Boozman officially enters U.S. Senate race
by February 6, 2010 11:08 am 62 views
U.S. Rep. John Boozman officially announced Saturday morning (Feb. 6) that he will enter the crowded GOP primary for Arkansas’ U.S. Senate seat.
The fifth-term Congressman from Rogers issued a press release at 10 a.m., and is scheduled to personally announce at 11 a.m., in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the State Capitol Building in Little Rock. He will then travel to his Lowell campaign office for a 4:30 p.m. meeting with media and supporters. On Feb. 7 (Sunday), Boozman will be in Fort Smith at a 2:30 p.m. event at Sweet Bay Coffee (3400 Rogers Ave.) near Creekmore Park.
Boozman had initially declined to seek the Senate seat, but declining poll numbers for incumbent U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and the victory by Scott Brown in the election for the Massachusetts Senate seat long-held by Ted Kennedy sparked the recruitment of Boozman to enter the race.
Boozman’s chief rivals in the GOP primary are expected to be State Sen. Gilbert Baker, R-Conway, and former State Senate Jim Holt from Northwest Arkansas. Holt was Lincoln’s Republican challenger in the 2004 election, garnering 44% of the vote.
Following is the statement Boozman’s campaign office released Saturday morning
LITTLE ROCK – U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today announced his candidacy to represent the people of Arkansas in the U.S. Senate.
“The encouragement and outpouring of support Arkansans have shown in the past few weeks as I reevaluated how to best serve the people of the Natural State has been overwhelming. After visiting with Arkansans it is clear that we need leadership in the U.S. Senate that represents the interests of our state and its residents.
“Like many Arkansans, I am concerned that the Obama-Pelosi-Reid agenda of borrowing and spending our way to prosperity is too costly for our country. We need policies that protect and create jobs for hardworking Arkansans and improve the quality of life for all Americans. Our children and grandchildren deserve the prosperous and thriving America that we have worked to create.
"I am confident that the best days are ahead for our country and Arkansans have the opportunity to choose a U.S. Senator that will play a crucial role in accomplishing that. I look forward to traveling through Arkansas in the weeks and months ahead and hearing the ideas from Arkansans that can help Washington work for us," Boozman said.
About John Boozman
John Boozman, a U.S. Congressman serving the people of Arkansas since 2001, is a lifelong resident of the Natural State. Graduating from Northside High School in Fort Smith and attending the University of Arkansas where he played football for the Arkansas Razorbacks. John earned his optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry before establishing a successful eye clinic in Rogers where he lives with his family.