Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK — Former Republican Congressman Asa Hutchinson ruled out a return to the U.S. House today.
Hutchinson, who ran unsuccessfully for governor four years ago, said he would not make the race for his former 3rd District seat to succeed the man who succeeded him as representative for Northwest Arkansas, U.S. Rep. John Boozman.
Boozman, R-Rogers, announced Saturday he would seek the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate to challenge Democratic incumbent Blanche Lincoln.
Hutchinson lost to Democrat Mike Beebe in the 2006 governor’s race. He had returned to Arkansas after being passed over by President Bush as head of the Department of Homeland Security, where he had served as an undersecretary.
“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,”
Hutchinson said in a statement issued Monday. “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 indispensable to the survival of our republic.”
He said he was happy with his private sector role as senior partner for the Asa Hutchinson Law Group in Rogers and his consulting business in Little Rock.
Hutchinson did not rule out a future run for public office and said he expects to actively support the Republican 3rd District nominee in the November election.
Rogers Mayor Steve Womack plans to run for the Republican nomination, as does State Sen. Cecile Bledsoe of Rogers.
Rep. Jonathan Barnett of Siloam Springs, a former state highway commission chairman, and Rep. Rick Green of Van Buren both are considering bids.
Bernie Skoch of Elkins announced for the 3rd District seat before Boozman declared for the U.S. Senate.
David Whitaker, a Fayetteville attorney, has said he plans to run as a Democrat for the 3rd District seat.
