LITTLE ROCK — The Republican Party of Arkansas raised questions Thursday about a newly appointed state Ethics Commission member’s political support for a Democrat running for the state Senate.
Commissioner Robert McCormick of Conway said later he would do “whatever it takes” to resolve the matter and comply with state laws.
State ethics laws prohibit Ethics Commission members from making contributions to, providing services, or lending his or her name in support of any candidate for election to a state, county, municipal or school board office.
State GOP Chairman Doyle Webb noted that McCormack and his wife, Armilda, are listed under the endorsement tab on the campaign website for state Rep. Linda Tyler, D-Conway. Tyler is running for newly drawn Senate District 35. Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Conway, also has announced plans to seek the District 35 seat.
Webb demanded that McCormack discontinue his public support for Tyler. McCormick, who Gov. Mike Beebe appointed to the Ethics Commission in January, acknowledged he has donated to Tyler’s Senate campaign.
He said he would discontinue support for Tyler and would excuse himself from hearing any matter regarding her if it came before the ethics panel.