Leslie Rutledge Adds to the Long List of Names for RPA Executive Director
The names for Executive Director of the Republican Party of Arkansas are 
lining up faster than Arkansas bloggers for another Fisher Brummett debate. (Maybe Jessica Dean will get a shot him next.) Today’s word is Leslie Rutledge has now joined the crowded field of young, experienced, and energetic candidates. Okay Rex Nelson is not all that young and David Kinkade is constantly pointing out that he has no desire to be energetic but still.
Rutledge certainly has a long resume of both Arkansas and Washington experience. She currently serves as the Deputy Legal Council for the Republican National Congressional Committee. However, most HuckaFans like me know her from her work on Huckabee’s Presidential Campaign where as a staff attorney she helped ensure he met all the various state primary qualifications to get on the ballot. She also worked as a legal council for Huckabee’s office when he was Governor. This past year Rutledge and I were fellow alternate delegates to the Republican National Convention. She also has been very active with the Young Republican organization serving in various offices on the state and national level.
If that not enough you get you to look, just take stock of the two pictures of Rutledge with both Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney. I mean anyone that can get along with both of these Republican adversaries should be able to bring us all together!
“The next few years are crucial for the Republican Party in terms of fundraising, candidate recruitment, communications, and Election Day operations” Rutledge tells the Tolbert Report. “It is important that the Party enhance its use of technology and new media in these areas to reach a broader base of supporters and to establish a stronger Republican brand. The Republican Party must actively seek out and cultivate young, articulate conservatives to become active spokespersons and candidates to challenge the Democrats on issues such as cutting taxes and offer real solutions to improve lives all across Arkansas. Republicans must recommit to our principles and update the strategy we use to communicate our message so that the Republican Party is the home of conservative Arkansas voters.”
So to refresh the list again, we have (in no particular order) the Arkansas political veteran Rex Nelson, RPA’s rising star Chase Dugger, the wiz kid Bryant Adams, the Beltway blogger K. Ryan James, the voice of Newt Gingrich Princella Smith, the Blake’s Think Tank endorsed David Kinkade, and now the well qualified Leslie Rutledge.
I say take your pick; they are all fine choices.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:55 am
New blog post: Leslie Rutledge Adds to the Long List of Names for RPA Executive Director http://tinyurl.com/d92w46
March 4th, 2009 at 11:01 am
[...] Watch: More candidates for Arkansas Republican Party executive director? The Tolbert Report is the only source you need. (The Tolbert [...]
March 4th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
You left out many Republican legislators favorite candidate: Keith Emis
March 4th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
I think “uh” is correct.
I can think of about a half-dozen freshman legislators who would back Emis, as well as a couple senators. Throw in his relationships with inner circle folks in LR and his willingness to stir the pot when necessary and it makes sense.
Will Emis as ED scare some people? Yes. Change is tough for some.
Is Emis respected by his peers and the other side? You bet your ass.
Does Emis produce results? Ask the house republicans.
Emis ain’t talk, he’s action. That’s scary to others who’d rather gripe and moan than recruit candidates and go door to door.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Has Keith sent in his resume and application?
March 4th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Leslie Rutledge? Are you out of your cotton picking mind? First ask EDITED BY TOLBERT REPORT …. then ask what she has really done for local Republicans (not Gov. Huckabee) and you’ll get your answer. If you want more of the same, this is Huckabee’s next Presidential Campaign lining up in earnest to hi-jack another State Party. We don’t need it; and we don’t want it. Karen Ray staying on the payroll while living out of state is a much better option….
March 4th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
You forgot Sarah Huckabee’s boyfriend – Bryan Sanders (I believe that’s his name). He’s in the running as well – or at least he’s been calling exec board people.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
I love that Emis’ buddies are floating his name on the blogs. I’d bet the family farm that Emis is the last person that gets it. He has a better chance of becoming an astronaut.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Leslie Rutledge is a GREAT pic! I hope the RPA selects her. She is highly qualified and would do a wonderful job. And how cool to have a strong female Republican in charge of the party? The RPA would do themselves a favor if they hired her.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Barbara – why don’t you tell us who you endorse and why?….Instead of being negative towards a team member….we’re all on the same team, right?….It’s negative attitudes like yours that keep us from working together and achieving goals.