Ark. lawmaker splits from GOP

LITTLE ROCK — An Arkansas lawmaker’s defection from the Republican Party following a split with GOP leaders over moving up the state’s primary elections isn’t a sign the party is in trouble of losing its majority status anytime soon. It does, however, illustrate growing pains Republicans are going to have to manage.

Rep. Nate Bell announced he was switching his party affiliation from Republican to independent days after Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed into law a measure temporarily moving up the state’s primaries from May to March next year.

Bell opposed the primary move, part of an effort to create a regional nominating contest that supporters dubbed the “SEC primary,” during the regular legislative session earlier this year and the revived proposal that Hutchinson signed after last month’s special legislative session.

Bell has argued the move would protect incumbents because it gives would-be challengers a shortened window before they have to make their candidacies official. He also argued the drawnout campaign calendar it would create is anti-family, as candidates will need to spend more time on the trail.

The fight over a bill that had the state GOP establishment backing could be an omen for a party that’s gearing up for a potentially more divisive fight in the coming year over the future of the state’s compromise Medicaid expansion.

It also explains why Republicans were still careful to praise a lawmaker whose vote could be crucial before his term ends, even if he’s no longer in the party.

“We’ve proven that we can work with Republicans, Democrats and independents to get the job done for Arkansans,” the governor said. “As he continues to serve his district as an independent, I look forward to working with him and wish him well.”