Dennis Milligan will not seek reelection as state GOP chairman

The Arkansas Project is reporting that Dennis Milligan plans to step down from his post as chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas. I spoke with Milligan regarding this and he said that he is not “stepping down” but rather he is “just not seeking reelection.” My understanding is that the Party will elect a new chairman at their state meeting in December.

Milligan was elected state chairman in May 2007 at a special called meeting following the resignation of Gilbert Baker. Under Milligan’s leadership, Arkansas voted for McCain over Obama by a twenty-point margin, held their seats in the state senate, and picked up three seats in the state house.

The state chairman is a difficult unpaid party position that many times serves as the point of criticism from those inside and outside the party. I am thankful for Dennis for his willingness to serve in the post for our state party and appreciate what he was able to accomplish. It will be interesting to see who will step up as the new state chairman and continue the inroads that Dennis was able to make.

UPDATE - The AP has picked up the story.