The Center for Public Integrity released today a study on integrity of states’ political processes — access to information, conflict of interest rules, curbs on lobbyists. Arkansas scored an abysmal D+.

Here’s the Arkansas story in detail, written by long-time Arkansas journalist James Jefferson. Anecdotal lede: State insurance regulator moving into an insurance lobbying job. (Not for the first time.) Nor is insurance the only swinging door in state government. PSC commissioners have gone from regulator to regulated, too.

Advertisement

A new law on legislators will, in time, institute a one-year cooling-off period to convert to paid lobbyist. But it doesn’t apply to the current term-limited crop. Prediction again: Sen. Gilbert Baker, suddenly every Capitol reporter’s quote machine on the shortcomings of the Arkansas Supreme Court, will have paid work before long leading a corporate-funded effort to emulate Texas and elect only appellate judges who understand that plaintiffs aren’t supposed to win tort cases.

Don’t forget. If all goes well, you’ll be able to sign petitions from Regnat Populus 2012 and then vote for an initiative to curb corporate influence in government. Let’s do something about that D.

Advertisement

PS — No state does really well. No A grades. Arkansas, with a D+, still managed to place 27th.

Help to Keep Great Journalism Alive in Arkansas

Join the fight for truth and become a subscriber of the Arkansas Times. We've been battling powerful forces for 50 years through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, our readers value great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing and supporting our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage. Together, we can continue to hold the powerful accountable and bring important stories to light. Subscribe now or donate for as little as $1 and be a part of the Arkansas Times community.

Previous article Walking the streets while black can be deadly Next article Bon voyage