Flawed Polling Results Addressed

Well if you are scratching your head and saying they didn't ask me or how can the polling results be so skewed towards the Democrats winning, read an excellent review KTHV Polling Methodology Invalidates Results on Arkansas Watch
ARRA Editor Note: Poll designers seem to forget (or do they?) that congressional districts are established to allow for an approximate equal number of voters in each district in a State. Arkansas has four congressional districts not two. Little Rock is not a district unto itself although the Clinton Trailer (oops - tacky - Library) attracts a lot of people, and the business of State Government swells for short periods the number of Little Rock inhabitants (elected officials, lobbyists & administrators with "hands out") until sanity reigns and they all go home. A map of the AR congressional districts is available at http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/congress.html

Politicizing Religion

It started with Earl Warren ~ Patrick J. Shanahan

Sept 1, 2006 -- by Patrick J. Shanahan: I have noticed an interesting trend on the radical left recently. Parts of the left are engaged in a propaganda war aimed at "taking back religion" from the right. Or at least neutralizing it. On a stroll through a local Barnes & Noble the other day I spotted at least three new books bemoaning the involvement of religion in the political process. This is becoming a common theme. Fear of "theocracy" - which is, of course, a ludicrous term - appears to be widespread on the outer reaches of the left. This makes sense politically. Perhaps the strongest single presence refusing to yield to the secular "progressive" juggernaut is the religious right.

A dispassionate observer might find this all a little peculiar. What an interesting concept, this notion that religious belief, symbolism and custom have no place in politics (or anywhere in the public square). What a humongous leap from "Congress shall make no law regarding the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". How did we get to this rather odd place?

Certainly not from the Constitution. The simple words quoted above are all that the Constitution has to say about it. And it is stunningly clear that the Founding Fathers – while not an overly pious bunch –believed that ethical education in general and religious moral grounding in particular were indispensable components of the democratic experiment. Jefferson's much vaunted "Wall of Separation" was designed to reassure a group of Danbury Baptists that the government wouldn't restrict their ability to practice their religion, not to prevent religion from influencing government and politics.

Throughout the course of American history it was taken for granted that religion was an indispensable component of public and political life. It was an animating force behind many key "reform" movements, including the Abolition Movement (yay!) the Temperance Movement (boooo!) and the Civil Rights Movement (yay!, until about 1975, then Boo!).

What happened to change this? Well, to put it in modern business terms, it's an issue of scope creep. Until very recently in American life the vast majority of social customs, rules and laws were completely beyond the scope of the federal government. This makes sense in that the Constitution makes no mention of them whatsoever. Most were beyond the scope of state governments. Social customs were largely defined and enforced by non-governmental social institutions, including the family, churches, fraternal organizations and charities. Social changes occurred mostly through the rough and tumble of social evolution. Some social rules were codified in state laws, but virtually none were governed by federal law or rules.

What changed that stable model was the Warren Court's war on social institutions. Delighted to serve as the judicial arm of the secular humanist progressive movement of the early and mid 20th Century, the Warren Court dove into expansion of the federal government's role in governing social life with Brown v Board of Education in 1954. Today this is seen as a necessary and health decision by the great majority of Americans (I am not one of them). Although it pushed through a very necessary social change, by doing so it set the precedent for meddling in the social customs and mores of the nation. Anxious to implement its agenda, the Warren Court began to remove from the people the right to decide how to govern their social lives. From birth control to "school prayer" to abortion to "gay rights" the Courts have looked the American people in the eye and said "Shut up rednecks, you don't have a say in this." They foisted the coastal secular progressive culture on all Americans.

Now, if you were a coastal secular progressive sort of person this all was quite uncontroversial. But let's assume you were a flyover religious conservative sort of person. This all began to feel downright aggressive and, well, tyrannical.

Ironically many of the folks being told to shut up and go away were loyal Democrats. As the Democratic Party began to line up behind the secularist agenda, they had only one place to go. And so began the great realignment that has brought us to our current red/blue divide.

Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson were two early pioneers in organizing the scorned faithful. The newly coined "religious right" began to fight back. And they continue to fight back. They must, because the attacks on traditional religious mores do not stop. The secularist left continues to seek to expand the scope of federal involvement in social issues. What that really means is that they continue to try to dictate to the rest of us how we need to live.

