There were several interesting developments in the Arkansas political world while I was away.

Sen. Blanche Lincoln is still experiencing a chilly reception from Arkansas voters. Her favorability stands at a mere forty-nine percent. Sixty-one percent of respondents said that would vote against Ms. Lincoln if the election were held today.

The first number is far more worrisome that the second. Ms. Lincoln’s hovered in this area for months, which means that her current communications strategy (which consists of non-newsworthy e-mails, mostly) isn’t working. Before leaving town, I advocated the pros and cons of going up on television. These numbers indicate that she’s going to have to move voters, and soon.

The second number is, as I have argued before, evidence of the public’s mood towards Congress, generally. Republicans and Democrats are viewed unfavorably right now, with incumbents up for re-election bearing the brunt of a majority of that frustration. No one can forecast where we’ll be this time next year, so putting a lot of stock in that number today is futile.

Speaking of issues, Arkansans support a public option as part of health care reform. Fifty-six percent of respondents, in fact. It appears that states will be given the choice whether the participate. David Sanders of Stephens Media argues how this decision - along with Gov. Mike Beebe’s involvement - could help Ms. Lincoln.

Alice Stewart, a Fox News commentator and blogger, has joined Gilbert Baker’s US Senate campaign as deputy campaign manager and communications director. This is interesting in that her former boss, Mike Huckabee, recently hosted a fundraiser for another Republican candidate, blogger Curtis Coleman.

Arkansas Farm Bureau president Stanley Reed is considering jumping into the US Senate race. Mr. Reed, a Republican, currently lives is Marianna and was once a supporter and ally of Ms. Lincoln. Ninja-blogger Jason Tolbert asked Mr. Reed about the race at my wedding, of all places.

Drew Pritt, who once announced for Lt. Governor but had to withdrawal because he failed to raise enough money to pay the filing fee, has yet again announced that he’s running for office, this time the U.S. Senate. The Think Tank wonders if we’ll ever actually see Mr. Pritt’s name on a ballot. Personally, I would have aimed a little lower. Okay, a lot lower.

Scott Wallace ensured that the Republican primary for US House District 2 will be a bloggers delight.

What else?