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Update on AR-02 race-who's in, who's out, who's thinking about it

by: ARDem

Mon Jan 18, 2010 at 11:39 PM EST


The AR-02 Democratic primary is shaping up rapidly.  Already, one candidate is on the verge of declaring, a few are openly considering, two appear to be out, and several new names are exploring.  Here's the run down.
ARDem :: Update on AR-02 race-who's in, who's out, who's thinking about it
The declared candidate is State Senator Joyce Elliott, a remarkably skilled state legislator, very progressive, and the state's most prominent and popular African American politician.

The hottest name in Arkansas politics right now, Lt. Gov Bill Halter says he's weighing his options so he says.

State Senator Shane Broadway, the most respected senator in the state legislature, is out-reportedly planning on running for Lt. Gov if Halter declines to run for reelection.  Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola is also out.

House Speaker Robbie Wills and former AG candidate Paul Suskie are apparently considering, but keeping mum.

No word yet if State Senator Bob Johnson, the most conservative and corrupt Democrat you can imagine, is going to jump in or not.

Several new names are in the mix who I know nothing about, including Carolyn Staley, a minister, Snyder's Chief of Staff David Boiling, and former state rep. Will Bond.

One big name rumored of late is one that took me and everyone else watching completely by surprise, former general and presidential candidate Wesley Clark is reportedly seriously considering the race.

You can keep up with all the developments at http://www.bluearkansasblog.com
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Update on AR-02 race-who's in, who's out, who's thinking about it | 11 comments
Question
The Dem who's in State Senator Joyce Elliott. You said she's african-american. How will that play in AR-2. Is this the type of congressional district that would elect a black person?
That's a good question, and I'm not sure I have a good answer
It wouldn't be a given, but if any district in Arkansas would elect an African American it's this one.  The trick would be to win Pulaski County, which includes Little Rock and Obama carried, by a big margin while not getting completely destroyed in the counties with the bigger towns Searcy and Conway.  It'd be difficult, but Elliott is a skilled politician and she's done a lot of good work for the district.  I should also say there were times in the past when Snyder won big margins only carrying Pulaski county, but turnout and the mood in the district affect that sort of thing so it's no guarantee.  I should note lastly that there are two counties I think she'd lose for sure, Perry and Saline, but Saline has been trending Republican and Perry County only has a population of about 1,600 people.

You can find an analysis of her chances here: http://bluearkansasblog.com/?p... with video.

http://www.bluearkansasblog.com

[ Parent ]
Wes Clark should run for Senate
and Blanche Lincoln should drop out.

Bob Johnson is not worth it.If he is the nominee, the DSCC should sit out the race.  

What
does Wes Clark do these days besides appear on the news whenever something dealing with Afghanistan pops up?

19, Male, Independent, CA-12
[ Parent ]
What does Blanche Lincoln do
except for obstructing Obama's agenda every chance she gets?  I doubt Clark could be worse than that.
[ Parent ]
I have concerns about Clark
I wasn't too impressed with Clark when he ran for President.  I thought his campaign was boring and lacked focus.  Mind you, the AR-02 and AR-Sen is not the same race, but I didn't find him to be a good candidate.  He might be better than having Lincoln as a candidate, but I don't know if it would make much of a difference.

40, male, Democrat, NC-04
[ Parent ]
Clark, Lobbyist
I liked Clark fine when he was running for president. But I wonder if his current job might be used against him in future races.
[ Parent ]
Interesting
I'm sure that in a bad Democratic year, his ties to lobbyists won't go over too well.

40, male, Democrat, NC-04
[ Parent ]
I wonder
what Wes Clark's current favorability ratings are compared to Lincoln? Probably better just guessing though. I don't remember, was Clark a decent fund raiser in 04? You would probably have to get Lincoln to pull a Chris Dodd for it to be fully successful, but that wouldn't be too hard considering the environment.  
[ Parent ]
He can't be worse
Lincoln is not only a worthless senator, she is also unelectable.  Obama should appoint her as an ambassador somewhere.
[ Parent ]
I vote the South Pole.
[ Parent ]
Update on AR-02 race-who's in, who's out, who's thinking about it | 11 comments

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