Arkansas Blog: Lunchtime -- UPDATE

The president is at the fund-raiser in WLR. He was greeted on arrival at Little Rock by the governor and the Republican nominee for same. We hope to provide a photo before the afternoon is out from the pool coverage. A$a was not wearing a bag over his head for the event, we should note. No word if the president was reading "Hamlet" on the plane or perhaps "Coriolanus."

SIDE NOTE: A correspondent says nearly 250 turned out to see Mike! in Fayetteville this morning, even without barbecue. Wesley Clark introduced Beebe. David Pryor was on hand.

PRESIDENTIAL COLOR: The Democrat-Gazette staff is providing local pool reports on the presidential visit. Political editor Bill Simmons passes along some local color:

After leaving Kleine's house, the president made a side trip to Cotham's in the City, accompanied by Karl Rove and Asa Hutchinson. Inside the restaurant, the president shook a few hands. Hutchinson advised him to get a chocolate fried pie. Bush had a bag which he said had one in it. Bush said Asa will make a good governor. The president was in Cotham's about five minutes, then he and his contingent headed for the airport. [Another report says the prez posed for photos with a baby. No word if baby grimaced.]

ALSO: The Democratic Party made a little sport of the presidential visit in behalf of a man he passed over for a cabinet post. News release on the jump.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY NEWS RELEASE

LITTLE ROCK -- President George Bush, who twice passed over Republican Asa Hutchinson for promotions in the current administration, is now raising money for Hutchinson’s campaign for governor in Arkansas despite the President’s previous skepticism of Hutchinson’s abilities.

“Why should Arkansans support Hutchinson when he’s only running for office as a consolation prize because he couldn’t cut the mustard for the Washington job he really wanted? It’s surprising President Bush is dropping in to visit Arkansas in support of Asa Hutchinson. Bush is the one who booted Hutchinson out of Washington D.C.,” Democratic Party of Arkansas Chairman Jason Willett said. “Not once but twice, Bush passed Hutchinson over for a promotion at the Department of Homeland Security. And as for the two gentlemen the President preferred over Mr. Hutchinson: Bernard Kerik who withdrew his name amidst numerous scandals and Michael Chertoff, now infamous for overseeing the highly-criticized federal response to Hurricane Katrina. It seems Bush doesn’t think too highly of Hutchinson’s work.”

HUTCHINSON AIMS FOR BUSH PROMOTION
CNN Correspondent: Despite “Problems with His Directorate…The Betting Is on Asa Hutchinson.” “Who will replace Ridge,” Jeanne Meserve, CNN’s homeland security correspondent asked. “If there is a department insider, the betting is on Asa Hutchinson, currently, under secretary for border and transportation security.” “Another name that has come up, Asa Hutchinson…Although there have been some problems with his directorate, which some observers think may make his selection less likely.”

[CNN, 11/30/04]

HUTCHINSON DISAPPOINTED AT REJECTION BY BUSH

“Law enforcement authorities have said Mr. Hutchinson, a former congressman from Arkansas, was disappointed that he was not chosen the first time around.” [The Washington Times, 12/12/04]

Hutchinson “was clearly disappointed he did not replace his outgoing boss, Tom Ridge.” [Toronto Star, 12/20/04]

HUTCHINSON PROMOTION SHOT DOWN BY BUSH… AGAIN

In a surprise move, President Bush nominated Michael Chertoff, a federal appeals court judge and former high-ranking Justice Department official, to be Homeland Security secretary. Chertoff’s selection caught several lawmakers and homeland security experts off guard. Among those previously mentioned as likely candidates were Asa Hutchinson, the Homeland Security Department's undersecretary for border and transportation security, and Fran Townsend, the White House’s homeland security adviser. [The Sun Herald, 1/12/05]

HUTCHINSON SEES GOVERNOR’S RACE AS CONSOLATION PRIZE

Disappointed at being passed over for the top spot at the Department of Homeland Security, Undersecretary Asa Hutchinson said he would consider other options, including running for Arkansas governor. “I’m not going to limit my options. That political race would be part of that consideration,” Hutchinson said after President Bush picked former New York police commissioner Bernard Kerik to replace outgoing Secretary Tom Ridge, fueling speculation that Hutchinson may leave. Hutchinson, a former Arkansas congressman and U.S. attorney, was considered a top candidate for the job. After Bush’s selection, Hutchinson said his first priority was making sure there are no gaps in the nation's security during the transition. [Associated Press, 12/3/04]

