A foundation in journalism launched a public service career

Continued from Page 1 open government. Her “Between the Lines” column ran in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and newspapers statewide from 1979 until shortly before her death in December of 2022. Blagg served as editor of the Arkansas Traveler two years before Rutherford.

“As a journalist and highly respected columnist Brenda was a fierce advocate and defender of the Freedom of Information,” Rutherford said. “She knew FOI issues inside and out and had a major influence on others.

“When history books are written about these years in Arkansas journalism, Brenda will be among the journalists and columnists at the top of the list.”

Now, in honor of Deane and Blagg, Rutherford is taking the lead in establishing an annual award for the outstanding columnist in Arkansas newspapers. He said it is appropriate as “both of them wrote many a column in their day.”

“I just think it will be a great tribute to two people who worked together and became great friends,” Rutherford said. “I am really excited about it.”

— From J-School to the Clinton School —

Following his graduation from Fayetteville, Rutherford began a storied career that involved working with many of the leading figures in Arkansas business, politics, journalism and community development.

His first brief stop was at Southwestern Bell before accepting a position as director of public relations at McIlroy Bank in Fayetteville. He was employed earlier at the banking firm while a student at the university.

“I liked the people there and it helped me expand my horizons,” Rutherford said. “It gave me an opportunity in a familiar environment, and I was able to develop my skill set.”

In 1979, he gained a tremendous career opportunity running the Arkansas office for Sen. Pryor. He had been greatly impressed with the Senator during a press session at that earlier APA convention in Hot Springs.

“It was literally one of the most enjoyable and uplifting experiences of my life,” Rutherford said of working with Sen. Pryor. He traveled across Arkansas, meeting people in all walks of life and assisting them with a wide range of issues. “I would direct them to the right person on the staff or often directly with the Senator,” he said.

“Sen. Pryor was the most humble and thoughtful public servant that I have ever known,” Rutherford said.

He recalled one occasion when Sen. Pryor complained visits to specific towns across the state were being “overscheduled” by the young assistant.

“’When I go into a small town, I don’t want to go in and then go right out,’” the Senator told Rutherford. “’Give me at least a couple of hours to visit with people.’”

“That was something I had never heard before from a politician,” Rutherford said. “For one thing, he was also a very good listener.”

Rutherford said Pryor served in a less divisive time in American politics and had a gift for working amicably with varied interests. Of current Arkansas political leaders, Rutherford said, “Sen. John Boozman treats people in a Pryor-like way, even when he disagrees with you.”

After five years with Sen. Pryor, Rutherford was employed by Mack McClarty as vice president of public affairs for ArkLa Gas. He remained in that position from 1984 to 1992.

Then came an exciting political experience in Rutherford’s life. He joined then-Gov. Bill Clinton’s Presidential Campaign Staff as one of the many Arkansans who helped the state’s governor become successful in what many national observers considered an improbable candidacy.

Rutherford was responsible for the states of Kentucky, Georgia, Louisiana, New Mexico and Colorado.

He said Clinton often was underestimated by analysts not realizing the importance of his extensive grassroots organization developed over the years. Clinton had established networks involving Georgetown University,