Weak candidate, mainly. The GOP didn't recruit a good challenger and thus has not been spending much money on the race. Lincoln was effectively safe when Huckabee decided not to challenge her.
Yeah, its such a shame. What a lost opportunity.
Actually - Holt is a GREAT challenger - his message/platform matches the majority of Arkansas voters (believe it or not), but the State Republican Party is afraid of supporting any Republican who isn't basically a RINO.
Holt has had nearly no budget to run with - versus Blecchhhh Lincoln's MILLIONS of dollars.
I have talked to many people over the last few months regarding Holt - I consistently get the comment that he sounds great - but they are voting for Blanche....she is a Democrat and they have always voted for Democrats.
Then you have the sizable farm vote that, although politically conservative, are addicted to the lefts farm giveaways.