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Asa Hutchinson and son plan to start Ark. law firm, CVN

Asa Hutchinson and son plan to start Ark. law firm

By ANDREW DeMILLO

Published September 3, 2008 at 10:58 a.m.
Updated September 4, 2008 at 1:13 a.m.

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Former congressman Asa Hutchinson said Wednesday that he plans to open a law firm in Arkansas with his son later this year.

Hutchinson, a former federal Homeland Security undersecretary, said he and his son, W. Asa Hutchinson III, plan to run the law firm with offices in Little Rock and Rogers. Hutchinson said he hoped to announce details about the firm later this fall, but said he is resigning his post as a partner with Venable LLP, a Washington law firm.

Hutchinson said he may still have a post with the firm, which took him on last year as a partner in its litigation division.

"To (practice law) with your son is a very unique experience. That's what my future holds," said Hutchinson, who was in St. Paul this week for the Republican National Convention.

Hutchinson, a Republican, was defeated by Democrat Mike Beebe in the 2006 gubernatorial race. Before being elected to Congress, Hutchinson practiced law in Arkansas for more than 21 years and had tried more than 100 jury trials. From 1982 until 1985, he served as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas.

Hutchinson said he is focused on his private practice and not looking at running again for political office, but would not completely rule out another political campaign. Earlier this year, Hutchinson chaired a Republican committee preparing for the 2010 elections and researching the campaign finance reports of state Democratic officeholders.

"There's no need for me to rule out anything in life," Hutchinson said.

During his campaign against Beebe, Hutchinson left his post with Venable as chairman of its homeland security practice. Hutchinson, who prosecuted the impeachment case against President Clinton, said his return to Venable and his post in the litigation division marked his first return to a courtroom since 1996.