limiting environmental suits against drilling proposals. They also criticized Democrats for not negotiating with Republicans in writing the bill. Here's more from the NY Times.

Aging, Children & Youth committee takes up Ark foster care

The Joint Interim Committees on Aging, Children & Youth met at the HDC in Conway this morning. On the agenda was an interim study proposal by Rep. Donna Hutchinson on the foster care system in Arkansas as it pertains to DCFS. Here's a report from the Associated Press.

Ike cleanup continues locally

KTXK still off the air

Crews are still working to clear roads and remove trees from some homes and businesses here locally. It didn't help that the ground was already saturated when the storm came through, and I'm sure that contributed to a lot of the downed trees in the area. Here's one Texarkana home that took a direct hit:

Bailouts and the budget

Bailouts: Necessary for stability or corporate welfare?

We have to encourage some risk by companies, and not bailing them out at this stage would only put the economy in an even more precarious position. Bailing out companies who've gambled and lost is irresponsible and only grows an already bloated federal budget. view results comments

AIG bailout: $85 billion
Bear Stearns bailout: $29 billion
Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac bailout: $200 billion

2008 Stimulus checks: $152 billion

Even though these bailout figures are technically "loans," this is some serious spending (borrowing) by any standard, and this doesn't include those who haven't arrived at the trough yet. These three bailouts add up to over $4,500 for each American family of four.

Wednesday in Arkansas

Time	Committee	Room	Agenda
10:00 a.m.	Aging, Children & Youth	Conway	Click here
10:00 a.m.	Public Health	130	Click here

Time	Event	Place
11:00 a.m.	Ark Hospitality Association Ann Conv	Statehouse Conv. Ctr.
2:00 p.m.	Naturalization Ceremony	Clinton Pres. Ctr.

Court	Oral Arguments	Today's Opinions
Ark. Supreme Court	No hearings today	No opinions released today
Ark. Court of Appeals	Battles v. Morehead McMurray v. State of Ark.	Click here (by 10:00 a.m.)

Time	Place	Event
All Day	Fairgrounds	64th Annual Four States Fair & Rodeo
6:00 p.m.	Northridge	UofA chancellor David Gearhart

New York Times: Fed’s $85 Billion Loan Rescues Insurer
Wall Street Journal: U.S. to Take Over AIG In $85 Billion Bailout
Washington Post: McCain Shifts Regulation Stance
Los Angeles Times: Asian markets mixed after Fed bails out insurer AIG
Houston Chronicle: Ike: The aftermath of the storm
Chicago Tribune: 'Gosh, I wish we could have a new ballpark'
Reuters: Calling for cash

Ark. News Bureau: No cause for alarm for AIG, insurance commissioner says
Ark. News Bureau: Russia-Georgia conflict has consequences, speaker says
Associated Press: Pryor party celebrates release of autobiography
Associated Press: Ballot measures in Ark. stake claim to family name
Associated Press: Group won't fight Ark. gay adoption ban in court
KATV: Lottery Vote 50 Days Away

Brenda Blagg: Is This A "New Era" For Energy Or Not?
NWA Morning News: Texans Help UA Reach New Record
David Sanders: Independents to McCain: Long time coming
Vic Harville cartoon

The power of a hurricane

Here's Gilchrist, Texas, which unlike Galveston (its neighbor to the west), had no seawall to protect it from Ike's surge:


Texarkana has a sister-city agreement with Port Arthur, Texas, and the evacuees from that city can expect to stay here for up to another 10 days while the clean-up from Ike continues.

Let's bail out AIG

There's some good debate on CNBC this afternoon about AIG's plight, but the government bail out talk coming from those who are typically in direct contradiction to themselves today is amusing -- typical tax-and-spend (or worse- borrow and spend) welfare state mentality. I thought that government can't take care of everyone and that big government isn't the answer to everyone's problems? I guess they were for the free market economy before they were against it.

Update: How's this for luck? Lehman's landlord at Canary Wharf in London announced that the Lehman rent to them is insured -- by AIG. Lehman leases over a million square feet there on contract through 2033, and the company is now in bankruptcy. Here's the link.

What a difference a day makes

Stopped by to get some gas while voting at lunch (very light turnout -- I was voter number 19 at 1:00 p.m.). The price is down 16 cents in one day at this Road Runner location, and most gas stations in this area are selling at about this same price. This station was selling at $3.95 just yesterday. Some of the Texas refineries closed by Ike are back in operation, and while oil prices are down, gas prices are still up on average. Light crude is trading at $92.00/barrel today.

No matter, though. I'm still busting the family budget at the pump. Here are the results of a $3.79/gallon fill-up today:


Also today, in a unanimous decision, the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee voted unanimously to make no change to key interest rates. The fed funds rate will remain at 2%.

50 Sta-- err, 20 State Strategy

Democrats vowed earlier this summer to compete in every state, but the reality is different in a tight race. Take Arkansas for example. Campaign materials (and ad buys) are going to be hard to come by here, unless the various central committees and campaign headquarters purchase signs and bumper stickers. Likewise, the Arkansas Project and the Tolbert Report are reporting that the RNC is moving staff from Arkansas to Pennsylvania.