The "religious right" didn't start this fight. The secular left did. It is almost amusing to see them still trying to convince us that we need to go hide in the dark corners of our churches and let them make all the important decisions. Arrogant doesn't begin to describe it.
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Editor Note 12/31/14: Due to deletion of original source Link; This commentary was pulled and shared from: Yahoo Group: Christian Conservative Group.

Lagrone Criticizes Daniels

Go JIM! Republican Secretary of State Candidate Jim Lagrone says Secretary of State Charlie Daniels has failed to do enough to make sure that the out-of-state votes of Arkansas military personnel get counted.
Daniels caught flak from his Republican challenger at the end of a news conference to announce "Armed Forces Voting Week" next week in Arkansas. Daniels, who is seeking a second term, was urging armed forces members Thursday to vote when rival Jim Lagrone and his son criticized Daniels, saying the secretary of state hasn't done enough to make sure that military votes are counted. Lagrone cited a federal report as proof. that a number of military voters were disenfranchised in the 2004 presidential election. Lagrone declared that Daniels has been "AWOL," absent without leave, when it comes to the military vote.

Also Lagrone criticized Daniels for the operation of the spring primary and runoff elections. The state Board of Election Commissioners says the elections using of electronic voting machines cost Arkansas about $600,000 more than previous elections. Lagrone blamed the additional costs on the state choosing Election Systems & Software as its vendor for touch-screen voting machines. Now the Election Commission Board says they will need an additional $2 million for elections next year. "It just shows there's no planning going on and there's no foresight going on," Lagrone said. "They're just reacting to issues."

Texas Sheriffs Say Terrorists Entering US from Mexico

(CNSNews.com) - The chief law enforcement officers of several Texas counties along the southern U.S. border warn that Arabic-speaking individuals are learning Spanish and integrating into Mexican culture before paying smugglers to sneak them into the United States. The Texas Sheriffs' Border Coalition believes those individuals are likely terrorists and that drug cartels and some members of the Mexican military are helping them get across the border. read more ...

Wal-Mart Joins NGLCC as Corporate Member

From the Chicago Tribune 8/26/06 By Abigail Goldman?Wal-Mart, joined and will pay the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NLGCC) $25,000 annually. In addition, Wal-Mart has agreed to conduct two NGLCCconferences/ workshops for gay and lesbian business owners on how to break into the Wal-Mart supplier ranks, said Justin Nelson, chamber president and co-founder.?Wal-Mart spokesman Bob McAdam said the company also has worked with other gay and lesbian organizations including the Human Rights Campaign and Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

Also, Wal-Mart will give homosexual-owned businesses special treatment when making purchases. Companies not owned by homosexuals will be moved down the list. NGLCC called Wal-Mart's action 'part of the company's ongoing commitment to advancing diversity (homosexuality) among all of its associate, supplier and customer bases.' Continue reading?

American Family Association Calls people to Action:
1. To make sure your voice is heard, please call Wal-Mart's home office headquarters and ask for Chairman Rob Walton at 479-273-4000. Also, call your local Wal-Mart manager and express your concerns. Please, be polite when you call!
2. Send an email to Wal-Mart Chairman Rob Walton by visiting www.afa.net.
3. Print out and distribute this Pass Along Sheet.

Wal-Mart Partners With Gay and Lesbian Group

Also Hires Gay-Marketing Shop as Retailer Works to Alter Image

In an unprecedented push, Wal-Mart Stores has hired a gay-marketing shop, joined the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and begun discussions with activist groups about extending domestic-partnership benefits to its employees. The initiative comes as Wal-Mart aims to broaden its appeal and woo both upscale and urban markets, but this is not the first time Wal-Mart has attempted to appease critics in the gay and lesbian community. read more ... [From Advertising Age article by Mya Frazier 8/24/06]

President Prayer Team Prayer Experience

ARRA Editors Pick of the Month: Click Now - visit the "Presidential Prayer Team Experience" to spark an intimate and rewarding time with God. Enjoy a simulated online warm home environment with an Office and a Living Room. Roll-over various objects in each room to see a short description of information that is designed to inform, educate and inspire. Experience moving videos, audio, and the many other resources.

The Presidential Prayer Team was born out of the national tragedy of September 11, 2001. PPT is not a political organization. They pray for our national leaders in accordance with biblical principles, regardless of political persuasion.