Hutchinson said he was disappointed that he wasn’t selected to be secretary but was excited about other options, including a possible run for Arkansas governor in 2006. In an interview, Hutchinson didn’t reveal any definite political plans. “We’ll wait and see,” Hutchinson said. “I’m ruling nothing out. I’m taking the decision-making process a step at a time.” “Asa Hutchinson has served his country and the department with great energy, integrity and distinction,” said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge in a short statement. [Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, 1/25/05; Gannett News Service, 1/25/05]

“In December, the president bypassed Hutchinson, an undersecretary in charge of protecting the nation's borders and transportation system from terrorists, and nominated former New York police commissioner Bernard Kerik to replace outgoing Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge. A disappointed Hutchinson said he would consider his options, including coming home to Arkansas to run for governor.” [Associated Press, 12/22/04]

Comments

WOW! You mean Huckabee was in Arkansas today? That's more amazing than a visit from a President. I'm going to call my wife now and tell her that Jim Argue got today off!

Maybe if someone offers Huck a free meal every day in LR he'll stay home more. Gee...this is really great news! Hucks in town! Hucks in town! Pox on Bush! Pox on Asa!

Posted by: Deathbyinches | August 30, 2006 12:23 PM

"Coriolanus"? A story about an angry leader who changes sides in a war and comes back to invade his own people? I think that's what Joementum is reading. Bush is probably perusing "King John."

Posted by: G. | August 30, 2006 12:38 PM

I just got caught up in His Shrubness' traffic out west...was late for an appointment so A$a!, BroGuv-Chicken-Neck and His Excellency could "Eat at Joe's"...

And I think you're giving the Srub too much credit...I'm fairly sure he just finished the latest comic of G.I. Joe...

Posted by: rosso | August 30, 2006 12:45 PM

So A$A let the Huckster attend this shindig? Isn't he afraid the good Reverend will pass the collection plate on his own behalf and chip into A$A's love offering?

Posted by: Sparky | August 30, 2006 12:57 PM

Like Rosso, a friend and I had to sit on the I-430 bridge over I-630 in the broiling sun to wait for the presidential motorcade. I thought to myself, "This, too, will pass" but I fear this goober's legacy will last a lot longer than I do.

They could at least have had Sims 'Q'.

Posted by: Albert Dentay | August 30, 2006 01:13 PM

Pshaw...the man didn't even finish "My Pet Goat". How's he going to get through Shakespeare?

Posted by: ironfortified | August 30, 2006 01:16 PM

I"m fixing to go from University to Sherwood, if the bastard stalls my trip ...

Posted by: 70%er | August 30, 2006 01:38 PM

He must not have liked Joe's barbecue because Team George-Asa and entourage just pulled into Cotham's for some onion rings maybe.

Posted by: Quapaw | August 30, 2006 02:07 PM

My MOM is in MICU Baptist Hospital and if i'm delayed for the three o-clock Visit for this failure in chief and ASA GOP fundraising games

I'll never forgive the GOP ASA or the Little Rock police form preventing me a VISIT to my seriour but stable condition Dear Mothers Bedside this afternoon . thats Real Family Values this is no joke president or no president.

Posted by: RLR | August 30, 2006 02:14 PM

The President and Asa just left an impromptu visit to Cotham's restaurant by the Capitol. The two visited with the crowd of locals there for lunch and the President left with a to go order.

Posted by: an interested observer | August 30, 2006 02:20 PM

I almost forgot that the furher showed up in LR today. I was too busy watching all destruction by Katrina and how Bronnie did such a great job. Strange that the blind fools rasie money at $500 a plate bbq while people still are trying to rebuild their lives that where left high and dry by Katrina.

How the Neocon wing of the GOP party think.
To spend US Taxpayer's dollars paying for security, roads, buildings, hospitals, teachers and
health care for the people of Iraq and aid to other countrys in the last 60 years is "sound fiscal policy".
To do the same in the USA would be "socialism".
Go figure.

