Arkansas GOP state senator bucks Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ 'extreme' library board appointment

22 November 2023

During the decade he served in the Arkansas State Senate, Republican Jason Rapert was known for his far-right Christian nationalist views. Rapert is a polarizing figure, taking anti-gay positions and opposing abortion even in cases of rape or incest.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, former White House press secretary in the Trump Administration, has appointed Rapert to the Arkansas State Library Board. In order for him to take on that position permanently, however, Rapert will need to be confirmed by the Arkansas State Senate — and some members of that branch of the Arkansas Legislature are making it clear that they consider Rapert extreme and won't be voting "yes."

On X, formerly Twitter, State Sen. Bryan King, a Republican, posted, "My understanding is the appointment of Jason Rapert to the state library board requires Senate confirmation. I informed members that I will object to Jason Rapert appointment at the December meeting."

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King told KARK 4 News in Arkansas, "I don't want someone on one extreme or the other that is in that decision-making process."

Arkansas State Sen. Greg Leding, the body's Democratic leader, also opposes confirming "a polarizing figure" like Rapert. Leding, according to the Arkansas Democratic Gazette, said, "I just don't know that he is the right fit for the library board."

The Arkansas Democratic Gazette's Michael R. Wickline reports, "The Arkansas State Library Board is a seven-member state board. Rapert is the founder and president of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers. He served in the (Arkansas) State Senate from 2011-2023 and lost his bid last year for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor to then-Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, who now serves as the state’s lieutenant governor."

Read the Arkansas Democratic Gazette's full report at this link.

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