After much public consideration, Republican state Sen. Gilbert Baker announced his Senate candidacy Tuesday, adding his name to the growing roster of those hoping to unseat Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln.
"After encouragement from people all across the state, and with the support of my family
and close friends, I have decided that during this important time in our nation's history,
one should not be a political spectator." Baker said in a statement. "I believe that Arkansas' next United States senator should help provide checks and balances on the policies being pushed by President Obama and the D.C. leadership."
Republicans believe Lincoln is vulnerable in 2010 because state voters will reject her support for Democratic policies and her ideology.
"The growing field of Republican and Democrat challengers in Arkansas demonstrates Lincoln's vulnerability, thanks in great part to her record in support of the Obama tax-and-spend agenda, including the massive stimulus bill, pork-laden omnibus, and bloated budget. Lincoln has failed to lead on critical issues such as health care and card check, and has instead resisted taking positions entirely in order to preserve her own political future," Amber Wilkerson, spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said in a statement regarding Baker's entry.
Baker, who indicated he will formally kick off his campaign in October, joins Curtis Coleman, CEO of Safe Foods Corp., state Sen. Kim Hedren, real estate executive Fred Ramey and Tom Cox, president of a pontoon-boat manufacturing enterprise in the GOP race. Additional Republicans are campaigning or considering bids for the Senate.
And the possibility remains that Lincoln, who is seeking a third term, may also face a challenge from within her own party. Democratic state Sen. Bob Johnson announced last month that he is considering challenging Lincoln in the primary.
CQ Politics rates the race Democrat Favored.
To see how the 2010 Senate races are shaping up, check out the CQ Politics' election map.
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Comments
Once again, it is laughable how little you do your homework. There is a declared independent candidate, Trevor Drown, who is continuing to gather support in "them thar hills." I was at a large event last weekend and watched a fresh new approach from a leader who spent his time listening to people and their concerns. A man who has fought for us as a Green Beret in Afghanistan, a small business owner, and a concerned father. Trevor Drown is a true son of Arkansas who wants to lead, be a voice of the people and will not be an elected politician.
You also failed to factor in the effect the Green Party candidate will have. But that fine, keep ignoring the obvious and stay with the two party mindset. It is fun to see the state GOP consume themselves and battle it out. In the meantime, Trevor Drown will continue along gathering supporters listening to all the Arkies and presenting the message of a Common man working with and the common people.
Once day, you will wake up and notice and then it will be too late.
Posted by: EighteenFoxtrot
| September 1, 2009 7:07 PM
The reason "3rd Party" candidates are given short shrift is because they, with the exception of razor-close elections between the 2 Parties, are totally IRRELEVANT! PERIOD!
Posted by: NObama
| September 2, 2009 12:17 PM
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