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Baker to step down as chairman of GOP Thursday, Apr 19, 2007 By Rob Moritz Arkansas News Bureau LITTLE ROCK - State Sen. Gilbert Baker, R-Conway, announced Wednesday he plans to step down as chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas. Baker, first elected state GOP chairman in 2004, succeeding the late Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller, said his initial commitment was for one two-year term. He agreed to stay on following the 2006 election cycle in which Democrats easily swept all races for statewide offices and gained seats in a state Legislature they already dominated. "I was asked by many to stay on for continuity and to help provide stability during a very challenging time for the RPA," Baker said Wednesday. "The party will now be better served by someone who can give more time and energy to the organization," Baker said. "I believe there are individuals, willing and qualified, to lead our party successfully through the 2008 election cycle." He said he expects the party to elect a new chairman possibly in May. During his tenure as chairman, the Republican Party of Arkansas has seen contributions of more than $2.5 million and registered about 10,000 new voters, according to a news release. Baker, who worked for 22 years at the University of Central Arkansas as a teacher, academic advisor and administrator, was elected to the state Senate in 2000 and is serving in his seventh year. He is the second top state GOP officer to leave following the November elections. Former executive director Clint Reed resigned to go to work for the Republican National Committee as regional political director for the southern region. Karen Ray has been hired to replace Reed, effective May 1. She currently serves as the confidential assistant to the assistant secretary for immigration and customs enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security. |
