Here is the letter sent today by Governor Beebe to the Chairmen of the Arkansas Democratic Party and the Republican Party of Arkansas regarding the resignation of State Senator Sharon Trusty:

Dear Gentlemen:

I have received official notification, as is required by Ark. Code Ann. § 10-2-118(a), that The Honorable Sharon Trusty, Arkansas State Senator representing Senate District Number 4, has resigned her position and vacated the office effective at Noon today. As is required by Article V, Section 6 of the Arkansas Constitution and Ark. Code Ann. §§ 10-2-118(b) and 120, I have today issued a Writ of Election directing that a special election be held to fill the vacancy. In accordance with Ark. Code Ann. § 7-7-105(a)(1), I hereby certify to you the fact of vacancy in the above-referenced office.

I hereby request that each party's state committee make a determination, and notify me in writing within ten days, with respect to whether the party desires to hold a special primary election or a convention of delegates to select candidates for the special election that will be held to fill the vacancy.

In accordance with Ark. Code Ann. § 7-5-105(a)(2), the date of the special election and other associated election-related requirements and deadlines will be established by an Executive Order, which shall be issued after I have received the appropriate notifications from the parties under Arkansas Code Annotated Section 7-7-105(a)(1). Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Mike Beebe