Another Republican emerges in bid against U.S. Sen. Lincoln

The field of candidates hoping to unseat U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., in the 2010 election cycle grew even larger Tuesday with the announcement by Arkansas Sen. Gilbert Baker, R-Conway, that he is in the running.

“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. I believe that Arkansas’ next United States Senator should help provide checks and balances on the policies being pushed by Pres. Obama and the D.C. leadership,” Baker said in a statement announcing his candidacy.



Baker said he will have a formal campaign launch in October, and said fundraising and outlining a clear conservative message are the keys to making it through the Republican field of candidates. (Link here for more on Baker’s announcement from Roby Brock with TalkBusiness.net.)

The field is thick with Republican candidates who have announced or are rumored to be in consideration. Also, Arkansas Sen. Bob Johnson, a Democrat and the most recent president of the Arkansas Senate, has said he is considering a run. The move by Johnson gives credence to recent polling numbers that suggest Lincoln is vulnerable for an upset in 2010.

The field of Republicans and Independents includes:
• Little Rock businessman Curtis Coleman
• Tom Cox
• Trevor Down
• Arkansas Sen. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette
• Conrad Reynolds