People's Republic of the House of Representatives

Republicans have been downright disappointing: spending money like Democrats, vacillating on key counter-terror programs, engaging in simplistic nativism on trade and immigration, blocking earmark reform and legislative transparency. There's a lot about which conservatives can rightly be disappointed. But as bad as the Congressional GOP has been, imagine the House in Democratic hands. The Republicans in D.C. have been lousy on policy and, sometimes, downright embarrassing. But that is a fight to wage in the primaries. When it comes to the general election, it is imperative to prevent the reins of power from being handed over to this extreme Left crowd. Read more in posting by Jonathan R.

GOP Response To Sen. Pryor's Radio National Address

Liberal National Democrats such as Howard Dean, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid have no credibility when discussing how best to protect Americans in the War on Terror. Senator Pryor would do well to stop listening to the extremists of his party, and provide leadership to help protect Americans at home and abroad.

Democrats Contradictory, Evasive on Issue of Gay Foster Parents

GOP suggests Democratic candidate should awitch parties if they are uncomfortable with liberal positions

President's Day: Bush In Arkansas

President George W. Bush visits Arkansas to campaign with Asa and rally supporters at a barbecue lunch at the home of Joe and Dana Kleine, the AP reports. More than 800 attended. Afterwards, Asa and President Bush stopped by Cotham?s Restaurant for fried pies, where Bush gives Asa his vote of confidence: Asa is "the kind of fellow who will set an agenda and then achieve the results necessary to get the job done," Bush said. "I've seen him first-hand in Washington. He's a fellow I called upon to get the Homeland Security department up and running."

The Thought Police of Minneapolis

8/30/06 By J. Matt Barber If you?re a Christian working for the City of Minneapolis, watch your step ? your job may already be in jeopardy. In what may be one of the most blatant acts of anti-Christian bigotry and discrimination by an American government agency to date, the Minneapolis Police Department has suspended a Police Psychologist, Dr. Michael Campion of Campion, Barrow & Associates, at the behest of pro-homosexual activists. What was Dr. Campion?s crime? It seems that until last year he was a board member with the Illinois Family Institute (IFI), a Christian organization which advocates traditional family values. The Minneapolis Police Department admits that because of Dr. Campion?s Christian beliefs, and his former affiliation with IFI, he is now under suspension pending an investigation into his beliefs. read more

Schwarzenegger Signs Bill Violating The 1st Amendment

8/29/06 -- The Traditional Values Coalition charged today that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has traded the religious rights of millions of Californians in an attempt to win votes from homosexual anti-religious extremists. "Governor Schwarzenegger needs to read a copy of the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment," said TVC Chairman Louis P. Sheldon. "He just signed SB 1441, a bill that clearly violates the religious freedoms of millions of Californians to appease the homosexual activist movement." read more

Arkansas Republican Caucus Supports Marriage

Little Rock - The Arkansas Republican Caucus stands for affirming marriage between a man and a woman not because it is a political issue, but because it is a core belief of the Republican Party and a bedrock institution of our society. "It is unfortunate that the Arkansas Democrats have removed their support of marriage from their platform this year, indicating that they only supported it two years ago because it was an issue on the ballot, this shows that the Democrats will do anything and say anything to win an election," stated Byron Holt, candidate for the AR House District 76.

"The Republican Caucus does not support an issue because of the polling numbers. We support issues because of our convictions. The institution of marriage should be protected. It is not something that becomes 'irrelevant' due to political discourse. I am disappointed for many of my Democrat colleagues that believe as I do on this issue. As they proved at the polls in 2004, Arkansans overwhelmingly support the traditional definition of marriage, and I am proud to be on the side of the people of Arkansas," stated Minority Leader Johnny Key (R-Mountain Home). As stated in the Republican Party platform, "The Republican Party of Arkansas supports the traditional definition of marriage as a God-ordained, legal and moral commitment only between a man and a woman, which is the foundational unit of a healthy society. We believe in the sanctity of marriage and that the integrity of this institution should be defended, protected, strengthened, and nurtured at all levels of government."
The Arkansas Democrats are again following the direction of their liberal national party bosses like Howard Dean, instead of being in line with the people of this state.

