Little Rock, AR — Sarah Huckabee Sanders today released the following statement in response to Attorney General Leslie Rutledge’s announcement that she’ll exit the race for Governor and instead run for Lieutenant Governor:
“I want to thank Leslie Rutledge for her leadership. I look forward to uniting Arkansans behind my vision to grow our economy and create high-paying jobs, increase access to quality education, and deliver bold, conservative reforms that take our state to the top.”
Viewed favorably by 78% of Republicans in Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK, AR — Sarah Huckabee Sanders holds a commanding 57-point lead in the Arkansas GOP primary and is viewed favorably by 78% of Republicans in the state, a public research study by Remington Research Group concluded.
“Arkansas is clearly ready for bold, conservative reforms that will take us to the top, and I am grateful for the thousands of Arkansans who stand with me as our campaign continues to gain more and more momentum.” Sanders said.
The campaign recently announced more than $11 million total raised, and county coordinators in all 75 counties across Arkansas.
LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Sarah Huckabee Sanders for Governor campaign has announced coordinators in all 75 counties of Arkansas.
“I am thankful for the tremendous grassroots support across the state, and for leaders in every county who will stand with me in the fight for freedom,” Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. “A strong grassroots team is the backbone of every campaign, and I couldn’t be more honored to have these coordinators by my side as we continue to carry my message of bold reforms and opportunity for all to every corner of our state. Together, we will take Arkansas to the top.”
“Arkansas needs Sarah Huckabee Sanders,” said Saline County Coordinator Jamol Jones, a small business owner and former law enforcement official. “She is a proven leader who will stand with law enforcement, phase out the state income tax, and fiercely defend our freedom. I am proud to be on Team Sarah and help harness the incredible support she has from so many Arkansans.”
“I am proud to stand with Sarah Huckabee Sanders as we continue to grow her grassroots support across Arkansas,” Chicot County Coordinator Mary Ashleigh Harper said. “I admire her devotion to her core principles of faith, family, and freedom, and I know she will help lead Arkansas to the top. As a mom myself, she is the one I want fighting for my family!”
County Coordinators Arkansas: George Dunklin Ashley: Inez Barnes Baxter: Heather Maxey Benton: Randy Lawson Boone: Katie Taylor Bradley: Wayne Parnell Calhoun: Libby Coates Carroll: Ferguson Stewart Chicot: Mary Ashleigh Harper Clark: Terry Dewitt Clay: Senator Blake Johnson Cleburne: Dennis Rome Cleveland: Jaime Scallion Columbia: Beth Anne Rankin Conway: Glenna Tindall Craighead: Jerry Halsey Crawford: Mark Shaffer Crittenden: Bobbi Dodge Cross: Vance Lawson Dallas: Jerel Saeler Desha: Jamie Sims Drew: Mike Akin Faulkner: John Nabholz Franklin: Leslie Davis Fulton: Anita Hawkins Garland: Patrick Ingram Grant: Representative Ken Bragg Greene: Todd Gazaway Hempstead: Dr. Lester Sitzes Hot Spring: Justice of the Peace Gerald Black Howard: Bruce Short Independence: Cody Smith Izard: Ryan Howard Jackson: Amanda Reynolds Jefferson: Jimmy Dill Johnson: Barry Sellers Lafayette: Cindy Ross Lawrence: Representative Fran Cavanaugh Lee: Nathan Reed Lincoln: Jonathan Baugh Little River: Kay York Logan: Gary & Carolyn Rhinehart Lonoke: Kevin Tipton Madison: Michael Harris Marion: Jessie Jefferson Miller: County Judge Cathy Harrison Mississippi: Matt Huckabay Monroe: Seth Mullinax Montgomery: Rebeca Morren Nevada: Myrna Daniel Newton: Bubba Lloyd Ouachita: John David Neeley Perry: Travis Bentley Phillips: Bryan Grigsby Pike: Kandy Owens Poinsett: Ritter Arnold Polk: Representative John Maddox Pope: Kris Hunnicutt Prairie: Dondie Guess Pulaski: Karen Black Randolph: Kyle Baltz Saline: Jamol Jones Scott: Brent Mays Searcy: Donald Ragland Sebastian: Tina LaRoche Sevier: Vicki Bodine Sharp: Ethan Barnes St. Francis: Ken Patterson Stone: Deborah Cole Union: John Barker Van Buren: Dr. Jamie & Carol Beavers Washington: Joe Donaldson White: Greg Price Woodruff: June Simmons Yell: Kim Noblett
Little Rock, AR — Sarah Huckabee Sanders will report raising more than $11 million total from more than 76,500 donors, including over $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2021. The campaign has over $7 million cash on hand – more than any Arkansas gubernatorial candidate has raised total in state history.
