The Tolbert Report

Former Congressman Asa Hutchinson put out word today that he will not be running for Congress.  The Thrid Congressional District seat just opened up with the announcement from Rep. John Boozman that he will run for the U.S. Senate. (full statement on the jump)

“Five years ago, I left Washington to return to Arkansas to run my businesses and law practice,” Hutchinson said.  “I have had no desire to return even though the current problems facing our nation caused me to evaluate whether I should return to public life.  I am delighted that there are good people that are willing to run for this seat in Congress, and I concluded that I am not indispensible to the survival of our republic.”

This move opens the door for Bernie Skoch who has announced he will run as well State Sen. Cecile Bledso and Rogers Mayor Steve Womack who are both expect to announce their plans soon.

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:  February 8, 2010

Former Congressman Asa Hutchinson announced today that he would not be running for his former seat as representative for the 3^rd Congressional District of Arkansas. In making the announcement, Hutchinson offered the following statement:

“Five years ago, I left Washington to return to Arkansas to run my businesses and law practice.   I have had no desire to return even though the current problems facing our nation caused me to evaluate whether I should return to public life.  I am delighted that there are good people that are willing to run for this seat in Congress, and I concluded that I am not indispensible to the survival of our republic.

I am very happy with my role as Senior Partner with the AH Law Group in Rogers and my consulting business in Little Rock.  I am grateful for many different opportunities to impact the direction of our country from the private sector and through my voluntary work on the Constitution Project.   Susan and I enjoy our life as grandparents, and we know that there will be opportunities for public service in the future in which I could make the case that my election would make all the difference for our State.”

Hutchinson added that he expects to be active in supporting the Republican nominee in the November election.

Tags: 2010 Candidates