David Workman, candidate for the AR House District 19 stated, "It is sad to see the Democratic Party make the change in their platform to remove the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. Our Creator formed the marriage union which is defined as a man and woman. The Democratic Party has set aside the marriage union as GOD intended and decisions such as this contribute to the moral decay of our society." [Press Release 8/28/06 Contact: Johnny Key 870-404-0405]

MoveOn.org's Plan for America

Far-Left Radical Dem Group Spreads Its Midterm Misinformation Campaign Across America. Read MoveOn.org's 2006 Plan to Elect Defeatocrats [Published by Arkansas GOP 8/29/06]

President In Arkansas

President George Bush visits Arkansas on Wednesday to join Asa and supporters for lunch at the home of former Razorback basketball and NBA star Joe Kleine in Little Rock, and to recognize a Sherwood resident for her work in support of Hurricane Katrina evacuees. [The Arkansas News Bureau 8/29/06]

Question for Halter on Homosexual Adoption

[Extract from Senator Jim Holt for Arkansas Lt. Governor 8/28 Press Release] The state-wide Democratic candidates and Jason Willett, chair of the state Democratic Party. seem to noting that Arkansas voters agree more with Senator Jim Holt view of not permitting homosexual adoption and foster parenting. Holt co-authored a 2005 bill that would "clarify that the department of human services shall not place a child with an adoptive or foster parent who is homosexual."

Willet and others Democrat candidates have identified Holt's viewpoint extreme. So it surprised many Democrats when Willet, said a few days ago that he "has a problem with the adoption of children by gay parents." It appears that Willet is noting "hat this important issue could help defeat this liberal democratic ticket this November. It was liberal Democrat senators who killed the 2005 bill that would have prevented homosexual adoption and foster parenting.

Both Beebe and Halter have waffled on this gay adoption issue. What is Willett up to - damage control? Regardless, Bill Halter said seven weeks ago that he wanted to study the issue more and later indicated he had some concern with constitutionality and about whether it was in the best interest of the children to deny homosexual parenting, Halter it's time to cut through the rhetoric and tell the voters if you would support a bill clarifying that the department of human services shall not place a child with an adoptive or foster parent who is homosexual. And if not, why not?

The David Parker outrage - Could Arkansas be Next?

LATEST! School officials file blistering 57-page Motion to Dismiss David Parker's Federal Civil Rights lawsuit. School Committee, Superintendent, teachers, Town of Lexington claim that presenting homosexuality to children against parents' wishes is NOT illegal and does NOT interfere with freedom of religion! Claims that because of gay 'marriage' in Massachusetts, state has legitimate interest in presenting homosexuality to children.

Lexington father, David Parker, was arrested over objections to homosexual curriculum in son's Kindergarten class. Spent night in jail, brought into court in handcuffs. People still cannot believe that this could happen in America! Massachusetts has a Parential Notification Law whcih has been ignored by the school system.

Be aware - does your local Arkansas elementary school or a teacher use or are they about to use a "Diversity Book Bag" or books "Who's in a family?" or "King and King"? Stay informed!

Jay Barth's Objectives are Clear -- Are Yours?

In February, the American Family Coalition blog asked what is "Jay Barth's Objective." Previously, a Right In Arkansas blog (no longer online / link review 12/2014) and the Arkansas News identified Barth as "one of the most liberal" in Arkansas politics and "openly gay." Dr. Jay Barth is a professor at Hendrix College in both the Politics and Gender Studies departments and a faculty member of the Clinton School of Public Service. He is the faculty advisor for the Unity/LGBSA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Straight Alliance), Young Democrats, and Pre-Law Society and has been noted by the Committee on Lesbian & Gay History

At the 2006 Arkansas Democrat State Convention, Barth chaired the platform committee that led in facilitating the removing of the "marriage plank" from the Arkansas Democrat Platform. The affirmative statement that "marriage is between a man and a woman" has been deleted! Barth's objectives are not unknown. He takes political and community actions that move Arkansas more to the "liberal" left. The days of the Arkansas conservative democrat may be are numbered.

