| − | Moderate Democrat [[Blanche Lincoln]] may be one of Republicans top targets in 2010. In the [[2008 Presidential Election]], Arkansas was one of the few states where [[John McCain]] exceeded [[George W. Bush]]’s margin, despite the national trend favoring Democrats. In an attempt to appeal to her conservative constituents Lincoln voted against the [[Employee Free Choice Act]] (card check) and has stated opposition to the public option in [[health care]]. Lincoln may face a primary challenger from state Senate president pro tempore Bob Johnson, who say's he's openly considering running. Announced Republican candidates include State Senator and former state GOP chair Gilbert Baker (considered the front-runner for the nomination) Arkansas Senate Minority Leader [[Kim Hendren]], Retired army colonel Conrad Reynolds, and Tom Cox, Founder of the Arkansas Tea Party. A December 2009 Rasmussen poll shows every Republican challenger leading Blanche Lincoln. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/arkansas/2010_arkansas_senate_lincoln_runs_behind_four_gop_challengers</ref> The National Republican Senatorial Committee has withheld from endorsing a candidate. | + | Moderate Democrat [[Blanche Lincoln]] may be one of Republicans top targets in 2010. In the [[2008 Presidential Election]], Arkansas was one of the few states where [[John McCain]] exceeded [[George W. Bush]]’s margin, despite the national trend favoring Democrats. In an attempt to appeal to her conservative constituents Lincoln voted against the [[Employee Free Choice Act]] (card check) and has stated opposition to the public option in [[health care]]. Lincoln may face a primary challenger from state Senate president pro tempore Bob Johnson, who say's he's openly considering running. Announced Republican candidates include State Senator and former state GOP chair [[Gilbert Baker]] (considered the front-runner for the nomination) Arkansas Senate Minority Leader [[Kim Hendren]], Retired army colonel Conrad Reynolds, and Tom Cox, Founder of the Arkansas [[Tea Party]]. A December 2009 Rasmussen poll shows every Republican challenger leading Blanche Lincoln. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/arkansas/2010_arkansas_senate_lincoln_runs_behind_four_gop_challengers</ref> The National Republican Senatorial Committee has withheld from endorsing a candidate. |