Posted on 01/29/2010 5:04:25 PM PST by Clintonfatigued
U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, said today he will make an announcement Feb. 6 regarding his political future.
In a news release, Boozman said, “Over the course of the last few weeks, I have been encouraged by many Arkansans who are very concerned about the critical issues facing our state and our nation to consider where I can best serve the people of our state. The response has been overwhelming.
“I will be in Little Rock next Saturday to make an important announcement, and I look forward to continuing these conversations with Arkansans during the weeks and months to come.”
The Associated Press cited an unnamed source as saying Boozman will announce plans to run for the GOP nomination to challenge Democratic two-term incumbent Sen. Blanche Lincoln and will not seek re-election to his 3rd District seat in Congress.
Boozman would become the 10th Republican to enter the Senate race.
U.S. Reps. Vic Snyder, D-Little Rock, and Marion Berry, D-Gillett, announced earlier this month they would not seek re-election. Boozman’s entry into the Senate race would leave U.S. Rep. Mike Ross, D-Prescott, alone among Arkansas’ four House members in seeking to stay in the same office.
Ross announced today he plans to run for re-election.
(Excerpt) Read more at arkansasnews.com ...
If Boozman runs for the Senate, as is now expected, who will run to succeed him in the House?
We have a pretty good farm team of legislative Republicans in that district, the most solidly GOP in the state, so not much chance of losing it. We’ve held the seat continuously since 1966, the first district to go Republican since the 19th century.
You make a very good point, which leads to another issue. Of the Republicans who run, we wouldn’t have to worry hugely about electability, given the combination of district and political environment. That means we can safely rally around the best conservative. No need to cut corners, we go whole hog conservative. I’d prefer a conservative who opposes open borders and free trade, one who believes in limited government and national sovereignty. If there are any Freepers from Arkansas, we should seek his or her feedback.
Changing his name to Smith?
I believe Bill Clinton ran for Congress in that district and almost won in 1974.
If we can keep it in bad political climates, then we won’t lose it in good political climates.
I wonder how Huckabee will react to Boozman running. Huckabee did attend a fundraiser for Coleman.
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