arkansas sunday edition

So Long, Arkansas Sunday Edition

On May 12, 2010, In Local News, Newspapers and Media, arkansas sunday edition, By Blake

Today, Arkansas Sunday Edition, a radio program I hosted on 103.7FM here in Little Rock, was canceled. The 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. time slot on Sunday mornings just doesn’t produce the kind of advertising revenue required to keep a show of this kind going. Anyway, if you listened to the program, thank you. It was fun while it lasted.

The show was made better because of the guests. Thanks to all of you: Jim Harris (Arkansas Sports 360), David Kinkade (The Arkansas Project), Lance Turner (Arkansas Business), Shannon Butler (City Year), Reece Smith (Ark. Democratic Party rising star), Randy Dixon (KATV), Jeff Hankins (Arkansas Business), Max Brantley (Arkansas Times), Philip Martin (Arkansas Democrat Gazette), Sam Eifling (Arkansas Business), Jon Vogel (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), Skip Rutherford (Clinton School of Public Service), State Sen. Shane Broadway, House Speaker Robbie Wills, State Sen. Joyce Elliott, Sen. Blanche Lincoln, Jason Tolbert (The Tolbert Report), Roby Brock (Talk Business), Levi Agee (Cameras on the Radio), Craig Renaud (filmmaker, Little Rock Film Festival), Tara Smith (Arkansas Department of Higher Education), Tim Griffin, State Sen. Gilbert Baker, Alice Stewart (Ark. Republican Party), Chris Bahn (Arkansas Sports 360), Stephanie Simoni (KATV, Queen of Valentine’s Day), JoBeth McElhanon (blogger, photographer, happy person), Angel Galloway (Ark. Repertory Theater), Mariah Hatta (Ark. Democratic Party), James Roberts (Springdale, Ark. fanatic, Hog fan), Jeremy Harper (The Angry Czeck, Facebook addict), Marilynn Porter (VIP, friend to dogs), Jamie Dunbar Gates (Mr. Conway, soon-to-be father of twins) and, of course, Jessica Dean.

Vogel: Democrats in 2nd District Have “A Deep Bench.” – - UPDATE II (Audio)

On January 17, 2010, In Arkansas, Local News, Politics, arkansas sunday edition, By Blake

I sat down with Jon Vogel, executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, today on Arkansas Sunday Edition. Among many things, he noted that Arkansas Democrats have a very deep bench from which to draw candidates to replace outgoing Rep. Vic Snyder. I’ll post an audio file of the interview as soon as I can get a hold of it.

UPDATE: Here’s the audio of the interview. (Thumbs Up: Tolbert Report)

UPDATE II: The NRCC responds to comments made during the interview.

Much has been made about Charlie Cook of The Cook Political Report moving this race from toss up to lean Republican. Not only is that a miscalculation, it’s premature. Because of the nature of Mr. Snyder’s retirement (four children under the age of 5, including three new children since his last election), it doesn’t (and shouldn’t) reaffirm “the notion that Democrats are ducking for cover” as Mr. Cook suggests.

I asked Mr. Vogel if there were any similarities to this and, say, the Connecticut Senate race in which incumbent Democrat Chris Dodd stepped away from the Senate race in light of poor polling numbers. “No,” he replied, indicating that unlike Mr. Dodd, Mr. Snyder stood a very good chance of winning in 2010. (When Mr. Dodd retired, AGtty. Gen. Richard Blumenthal was waiting in the wings. A Democrat, recent polling indicate he’ll coast to victory.)

National pundits have been wrong about the dynamics of this race for months. Since 1852 only one Republican, Ed Bethune, has been elected in this district (Tommy Robinson switched parties while holding this seat and lost in 1990). It’s a strong performing Democratic district when statewide Democrats are on the ballot. In 2006 the district went heavily for Gov. Mike Beebe, Lt. Gov. Bill Halter and Atty. Gen. Dustin McDaniel. All three will be on the ballot in 2010, and Mr. Halter may be on the ballot to replace Mr. Snyder.