To Barth's credit, his viewpoint and agenda are not hidden. He is totally "out" in both his lifestyle and beliefs. Read his publications and review his courses. He and others at Hendrix College have shifted their academic community closer to their worldview. To help understand Barth's vision for Arkansas' future, read what he wrote about Hendrix College on PlanetOut.com:

"I'm writing to nominate the place where I have taught for the last seven years. Hendrix may really be the most friendly and affirming school for GLBT students in the South. It truly is an island. There is a GLBT student group at Hendrix that is quite active, .... The GLB students at Hendrix tend to be incredibly well-integrated into the larger student body.... In recent years, the majority of student body presidents have been openly gay or lesbian and sexual orientation simply isn't an issue in most aspects of life at Hendrix where a large percentage of the student body is out. A few social events on campus are heterosexist, but that is really the exception. GLBT studies is part of a larger Gender Studies program. While the established course offerings on GLBT issues are not large (though I do teach a very popular Gender, Sexuality, and American Politics course), students do often set up independent studies related to GL issues. -- Dr. Jay Barth, Associate Professor, Department of Politics"

What is the lesson to be learned? First, don't criticize Barth; his objective are "in the open" even though the press may not be reporting on Barth's objectives for Arkansas' future. Second, get busy! If you are a conservative, pro-life, traditional family value person, come "out" and take a public stand and work diligently to support your viewpoint regardless of your allegiance to a particular political party.

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Tags: Jay Barth, political activist, objectives clear, Arkansas, Democrat Party, GLBT agenda, August, 2006 To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Both Ways Beebe lies to AARP

In the Arkansas Democrat Gazette (8/26) , Mike Beebe again refused to answer a question put forth by the AARP concerning "special legal protections for nursing homes." Asa was very clear, He would oppose laws that "restrain seniors from having meaningful recourse in court from abuse and neglect" Mike Beebe said " he has gone to bat" for seniors and taken on "issues of nursing home abuse and neglect." That of course is typical Beebe double talk and is not an answer to the question, but even more troubling is the fact that it is a LIE.

In 2001, State Senator Mike Beebe, at the behest of his good friends, the nursing home lobbyist, came to the HOUSE Judiciary Committee to testify FOR a bill that gave "special tort reform protections only for NURSING HOMES. We happen to be friends with the former Executive Director of the AARP at that time. The AARP opposed that bill and it was defeated in committee despite Mr. Beebe's urgings. Mr. Beebe must think that nobody has a memory. He continues to lie at an unprecedented pace. [by Proud Conservative @ Arkansas Family Coalition]

Oh, I'm a good ole rebel...

Joe Biden will be running for President in 2008. He knows if he wants to win the presidency he has to appeal to us Southerners. Yesterday on Fox News Sunday, in an attempt to prove his Southern bona fides, he proudly declared that Delaware was a slave state before the War between the States; and that because of that fact Southerners would find him appealing.Joe, we already knew about the slavery in Delaware. We still aren?t voting for you. Here is a link to the video clip. [by Proud Conservative @ Arkansas Family Coalition]

Clinton & Kerry Work To Make Sure Felons Can Vote

Roger Clegg, president and general counsel of the Center for Equal Opportunity, writes in today's Wall Street Journal, "With the exception of Maine and Vermont, every state disenfranchises criminals -- some while they're in prison, others while they're on parole or probation, and still others after they've served their full terms. But that's beginning to change in some states. Governors in Iowa and Virginia have unilaterally restored voting rights to many felons, while legislatures in Maryland and Nebraska have liberalized their laws. At the federal level, a bill supported by Sens. Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, among others, would force states to allow felons no longer under sentence to vote. That bill is on hold, at least while the Democrats are out of power. But lawsuits in federal courts in Florida, Washington and New York have claimed that depriving felons of the franchise violates the Voting Rights Act. This movement is in the wrong direction. We should have fewer felons voting, not more."

Administration's Crackdown On Illegal Immigration Ends Policy Of Catch-And-Release

Boston news: The Bush administration reported last Wednesday that "Nearly all non-Mexican illegal immigrants caught sneaking into the United States are being held until they can be returned to their home countries." Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said this marks the end of the 'catch-and-release' practice that for years helped many illegal immigrants stay in the United States unhindered?. He credited the crackdown, aided this summer by National Guard troops, with deterring thousands of immigrants from trying to illegally enter the U.S. over the southwest border. Border Patrol data showed a drop of about 20,000 illegal immigrants caught crossing from Mexico this summer as compared to last year.

