Rockefeller made his gubernatorial ambitions known in February. He is closing out a second four-year term as lieutenant governor, an office he won in 1996 in a special election after Mike Huckabee ascended to the governorship.In a news conference moments ago, he said he is immediately leaving the race for governor, saying “effective immediately, I am retiring from this campaign."
Rockefeller, a billionaire, has emphasized economic development in his time in office and has traveled to foreign countries in efforts to rally business to Arkansas. He has also put a premium on literacy and education, saying young people are a resource Arkansas has to develop.
Rockefeller was to have faced former Arkansas congressman Asa Hutchinson in the Republican primary, setting up an expensive battle between two high-profile candidates. Attorney General Mike Beebe remains alone on the Democratic ballot.
Rockefeller has staked out a position in the political center. He's a life member of the National Rifle Association and has also been a board member of The Nature Conservancy.
Rockefeller is the grandson of former Standard Oil chief John D. Rockefeller Junior. The lieutenant governor's father, Winthrop Rockefeller, served as Arkansas governor from 1967 to 1971. The elder Rockefeller's time in office is regarded as a watershed for the state, bringing modern government and civil rights.
I omitted a "t" from Asa Hutchinson's name in the headline. Sorry for the error.
Too bad.
Considering how Asa managed the borders/illegals in HSD, he'd be my last choice---out of either party.
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Asa Huchinson? Another RINO Republican who would not know border security if ten nukes were smuggled in and detonated. He would STILL sugar-coat the problem, or ignore the problem.
*ping*
Disappointing news out of Arkansas. Win Paul was our best hope for holding the Governorship.
One of my Doctor's was diagnosed with Leukemia, and he is doing just fine now.
God Bless this fine man, and grant him the time to stop and smell the roses..in Rockefeller style..He's earned it.
I was wanting to vote Win Rock over Asa in the nomination but not really campaign for him. At least there shouldn't be a big nomination fight. I'm much more interested in Jim Holt winning the Lt. Governor race.