After a heated campaign where he touted himself as the candidate best prepared to be the "jobs governor," Republican Asa Hutchinson says boosting Arkansas' economy will be his focus as takes over the state's top office.
The 64-year-old ex-congressman and former federal Homeland Security official will be sworn in Tuesday as Arkansas' 46th governor, succeeding outgoing Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe. Hutchinson's win over Democrat Mike Ross was among a series of victories for Republicans in November, who swept all statewide offices and expanded their majorities in the Legislature.
Hutchinson, who ran primarily on a pledge to cut middle class income taxes, says improving the state's economy and creating jobs are how he'll measure the success of his first legislative session.