Hutchinson focuses on economics and law as he tosses his hat to the presidential race

BY KIM JARRETT

THE MIDDLE PLACE

(The Center Square) – Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson took aim at President Joe Biden’s policies in his announcement Wednesday as the 2024 presidential nominee and made no direct mention of his Republican opponents.

“In this campaign for President, I stand alone in terms of my experience, track record and leadership from Congress to DEA to Homeland Security,” Mr. Hutchinson said in Bentonville. “I have served our country in times of crisis.”

Mr. Hutchinson mentioned the economy first, blaming President Biden for higher inflation and higher interest rates.

“The Biden administration has turned its back on the American worker,” Hutchinson said. “To turn our economy around, we must halt the ‘break the bank’ federal spending that has fueled high inflation and rising interest rates.”

The former federal prosecutor aimed at both sides when dealing with the national debt.

“Both the Democratic and Republican governments bear responsibility for our current $31 trillion in national debt,” Hutchinson said. “I would like to say that we would be debt free in ’33. Well, it might take longer.”

Mr Hutchinson said he supports law enforcement, including federal agents.

“The argument for defunding the police is designed to undermine our rule of law,” Hutchinson said. “We should not disappoint the police. We shouldn’t disappoint the FBI. But we need serious reforms to revitalize core federal law enforcement functions.”

Mr. Hutchinson is entering an already crowded field for the Republican primary led by former President Donald Trump. Radio host and commentator Larry Elder, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy head the list as other announced candidates. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott is also investigating a possible run. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is often cited as a candidate, but he has not disclosed his intentions.

Mr Hutchinson did not mention Mr Trump in his campaign announcement but previously said he did not think Mr Trump should run if he were impeached. A grand jury in New York has indicted Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

President Biden officially announced his candidacy early Tuesday morning.