Hutchinson endorses Bledsoe in 3rd District race

Former U.S. Rep Asa Hutchinson has endorsed State Sen. Cecile Bledsoe, R-Rogers, in her bid for Arkansas’ 3rd Congressional District seat.

Bledsoe is one of five Republicans to announce for the Congressional seat after U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, abandoned his bid for re-election to enter the GOP primary race for a chance to unseat U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark.

After serving her limit of three terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives, Bledsoe was elected to the state Senate.

“I’ve known Cecile Bledsoe for more than 20 years. She is a long time friend and supporter; but I am endorsing Cecile for Congress because she has the heart, the convictions and the toughness to protect our freedoms and fight for Arkansas. Cecile will not cave in to the special interest groups and power brokers who want a government controlled health care system. She has the charm of a Southern lady but the convictions of a Margaret Thatcher,” said Hutchinson, who held the 3rd District seat between 1996 and 2001.

Hutchinson resigned from the office in 2001 when appointed by Pres. George W. Bush to serve as director of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

In addition to Bledsoe, Rogers Mayor Steve Womack, Bernard Skoch of Elkins, Steve Lowry of Springdale and Boone County Judge Mike Moore have entered the race as Republicans. David Whitaker, former assistant city attorney for Fayetteville has announced as a Democrat for the 3rd District seat.

It is expected that Fort Smith attorney Gunner DeLay will make a decision on the race this week.

Also rumored to be considering the race are State Sen. Denny Altes, R-Fort Smith, State Rep. Jonathan Barnett, R-Siloam Spring, Benton County Judge David Bisbee, and State Rep. Rick Green, R-Van Buren.

2ND DISTRICT RACE
2nd District Republican Congressional candidate Tim Griffin received the endorsement of TEA Party organizer and former U.S. Senate candidate Tom Cox, according to this report from TalkBusiness.net.

“Tim Griffin is the right choice for the people of the Second District,” Cox said. “Like me, he is a business owner, and he understands that the private sector – not the government – is the key to sustainable job creation and economic growth.”