In 2006, Mr. Snyder won every county in his district, including a huge margin of victory in Pulaski County. He received 72,475 votes, or 58% of his vote total. He received more than 60% of the vote in 5 of the 8 counties he represents. In 2008, Mr. Snyder won with 77% of the vote.

Here’s what the Arkansas political map looked like when Mr. Beebe defeated Republican Asa Hutchinson in 2006. (Blue = Democratic counties; Red = Republican counties.)

Mr. Vogel and I also spoke about the potential for depressed Democratic turnout. He noted that Democrats are not as engaged as Republicans right now. He also noted that once Democrats see the clear choice between candidates they’ll not only engage, they’ll realize the importance of their vote.

Arkansas Sunday Edition Mailbag

On December 29, 2009, In arkansas sunday edition, By Blake

For those of you that tune in to my weekly radio program, Arkansas Sunday Edition, I wanted to let you know that we’re now accepting your e-mails in addition to your calls. You can e-mail your comments, criticisms or other sordid communications to sundayedition@1037thebuzz.com. If you’re creative enough your e-mails will make it on the air.

Also, the station has an iPhone app that allows you to listen live to the program. Here’s a link for more information.

Just a reminder that this Sunday’s show will be live from Memphis with some post-Liberty Bowl commentary and a look ahead to 2010 in Arkansas politics and news.

Reflections on the Decade

On December 28, 2009, In Corporate, Government, Public Affairs, arkansas sunday edition, By Blake

This week on my radio program, Arkansas Sunday Edition, we recounted the top ten moments in national news, Arkansas news, and pop culture. Later this week I’ll recap the year – the things that really caught my attention, political blunders, missed opportunities and cool moments. Until then, New York Times columnist Paul Krugman reviews the past decade.

. . . from an economic point of view, I’d suggest that we call the decade past the Big Zero. It was a decade in which nothing good happened, and none of the optimistic things we were supposed to believe turned out to be true.

He notes there was basically zero job creation (only a slightly higher employment number in Dec. 2009 vs. Dec. 99); median household income lower now than in 1999; home prices are quite similar to what they were in 1999, although more home owners owe more than their houses are worth; and zero stock growth (Dow: 11.497.12 on 12.31.99, 10,527.28 on 12.28.99).

It’s a good thing we instituted those tax cuts early the decade.

Arkansas Sunday Edition 12.13.09: Roby Brock

On December 11, 2009, In arkansas sunday edition, By Blake

I welcome Roby Brock of Talk Business to the radio program this week. Mr. Brock moderated the Kumpuris Lecture at the Clinton Presidential Center this week featuring James Carville and Mary Matalin. We’ll dive headlong into Arkansas politics, but not before a round-up of the week in sports with @RJHawk.

103.7FM. 7-9 am.

‘An Apocalypse of Coaching’

On November 16, 2009, In arkansas sunday edition, By Blake

I’m referring to Bill Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots, who last night decided to go for it on fourth and two on the Pats own 28 with two minutes to play. It’s one of the craziest coaching decisions I’ve ever seen in football, and it backfired famously. The Patriots were stopped, and Peyton Manning converted the change of possession into a game-winning touchdown drive. This all but secured home field advantage throughout the playoffs for the Indianapolis Colts, while leaving New England with three losses, still two games ahead of the Dolphins and Jets, but a game behind AFC North leader Cincinnati (7-2).

Michael Wilbon of The Washington Post and ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption” wrote this on his blog,

But no great coach, no head coach with multiple Super Bowl victories, would have made that call — except the most arrogant great coach of them all, Bill Belichick. And the decision to try and pick up those two yards in Indianapolis last night instead of punting, fittingly, is the most arrogant end-of-game decision I’ve ever seen in 40-plus years of watching pro football.