Sanders has raised more money in Arkansas than all of her other opponents combined, totaling $3.7 million from nearly 10,000 Arkansans.
“I am grateful for the overwhelming support I have received from every county in our state and every state in our nation,” Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. “Now more than ever, Arkansas needs a real leader who will take our state to the top with bold reforms, lower taxes, and higher paying jobs to unleash our full potential.”
LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Sarah Huckabee Sanders for Governor campaign has released its first TV ad, “Who We Are”. The ad will debut tomorrow during the Arkansas vs. Texas football game.
The release of this first TV ad comes at the end of the campaign’s 15-stop, weeklong Sarah for Governor Freedom Tour across Arkansas. During the tour, Sarah met with, and answered questions from, thousands of supporters, as well as local media, about important issues facing our great state.
Script: “Who We Are” (:60)
Sarah Huckabee Sanders: “I’ll never forget being a student at Little Rock Central High and watching my dad – a Republican governor – and Bill Clinton – a Democrat president – hold open the doors for the Little Rock Nine, doors that forty years earlier had been closed to them because they’re black.
“Good triumphed over evil.
“That is who we are.
“The radical left wants to teach our kids America is a racist and evil country, but Arkansans are generous, hard-working people.
“I was born and raised here. This is where we chose to raise our family, and I want the same for my three kids as yours: a better life, here in Arkansas.
“We don’t want our kids living under socialism, cancel culture, and big government taking away our freedom.
“As governor, I will defend our freedom and champion good schools, higher paying jobs, and a better life for all.”
Includes Boat Parade & Labor Day Rally featuring John Rich
LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Sarah Huckabee Sanders for Governor campaign has announced a 15-stop Freedom Tour across Arkansas. The tour will include a boat parade, Labor Day Rally featuring John Rich, and a pancake breakfast honoring our nation’s heroes on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The tour will begin on Sunday, September 5th, and end on Saturday, September 11th.
“The freedoms we are blessed with as Arkansans and Americans are always worth fighting for. Socialism and government control are destined to fail – freedom is the foundation and the hope for our great state and country. I am excited to continue taking this message to every corner of Arkansas during our Freedom Tour. I love our state and care about our people, and as governor I will not be intimidated by the serious challenges we face. I will always stand for what’s right – not what’s politically correct or convenient,” Sanders said.
Sarah for Governor Freedom Tour Schedule
Sunday, September 5th
Event: Sarah for Governor Boat Parade Where: Mountain Harbor/Lake Ouachita When: 2:00 PM
Monday, September 6th
Event: Sarah for Governor Freedom Tour Kickoff Rally featuring John Rich Where: 403 N Main St, Benton, AR 72015 When: 4:00 PM
Tuesday, September 7th
Event: Freedom Tour Meet & Greet Where: Holly’s Country Cooking (116 S Harkrider St, Conway, AR 72032) When: 8:45 AM
Event: Freedom Tour Meet & Greet Where: CJ’s Butcher Boy (2803 N Arkansas Ave, Russellville, AR 72802) When: 11:45 AM
Event: Freedom Tour Rally Where: Fort Smith Riverfront Pavilion (100 N. B Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901) When: 5:30 PM
Wednesday, September 8th
Event: Freedom Tour Meet & Greet Where: Buncles Brick Oven and Brews (1406 HWY 62 E, Mountain Home, AR 72653) When: 12:00 PM
Event: Freedom Tour Rally Where: ASU Regional Farmers’ Market (3350 Aggie Road, Jonesboro, AR 72401) When: 5:00 PM
Thursday, September 9th
Event: Freedom Tour Meet & Greet Where: Hoots (2008 US-65, McGehee, AR 71654) When: 8:45 AM
Event: Freedom Tour Meet & Greet Where: Pupp’s BBQ (101 E Main Street, El Dorado, AR 71762) When: 12:15 PM
Event: Freedom Tour Meet & Greet Where: Hamburger Barn (2813 Pine St., Arkadelphia, AR 71923) When: 3:45 PM
Event: Clark County Republican Committee Lincoln Day Dinner Where: Henderson State University, Garrison Center (Arkadelphia, AR) When: 6:00 PM Friday, September 10th
Event: Freedom Tour Meet & Greet Where: Old Tyme Burger Shoppe (1205 Arkansas Blvd, Texarkana, AR 71854) When: 8:30 AM
Event: Freedom Tour Meet & Greet Where: Colton’s Steak House (195 Northport Dr, Cabot, AR 72023) When: 2:00 PM
Event: White County Republican Committee Lincoln/Reagan Dinner Where: 101 S Benton Ave, Searcy, AR 72143 When: 6:30 PM
Saturday, September 11th
Event: Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes Pancake Breakfast Where: Sam’s Furniture (4326 Hidden Creek Ln, Springdale, AR 72762) When: 8:00 AM
Attending the Olympics was a dream come true, especially as part of the official delegation representing our country. It was incredible to meet so many of the athletes representing our country, so now it makes me sad to see people using these Olympic Games as a platform to bash America. Millions of people all over the world would do just about anything to be an American, a privilege many of us all too often take for granted. As the American flag waves proudly, it is a reminder for all to respect the sacrifice made by our brave soldiers to protect our freedoms. I am proud to cheer on Team USA!
