Lt. Gov. Mark Darr is the gift that keeps giving, at least if one’s political goals for 2014 include inflicting damage on Republican electoral hopes.
But as Arkansans, we can hope for only one development, and that’s Darr’s resignation. He has acknowledged 11 ethics violations resulting in an $11,000 fine. Darr admitted to improperly using more than $31,000 in campaign money, using a state-issued credit card for more than $3,500 in personal purchases and receiving more than $3,500 in improper travel reimbursements.
Darr emerged Tuesday for individual interviews and issued a statement that clarifies the kind of fantasy land our lieutenant governor lives in. In the statement, Darr said he’s not downplaying what occurred (he is), but there is no scandal (there is), no conspiracy (it doesn’t require one to be unethical and wrong) and no malicious intentional disregard of the law (doesn’t matter).
He insists the people of Arkansas still trust him.
It’s doubtful there’s been an outpouring of Arkansans urging Darr to stand firm against what he clearly views as political persecution. How many people even knew who the lieutenant governor was before this mess got his name in headlines?
Mr. Darr is wrapping himself in a flag of defiance, saying “the people” are tired of “these types of political games and the people who play them.” Mr. Darr is one of those people playing political games, trying to hang on to a job he was underqualified for the day he took office but pays well for a part-time gig.
Yes, there are politically manipulative people who sometimes conspire to bring down political enemies. But in what world do these political masterminds devote such energy to ruining the virtually powerless and largely clueless lieutenant governor of a small state? This isn’t Watergate. It’s not even an any-gate. It’s Mark Darr violating the laws of Arkansas from a position of public trust and doing so repeatedly, then pleading ignorance as his excuse when he was caught.
How well does that work for anyone else? How well would that work for, say, Mike Beebe if he had been so inept or worse in handling official state or campaign business?
So now state lawmakers begin working on the details of how to impeach someone, since nobody alive has ever actually done it. Has anyone thought to ask Asa Hutchinson for advice? He knows a thing or two about impeachment, doesn’t he? But he’s waiting for prosecutors to make a decision on any criminal charges against Darr, as though a lack of criminality is the only measure one should apply to public servants’ misdeeds.
What this mess demonstrates is the need for state lawmakers to (1) impeach and (2) reform of the way the state’s lieutenant governor is elected.
We’re not immune to poking fun at this post for its usual pointlessness, but when one realizes its office holder could become governor in an instant, it demands a serious tone. How about amending the Constitution to allow the governor to pick a running mate? At least then the top two executives at the Capitol could work hand in hand toward the policies voters supported with their votes.
As for Darr, the standard he wants applied is simply too lenient an expectation of our public servants in Arkansas. And a man who respects the state would recognize that his resignation is the best action for greater good. Unfortunately, he’s just looking out for himself and showing disrespect for the people he was elected to serve.
Opinion, Pages 5 on 01/09/2014