Ark. GOP Considers Suit over Private Use of Cars

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Arkansas Republicans are accusing constitutional officers of violating the state constitution for their personal use of state-issued vehicles.

State GOP Chairman Doyle Webb on Tuesday said the party is considering filing an illegal exaction lawsuit against those constitutional officers. Webb said he would decide based on whether state officials reimburse the state for personal use of the vehicles.

On Monday, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel reimbursed the state $2,903 for personal use of his state-issued sport utility vehicle. McDaniel gave up the SUV last week after questions were raised about whether state officials should pay income taxes on private use of state-issued vehicles.

Gov. Mike Beebe does not have a state vehicle assigned to him and rides with the Arkansas State Police for state business.