In February 2018, I had the honor of attending the Winter Olympics in South Korea as a member of the official American delegation led by Ivanka Trump. I had dreamed of going to the Olympics since I was a kid. I love America and I love sports—so really what could be better? When Ivanka invited me to be part of the US delegation, at first, I thought she must be kidding, but she told me it was already done, and I had been cleared to go. I couldn’t have been more excited. I knew this trip was more than just the Olympics—the escalating conflict with North Korea would play a major role.
The team from the White House included Ivanka, her chief of staff, Julie Radford, a fellow mom to three young kids and close confidante; senior advisor to General McMaster and the NSC staff Sarah Flaherty; and NSC Korean specialist Allison Hooker. The incoming chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch (R-ID) also joined our delegation.
As our delegation landed in South Korea, the administration announced the toughest sanctions ever against North Korea. We knew our job had just gotten more difficult.
Our first stop was all business. Ivanka, and the other members of the delegation, including Senator Risch; General Vincent Brooks, the commander of United States Forces Korea; Mark Knapper, the Chargé d’Affaires for South Korea; and I had a small private dinner at the Blue House with President Moon, his wife, and Kang Kyung-wha, the South Korean foreign minister. Tonight was different because Ivanka was the principal, and was expected to carry the water not just for her father, but for the country. Her hard work paid off. She was engaging and knew personal details about our dinner hosts that kept the conversation moving and interesting. She managed to find common interests to discuss, even getting the South Korean first lady to open up and throw her head back in laughter at one point. It was impressive.
The South Korean first lady as well as Olympic gold medalist Angela Ruggiero joined us the next day to watch Team USA men compete in snowboarding, bobsledding, and curling.
We had a blast cheering on our Olympians. I never thought I could get so excited about curling, but the atmosphere was electric and the crowd, including our delegation, went crazy when Team USA defeated Sweden 10–7 to win the gold. Our time at the games closed hanging out and taking photos with the internationally acclaimed K-pop group EXO, who had performed at the ceremonies. It was quite the contrast: one minute we had been discussing how to engage with one of the world’s most evil regimes and the next we were snapping pics with a Korean boy band.
Just hours before the closing ceremony began, South Korean president Moon met with North Korean general Kim Yong-chol. Moon had announced following their meeting that the North Koreans were open to talks with the United States. This announcement came just three days after President Trump issued the largest sanctions ever against North Korea. Near the conclusion of the Winter Olympics from South Korea I announced: President Donald J. Trump’s Administration is committed to achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The United States, our Olympic Host the Republic of Korea, and the international community broadly agree that denuclearization must be the result of any dialogue with North Korea. The maximum pressure campaign must continue until North Korea denuclearizes.
Weeks later, North Korea indicated they were open to direct talks with President Trump about denuclearization, and they’d be willing to suspend nuclear and missile tests, a huge win for the administration.
Most money raised by a gubernatorial candidate in Arkansas’ history
Little Rock, AR – Sarah Huckabee Sanders will report raising $4.2 million in the second quarter, including more than $1.5 million from Arkansans, increasing her total to a staggering $9.1 million from over 67,000 donors. This shatters the record for the most money ever raised by any campaign for governor in state history.
In Arkansas, the campaign has raised more than $3 million total from nearly 9,000 Arkansans.
