Arkansas News Bureau

LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Mike Beebe said today he is asking the chairmen of the state Democratic and Republican parties how they want to select candidates to fill a vacancy in the state Senate.

Beebe sent letters today to the state’s major-party chairmen asking them to notify him within 10 days whether they want to hold a special primary election or a convention of delegates to select candidates to replace Sen. Sharon Trusty, R-Russellville, whose resignation became effective today.

Beebe said he will set a date for a special election to replace Trusty after he receives the party responses. The Arkansas Constitution requires a special election to fill a legislative vacancy but does not specify how parties are to select candidates.

Trusty was first elected to the Senate in 2000. She said last month she was resigning for family health reasons.