GOP hopeful files paperwork

Hot Springs Republican Jan Morgan's committee to explore a run for governor filed its paperwork Monday with the secretary of state's office.

The committee's chairman is Nancy Carlton of Hot Springs Village, and the treasurer is Patrick Deakins of Springdale, according to its registration form. Reggie Cowan of Hot Springs is the committee's registered agent.

Morgan announced her intention to form a committee about three weeks ago to explore challenging Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson in the GOP primary in May. She owns the Gun Cave shooting range in Hot Springs.

In 2014, she drew national media attention by declaring her gun range a "Muslim Free Zone," saying she was concerned about the safety of other customers if Muslims patronized her business.

Earlier this year, she was an opponent of legislation that Hutchinson signed into law aimed at barring concealed-carry permit holders, even those with up to eight hours of extra training, from Razorback Stadium and other locations hosting college sporting events.

Last month, Hutchinson reported his re-election campaign had $1.55 million in the bank as of Sept. 30. The Rogers Republican was elected governor in 2014 and is a former federal homeland secretary undersecretary, Drug Enforcement Administration director, 3rd District congressman, and U.S. attorney.

Metro on 11/05/2017

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