The presidential race is actually shaping up as a battle of 20 states. Here's more from Stateline.org, including comments from Arizona state Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Phoenix), a friend and fellow student in my program at Harvard this summer.

Coal wars

Friends United for a Safe Environment (FUSE) will show a documentary film tonight at 7:00 p.m. about the fight against coal-fired power plants in Texas and Arkansas in the Nelson Room of the Texarkana Public Library. The film, “Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars,” is sponsored by actor Robert Redford.

ADEQ will hold a second public hearing in Hope on Thursday to hear feedback on the draft air emissions permit for the proposed 600MW power plant in Hempstead County. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Library Auditorium at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope.

McDaniel holds news conference today on potential gouging

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel just held a news conference at the Tower Building to discuss complaints his office has received regarding potential price gouging. He is issuing more than 30 subpoenas to gasoline retailers over spikes in fuel prices as Hurricane Ike approached. More than 1,450 people called his office with complaints and more than 2,400 people either e-mailed or sent text messages. Here's more from the Associated Press.

Governor makes 31 appointments

Here's the list, which includes the appointment of Dr. Harold Byrd Betton of Little Rock to the State Medical Board. He replaces Dr. Alonzo Williams.

Monday Night Football Arm Chair QB

If you didn't catch Monday Night Football last night, click below to watch former Razorback Felix Jones hit a seam, juke a kicker and take it 98 yards to the house. He just might make a Cowboy fan out of some of you.

Yesterday's 500 point plunge and a 2nd stimulus

Democratic congressional leaders are pushing for a new economic stimulus package that would direct money toward industries and states after yesterday's financial crisis on Wall Street. It's a $50 billion package that would create new infrastructure projects, provisions to help the auto industry, low-income heating assistance and an extension of popular energy tax incentives. Here's more from The Hill.

Constitution Week

I'm speaking to the combined government classes this morning at Genoa Central High School as part of Constitution Week. Federal law requires that all high schools, colleges and universities that receive federal funds hold an educational event about the Constitution this week. I'll be using some material from the Annenberg Foundation Trust, and we'll have a conversation about the "one person, one vote" doctrine, influences on the Bill of Rights, the importance of an independent judiciary, a few landmark Supreme Court decisions, and the document's relevance to policy at the state and local government levels.

Fox News op-ed defends price gouging

John Lott writes that politicians who are trying to control prices in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike are only hurting consumers in the long run. He specifically mentions AG Dustin McDaniel and Texas AG Greg Abbott, who recently filed an action against a Comfort Inn that doubled its normal rate the night of the last hurricane that hit that state, Hurricane Dolly. Here's the link.

Local school board elections today -- UPDATE

Don't forget to vote today. Here's your summary:

Texarkana Zone 1: Adger Smith vs. Penny Easley Update: Smith wins 127 (64%) - 73 (36%)
Smith is a two-term vice chairman of the Texarkana, Ark. Planning and Zoning Commission and has served there since 1998. He's the owner of Smith Performance Engine and Parts. Easley wants to focus on an enriched curriculum to raise Arkansas Benchmark scores. She is a supervisor of the call center at Century Bank.

Texarkana Zone 6: Incumbent Carol Dalby, a special justice for the Lake View case in the Arkansas Supreme Court, is running unopposed.

Fouke Place 1: Marty Cherry vs. Lee Ann Teer-Doss Update: Teer-Doss wins 425 (53%) - 369 (47%)
Cherry is a former quarterback for the University of Texas and is the brother of NFL quarterback Mike Cherry. His priorities are providing Fouke students with a safe learning environment, adhering to state requirements and continuing a good academic record. Teer-Doss, a legal assistant with the Texarkana firm of Keil and Goodson, said building a strong relationship between the community and Fouke School District, making the best decisions for students and the community and quality education and opportunities are priorities.

Fouke Place 2: Mike Evilsizer (incumbent) vs. Terry W. Sloan Update: Evilsizer wins 433 (56%) - 340 (44%)
Evilsizer priorities: (1) employing the best administrators, (2) continuing advanced-placement classes and (3) continuing vocational training programs. Sloan: (1) adequate resources, (2) a safe and enjoyable learning environment (3) focusing on the budget.

Genoa at large: Incumbent Carl Jenkins is unopposed.

Tuesday in Arkansas

Time	Committee	Room	Agenda
10:00 a.m.	Public Health	NLR	Click here

Time	Event	Place
5:15 p.m.	Women's Emergency Committee 50th Anniversary	411 E. 7th, LR

Time	Place	Event
10:00 a.m.	Capitol	Lottery News Conference
10:00 a.m.	Union Station	AACF Step Up For Kids Brunch
11:30 a.m.	LR Club	ACFR: Russia-Georgia conflict w/ Wayne Merry
5:00 p.m.	Old State House	David Pryor book signing at Political Animals
6:00 p.m.	Clinton School	Bob Drogin: "Curveball"
All Day	Piggott	76th Annual Clay County Fair
All Day	Clinton	71st Annual Van Buren County Fair
All Day	Magnolia	Columbia County Fair
All Day	Conway	Faulkner County Fair
All Day	El Dorado	Union County Fair