In my blog post yesterday, and to be repeated in my column already submitted for the Voices page Thursday, I share that exchange with Gov. Mike Beebe.

I asked if he had decided to accept $100 million to $150 million in Republican tax cuts and he said not any $150 million and then I said that seemed to mean he had accepted $100 million and then he said “I didn’t say that.”

So let’s update: I’m told today by sources that Beebe has said in meetings that he has decided to accept in tax cuts . . . wait for it …. $100 million.

That’s assuming we do the GOP”s private-option Medicaid innovation.

I think my Sunday column is going to be on a subject I will not  enjoy exploring.

It’s that Beebe’s leglslative mastery came in the culture he grew up in, a nominally Democratic one that put a premium on practical compromise, but that the new culture facing a cohesive and energetic Republican majority has exposed his weakness for the new world.

Basically the Republicans have led him around on a leash on Medicaid and tax cuts.

Just a fact.

He’s had a 48-member Democratic House caucus with which to work some leverage. But he hasn’t even attempted much in that context.

Maybe this is just a fine old dog who really is not interested in learning any new tricks to adapt to these nipping pups that have invaded his pen.