Arkansas Business

"This is just another factor the voters of Arkansas will have to consider as they look to choose their next governor," state GOP spokeswoman Katherine Vasilos said.

Potential rivals also held off on criticizing McDaniel directly over the relationship.

"That's something he'll deal with with his family. I don't really have a response," said Republican state Sen. Johnny Key, who is considering a run for governor in two years.

McDaniel's campaign last week claimed its internal polling shows the attorney general could defeat former Lt. Gov. Bill Halter or highway commissioner John Burkhalter for the Democratic nomination in 2014, and that a general election race against Republican Asa Hutchinson would be closer.

Halter was on vacation and unavailable for comment, a spokesman said. Burkhalter declined to comment on McDaniel's admission.

Hutchinson, a former congressman, is expected to announce in January whether he'll run.

"Susan and I wish only the best for Bobbi and Dustin and their family," Hutchinson wrote in an email to The Associated Press.

Hutchinson, a former congressman, is expected to announce in January whether he'll run for governor.

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