Arkansas’ political scene moves from curious to crazy (Updated)

Just when you think Arkansas’ political arena can’t get any crazier, news breaks that U.S. Rep. Marion Berry, D-Gillett, is about to announce his retirement.

Berry, a pharmacist, has served as Arkansas’ First District Congressman since 1997.

Updated info: Berry announced early Monday he will not seek reelection to the 1st District Congressional Seat. Berry released this statement: “Since 1997, the people of the First Congressional District of Arkansas have entrusted me to serve them in Washington. It has been an honor I have never taken for granted and for their support I will be eternally grateful. After much prayer and consideration, I have decided it is time for me to return home to Arkansas.  The people deserve a representative who has the ability to rise to the numerous challenges that face our state and our nation. As a lifelong farmer, time has taken its toll on my health and I am no longer able to serve the district with the vitality I once possessed. Therefore, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2010. I am at perfect peace with this decision and look forward to returning to the farm and my home state of Arkansas.”

The news of Berry’s impending announcement —expected Monday (Jan. 25) — was reported in numerous media outlets, including TalkBusiness.net.

“A source close to the Berry campaign said that an official announcement will be made tomorrow, but did not confirm what the announcement will be. The news travels fast as we’ve received several inquiries in the last 15 minutes about the reported rumor,” noted Roby Brock with TalkBusiness.net.

Berry’s action would follow the recent retirement announcement by U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder, D-Little Rock (Arkansas’ 2nd District), and the news that U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers (Arkansas’ 3rd District), might seek the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. Blanche Lincoln, a Democrat.

“(Berry’s) retirement could set up an incredible and unprecedented turnover in Arkansas’ federal delegation as 2nd District Democratic Congressman Vic Snyder has already announced his retirement. 3rd District Republican Congressman John Boozman’s seat will open up if he enters the U.S. Senate race as expected,” Brock noted in this report.

Boozman, who represents the Congressional district that includes the Fort Smith area, has promised a quick decision.

“I’m not playing games with this thing,” Boozman told The City Wire. “It’s not fair to these candidates who are working so hard” on other races.

Nevertheless, Boozman’s consideration has sparked a long list of political shuffles resulting from his possible entry into the Senate race.

OTHER HYPOTHETICALS
Brock, a content partner with The City Wire, also offers analysis on the scenarios building around Sen. Lincoln and Rep. Boozman.

For example, Brock notes: “Lincoln’s abysmal poll numbers are a cause for serious concern as some Democratic supporters question her ability to turn the sinking ship around. Is there time before November? Yes. But is there time to win back her base before a possible primary challenge in May? Perhaps not.”

He outlines an intriguing range of possibilities that include Lt. Gov. Bill Halter and former Army General and presidential candidate Wesley Clark.

On the Boozman side, Brock suggests that his entering the Senate race will unite much Republican support in the 3rd District where at least 50% of Arkansas’ Republican votes reside.

Brock also offers this point: “Of course, Boozman’s Senate candidacy opens up his 3rd District Congressional seat. As we’ve reported, Asa Hutchinson wants to return to the position he held back in the late 1990’s. He’ll likely face a primary challenge from a few "new blood" candidates who want to see a fresh face challenge for the seat. Expect some strong regional candidates like Rogers Mayor Steve Womack or term-limited State Rep. Rick Green of Van Buren to take a chance.”

Link here for considerably more analysis from Brock.