State Sen. Jim Holt Very Likely To Challenge Blanche Lincoln In Arkansas

The Hill ^ | September 3, 2003 | Peter Savodnik

[Pubbie]

Arkansas. State Sen. Jim Holt is emerging as the Republicans’ best hope to take on Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln next year in the wake of GOP Gov. Mike Huckabee’s decision last month not to enter the race.

Holt, who will announce his plans before the end of the year, said: “We’ve been laying the groundwork [for a campaign] for a few months.” He added that that he is “98 to 100 percent” sure he will run.

Other possible contenders include Nick Bacon, director of the state Department of Veterans Affairs; former state Rep. Jake Files; former Benton County Sheriff Andy Lee and former state Sen. Gunner DeLay, who is related to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas).

[Pubbie]

Does this guy have a chance, or is he just a sacrificial lamb?

[billhilly]

Just add a little bit of mint jelly.

[GraniteStateConservative]

Wow, that's damn pathetic.

There's got to be a rich Wal-Mart executive in AR who can run.

[JohnnyZ]

I'd like to see an Andy Lee campaign :)

[AuH2ORepublican]

"Does this guy have a chance, or is he just a sacrificial lamb?"

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This guy may be running in 2008 or 2010, and will use 2004 to get his feet wet. I'm no expert on Arkansas, but I don't see a state senator from Benton County getting the votes he needs from traditional Democrats from the rest of the state.

With Asa out, our last hope may be Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller. Unless one of Sam Walton's boys is feeling twitchy and wants to run, which would suit me just fine (so long as he is conservative).

[Kuksool]

The AR Senate seat is no longer in play.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Billhilly put it best. I just had Holtchops for lunch, BTW. Next time someone sees Jimmy Gibbons, Ed Schafer or Mike Huckabee, give 'em a bitchslap for me, 'kay ? :-|

[Ahban]

He has a lot going for him, including the fact that he is now a FREEPER. He signed up yesterday.

If Bush wins big, he can win. A lot of those yellow dogs may not make it to the polls if the Presidency is not in play. Blanche Lincoln does not make a lot of mistakes, but she does not motivate a lot either. She should be called Bland Lincoln.