The Tolbert Report

Jim Keet (pictured with his two sons at his restaurant) confirms to the Tolbert Report this evening that he will be forming an exploratory committee to consider running for Lieutenant Governor as a Republican. Keet ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 1990 against former Rep. Ray Thornton before being elected to the State Senate in 1992 where he served until 1996. Keet owns Taziki’s Greek Fare in the Heights area of Little Rock.

Keet told me that the current condition of our nation and state with rising unemployment and threats of the government takeover of health care have compelled him to consider getting back into politics. The Lieutenant Governor’s race is attractive to him as he has no desire to go to Washington but would prefer to focus on issues effecting Arkansas. Specifically he points to the state tax structure as one area that is sending jobs to neighboring states.

Keet intends announce his exploratory committee on Monday and will file the paper work on Tuesday. He will have former Republican Congressman Ed Bethune as his committee chair. He said that he should be reaching a decision soon but admitted that the decision of the current Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter will play a large role in his decision. He said that Halter is a good friend of his family and he has told Halter that he would not running against him.

If Keet does get in the race, he will face Republican Mark Darr in the Republican Primary. And if Halter chooses to run for U.S. Senate or Congress instead of re-election, it is likely State Sen. Shane Broadway will contend for the Democratic nomination.

UPDATE - Clint Reed forwards Keet’s official announcment on the jump.

Keet Announces Formation of Exploratory Committee Spearheaded by Bethune

Little Rock – 2/15/10 – On Monday, Little Rock businessman Jim Keet announced the formation of an exploratory committee to consider a run for Lieutenant Governor.

“I will have one focus as Arkansas’ next Lt. Governor—bringing more and better jobs to Arkansas,” stated Keet outlining his focus as a candidate. “During these tough economic times, Arkansans who are looking for jobs should be able to find good jobs, and they should be able to keep more of their hard earned money through additional tax relief.”

Former Congressman Ed Bethune will be the Chairman of the exploratory committee. “I’m pleased that my long-time friend, Ed Bethune, has agreed to spearhead this effort.”

Keet graduated with honors from Southern Methodist University in 1971. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration, majoring in finance and minoring in real estate finance.

Keet has developed a distinguished career in business, politics, and charitable activities. Keet joined Gerald Hamra to bring Wendy’s to Arkansas in 1975 and grew the company to 1,300 employees receiving numerous awards including the Founders’ Award recognizing their franchise as the best in its system. In 1988, Keet joined the Board of Directors of Maxie’s of America, Inc., a regional restaurant chain. He became the Chairman of the company in 1989 and led it in a successful merger with Rally’s Inc., in June 1991.

In 1989, Keet was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives and was then elected to the Arkansas State Senate in 1992. He served as U.S. Senator Tim Hutchinson’s State Director from September 2001 until he joined Barnhill’s Buffet, Inc. as Vice Chairman. He then served as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the firm until the company was successfully sold in 2004. Under his leadership, Barnhill’s participated in numerous charitable activities. During the 2003/2004 hurricane season, Barnhill’s provided over 60,000 free meals to assist disaster efforts in the Gulf Coast region. Keet serves as President of Keet Management Company, a consulting and real estate management firm which he started in 1982. In 2008, Keet opened Tazikis Restaurant with his two sons, Tommy and Jake.

Keet has served on more than 20 civic and charitable boards including Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Arkansas Easter Seals, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Arkansas Council on Economic Education, and Arkansas for Drug Free Youth Advisory Board. He also served on the boards of the Metropolitan YMCA, Arkansas Literacy Councils, and the Arkansas United Negro College Fund Advisory Board.

“I’ve spent my adult life building companies, making them profitable, and meeting a payroll,” concluded Keet. “I hope to serve Arkansas as an economic ambassador. I want to use my experience creating jobs, serving in the legislature, and serving on civic and charitable boards and commissions to continue serving Arkansas.”

Keet has received various awards and honors including The National Humanitarian Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the FBI Community Service Award, the Outstanding Arkansas fund-raiser Award from the National Association of Fund Raising Executives, and an Outstanding Legislator Award from the Arkansas Education Association.

He has been married to Margaret Keet for 38 years and they have four children: Tommy, Chase, Jake and Cassie, and two grand-children: Hawkins Crocker and Holden Keet.

Tags: 2010 Candidates