Jonathan Barnett resigned this morning from his position as chairman of the Arkansas Highway Commission, saying he wants to spend more time at the Capitol learning how the state House of Representatives works before being sworn in as a member of that body in January.

The Republican from Siloam Springs was elected to the House District 97 seat with no opposition in the general election. Incumbent Mike Kenney, R-Siloam Springs, is term-limited.

Barnett did not resign from the commission but said he would do so upon taking office as a legislator. His 10-year term would expire a few days after his swearing-in.

The commission elected Carl Rosenbaum of Little Rock, who has been serving vice chairman, to the office of chairman. Madison Murphy of El Dorado was elected vice chairman.

Barnett was then-Gov. Mike Huckabee’s first appointment to the Highway Commission in January 1999. Gov. Mike Beebe will name Barnett’s replacement on the commission.

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