Arkansas Republicans are touting a tax-cutting, anti-regulation message and expressing confidence they'll complete a takeover of the state's top offices as they meet for their annual convention.
The GOP's nominees for statewide and congressional office told delegates gathered for the convention Saturday the GOP was well-positioned to continue its gains in what had once been a Democratic stronghold in the otherwise solidly Republican south.
Republicans are hopeful they can win the governor's office, with GOP nominee Asa Hutchinson facing off against Democrat Mike Ross. U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton is trying to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor.
Hutchinson said he believed the party has an opportunity to put a conservative philosophy in state government this fall. Democrats are holding their state convention next month in Little Rock.
Also Saturday, Hutchinson announced he is enlisting the help of former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie next month.
The two political heavyweights will take part in separate fundraisers.
Christie will headline events in northwest Arkansas and Little Rock on Aug. 27, and Romney will be at an event in Jonesboro on Aug. 20.