RNC Releases New Web Ad: "A Safer America"

While Democrats want to talk tough about the War on Terror, their record clearly shows they have sought to weaken our National Security over and over again. A new Web ad by the RNC called "A Safer America" shows Dem leaders repeatedly refusing to stand up to terrorism. And the terrorists are listening. While the Democrats will attempt to use the issue of National Security for political advantage, it is clear that they do not really have what it takes to keep our nation safe from terrorism. by Katie MacGuidwin on 8/18/2006 6:35 AM

Ford Discharged From Mayo Clinic

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Former President Gerald Ford was discharged from the Mayo Clinic on Monday, nearly two weeks after being admitted for tests and undergoing a pair of heart procedures. Ford, 93, flew home to Rancho Mirage, Calif., with his wife Monday afternoon. Ford received an implantable cardiac pacemaker last week to regulate his heartbeat. Later in the week, he underwent angioplasty, with stents in two of his coronary arteries to increase blood flow. Ford is currently the nation's oldest living former president. Fox News

Arkansas Democrats Delete Platform Supporting Traditional Marriage

Buried within news story in Sunday's ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE was a bomb-shell for supporting traditional family values in Arkansas by Democrat leaders. It revealed a major shift in beliefs of Arkansas Democrat leaders at both the State and County level away from affirming "marriage as being only between a man and a woman."

At the 2006 Arkansas Democrat State Convention on 8/27/06, 700 Arkansas leaders and county delegates voted to approve a Democrat platform change that removed language previously stated in the 2004-06 platform which affirmed that marriage is between a man and a woman. Party officials said that was an issue during the election two years ago but isn't an issue this year. [Source: ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT GAZETTE 8/27/08 article by Seth Blomeley Arkansas : Beebe takes aim at rival during state convention]

This effort was lead by Jay Barth, a political science professor at Hendrix College in Conway who also serves chairman of the AR Democrat Platform Committee.

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Tags: Arkansas,Democrat Party, Democrat Convention, Jay Barth, remove traditional marriage platform , August, 2006 To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Arkansas - Immigration grows as an election issue

[Arkansas : Immigration grows as an election issue: by Michael R. Wickline ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE 8/27/06] [Extract] DISTRICT 86: Nearly 5,000 of state Rep. Monty Davenport's constituents have been urged in a piece of mail from a conservative advocacy group to ''Ask Monty why he's pampering illegal aliens and putting drug dealers back on the street." The Coalition for Arkansas' Future gave the first-term Democrat from Yellville an "F-" grade for voting for a bill that would have allowed illegal aliens who graduate from Arkansas high schools to qualify for in-state tuition rates and taxpayer-funded scholarships at state universities. ... ."Davenport said ... "I voted for it just because I thought it was a good bill," Republican candidate, Kelley, Linck, said he would have voted against the bill,. "I don't think we should be using taxpayers' money to give advantage to illegal aliens...."
DISTRICT 76: Rep. Ray Kidd, Democrat, said, Illegal immigration is not "a hot topic" in the district ... However, Republican Candidate Byron Holt said illegal immigration is "absolutely an issue." He cited Kidd's vote for the same bill that would have allowed illegal aliens to qualify for in-state tuition and taxpayer funded scholarships. "It is something I am talking to voters about as I go door to door," Holt said."If you encourage people to come here illegally, so their kids can get lower-cost education, I don't agree with that. The more you promote bad behavior the more bad behavior you are going to get." .. . Kidd said "It was for kids who... had made exceptional grades in school and their parents are illegal." ... He said he doesn't regret his vote. [ARRA editorial note: Kidd ingnored fact most of the "kids" if illegals were also illigal aliens]
STATEWIDE RACES: Immigration also has surfaced in statewide races. ... Hutchinson "is the only candidate in this race who proposes giving state law enforcement the ability to fight illegal immigration, and holding employers accountable for hiring illegal aliens, while Mike Beebe says we shouldn't do anything at the state level. Beebe's outdated line of thinking shows his lack of experience and engagement in this critical area of security ... one that affects state governments as much as the federal government, ... Two months ago, Asa Hutchinson said he would offer legislation to require law enforcement officials to check the immigration status of anyone taken into custody. He said the state should partner with federal officials to provide training to local and state law enforcement officials on making immigration arrests. ... He would propose measures to reduce employment opportunities for illegal aliens in state agencies and companies that do contract work for the state and to create more-sophisticated state identification documents to reduce document fraud.