“I am thankful for the outpouring of support from all across our state,” Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. “It’s clear Arkansans want a leader who will defend our freedom and stand up to the radical left, grow our economy and create jobs, and increase access to quality education and opportunity for a brighter, more prosperous future.”
The White House Situation Room is not just one room, but several. There are multiple meeting rooms and a main control center where members of the military and the National Security Council gathered and received intelligence, monitored crises around the world, and provided support to White House staff on a number of national security matters. The Situation Room staff also compiled and handled the dissemination of the Morning Book, an intelligence report given to the president, vice president, White House chief of staff, and national security advisor. They also put together morning and evening summaries, hand-delivered to a few senior officials around the building, myself included. Reading the morning and evening summaries from the Situation Room staff was a sobering way to start and end the day.
The primary meeting room for the president in the Situation Room was the John F. Kennedy Conference Room. It had a large table in the middle of the room that seated fourteen in large black leather chairs, with rows of smaller leather chairs on each side of the room lined against the wall for additional staff to participate in meetings. Seats were designated by protocol order. Whoever chaired the meeting always sat at the head of the table. Any time the president was present, that was his seat. A Presidential Seal hung on the wall behind the president’s seat and clocks set to different times in key locations around the world adorned the other wall. There was a large screen in front of the table used for secure video conferencing and to present briefing materials to the group. There were no windows in the Situation Room, and phones and computers were strictly prohibited.
During an emergency principals small group meeting after another North Korea nuclear test, at the table in the Situation Room sat Chief of Staff John Kelly, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, National Security Advisor H. R. McMaster, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Joseph Dunford, Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, and me. The president was given the threat assessment and options to respond from his national security team. We discussed how strong the administration’s statement should be, who it should come from, and whether it should be issued in writing or on camera. I hadn’t said much since the meeting started, but the president suddenly turned to me and asked me what he should do. I said I liked the idea of delivering a simple, clear message on camera from the White House because it would present a unified front from the administration and command more media attention than a written or on-camera statement from the State Department or Department of Defense. The president agreed and we spent the last part of the meeting finalizing the statement that would be delivered outside the West Wing by General Mattis, with General Dunford standing beside him. Having two distinguished military leaders issue the statement would project strength and confidence to the world and especially North Korea.
We wanted the leadership of North Korea to understand clearly that America wasn’t going to be bullied. They were threatening the strongest military on the face of the earth, and if they started a war against the United States it would end in their deaths. General Mattis delivered the statement, which included a line I wrote: “Because we are not looking to the total annihilation of a country, namely North Korea. But as I said, we have many options to do so.”
Afterward, General Mattis turned to me and said, “You’re tough. The only job in the administration I’d want less than mine is yours.”
The sky was robin’s egg blue peppered with pearl clouds when Sarah Huckabee Sanders breezed in and out of Harrison last week. She’d been invited by veterans groups to address and meet the community’s former military servicemen and women as they dedicated the community’s renovated veterans resource center called Camp Jack.
The expansive auditorium in the historic building with its shiny tile floor echoed with conversations against a lectern framed by 10 flags and the scents of popcorn, coffee, cupcakes and doughnuts. Balloons bearing the stars and stripes floated from tables.
There was standing room only. After all, this was a landmark day for veterans from throughout Boone County and beyond who’d longed for decades to have a spacious place they could gather in fellowship and camaraderie.
One thing Sanders didn’t come for was to push her campaign for governor, which seemed just fine with the 300 or so guests, residents and, of course, the veterans themselves. One man pointed out that two Razorback football seasons still must pass before the next election.
As just the third female and the first mother to serve as a presidential press secretary, the whip-smart 38-year-old graduate of Central High School and Ouachita Baptist University and daughter of former Gov. Mike Huckabee wanted the throng to know how close she feels to those who’ve served our nation in defending its freedoms.
“I really wanted to come and do this today,” she said. “There is no greater representation of the greatness of our nation than its veterans.” It was apparent to me from her comments that her soft spot for older men in veterans caps runs deep and sincere.
“Good people do everything they can to protect the values of our communities, state and country,” she said. “One reason I’m here is to say thank you. This is a special place for special people.” Clad in a fashionable blue dress, Sanders said America is the greatest, most free country the world has ever known, but we could lose that should we lose our love for our foundations as a nation. She said those who have gone before and sacrificed for us with their lives allow us the freedom to pursue our dreams.
— Click here to read Mike Masterson’s entire column.
