Governor Beebe's Statement on the Resignation of Representative Rick Saunders

Statement

Governor Mike Beebe made the following statement regarding Representative Rick Saunders' decision to resign at the end of his current term in office.

"I respect Representative Saunders' decision and agree with him that it is the best course of action for the citizens of House District 24. This will allow Rick to complete his third term, preserve the spirit of the term-limits amendment passed by Arkansas voters, and allow us to begin the process of filling the vacancy. The untimely death of Keith Crass has created a unique set of circumstances, and we will take immediate action to fill this seat."

Once Governor Beebe receives written confirmation of Representative Saunders' resignation, he will certify the vacancy to the chairmen of the state's political parties. The parties will then have ten days to notify the governor whether they want primaries or conventions to choose their respective party nominees. Once word is received from the parties, Governor Beebe will set the earliest dates allowed by law for the District 24 special election and other election-related deadlines.

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