The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arkansas presents John Brummett, a columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, for a talk titled "2014: The Biggest Election in Arkansas in a Half-Century."

Brummett will speak at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 in the auditorium of the University of Arkansas Global Campus on the Fayetteville downtown square. The audience will have time to ask questions before the event wraps up at 8 p.m.

"Noted Arkansas journalist John Brummett will provide his distinctive shrewd commentary followed by ample time for lively, interactive participant discussion," said Susan Tonymon, director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. "OLLI at UA's mission is to bring high-quality, relevant, thought-provoking and affordable educational programming to seasoned adults across Northwest Arkansas. As a seasoned journalist covering Arkansas' political scene for decades, John Brummett never ceases to stir healthy debate and motivate us to become involved in public affairs. Our organization is thrilled to bring him here again!"

The presentation is open to the public at a cost of $25 in advance and $35 at the door, with checks and cash only accepted at the door. Payment may be made in advance by visiting the OLLI website or the office at the Global Campus, 2 E. Center St. Refreshments will be served before and after the program, and parking is free with pre-registration.

The 2014 Arkansas gubernatorial election will be held on Nov. 4, 2014, with the governor beginning a four-year term the following January. Incumbent Mike Beebe, a Democrat, has served since January 2007 and is barred by term limits from seeking re-election to a third term.  

Twenty years ago, the notion of a Republican-controlled Arkansas was unthinkable, according to Brummett. But as the state readies for 2014's hotly contested governor's race, Republicans have a shot at cementing their newfound dominance in the longtime southern Democratic stronghold. Brummett will talk about whether the state will carry on the remaining vestiges of an era of that began with the gubernatorial election in 1966 or whether the state will embark on a new era.

Brummett has been writing for Arkansas newspapers for 43 years, since becoming a part-time sportswriter for the Arkansas Democrat a few days after his 16th birthday in 1969. He has been a columnist writing primarily about Arkansas politics since February 1986, first with the Arkansas Gazette, then the Arkansas Times, then the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, then Stephens Media and again, since October 2011, with the Democrat-Gazette.

Brummett spent 1993 and part of 1994 living in Washington to report and write a book about Bill Clinton's first year as president. Titled "High Wire," the book was praised by the Library Journal as "the best book to date on the Clinton presidency – better than Bob Woodward's 'The Agenda,' " and ranked by the Chicago Sun-Times as one of the five best political books of 1994.

"John Brummett has been for many years one of the leading analysts commenting on the political scene in Arkansas," said Hugh Earnest, curriculum chair for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. "The state is facing a number of crucially important races for governor along with several positions in the U.S Senate and House. We are also in the throes of implementing the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). I am delighted he will offer his perspective on this important national legislative initiative and help facilitate our group discussion."