Bill Simmons‘ weekly podcast is also worth a listen. “The final five minutes was an apocalypse of coaching,” he said.

My fantasy team came down to a battle between two players on my team: Tom Brady (my qb) and Laurence Maroney (one of my rbs), and one player on my opponent’s team: Reggie Wayne, who caught the final Colts TD secured my defeat. But my fantasy team sucks.

The NFL dominated this week on Arkansas Sunday Edition where RJ Hawk and Jeff Hankins fawned over the Dallas Cowboys. If I can track down the MP3 of it, I’ll post it on the sidebar.

Saturday: House to Vote on Health Care

On November 7, 2009, In Arkansas, Government, Local News, Politics, arkansas sunday edition, By Blake

The House will convene in about thirty minutes and begin the process of considering the health care bill. A vote is expected sometime late this afternoon or this evening. Politico has a synopsis of how the day will unfold.

Jason Tolbert noted earlier that Arkansas Reps. Mike Ross and John Boozman are expected to vote No on the bill. Politico lists Mr. Ross as a solid No vote. Reps. Vic Snyder and Marion Berry have yet to state their position publicly.

Mr. Tolbert and I will discuss the health care vote tomorrow morning on my radio show. Tune in.

Tagged with: arkansas media • arkansas news • arkansas political analysis • arkansas politics • health care reform • jason tolbert • john boozman • marion berrt • mike ross • vic snyder

Off to the Weekend

On November 6, 2009, In Arkansas, Culture, Local News, Politics, Social Media, arkansas sunday edition, By Blake

Time to review what happened today and look ahead to the weekend:

Fight Club: It’s about time someone came to the defense of Henry Allen, the Washington Post newspaper editor who punch a colleague in the face earlier this week. Rex Nelson over at his Southern Fried blog does so today. Like Mr. Nelson, I’m not an advocate for punching folks, although every man has his limits. Mr. Allen reached his. It may cost him his job.

Radio Talk: Arkansas Sunday Edition with Blake Rutherford welcomes Jason Tolbert of The Tolbert Report this week to the program. Sunday. 7 to 9 am. 103.7 FM or listen live online.

Social Media Geek Fest: SWIM is making a comeback after a month-long hiatus.

Doughnut: Little Rock Central’s football season ended last night with a drubbing by Bryant. 0-20 in the last two seasons. Ouch. My reflections on playing for Central coach Bernie Cox.

Oscar!: I need to catch up on my movies. “Bright Star,” “Men Who Stare at Goats,” “Paris,” “Capitalism: A Love Story,” “Amelia,” and “Coco Before Chanel” are in town. And I’m strangely intrigued by “The Box.”

Best Football in Arkansas: It’s the Battle of the Ravine in Arkadelphia tomorrow. One of the most interesting football rivalries in the country between Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State. Players and coaches walk to the opposing team’s stadium. The cops halt traffic. Seriously.

Heartbreak: The Arkansas Razorbacks play South Carolina in a game that keeps a Cotton Bowl bid alive. I’m amped up for it which means the Hogs will get beat. An 11:21 kick off is hardly enough time for me to dive in the sauce.

Watch: Best video of the day. Second best video of the day.

Slither: Snakes are back in the Clinton Center park. Ha, but I mean that literally.

Czeck Mate: The uber-hilarious local blogger @angryceck has some Twitter friends: @happyczeck and @velvetczeck.

Lincoln or Bust, Dawg: Little Rock locals Chad Pekron (@chadpekron) and James Roberts (@jimmyg20) will be in the stands when Nebraska and Oklahoma play tomorrow. Because Nebraska’s where I’d want to go if I had a long weekend to travel.

I’m out. Enjoy your weekend.

