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Arkansas State Senator Chairing Rubio's Campaign In Arkansas

State Sen. Bart Hester (R-Cave Springs).
Arkansas Times

An Arkansas legislator who pushed for the state's religious objections law and a limit on local anti-discrimination protections is chairing Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's presidential campaign in the state.

Rubio's campaign said Monday that Republican Sen. Bart Hester of Cave Springs will be his Arkansas state chairman.

Hester co-sponsored a new state law aimed at preventing government from infringing on someone's religious beliefs without a compelling reason. The measure was quickly rewritten in the final days of the legislative session over concerns an initial version was anti-gay.

He was also the chief sponsor of a measure aimed at preventing cities and counties from banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Hester said he believed Rubio is the candidate best positioned to win the general election next year.

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