The Tolbert Report

Former Huckabee spokesman and all around Arkansas media guru Rex Nelson joins the Arkansas political blogosphere today with his “Southern Fried Blog.” He promises “ruminations on barbecue, politicking, football, frog gigging, trotlining, blues playing, horseracing, boxing, bird hunting, movie watching, crappie eating and other major issues of the day.”

He kicks things off today with a look at his journey as a journalist in and around Arkansas sports and politics. Nelson writes…

“Now, after 13 years in government, it’s back to the private sector. And there’s this blog as an outlet for the things I want to discuss. Blogs weren’t around back in 1981. But I feel like that 22-year-old all over again today because I have the chance to write.

“And, Mr. Starr, if you’re reading up there in that newsroom in the sky, I am almost 50 and not having to beg any naked 18-year-olds for quotes. Not yet anyway. (Reference to his years as a sports writer.)

“Dad is in a nursing home here in Little Rock now. Mom lives in an apartment within walking distance of where he is. I hope to keep the house in Arkadelphia.

“I just wish Steak and Ale were still in business so I could take Mom to dinner there tonight to celebrate. After almost 28 years, I feel young again.”

I guess since Steak and Ale is gone Nelson will have to settle for a reception at White Water Tavern this evening. My invitation must have gotten lost in the mail but I may have to crash the party anyway with my flip cam for a Tolbert Report exclusive.

We will look forward to seeing what Nelson will cook up for us on his blog (get it) and will be glad to have him on my blogroll along with another former Huckabee press secretary Alice Stewart.

UPDATE - Rex said I could come on by and crash his party.  Look for me and Rex to be sipping Baptist Cocktails (ie. Diet Coke – maybe I will get crazy and get a Diet Cherry Coke).

It was a good party even though I never got that Diet Coke.  What can I say – too many people wanted to talk the the man behind the flip cam and I just could not let them down. 

It might be easier to list who was not there but let me take a shot.  From the Arkansas blogosphere – myself, David Kinkade (with the APG), and Blake Rutherford (sans future Mrs. ThinkTank). From the Right – Rep. Ann Clemmer, Bill Vickery, French Hill, Tim Griffin, Doyle Webb, Chase Dugger, Alice Stewart, Stephanie DeJerette, and John Parke. From the Left , Rep. Steve Harrelson, Sen. Shane Broadway, Skip Rutherford (aka ThinkTank Dad), and Bill Halter.  And of course all the good folks at Communications Group, such as Neal Moore.  Okay, I am sure I left off someone very important so if I did not mention you, then just assume you are the important person I left off.