This Week on Arkansas Sunday Edition: Razorbacks, Polanski, Facebook

On October 3, 2009, In arkansas sunday edition, By Blake

Arkansas Sunday Edition welcomes Arkansas Democrat Gazette film critic and culture columnist Philip Martin to the program from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. you can listen to me and @RJHawk break down the Arkansas Razorback football game and other happenings in the world of sports. The Hogs take on Texas A&M in Dallas Cowboys stadium. The game is being broadcast live nationally on ESPN2 at 6:30 p.m.

Arkansas isn’t the only team making a nationally televised appearance. The Arkansas State Red Wolves take on the No. 13 Iowa Hawkeyes on ESPN2 at 11:05 a.m. central time. @angryczeck is sure to be watching intensely.

103.7FM. 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. Listen live online.

Tagged with: 103 • arkansas sunday edition • blake rutherford

This Week on Arkansas Sunday Edition

On September 25, 2009, In arkansas sunday edition, By Blake

What can listeners expect on Arkansas Sunday Edition this weekend?

Arkansas play Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Saturday. It’s a CBS nationally televised game. The Razorbacks defense sucked last week in a 52-41 loss to Georgia. I can’t imagine a better outcome this week, although Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson promises one. @rjhawk and I will break down the game and the rest of the happenings in the college football world beginning at 7:00 a.m.

During the 8:00 a.m hour I welcome former Mike Huckabee spokesperson Alice Stewart to the program. Ms. Stewart currently serves as Fox News commentator and blogger. More specific to Arkansas, she is one of two finalists to be the executive director of the Republican Party of Arkansas. She currently serves as the party’s spokesperson. We’ll be talking about that and more.

103.7 FM. 7-9 a.m. Tune in or listen live online.

Tagged with: alice stewart • arkansas media • arkansas political commentary • arkansas politics • arkansas radio • arkansas sunday edition • Mike Huckabee

Arkansas Republican Party Eyes Executive Director

On September 23, 2009, In Arkansas, Local News, Politics, arkansas sunday edition, By Blake

They need to be searching for a new chairman, but in the meantime the financially strapped state GOP announced that it will be interviewing three candidates for the position: Chase Dugger who currently serves as the political director for the party, former Mike Huckabee adviser Tracy Horne, and Alice Stewart who served as Mr. Huckabee’s spokesperson and has been serving as the spokesperson for the state GOP.

At one point current chairman Doyle Webb wanted to combine the chairman’s job and the executive director job and pay himself $100,000. That never panned out. (Recent business reports suggest that a $100K payday would have been welcomed in the Webb household.)

The Think Tank doesn’t have a dog in this hunt, but I have advocated time and again for the state GOP to put David Kinkade of The Arkansas Project in this position. I’m aghast they didn’t take my recommendation seriously.

Ms. Stewart will be my guest on Arkansas Sunday Edition this Sunday at 8:00 a.m. You can bet we’ll be talking about this. Tune in.

Tagged with: alice stewart • arkansas GOP • arkansas media • arkansas news • arkansas political analysis • arkansas politics • chase dugger • david kinkade

This Week on Arkansas Sunday Edition

On September 11, 2009, In arkansas sunday edition, By Blake

Arkansas Sunday Edition with Blake Rutherford welcomes blogger Jeremy Harper a.k.a @angryczeck on Twitter to the program during the first hour and Arkansas House Majority Steve Harrelson of Underthedome.com to the program during the second hour.

You can listen live online here or tune in to 103.7FM. Sunday 7-9 a.m. We take calls: 501.433.1037.

Blake's Think Tank

So Long, Arkansas Sunday Edition

Vogel: Democrats in 2nd District Have “A Deep Bench.” – - UPDATE II (Audio)

Arkansas Sunday Edition Mailbag

Reflections on the Decade

Arkansas Sunday Edition 12.13.09: Roby Brock

‘An Apocalypse of Coaching’

Saturday: House to Vote on Health Care

This Week on Arkansas Sunday Edition: Razorbacks, Polanski, Facebook

This Week on Arkansas Sunday Edition

Arkansas Republican Party Eyes Executive Director

This Week on Arkansas Sunday Edition

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