Posted by: Riverdog | August 30, 2006 02:32 PM

Dumb butt. George can't even find the real Cotham's.

Posted by: Doigotta | August 30, 2006 02:38 PM

Two things about the Dem press release above.

First, it was widely known that Asa had told officials in DC and in Arkansas that he wanted to come home and run for Governor long before the President made these decisions and that was clearly a factor.

Second, if there was ever an Arkansas politician who took the easy way out and accepted a consilation prize, it was Mike Beebe. In 2002, him and Marion Berry were tripping over each other to get the parties favor for a U.S. Senate race.

They were told politely to stay out because Mark was the guy. He was given an open and uncontested path to A.G. as his consilation prize for foregoing his DC ambitions.

Arkansas Democrats, beware of the plank in your eye.

Posted by: an interested observer | August 30, 2006 02:50 PM

DEAR BLIND BUSHBOTS

BEWARE OF DRINKING THE A$S GW BUSH HUTCHINSON "ALL IS WELL" KOOL AID!

http://www.pollingreport.com/BushJob.htm

Posted by: Riverdog | August 30, 2006 03:30 PM

I happened to be at Cotham's today when the President stopped by. He stayed for about 15 minutes. He went from table to table shaking hands with every one there. He took pictures with every one and signed autographs. When he walked in, he received a standing ovation. Every one was surprised. He appeared to be in a really good mood. I guess his event went well. He was very friendly.

Posted by: Happened to be there | August 30, 2006 03:53 PM

Kudos to A$A for being seen in public with the president. Wasn't sure he would do it.

Maybe we should start calling him A$A Bushinson.

Posted by: Sparky | August 30, 2006 04:11 PM

As loath as I am to question the honesty of this statement (you could very well believe what you're saying), I don't believe this was a totally impromptu visit. If it was, it'd be a rarity. Bush never waltzes into public establishments and gambles that the crowd will be fans.

Of course, there's a first time for everything and the 30some percent of Arkansans who approve of Bush may have been eating at Cotham's.

Posted by: chance | August 30, 2006 05:58 PM

I think it would be very dangerous for Bush to stop anywhere unannounced. Maybe the AT can check with Cotham's to see if the Secret Service visited first.
Wish I had been there - I damn sure would not have stood up and applauded.

Posted by: BlueRidge | August 30, 2006 08:53 PM

Yes, I'm sure Asa went door to door in DC starting back in 1957 and told everyone that JBU-God had told him he was needed back in his home state. More likely those answering the door asked, Who the hell are you?

I'm sure as Asa watched his own star descending, he talked ever louder about his old home state, how he could hear it callin...callin him home. Often in a voice that sounded like Glen Campbell...sometimes Johnny Cash....Come home Asa....we need you...Hucks out of town again.

And as the big boot of unpopularity drop kicked Asa out of the DC area, the loving voice of Jesus urged Asa to run for Governor. Return home my boy and I will send my servants Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney, Honest John McCain, Dick Cheney, George Bush, Zell Miller, no wait....not Zell Miller, oh yes, Zell Miller, no wait....not Zell Miller.

Jesus whipped out a calculator and showed Asa the figures, he SHOWED HIM THE MONEY these old coots would raise by visiting Arkansas and Asa's head swiveled like that split green pea puking girl on the Exorcist! I'M IN, Asa said.

And now, as Paul Harvey says, you.....know....the.....rest of the story.

Posted by: Deathbyinches | August 30, 2006 11:54 PM

interested observer, are you an official
spokesperson with a Rove-approved script or just blowing this out your ass?
_

Posted by: Lwood | August 31, 2006 01:06 PM

"interested observer, are you an official
spokesperson with a Rove-approved script or just blowing this out your ass?
_

Posted by: Lwood | August 31, 2006 01:06 PM "

====================

Neither. Just a citizen who has paid attention long enough to be able to call bull**** when I see it. The Democrat party in this state has been allowed to run things from the top down unchecked for years and noone on the other side gets heard.

By the way. I appreciate this and other forums that at least allow some opposing views to get through to the few people who really read these things. Thanks Times.

Posted by: an interested observer | August 31, 2006 03:09 PM

Arkansas Blog

Lunchtime -- UPDATE

Comments

Post a comment